Chapter 18 - The Walls Are Beginning to Crumble

Eloise’s POV



My eyes were wide open while I kept my back turned to Xavier. I hope that he can’t see how hard I’m blushing right now…



“I didn’t have to say anything…I think she pretty much put two and two together.”



The weight of the bed shifted again as I felt the heat coming off of Xavier’s body get closer to my back. I curled myself up in the bedsheets.



Xavier wrapped his arm around my shoulders and pulled my body to him. I could feel my heartbeat thud like crazy against his chest.



"Come now, no need to be shy. Do tell me about your conversation with my mom." He teased me.



I was hesitant on saying anything. Where did this playful attitude come from?



"It must have been a lot easier to gossip with another woman than with your husband, I can assume. Did you two discuss advice on intimacy?”



“What?! No!”



“Oh, maybe you told her I was too much of a gentleman to take you that night.”



“No, that’s not what–”



“I wonder if you told her about your marvelous hand service…"



I felt the warmness on my cheeks spread to my neck and ears. I quickly turned my body around to push him away. "No, no! Ugh! Why would I say any of those things? I wouldn't talk to your mother of all people about sex with you! Come on!"



I locked my eyes onto Xavier's and swore that I saw something had twinkled within them. It also appeared as if a smile had lingered in his golden eyes.



Xavier released his hold on me and turned his back away. He didn’t say anything after that. Not long after was when I heard him snoring.



He fell asleep?!



I turned my back to him, too. The heat in my face was beginning to lessen, though I couldn't get it out of my head that it looked like he was trying to hold in a smile. Was he playing around with me just then? Was he joking? Since when did he have such a childish personality?



————



Xavier’s POV



I was the first one to wake up the next morning while Eloise was still sleeping soundly next to me. I watched as her body shivered slightly, so I decided to pull the covers over her exposed shoulders.



As I got up to get ready for the rest of the day, I began to remember the events of last night.



It was embarrassing to learn that my mother knew about my situation. Even more, Eloise looked like she was having fun with her teasing voice and jokes.



If she was able to have gotten some fun out of an embarrassing situation, then I would have my own fun, too!



It was like a switch had flipped when I began to tease her. Her flustered and shy attitude towards my questions was satisfying. I couldn’t tell if she had been blushing because of how dark the room was but I was almost certain she was.



I bet she looked real cute while blushing, too.



Smiling at the thought, I squeezed her cheeks softly. “You dare to mock and laugh at an Alpha Lord? I wonder what other jokes you have up your sleeve.”



I found myself in a good mood all day. It was a nice change of pace from being angry and moody all of the time.



Even Adrian commented on it earlier today, too. “My Lord… you’re in an awfully good mood today.”



“I am, although I wouldn’t get used to it.” I chuckled.



After I had finished with today’s duties and meetings, I decided that tonight was going to be the first night I’d have dinner with Eloise. We usually always had our meals separate since I was too busy with work.



But since I finished everything early, I wanted to do something different. So I made my way back to our bedrooms and had a servant fetch us our meals. I was expecting to be greeted by Eloise when I got back since she was always in our room.



However, she wasn’t here.



That’s odd… She usually stays in the room. Or is back before I even notice she’s gone.



“Have you seen Eloise?” I asked the servant that returned with our food.



“Not since she left the castle, my Lord.” They bowed.



“What do you mean she left the castle?”



“I heard from someone that her mastery of the alchemical arts really impressed the dean. So she was asked to come and teach a special lecture for the students of the Medical School of Noah.”



I waved the servant away and decided I would just wait for her to come back. The schools were supposed to let everyone out before dusk came. So, I figured I wasn’t going to have to wait long.



But when the sun had fully set and Eloise still wasn’t back, I decided I was going to go pick her up myself and see what she was up to. She better be just teaching a class…



When I arrived at the school, it didn’t take long for me to find out which class Eloise was supposed to be in. Students were still running towards her class and there were even some outside who were watching from the windows.



So many people… They can’t be that interested in just learning about potions, can they?



"I can't believe it! The Lady of Lord Xavier is here and holding a special lecture!" I heard one of the students squeal with excitement.



"I thought she was a weak witch.” Another one scoffed. “But I was stupidly wrong. I never knew about the many ways to make potions. She’s really smart and insightful!"



“Yeah! And she's super pretty!"



“She’s gorgeous!”



“Yeah, absolutely! I bet Lord Xavier considers himself lucky to be with such a pretty and smart woman!”



“Man, I’d love to have a woman like her…”



I rolled my eyes at the teenage boys. More like Eloise considers herself lucky that she’s married to me.



I had been standing there for a while, listening to them gossip about my wife. At least they weren’t being entirely disrespectful but I still decided that I had heard enough.



“Excuse me? You boys wouldn’t happen to be talking about my wife, would you?” I leaned into the group of boys with my arms at my sides.



The students fell from the window silly after they were frightened by my sudden voice. They turned to see me standing before them. It didn't take long for them to recognize who I was.



“Lord Xavier!" The students exclaimed and immediately bowed to me.



“The one and only. Next time, be mindful of your surroundings and your words. You never know who’s listening.”



I dismissed the boys with a wave and they ran in the opposite direction without hesitation. After that was taken care of, I marched straight into the classroom.



The students turned their heads at the sound of my footsteps and immediately recognized me. They all got quiet and moved out of my way.



“Alright, class, who can tell me about—Oh, Lord Xavier!” Eloise’s eyebrows shot up. “I wasn't expecting you! I hope everything's alright?"