Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 227: Unwanted visitor (1)

"We must request an audience with the duke right away. The sooner we plan for both attacks, the better. If I could, I would lead an army towards the Valthorns. Don’t panic," Ophelia said, holding Dante’s hand to calm him. "I know that I couldn’t. Only those who know how to use a weapon should lead an army."

"Still, it would have been good to strike the Valthorns before they strike us. I do see Nigel striking us working in our favour," Ophelia realised.

"How so?"

"Right now, we are both following the truce while the Valthorns are not. They would lose favour with the kingdom for attacking us first. Though you will be criticised for killing the crown prince. You must prepare for some backlash," said Ophelia.

"I never promised in the truce not to attack the crown prince," Dante said, not the least bit concerned about reactions. "Everyone knows Sebastian won’t make a good king, but they don’t want to be the one to get rid of him. The same happened with Edward, and we endured his reign." 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

"You might not have agreed to not attack him, but it is to be expected. We can face the backlash in the future. As for right now, we must focus on meeting with the duke. There is little time before you must leave with him, so we must be fast with planning," said Ophelia.

Ophelia started to walk, but Dante held her back.

"What about your brother? Didn’t you want to spend time with him? I can put someone else in charge of planning."

"No one here knows Nigel better than I do. I assure you that I can plan and be at Theo’s side. If I don’t help, no one is going to have a future. Besides, Theo can help me," Ophelia said, knowing Theo would have input. "I’m sure he won’t want to leave my side if he knows Nigel is coming."

"He said he wants to be a knight in another life," Dante shared.

"That doesn’t surprise me. He always said that he wanted to become someone who protects others. That must be part of why he is so close to Thomas now. Is that Alice?" Ophelia asked, squinting her eyes.

"Lady Hastings!" Alice yelled as she ran toward Ophelia.

"Breathe, Alice. You must breathe," Ophelia instructed Alice. "What has happened? Is it my brother?"

"No," Alice shook her head. "News was sent to the castle that William Sterling has died. Mary Sterling requests an audience with you."

Ophelia shared a look with Dante. "I must go see her. I can be back before the duke arrives."

"I will join you. His death requires my presence. I will send for Kaden to meet us near her home. Alice, have a carriage and guards prepared for us."

Alice cried on the inside since she would have to run again.

"I will do it," Alice heard Thomas’s voice behind her.

Relief came over Alice when Thomas volunteered.

"Thank you, Thomas. Alice, I am trusting you to stay at my brother’s side until I return. If there is trouble in the castle, please send someone to us right away," Ophelia instructed Alice. "You must drink water, Alice."

"I am fine," Alice assured Ophelia.

Ophelua patted Alice’s arm as she walked by her. Dante joined Ophelia to prepare for the departure.

Alice glared at Thomas. "I should have made you run."

"You needed the run," Thomas said, shaking his head at Alice’s state. "I must get the carriage."

"That bastard," Alice muttered. "They must stop being mean to women they like."

Alice was startled by Thomas stopping abruptly, as if he had heard what she said. He started to move again as though he was toying with her.

Alice found him to be strange. "Her ladyship needs a new guard."

Nearly an hour later, Ophelia and Dante arrived at Mary’s home, where carriages were already on the outside as others came to give their condolences.

Ophelia thought of how it could have happened. Given all that Mary told her and what she noticed from William, Ophelia knew this wasn’t just nature taking its course. William had some help leaving this world, but Ophelia wasn’t going to judge Mary.

"Regardless of what you find, you are not going to expose it, right?" Ophelia asked when the carriage came to a stop.

"His family will suspect that she killed him," Dante said, knowing more was to come. It was a risky plan Mary came up with.

"But I am asking, as my husband, will you be against her? I know it is a hard position for you to be in, but I understand her. That is, if it is that this wasn’t natural. To me, it is," Ophelia said, willing to lie for Mary. "As Lady Hastings, I will help her with what she needs, even if it means going against your judgment."

One meeting with William was enough to leave Ophelia with thoughts of wanting to kill him. Mary had the strength to last years putting up with him.

"Thank you," Ophelia thanked Thomas. She exited the carriage before Dante could respond.

Ophelia decided that she wouldn’t put Dante in a difficult position. She would simply defend her friend and protect her.

No one knew better than the lady on both sides how difficult it was to enter an arranged marriage. Since others would not understand, they would not be supportive.

Ophelia walked up to the front doors, ignoring the greetings from visitors. Her focus at the moment was on finding Mary and her boys.

"This is to be mine."

Ophelia entered the home to clashes about what now belonged to whom. She scanned the rooms for Mary, but found strangers who didn’t stop arguing even in her presence.

"Lord Hastings has arrived."

Ophelia found relief in Dante’s presence, taking all the attention so she wouldn’t be stopped.

"Mary," Ophelia softly called Mary’s name when she saw her friend walking with a tray.

Mary carried cups filled with water on a tray while dressed in black. "Lady Hastings," she greeted Ophelia with a curtsy.

Mary set the tray down on the side table. "I thank you for arriving on such short notice. Would you like some water? I have poured some for the guests. My husband-"

Mary was interrupted by Ophelia approaching her for a hug.

"I am here for you, Mary. I hope that you and your children are well. Are you?" Ophelia asked, caring only about Mary’s state.

Mary found comfort in Ophelia’s embrace. "We are well, Lady Hastings. I thank you for the support. I need it now more than ever. His family has come."

"And they shall leave empty-handed," Ophelia promised.