Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 121: Home (3)

"I’m sorry," Dante apologised. "I didn’t give her permission to set foot in the castle while I wasn’t here. I have sent her away, and the people who allowed her entry will be dealt with."

Ophelia shook her head. "Unless it is someone you always suspected of being more loyal to your mother than you, leave them be. I imagine it is not easy for the servants to say no to the former Lady Hastings. Don’t punish someone who was afraid. Simply get rid of those you knew did it on purpose."

"I am not angry," Ophelia said as she faced Dante. "I think it will be tiring for the maids to do it all again, but since I planned to rest today, this doesn’t upset me. It can all go back where it belongs, so you shouldn’t let it upset you."

"Sometimes it concerns me when you don’t get angry."

Ophelia laughed, hearing this for the first time. "You worry that I am not angry?"

"You are entitled to feeling angry, and I won’t think anything of it. You are allowed to vent when the moment calls for it," Dante said, concerned about Ophelia bottling up her emotions.

"That is true, but you overlook how happy I am to be back in the comfort of the castle, and I am too excited to see Theo to worry about your mother. I have long been numb to what your mother does; therefore, I don’t think she can upset me now," Ophelia said, keeping a positive mind.

What Cecilia did now was child’s play compared to her actions before. It wasn’t right, but Ophelia could overlook it.

"My mother is the kind to push your buttons until she makes you snap, but I will continue to keep her away from you so you keep the peace. I’ll instruct the maids to place it all back, as well as bring in what you brought from the capital. Later, I will show you to Theo’s chamber. Or, you can pick," Dante said, erase what his mother did.

"I trust your judgement. I’m sure you will decide on a good chamber for him. Thank you," Ophelia said, but she meant more than just the chamber. "Thank you for making it easy to walk by her. Also, for making me hold onto your hand. I shouldn’t have pulled away since I shouldn’t be judged for holding my husband’s hand."

"I hope that you do not do it again. No matter who is looking, we are to be comfortable with each other. I told my mother that Victoria and I were never lovers. It seemed that she believed it, but it would take Victoria telling the truth for her to fully believe it," said Dante.

"I cannot comfortably say Victoria would reveal it without twisting the story to her liking. Still, I am glad you decided to tell the truth. Not for me, but so you don’t need to be forced by your own mother to be with Victoria. Even if Cecilia won’t believe you, you should always share what is on your mind," Ophelia suggested.

Dante intended to follow Ophelia’s advice. "There is more I must share with you. While you make plans for Theo’s arrival, I shall be making plans as well. It is something I do quite often to protect others."

"I must take you away from the castle tonight," Dante said, deciding to take a step toward showing Ophelia the truth.

"I will go with you," Ophelia answered.

"Good. I hope what I show you will better explain my concerns. You must take it seriously as it will help you for the future if you wish to stay," said Dante.

"This secret. If I learn it, can I still leave with Theo one day?" Ophelia asked, thinking of the future.

"I will allow you to leave," Dante promised.

"But you have not allowed others to leave, so why allow me?"

"Because I care for you, Ophelia. We both know that I have made my intentions clear. I will not ruin the dream you have for you and your brother. I will keep my word on what I have promised you thus far," Dante said, standing on his promises.

In truth, Dante hoped Ophelia would come to love the castle so much that instead of anyone having to force or convince her to stay, she would want to stay because it was now her home.

"Do you think I would imprison you here?" Dante asked, testing if Ophelia had gone back on how she trusted him.

"No. I only wanted to hear you promise it once more. I noticed that Edith was not around to greet us, nor did I pass her on my way here. I won’t ask what has become of her. You always sound eager to live with me as a hunter, so I know I will be able to leave. I look forward to our outing," said Ophelia.

Ophelia was nervous, but at the same time, she wanted to see what Dante and perhaps others were afraid of. What was it that made Dante think she would run away from him?

"Outing? That sounds like I may have to bring along food."

"That would be best," Ophelia said, welcoming the change in conversation. "If you do not mind, I will gather the maids first thing in the morning. I am not going to wait for you to set them in order."

"Do as you wish. I will have the new head maid greet you in the morning. I won’t take up more of your time, but promise me that you will get some rest before you get to work. You have plenty of time to prepare for Theo. Rest," Dante encouraged Ophelia. "My door is always open."

An idea fell upon Dante. "Perhaps it is time we share one chamber."

"I think you must slow your horses. While I enjoy your company, I do like having a chamber to return to. We may continue to speak at night when we cannot sleep, but I don’t want to share a chamber just yet," Ophelia said, not ready for a big step.

Though they had grown close, Ophelia didn’t think it was necessary to share a chamber. They both needed their own space and to have boundaries. Separate chambers kept Ophelia to remember that they weren’t truly husband and wife.

"I hope you take your advice to rest. When you are done with the carriages, you should rest. I would hate to let the servants see me tie you with a rope and drag you to your bed," said Ophelia.

"You want to threaten me with a good time?" Dante replied and laughed as Ophelia came toward him.

"Get out of my chamber," Ophelia chased Dante away.