Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 181: Against each other (1)

"What is it that troubles you now? You are becoming easy for me to read. Come here," Ophelia said, patting to the right of her. "You can tell me."

"I’m afraid I cannot. When was the last time you rested?" Dante asked, shifting the conversation.

"I know what you are doing, and I shall find out what troubles you. I have rested when you were unconscious. Not as much as I used to, but it was enough," Ophelia said, taking the bowl of pastries from Dante’s hand when he sat beside her. "Are you worried about your mother? Or about the curse?"

"My mother is in the dungeon. She cannot go anywhere, and it would be hard for her to hurt herself. I do think of the curse. I can feel it, but it is growing weaker. Perhaps there is more to do before I am completely cured," said Dante.

"We should visit Ester again. I want to speak to her about what she said about me dying. I am well right now unless the wound will kill me," Ophelia said, looking down at her wrapped hand. "Do you think it is possible I might now become a beast?"

"I do not know."

"I would not be against it. I would kill all of our enemies in a few days so the war can be over. Would you still love me if I turned into a beast?" Ophelia asked whilst imagining herself as the beast.

"I would, but I wouldn’t wish for you to endure it. There are bad sides to it. Do you not have any questions for me?" Dante inquired, not wanting to hear of Ophelia being cursed.

Ophelia shook her head. "No. I am curious about what else exists in this world. Are there others who were cursed to be beasts, or are there more women powerful enough to curse others? Do you not wonder about what other creatures exist?"

"I have thought about it, but I was too focused on my own troubles to look into it. You must eat and go to sleep," Dante said, needing Ophelia to get the rest she lacked. "I will have my bath and join you in bed."

"It is your chamber, but who said I was allowing you to join me in bed?" Ophelia asked, jokingly.

"It is my bed, Ophelia. I’ll be damned if I allow you to kick me out of it. Wait for me," Dante said, standing up from the bed.

Ophelia took a bite of pastry as she watched Dante walk to the door. He would be lucky to return and find her still awake.

Ophelia quietly ate while Dante got dressed for bed.

’How did I end up here?’ Ophelia wondered.

Her plans were to return to the comfort of her chamber, yet she was the one to decide to stay the night in Dante’s chamber.

It was becoming a normal occurrence, and soon, it wouldn’t be long before Dante sneaked her belongings into his chamber.

Ophelia bit into the last apple slice as Dante walked back into the chamber.

"Why do you go elsewhere to have your bath when there is a bathing chamber right here? Do you forget that we shared a bed on our wedding night? I have seen all of you, though it was against our wishes. You should have your bath here," Ophelia proposed.

"Would you join me if I do so?"

Ophelia patted her chest as bits of the apple slice felt stuck in her throat.

"We are married and in love, or do you need more time to understand your feelings?" Asked Dante.

"I don’t need anymore time, but I also don’t need you making these requests out of the blue. I could have died from choking on my apple," Ophelia said, setting down the remaining piece of the apple slice. "Are you tempting me?" She asked, paying attention to Dante as he dried his upper body.

"No, but it is always good to see you notice me. How unfortunate for us that your hand is injured. I only have myself to blame," Dante said, annoyed with himself.

"I am here in your bed. I don’t see how the night is spoiled," Ophelia said, laughing at Dante’s childish side.

"You cared for me when I was unconscious, broke the curse, and told me that you loved me. If not for your injured hand, I would display my love for you, but we must wait," Dante said, growing more annoyed. "I can be patient."

"My brother’s chamber is not far away," Ophelia spoke fast.

"You are not saying no. All that needs to be considered is not having Theo closeby? Very well," Dante said, agreeing to the terms.

"That is not what I said. You," Ophelia said, her words stuck in her throat as Dante sat down on the bed. His gaze was dangerous.

"I hope you take good care of your hand so it heals promptly. Though I think there is not much use for your hand."

Ophelia raised her foot to place it on Dante’s chest to keep some distance between them. "Your mind needs a visit to the church."

Dante held Ophelia’s foot and placed it back down on the bed. "That didn’t help your case. I only found you more alluring."

"Is this the result of you not being the beast during a full moon?" Ophelia wondered.

"No. It is the result of a man having affection and love for the woman before him. Since you find yourself so comfortable in my chamber, and so I can care for you, I shall order the servants to move your belongings here. We wouldn’t want to confuse your brother with the separate chambers," said Dante.

"How thoughtful of you to think of my brother," Ophelia said in a sarcastic tone. "I am a little afraid of what awaits me when my hand heals. Must you stare at me that way?" She asked, avoiding Dante’s eye contact.

"I cannot help it. I should have a portrait of you done," Dante considered.

Ophelia shook her head. "It is time we both sleep before you come up with any more ideas. Tomorrow, we must plan what we do next, and I want to show you to Lady Valthorn. She is under the impression that you didn’t greet her because you don’t care to bother yourself with my family."

Ophelia couldn’t wait to spoil what Giselle thought about her marriage.

Dante joined Ophelia in bed and laid beside her. "Will you let your mother leave if she doesn’t try to kill you?"

"No. She will try to kill me, and when she does, Cecilia will have company in the dungeon," Ophelia replied, awaiting the reunion for both mothers.