Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 240: Calm before the storm (1)

In the Hastings Castle, Ophelia kept herself busy with a book. While Dante was away, Ophelia wanted to use the time to get back to her studies. She wanted to be the one to write the letters sent to Dante.

"Is that not a book meant for children?" Theo asked, admiring the drawings on the covers.

"It is. It is used for tutoring children. Since I am far behind, I need to use these books. They are quite helpful. I think my writing is getting better. Look," Ophelia said, picking up her book to show her practice.

"That seems to be true. You are already a wise woman. Now that you are getting better at reading and writing, you will be a powerful woman. Your husband knows how to wield a sword, and you can come up with ways to attack the enemy. You will have a target on your back," said Theo.

"Or, men around your husband might want to steal you. Do not be surprised if they start to court you behind Dante’s back. It is only natural after all."

"I would ignore them if they were so foolish as to court me. I only have eyes for one man, and it isn’t about to change anytime soon. I hope they will be wise and not court me. I can’t be bothered by it," Ophelia said, annoyed just by the thought of it.

"You wouldn’t be curious about how Lord Hastings acts when he is jealous?"Theo asked, suspecting Ophelia was a bit curious.

"No. I have already witnessed it, and while it is interesting, I wouldn’t like to be bothered. I wouldn’t enjoy seeing Dante being surrounded by women and having to endure it over and over again. I must consider his feelings as he should do with mine. Don’t seek fun with my marriage," Ophelia said, ruining Theo’s plans.

Theo pouted. "You seemed excited when you noticed he didn’t like the knights looking at you."

"When Dante and I tease each other, it is between us. We know each other’s limits; outsiders do not. If he becomes jealous out of the blue, then I shall enjoy it because he happens to look handsome. I am not going to endure men courting me to see my husband upset," Ophelia explained.

"You are far too wise and mature," Theo said, and sighed.

"And you must find something better to do with your time. I offered to help you find a good tutor, but you rejected the offer. Now you are bored because I must focus on my studies. You don’t know what to do with yourself, " Ophelia said, feeling sorry for Theo.

"What use is it for someone who will die to know how to read?" Theo asked.

"We never had the chance before. It would be good for you to take it now. You can say that you had the chance to learn more. I will not let it slip between my fingers. I hate having to let someone write or read a letter to me," Ophelia expressed.

"Well, it is different for you. You are Lady Hastings. Along with sending your husband secret love letters, you must be able to read any letters you find. You have always wanted the chance to learn, and now you have it. Between us, you would be the one to make the most of it," Theo said, seeing it enough that Ophelia learned.

"When we are alone, I shall teach you how to read and write. Just a little to help you and hopefully spark an interest in it. I-"

"Lady Hastings!" A call disturbed the moment.

Alice walked to the door to stop the person. "I shall send them away."

"No, we are in the middle of a war, Alice. You might be sending away an important message. Allow them inside," said Ophelia.

Alice opened the door, and on the other side was a guard from the gates trying to catch his breath.

"I come from the gates, Lady Hastings. Word has come from the border that there are sightings of the Valthorn’s army. By tomorrow morning, the Valthorns will reach the border. We await your order."

"No one is to panic. This is what we have been waiting for," Ophelia said as she stood up. "Have all the men who were to go to the border arrived?"

"Yes, Lady Hastings."

"Then, the border has the support it needs. As I said, we must focus on all directions the Valthorn army can come from. We must brace ourselves for a surprise attack from the side. We also must consider if they are working with other nobles to enter from other lands. Be on high alert," Ophelia advised the guard.

"I want all the families close to the border to be moved. Even if they are too stubborn to move, I want them to be lifted and taken to a safe place. Tell them that they are welcome to come to the castle and assure them that they will be escorted here. We must keep them safe."

"They are farmers who will be too stubborn to leave their crops," Alice spoke up. "No one has been able to make it beyond the border, so they would be reluctant to leave. You might need to reveal that Lord Hastings is not here. They will be afraid and leave."

"It is a bit risky. Word can travel beyond the border and reach Lord Valthorn’s ears. He might be more aggressive with his attack if he learns your husband is not present," said Thomas.

"I also don’t want Nigel to send a messenger bird to alert Sebastian of Dante not being here. It is unlikely that Dante has reached the palace already. Nigel doesn’t like to admit it, but he fears Dante. He cannot know my husband is not here," Ophelia agreed with Thomas.

"I want to keep everyone safe, but I will not endanger the lives of knights for people who are too stubborn to leave when war is near. If they want to stay behind to protect their homes, they will have to face the consequences. We must ensure the Valthorns don’t go beyond the border. Come with me," Ophelia said, leading the way out of the chamber.

Ophelia stopped when she remembered Theo. She looked back to see him smiling.

"Go on. This is your time to prove yourself. I will work with the head maid and knights in preparing to take in the townspeople. You should hurry," Theo urged Ophelia. "You cannot waste even a second."

"Alice, stay at my brother’s side and help him," Ophelia instructed Alice. "You two," Ophelai addressed Thomas and the castle guard. "Come with me."