Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 35: The ball (3)

"I told Lord Hastings to keep it between the men, but he wanted to introduce his wife to the queen. Young love," Joel mockingly said. "It’ll pass."

Edward chuckled. He understood what Dante felt at the moment, but he agreed with Joel that it would pass. There were too many beautiful women around to stay in love with one.

It wouldn’t be long before Dante learned what a woman’s duties were like, needing to stay silent.

"Then, let the women go off, and the men speak. We have much to talk about," said Edward.

"Isn’t it a bit rude to ask that I leave my wife’s side? She was excited about the palace and being at my side. We should save talking about the truce for the morning and drink as much as we want tonight. It is time to celebrate," Dante said, earning a few cheers from nearby eavesdropping men.

Edward rubbed his beard. "Very well. First thing tomorrow, we will meet in the throne room. My wife has prepared a gathering for the women in the morning. Your wife will be in her care then."

"This is the first time I have laid eyes on your wife. Come closer," Edward said, offering his hand to Ophelia.

Ophelia didn’t bother to look up Dante for his answer since his grip on her arm already told her not to move.

"You should lower your hand. I’m the only man who will touch my wife," Dante said, refusing the king’s request.

Joel smiled, awaiting the king to scold Dante.

Edward leaned back on his throne. "Is that so? You haven’t been married for long, yet you are this protective of her. Lord Valthorn, what has your daughter done to Lord Valthorn?"

Edward wanted to experience it.

Ophelia was a bit too thin for Edward’s liking, but if she had gotten Dante to be obsessed with her, then it was worth a try.

"I do not know, Your Majesty. If you would allow it, I want to speak with my daughter and new son-in-law," Joel requested, wanting to hear the story first.

"Why do you need my permission to speak to your family? Go on," Edward shooed the trio away with a flick of his wrist.

Joel bowed his head and turned to Ophelia. "I want to speak to my daughter alone. Her mother misses her."

"We are family now. Whatever you need to say to my wife can be said before me. I don’t want to let her out of my sight," Dante said, pulling Ophelia closer.

Joel wasn’t buying the act. A man who walked away from his wife and didn’t kiss her at the wedding wasn’t in love with her now.

"You shouldn’t keep a mother from her daughter," said Joel.

"You say I am keeping her daughter from her, but you did a good job at that when you sent off your stepdaughter in place of your daughter. If you want to speak to my wife, it will be before me. If not, excuse us," Dante said, moving away from the coward of a lord.

Ophelia looked over her shoulder at Joel. "Speaking to him like that will make him do something foolish. He hates being embarrassed in front of his peers most."

"I know," Dante said, flashing a smile. He welcomed a show.

"You want him to attack him here. Do you hope it would affect the truce?" Ophelia wondered.

"It wouldn’t. It’s merely for my amusement. Is there anyone from your family you want to speak to?"

"The youngest daughter, but they aren’t going to let me speak alone. I know that I have asked plenty from you and offered nothing in return, but would there be a way to get my brother to visit?" Ophelia asked and fidgeted with her fingers until Dante answered.

"I am not fond of Lord Valthorn’s son," Dante responded.

"No, not him. I have a younger brother who is not Joel’s son. He isn’t spoken about often because of his health. He’s harmless, so if it is possible, could he come to your castle?" Ophelia requested.

"That would require Lord Valthorn’s permission. He might not be Joel’s son, but he resides in the castle. I cannot force him to send anyone to my castle."

"Right. So, the only way for me to get Theo is for Joel to die," Ophelia said softly, but it was loud enough for only Dante to hear.

"If your brother is your weakness, Joel isn’t going to let him out of his castle. If he feels backed into a corner, he will hold onto your brother to get you to do as he wants. Is your brother the reason you agreed to the arranged marriage?" Dante asked, and judging from Ophelia’s expression, he got the answer.

"He is. I love my brother, and if anyone were to hurt him, I would kill them," Ophelia said, sending a warning to Dante. "Now that you know one of my secrets, you must tell me a secret you have."

Dante leaned down to whisper, "If I tell you my secret, I’ll have to kill you."

"It could have been a small secret. An eye for an eye," Ophelia said, but soon thought of something. "I don’t want to know your secrets anymore. By removing Edith, I know it means you will kill her."

"Why do you say so?"

"I might not be as knowledgeable as you are, but my quiet nature allows me to observe. I notice things because I am always in the background. In return for the favours I ask for, I can relay what I notice to you. I’m sure there is plenty you miss in your castle," said Ophelia.

"We shall speak of this later. Your family approaches again," Dante informed Ophelia.

"Lord Hastings," Freya greeted Dante with a curtsy. "It is a pleasure to see you tonight. My sister and I were not given the chance to speak to you at the wedding. As we are family now, we should meet often."

"I prefer to be left alone," Dante responded, uninterested in chatter with Freya when she looked at him with a gaze not suited for family.

"But how are we to strengthen the ties if we do not meet often?" Freya asked.

"We are not at a place where we can see each other, but I am willing to make an exception if it is what my wife wants," Dante said, leaving the decision to Ophelia.

Freya turned her gaze to Ophelia. Ophelia knew what the answer was unless she wanted to be beaten or embarrassed before the crowd.

Freya decided to speak in place of Ophelia. "My sister will-"

"No," Ophelia answered. "We do not need to speak now. Seeing each other in passing is enough for now."