Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 108: Late night visitor (2)

"I suppose it cannot be helped since we are husband and wife. We are always near each other, so it would only be natural for one of us to be swayed, but we mustn’t forget that one day we will go our separate ways. I am certain the feeling shall pass," Ophelia concluded.

"You would not be upset if my feelings for you grow?"

"Why would I? I am quite lovely, so it would only be natural for you to start liking me. I cannot control what you feel, and neither can you with me. I would be upset if you were to try to trap me in your castle when you know I am thinking of leaving. It is all well," Ophelia said, unfazed by Dante having feelings.

"I would never trap you," Dante assured Ophelia.

"I know. That is why I am not concerned. I think it is in your nature to protect those you care for and the people you deem as weaker than you. I believe that is the feeling you have toward me, and you are confused now," said Ophelia.

Ophelia smiled as she thought of the odds of Dante falling for her. "They didn’t think I would last with you. I’m sure it was anticipated that I would die at some point, yet we have become quite close. If Joel were to believe you fell for me, then he just might faint."

"Must you leave the castle? You want to raise your brother in peace. You could do so in my castle as Lady Hastings. I don’t have any interest in marrying again, and I could keep my mother away," Dante offered once more.

"It is a tempting offer, but I do not know. I must see how Theo adapts to life at the castle first. You have also given me the feeling that you don’t expect yourself to live a long life, and it is not because of the war. I don’t want to end up like Victoria, to be ousted when the people you trust are gone," said Ophelia.

"I would consider staying if you plan on living a long life in your castle. Do you agree?" Ophelia asked, offering her hand for Dante to shake.

Dante stared at Ophelia’s hand. "Why am I getting the feeling like you won’t keep your word? You’ll have me build this will to live only to leave when you think I can be well on my own."

"Guilty," Ophelia smiled and lowered her hand. "I won’t be so quick to leave your castle, and I have accepted living on your land. While the castle is wonderful, I need time alone with my brother. Away from the title and away from a castle since he has been stuck in one for a long time."

"I wish to have him outside in a quiet space where no judges him since he must be pushed around. He should have a moment to feel normal," Ophelia shared her plans. "As I said before, having a hunter around would be lovely. There might be some room for you if you want to escape your duties."

"So, after providing you with a home for you and your brother, I would need to work for my place there?" Dante asked, but he didn’t mind it.

"Of course. You cannot give me a home and then do what you like with it. Since you would want to escape your duties as Lord Hastings, I suggest you pick a home not close to the castle and don’t tell anyone where we are going. You should experience a normal life as well," said Ophelia.

"Perhaps I should," Dante considered the offer. "Would I still be your husband in this normal life as a hunter?" 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

"I don’t see why not. If travellers stumble upon us, it would be best to say we are a family. We must get Theo into the castle and then think of the future. There is something I must ask you," Ophelia said, remembering what Alice told her. "I heard you are sending Rick away. Is it because of me?"

"No. I need Rick at the border because trouble will soon arise. I trust him most to go there and defend from attacks. Telling him that it was a punishment for disrespecting you was to have him think of his actions thus far. It wasn’t solely because of you," Dante assured Ophelia.

"I see. You are killing two birds with one stone. Others seem to think you punished your closest friend because of me. I do not mind since the knights would be careful around me, though they would whisper behind my back. Surely, Rick will soon notice why you are sending him away," Ophelia said, no longer concerned.

Danted nodded his head. "He will once his anger settles. I cannot have the men who follow me think that they can treat my wife as they please, and there are no consequences. You are Lady Hastings, so you are to be respected. You will be respected."

"I am confident that your knights and servants must be thinking that you have either lost your mind or I have bewitched you. They might lean more towards the latter despite us not sharing a chamber. They do step out of line too often, so I agree with your decision," Ophelia said, finding it best that Rick thought he was being punished.

Ophelia looked out the window, admiring the view of the capital. "It is exciting here, but I cannot wait to go home. It still surprises me sometimes that I think of your castle as my home. Since coming here, I have realised how much safer your castle is."

"I am glad that this trip opened your eyes to the comfort of my castle. If there is anything you will need before we depart, you must let me know soon so I can take you around the market again," Dante offered.

Ophelia shook her head. "I know you gathered your supplies today. It would be troublesome to go back, and I am lucky to have gotten all that I needed. I am eager to get back to the castle and start planning for Theo’s arrival."

"I was wary of this trip when I first heard of it, but it has brought us closer. I am thankful for it, and I won’t forget all that happened here. I will always remember that your chamber has the better view," Ophelia noticed.

"I have never noticed," Dante said, looking onward at the view. "It is beautiful."

Ophelia covered her mouth with her hand to hide her yawn. "I must confess that your suggestion to speak when I cannot sleep was good. Thank you."

"You are welcome," Dante replied.