Chapter 12 - Meeting the Family

Eloise’s POV



Xavier's hot breath caressed my ears and sent goosebumps throughout my skin. I had no idea how to react nor what to do. Would us have to perform the marital duties now? What is he thinking about?



After he shifted his weight out from underneath me, Xavier ended up reversing our positions—now he was on top of me. I studied his face as my body had gone rigid from nervousness.



His eyes were locked on mine. With each second that passed, I thought he was going to kiss me.



I took a sharp inhale and held my breath as I closed my eyes shut. My heart continued to beat wildly in my chest. After a few moments had passed, however, I opened my eyes slowly. Xavier was still in the same position, looking down at me. He hadn't moved a muscle.



Slowly, I released the breath I was holding in.



Letting out a sigh, Xavier got up from the bed and began to tuck me in the layers of the sheets and quilt. "Go to bed, Eloise." Without another word, Xavier rolled over on the opposite side of the bed and had wrapped himself up in a different quilt.



Okay… I guess we're just going to ignore that… Good. I thought to myself before closing my eyes.



Luckily, being tucked in the quilt meant I could quickly drift off into peaceful sleep and forget about what had happened between us.



The sun greeted me early the next morning. Once my eyes adjusted to the gentle brightness of the room, I looked around and saw that Xavier was already up and dressed. I rolled out of bed and thought I would do the same.



Today's the day I get to meet his mother.



Gotta remember—loving couple. Yup. This should be fun.



As I showered and got dressed, I couldn't help but think about last night. There was no mistaking the tension that was between me and Xavier but it was surprising that he didn't make a move.



This was the first time that a man hadn't taken the initiative—and the first time I questioned my own charm. Maybe Xavier really isn't interested in me. Looks like I'll have to work harder to get to him…



Once we were done getting ready, we headed for the dining room of the castle. The long table in the middle of the room was covered with exquisite food that gave off an inviting aroma.



It wasn’t long until Belinda arrived. She was an elegant lady with the same long black hair and golden eyes as Xavier. Just by looking at her, I learned that she was the one Xavier had inherited his good looks from.



With a polite smile, I was about to extend a greeting to Mrs. Leonard but she walked past me entirely, almost as if I wasn't there. My smile froze in the air. I guess she already doesn’t like her new daughter-in-law.



When she saw Xavier, her smile stretched from ear to ear. Belinda greeted him with a hug. "Xavier, my dearest. It is so good to see you."



Xavier hugged her back and mirrored her smile. "Always good to see you, too, mother."



Wow… this is the first time I’ve ever seen him genuinely smile like that.



Belinda linked arms with Xavier as she walked down to the end of the long table to find a seat. She still hadn’t looked in my direction, let alone acknowledge my existence.



I still need to introduce myself and try to make a good first impression.



I smiled at Belinda as I attempted to show proper etiquette. “Good morning, Mrs. Leonard. My name is Eloise.”



Belinda finally stopped and gave me a good first look. Well, not as good as I had hoped. Instead of answering me back, I watched as her eyes moved up and down my body.



Her scrutiny made me uncomfortable. Am I wearing something wrong? I thought the outfit I picked out was appropriate and decent.



“Is this the Wisdom daughter?”



“Yes, mother. It is.” Xavier replied.



“What was the point of having such a rushed marriage, Xavier? I don't see what use she could be to you.” Belinda tilted her lip up in disgust as she laced her words with sarcasm.



I lowered my head in silence and squeezed the palms of my hands. I don’t think I’ll ever hear the end of people’s nasty comments.



“From what I've heard, her lack of magical power makes she no better than a human woman…”



“I have my reasons, mother. You're just going to have to trust me on that.” Xavier frowned.

“We’ll see…” Belinda’s words trailed. She waved to the servants and told them to start serving dishes.



I released a sigh of relief and cast a grateful look at Xavier, but he only lowered his head to drink and didn't look at me.



Even at the end, I bowed my head to Belinda in respect. I still needed to play the role of a loving wife, which meant having to tolerate my mother-in-law's rudeness towards me.



Gods, that meal was tasteless and horrible. I’m just glad it’s finally over so I can get out of here.



I was ready to go back to the house and retreat into the room when Xavier stopped me.



“Adrian will be taking you to the central market in Noah later. I expect you to have a birthday present prepared for my mother when you come back.”



My eyes lit up as a wide smile spread across my lips. “Really? That sounds great!”



Another chance to get out of the house? Sign me up!



“Well, just be back before it gets too dark,” Xavier’s tone was oddly gentle.



It was nice to finally be able to explore another market aside from the one in the Witches Land. I was excited that I now had the opportunity to explore life. All I had ever known was the Wisdom castle and while it was great living here, after a while, it got boring seeing the same people and doing the same stuff.



Noah's central market was bustling with all kinds of people as they did different things. The various baked goods, herbs, and spices smelled way better than whatever food I had back at the dining room.



There was also a diverse amount of stalls that sold their own trinkets like books, figurines, and jewelry. I’m pretty sure I’ll get to find something for Mrs. Leonard…



I traveled the streets with Nora so I wouldn't be alone. As time passed, more and more people showed up at the marketplace, and it got to a point where we had lost sight of each other. The more people showed up, the more distance there was between us.



“Lady Eloise, where are you?”



I could hear Nora shouting for me but I could never spot her.



The crowd abruptly began to part as a speeding carriage flew through the market and down the streets.



I heard someone yell and it was then I noticed the carriage that was speeding my way. I tried to avoid it but ended up getting my foot caught on something which made me lose my balance as I fell to the ground.



I closed my eyes shut, thinking for certain that I was going to die then and there.



After a few moments, I opened my eyes to see that someone else had been able to grab me just in time. His strong hands had me by my waist while his muscular build towered over me.



Nora made her way through the crowd and smiled up at the man who held me. “Thank you, kind sir!”



“Oh, it was nothing,” the man spoke in a deep, calm voice. His handsome features smiled at me. “I'm just glad the little lady is safe.”