Chapter 5 Tidal Undercurrents : 60 +10 Free Coins " Lord Soren , that day you stopped me , was it because you were afraid that a man and woman alone together would spark rumors ? " Xavier asked suddenly , after the banquet had ended and the two of them walked side by side down the corridor . Soren said nothing . His silence was as sharp as his gaze . " In your eyes , an alliance with Duke Niven's household would be a favorable match for me ," Xavier went on evenly , his tone calm but pointed . " Even if matters accidentally went awry , and someone needed to take responsibility for Ms. Fiona , I could shield you . That way , you could walk away unscathed . " If not for Fiona's strange and unexpected cry of " Hubby " that day , Soren would never have been troubled like this . He had acted only to save her life , and the Niven family was reasonable enough that they would not pursue the matter of his carrying Fiona out of danger . But once she called out those words , he could not help but fear that she - or her family - might press for him to take responsibility . After all , for an unmarried young lady , not yet of age , to call a man " Hubby " in public was alarming enough to raise suspicion . Soren admitted quietly , " My apologies . " " You don't need to take it so seriously , " Xavier replied . " I only voiced what troubled my mind don't regret saving Ms. Fiona , and I can accept any consequences that come . I only hope that you won't regret it one day , Lord Soren ." Regret ? Soren lifted his lashes and glanced at him . Out of the corner of his eye , he also caught sight of the young girl standing not far away with Ulrich - her face still tender , her brows drawn together in unease . Fiona had been summoned by her mother , Meryl , to offer thanks in person . With Ulrich accompanying her , propriety was preserved , and no one could take offense . They were expected to personally thank both the Zonfrillo family and the Luthor family for their kindness , and since their benefactors had honored them with a visit , Fiona had to appear . " Since I saw you both here , I brought Fiona to express our gratitude , " Ulrich said by way of introduction . " Thank you , Lord Soren , and you as well , Mr. Xavier , for stepping in that day . Without you , I would not have lived to see another sunrise ," Fiona said softly . She did not look at Soren at all , 1/3 14:35 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 5 Tidal Undercurrents but fixed her eyes instead on Xavier . : Z 60 ) +10 Free Coins She was startled by how handsome the second son of the Luthor family truly was . In her past life , she had paid him no mind and carried no impression of him . Though Soren's beauty was more striking , almost dangerously so , it carried a sharp edge that unsettled her now . Perhaps young girls liked men whose looks could shake the soul , but as a woman who had already been married once , Fiona now found herself drawn more to Xavier's gentler , steadier appearance . Her momentary distraction did not go unnoticed . All three men caught the flicker in her gaze . Ulrich glanced oddly at Soren . Not long ago , Yolanda had whispered to him that Fiona admired Soren . And yet here she was , her eyes lingering on Xavier . Fiona truly is ... one who judged by appearances . Xavier remained calm , allowing her gaze without the slightest discomfort . His voice was considerate as he asked , " Has your health improved , Ms. Fiona ? " " It's much better now , " Fiona answered with heartfelt gratitude . She held out two parcels and said , " These are tokens of my thanks . Please , accept them . " For Xavier , she had prepared a rare set of sandalwood parchment , worth a small fortune . For Soren , she had chosen something far more personal , a collection of poems known as Bertram's Poems . In her previous life , Soren had often asked her for this book , which he adored , but she had gifted it to the Fourth Prince instead . This time , she gave it directly to hir as a true sign of gratitude . She had thought carefully about this . During her convalescence , she had searched tirelessly for the book , overturning trunks and boxes , even rifling through the dowry items her mother had once set aside for her . Though she blushed fiercely at the discovery of those marital goods , she had pressed on until she found the volume . Soren had not been a good husband , but there were moments in their past life together that had left a lingering mark , moments she remembered with a shameful flicker of warmth . Looking at the book now , she felt a strange sense of both embarrassment and longing . While searching , she had read a few of the poems herself , and the familiarity had calmed her . Fiona always had a talent for choosing gifts that struck the right chord . These two offerings , thoughtful and carefully chosen , were impossible for either man to refuse . After a few more words , Soren excused himself and departed quickly . Xavier , however , remained behind , speaking with Ulrich and Fiona a while longer . 2/3 14:35 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 5 Tidal Undercurrents : ( 60 ) +10 Free Coins Later , back at the Zonfrillo Estate , Soren bathed and then idly reached for Fiona's gift . He opened the volume , intending only to skim . But he froze . This was no collection of poems . It was an illustrated manual - explicit , daring , and filled with images of intimacy between husband and wife . The contents were unrestrained , scandalous enough to make even a seasoned man blush . Though Soren's face remained outwardly calm , his ears turned red as he flipped through the pages without pause . On one page , delicate handwriting in a woman's script leapt out at him : " Soren's waist and stomach lack strength . This position is likely impossible . " It was written half with regret , half with disdain . Soren stared at the note for a long moment . Then , at last , he gave a short , cold laugh and tossed the book aside . In the days that followed , Fiona seldom left her chambers , spending her hours in the study catching up on lessons she had fallen behind on . Only when the time came to return to the academy did she leave the house , accompanying Meryl to Ambrosial Garden to pay respects to her grandmother . Ambrosial Garden was Hannah's residence , lined on both sides with ambrosia trees . Though the blossoms had already fallen , the air still carried a lingering fragrance that lived up to the garden's name - sweet , subtle , and refreshing . " Grandmother ! " Fiona called before even stepping through the doorway . " Ah , Fiona . Come , sit by me , " the old lady said with a smile . As soon as she sat , a servant placed a small hand - warmer in Fiona's lap . Hannah studied her closely . " Your face has regained some color at last . " Meryl added cheerfully , " She'll be returning to the academy soon . I thought it best to bring her to greet you beforehand , Mother . "