Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 136: Spark (3)

"For the sake of all the servants in the castle and myself, I hope you and the knights intend to have a long, warm bath when you are done. You are already sweating, and I have been told this is just the beginning of your training. Why are you coming toward me?" Ophelia asked, taking a step back.

"Why does it matter to you if I have a bath? You said you weren’t sharing a bed with me," Dante said as he approached Ophelia.

"Yes, but I am to be in your presence. I fear there won’t be enough water in the castle to clean you and the knights. You’ll have to go elsewhere," Ophelia said, doing her best to avoid Dante’s gaze.

"Why can’t you look at me, Ophelia? Does my chest bother you, or are you still trying to ignore the attraction between us? I know you wish to understand your feelings, but it is not wrong for you to lust for me in the process," Dante said, touching Ophelia’s chin to have her look at him.

"I have noticed something special," Dante said, his hand yet to let go of Ophelia. "Before you could stare at me and feel nothing. Now, you are acting a bit on the shy side. I believe that is a testament to your growing feelings."

"It proves nothing," Ophelia responded.

"Then don’t look away from me," Dante said, letting go of Ophelia. "Are you not the slightest bit tempted?"

Ophelia hated Dante’s smile. It teased her and brought out more of his handsome features.

"I can already feel you falling for me, Ophelia. I would not judge you if you want to go back to us sharing a bed. It is only resting afterall. We only tire ourselves with chatter."

Ophelia placed her right hand against Dante’s lips to silence him. "I didn’t come here for you to try to seduce me. I came to ask if you would be open to inviting Mary to the castle. I suspect her husband might try to tag along. I would like her opinion on hosting gatherings."

Dante held Ophelia’s hand and lowered it from his mouth.

"If I am to be troubled by her husband, then I must get something in return. You would agree, right?" Dante asked, seizing the moment to reward himself.

"Can’t you be a gentleman and do it without wanting something in return? Fine," Ophelia gave up when Dante smiled. "Did you start the letter to send to Lord Valthorn for the arrival of my brother?"

"It is going out by the end of the day. I have already picked the men who will escort Theo here. They will leave soon and should see your brother in a few days. It won’t be long before Theo is here," Dante said, enjoying the genuine smile Ophelia showed.

"I cannot wait. The only downside is that we will have someone from the Valthorn family here. Will it be Giselle or Nigel? I hope it isn’t the latter. I don’t want to see Nigel. I can put up with my mother and avoid her," said Ophelia.

"You don’t need to be near whoever arrives with your brother. For all I care, I can send them out once Theo is safe in your arms. It is up to you," said Dante.

"I don’t want to cause trouble for you. It is good for us if my mother were the one to come along with Theo. She is less than a threat compared to Nigel and Joel, but she would try to do something foolish, like kill me. Oh! I saw a knight watching me in the castle. I noticed his gaze before," Ophelia said, remembering the man she saw.

"Can I go down to see if he snuck back here?" Ophelia asked, starting to make her way forward, but Dante held her arm.

"No." 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

"I can- No?" Ophelia repeated, realising what Dante answered. "Did I hear correctly that you said no? You would not allow me to go down there?"

"It seems I have been spoiling you a little too well. You can’t go down when the knights are hardly dressed. Think of how sweaty they are and how much it would bother you. No," Dante regretted.

Ophelia closed her eyes, doing as Dante wanted to tease him. "I am imagining the knights as they are now, and it is a good sight in my head. What are you doing?" Ophelia opened her eyes as Dante embraced her. "I am clean. You are going to ruin me with your sweat."

Ophelia didn’t know if the warmth came from her cheeks or from being pressed against Dante’s body. He wasn’t as sweaty as Ophelia thought. His body merely glistened in the light.

Ophelia couldn’t put up much of a fight as she fell victim to the hardness of Dante’s body.

"You need a hug from time to time," Dante said, keeping a tight hold on Ophelia.

"You are not doing this to comfort me, and if you were, I do not need comforting. You are spoiling me with your scent," Ophelia muttered.

"I will ask the knights who they noticed was missing-"

"Or, you could ask me to describe him," Ophelia suggested.

"I didn’t permit anyone to be away from training unless they were guarding you or guarding the castle. The other knights will reveal who was missing in due time. Did this person try to harm you?" Dante asked, looking down at Ophelia.

Dante bit his lip to keep from laughing. His hold on Ophelia loosened, but she didn’t try to run.

"They didn’t. I found their gaze only a little concerning. I suppose it would be unwarranted for you to search for them when they have not hurt me. Only punish them for avoiding training," Ophelia said, her body starting to feel lighter as she leaned on Dante for support.

"Enjoying yourself?"

Ophelia placed her hands on Dante’s bare chest and pushed him back. "No. You mustn’t grab others in this state. You are becoming a very needy man, and it doesn’t help you when I think of us being together. I cannot take care of my brother and you as well."

"You don’t need to take care of me since I am quite focused on taking care of you. You may welcome Mary to the castle, and I won’t need to be rewarded for having to speak to her husband. Have your guests and enjoy yourself," said Dante.

Dante could bear with the annoying man for one day.

"Thank you. I suppose it would be fair for me to speak with you tonight. About the story you told me and my ideas on what can help you. That is all," Ophelia said, but even then she couldn’t convince herself.

Dante nodded. "That is all," he agreed.

Ophelia looked away from Dante to the knights down below. "They are enjoying the break my arrival brought on. Make them suffer," she said jokingly, but Dante took her words seriously.