"I brought wine," Francesca announced.
Selene smiled, welcoming Francesca with a hug. "Thank you. I have been busy recently, so I am sorry if I forgot something we had planned."
"We didn’t," Francesca said as she handed Selene the wine. "I wanted to come see you since it felt so long since we last talked. Also, my husband is busy, so there’s nothing for me to do. We will be moving soon."
"Right. You have mentioned this," Selene said, saddened by the news.
Francesca was the one person Selene could count on to speak to when she needed a friend. Francesca’s departure would push Selene to find other friends, but at this point, Selene didn’t know if she had time for it.
"Don’t look so sad since it might not be forever as long as the attacks end. Those attacks are the only reason we are leaving our home we have built from the ground up. I want to come back since my work is here," said Francesca.
"Your workers might hate to see you go. What can we have with wine?" Selene wondered, inspecting the decorative bottle it came in. "It is beautiful."
"I am told it is a human craftsman who makes them. I am thinking of employing him to make art for me. Oh, that reminds me that I have a few more gifts for you since you liked the art I have. I bought a few pieces of art for you," Francesca said, starting to follow Selene.
Francesca examined the inside of the estate. It was a rare sight since Xavier didn’t have too many guests before Selene was here.
"There is so much space for art," Francesca noticed.
"I think you would be better at figuring out where each piece should go. You should return to do it," Selene joked.
"Do not joke about such things because I would. It is something I enjoy, and it is an honour to do for you. No one steps into the estate these days, but I would get the chance to decorate it. It is a story I could tell to my children," said Francesca.
"I don’t see how it is so important, but since you are eager to do it, then I will not stop you. I will speak to Xavier about the pay-"
"No pay. It is a well-needed distraction, so how could I ever make you pay me? There is much I need to thank you for. I have used your shy act, and now I understand why you do it," Francesca said, reminiscing over a recent moment with her husband.
Selene’s brows were knitted as her mind was plagued with confusion. "What act?"
"You know, it is the one where you have a man who is ready to touch every part of you, but you play shy to it and make him wait for your touch. I have tried it and it is exciting. I feel like I am one of the women in the theatre playing a role," said Francesca.
Selene regretted asking. "It is not an act."
"Whatever it is, Henry enjoyed it. It seemed like torture since I avoided his touch as much as I could. I wouldn’t hold his hand or kiss him goodbye before he left to go to work. Then one night he returned when I was getting ready-"
Selene covered Francesca’s mouth so she wouldn’t hear the rest of the story. She knew Francesca would gladly give every detail.
Francesca was tempted to bite Selene’s hand but feared the servants and guards would come running after the slightest sound of Selene in pain.
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