Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 18: Offering (2)

"There are other chambers where you could be left alone. They will be cleaner and spacious than the chamber in the tower. It wouldn’t take long for the servants to move you there," Dante suggested.

"I like the tower. I can look down to see many of the servants and guards walking around, as well as a good view of the sky. The furniture there is old, but still useful. It would be a waste of money to get rid of them," Ophelia said, unable to rid her habit of saving money.

"All I need is for water to be sent to my chamber and wood for a fire. I can wash my blanket and attire somehow. If I can have all that I asked for, I will not trouble you," Ophelia promised, hopeful Dante would accept.

"It can be done," Dante answered.

What Ophelia wanted was little compared to what Dante planned to use to keep her quiet.

"Am I allowed to receive letters from my family?" Ophelia asked, wishing to know how her brother was without her.

"You can. You don’t want to write any to your family?" Dante asked, finding it odd.

"No," Ophelia softly replied.

"Can you write?" Dante inquired.

Ophelia looked up, shocked that he noticed it.

"You lacked proper etiquette at the table. It is evident you weren’t raised with the same upbringing as other noble ladies, and your hands are rough as though you have worked before. You are nothing like the Valthorns described in their letters, but this fact keeps you alive."

Dante grew curious about Ophelia.

With how much Dante heard of Ophelia rebelling during her time in the castle, what made her give in to the arranged marriage?

Was her mother in danger?

"I was tutored when I was younger. I know enough not to embarrass you, but I don’t know all that a lady should," Ophelia confessed.

Ophelia didn’t have the pleasure of enjoying being tutored like her step-siblings since she did her fair share of work in Joel’s castle. Aside from the work, she cared for her brother. There wasn’t much time to be educated.

"They dressed you up and threw you to the wolves," Dante said, thinking lower of Valthorns.

"That doesn’t mean I will side with you against them. I will not help you bring them down. Acting as your wife is the most I shall do," said Ophelia.

Ophelia didn’t want to get more involved in the war. All she cared about was her brother being treated.

"I don’t trust you to plot with you. As long as you keep to yourself, I promise you that no harm will befall you here. I gave my servants orders, so if anyone mistreats you behind my back, you must let me know."

"Does that involve your mother? She is the one who hurts me the most. Why else would the servants bring me burnt food?" Ophelia revealed.

"I will speak to my mother."

Ophelia knew nothing would change from Dante speaking to his mother. From what she saw so far, the maids were either loyal to Victoria or Cecilia.

Ophelia kept quiet now since she had already asked for plenty from Dante.

As they walked, Ophelia stared at the back of Dante. She couldn’t understand him, and partially, she didn’t want to understand him.

Dante returned Ophelia to her chamber, but before doing so, he took a look inside.

Ophelia watched as the door closed behind Dante. She thought back to their wedding night when, for a moment, it looked as though he had red eyes.

Whatever secret Dante was hiding, Ophelia didn’t want to find out, since he might kill her to keep it hidden.

Ophelia started to braid her hair so it would be out of the way since she still had work to do.

The furniture had been dusted, and what couldn’t be saved was placed into one corner of the chamber. The vases she found were cleaned as best as she could without water and set outside, waiting to be filled by rain.

Other vases and the pots broken by the head maid remained with dirt. Ophelia needed seeds to try growing her food.

"No time to rest," Ophelia said, trying to motivate herself to work.

While the tower didn’t appear beautiful to others, it was one of the best chambers ever given to Ophelia. All it needed was someone to care for it.

A few hours after tidying, a knock on the door was heard before it opened.

Edith entered the chamber, and behind her were servants carrying furniture.

"Lord Hastings has sent you a gift. Please stay out of the way as the servants prepare the chamber as Lord Hastings wants it," Edith said, stepping to the right to let the maids inside.

Edith examined the chamber, judging all that Ophelia did alone. She was most curious about the vases and pots on the balcony.

Ophelia blocked Edith from going towards the balcony. "I was quiet the first time, but if you break anything more, I will have to break something belonging to you."

Edith wasn’t afraid of Ophelia’s threat. "Do you truly think now is a good time to be making threats? Though Lord Hastings is rewarding you with new furniture, you shouldn’t think you have his favour. He can take it all back with a snap of a finger."

"Aren’t you a little too bold for a head maid? I might only be a puppet for this truce, but I am still his wife. She may praise you for what you do now, but one day you might find yourself burned," Ophelia warned Edith.

Edith smiled, welcoming the chance to school Ophelia. "I know my place in this castle very well. I have been working here for twelve years. Three as a maid and the rest as the head maid. I have seen many come and go. You shall go."

"The thought of me leaving excites me. Do what you were instructed by Lord Hastings and go. I’m sure there is much for you to report. I won’t keep you from doing so," Ophelia said, then left Edith’s side to go to the balcony.

Ophelia couldn’t risk anything more being broken, even though she noticed new vases with flowers being brought into the chamber.

Edith watched as Ophelia walked away. She did need to report to Cecilia, but she wanted to see what Ophelia was doing with the balcony.

"Move quickly!" Edith ordered the servants.

Edith didn’t want to linger in the chamber of the woman who was not long accused of poisoning someone.

Edith stayed until the furniture was changed and left only when the last servant was out of the chamber. With the search for poison ongoing, Edith was certain she would be back to ransack the chamber.