Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 29: Changes (1)

Ophelia went to the balcony to pick up one of the vases. Since she once worked in the Valthorn castle, it didn’t feel pleasant to order around the maids since she knew how it felt, but to stop their misbehaviour, it needed to be done.

Ophelia enjoyed the last of the scenery she got from the tower, since she didn’t know when she would return to enjoy the view.

With Dante speaking about dressmakers and tutors, Ophelia knew her days were about to get busy. She once thought it was useless for her to be concerned about being educated, but if she was going to live alone with her brother in the future, it would be good to be better at reading.

"I can teach Theo,’ Ophelia thought.

A smile formed as Ophelia thought of how excited Theo would be for her to teach him. Being sick and stuck in one chamber, Theo also didn’t share the blessing of having a tutor.

"Lady Hastings, I am ready to take you to your new chamber," Edith said, ready to leave the small tower.

Ophelia turned around, a little disappointed that she would have to go already, but she had a promise to uphold.

Ophelia left the balcony and followed Edith to her new chamber. There were uncomfortable stares as she walked by the guards and the servants working around the castle, but Ophelia didn’t let it get to her.

"We are here. You were shown Lord Hastings’ chamber the first night you arrived. This is your chamber right beside it," Edith pointed and then opened the door. "Your maid Alice will come in the morning to wake and dress you."

"What about warm water? I would like my bath prepared now," said Ophelia.

"I will instruct the maids to prepare water for you now. Since a dressmaker will come to prepare new dresses for you, if there is anything you wish to throw away, please hand it to Alice," Edith said, eyeing Ophelia from head to toe as she spoke.

Each time Edith looked at Ophelia, it was obvious she was not wearing a dress made for her.

"Will my dinner be burnt again? I might be in the mood to go across to Lord Hastings’ chamber to eat with him. I wonder what he would think to see the state of my food?" Ophelia wondered and glanced at Edith just in time to see her fear.

"It always puzzled me when maids would go out of their way to do the dirty work for others. To save themselves, ladies like Cecilia will always abandon you when it is time to save themselves. Years mean nothing," Ophelia said, since she had witnessed it.

"I don’t know what you speak of. Your food will not be burnt. I shall overlook it myself. If that is all, I must take my leave," said Edith.

"You may go report," Ophelia said, turning away from Edith.

After what Ophelia made Edith do, she was confident that Edith was going to run to Cecilia before she left.

Edith bit her tongue as she walked out of the chamber. She knew of Cecilia leaving the castle and placed it as the reason Ophelia was acting so boldly.

Edith smiled since Cecilia was never away from the castle for too long and would surely return.

Ophelia looked at the door when it closed. She soon turned her attention back to the chamber. It was grand. More suitable for a lady, but just from staring at it, Ophelia felt lonely.

Ophelia hugged the vase in her arms.

Ophelia walked further into the chamber to give herself a tour.

It reminded Ophelia of the chambers belonging to her stepsisters. It was unbelievable that this chamber now belonged to her.

Though the reason she stood in the chamber was not one she enjoyed, Ophelia thought to enjoy the luxury just a little since she was always the one to work and never be given fine things.

Away from where Ophelia looked around her chamber, Cecilia watched as Dante’s men packed her trunks onto a carriage. She wasn’t ready to go, but for her sanity, she needed to be away from Ophelia.

"Mrs Hastings!" Victoria called as she rushed to the front of the castle. "Mrs Hastings!"

"Victoria, dear. You shouldn’t be out of bed," Cecilia said, holding Victoria’s hands when she came near. "I thought to let you rest, and then I would say goodbye."

"Why are you the one to leave? Is it because of me? Is it because I asked to stay?" Victoria asked, saddened by the news she received. ’"I will go."

"And then you will not be protected. I do not mind leaving. Since my husband died, I have had an awful time in the castle, as all I do is think about him. My home is near, so you can come visit me anytime, and I will come to the castle," Cecilia said, trying to hold her tears.

"Dante has not ordered me to stay away from the castle forever, and it was not because of you. It is best that I do not be near his wife and spoil his plans. That is all," Cecilia promised.

"It still feels as though I have some part in you leaving," said Victoria

First, it was only she whom Dante was considering sending away, so why was Cecilia leaving now?

"Victoria, it has nothing to do with you, but rather all to do with my disagreements with Dante. I don’t like what he is doing with that woman, but I trust that he has plans which I might be getting in the way of. Each time I look at her, I get upset, so it’s best that I leave," Cecilia explained.

Cecilia wiped a tear from Victoria’s eye. "While I am away, I want you to keep an eye on her. If there is anything suspicious, report it to me. You must remember to do as I instructed you. If you wish to stay for good, you must do it."

"I will try my best," Victoria promised. "Can I help you? If there is anything you need now, I am well enough to help you."

Cecilia patted Victoria’s hand. "You can stand beside me for now. I worry about leaving you here alone. Do come to visit me often, so I know that you are well. For all the gatherings that my son must attend, I will make sure you are invited to stand at his side."