Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 50: Growing relationship (2)
"I won’t harm anyone who has no part in the war. You can hold me to my word for this. I made a promise to you, and I intend to keep it. Was that all you wanted to know from me?" Dante asked, expecting another favour to come.
"That’s all. I know that I ask you for too much. Oh, the queen spoke about a gathering in the palace and of how you would win if you joined. What is it?" Ophelia inquired, needing to prepare.
"It is a list of games the king comes up with, and in the end, there is a victor who can have a wish granted by the king. I no longer take part in it-"
"You must!" Ophelia exclaimed and unknowingly grabbed Dante’s hand.
Dante noticed the simple action, but did not point it out to ruin it. "I must?"
"Yes, you can ask the king to allow my brother to visit. It is far easier than using spies and having to sneak him out. Ask the king before a crowd so he has no reason to object, and while Joel is foolish, he would have to obey. It is wonderful," Ophelia said, excited for the gathering.
"What must you do to win? Oh," Ophelia said, her eyes going to their hands. "I am sorry," she apologised and released Dante’s hand. "I got a little excited."
"I must gather the most points from wins. That is all, and it is not a hard task," Dante answered.
"Wouldn’t you need to train or prepare in some way? You have been active in war, but I cannot think of the last day you fought against Joel’s men," said Ophelia.
Ophelia didn’t want Dante to be too confident and lose this opportunity for her.
"Though you do not see it, I have been training since my return. Perhaps it is time that I have my knights training alongside me, so you are familiar with the sight. They might be a little upset, but I think it is time," Dante decided.
"Do not force them to train because of me. I don’t want to give them another reason to hate me. I’m sure you have your ways to win, so please win. I will be indebted to you if you help me get my brother. I will do whatever you ask if you get him," Ophelia promised.
"Then, I have a favour to ask of you in return," Dante said, wanting to comfort Ophelia, but he thought of how close they were not.
"Name it," Ophelia encouraged Dante.
"I ask that you learn to live for yourself and not only for your brother’s sake. For striking Nigel in my place, consider us even when I return your brother. You will not owe me, and please, never speak of offering yourself to anyone," Dante listed his wishes.
"I did not mean in that regard," Ophelia clarified.
"I know. Right now, you are trapped by the truce, but I assure you, you are free. When this is over, you are free to go where you please without owing me. I help you because I want to, not because I want something in return. You have nothing to offer," Dante said as he walked around Ophelia.
Ophelia frowned. "You were going so well. I cannot help it if I think you want something in return. No one has ever been kind and wants nothing when it comes to me. Do you truly want nothing in return?"
Ophelia found it odd that Dante wouldn’t try to have her speak with her family to learn of their plans or ask about what she witnessed in the castle.
"I would understand if you are scheming to use me because I fully intend to use you. If you are open with your plans, then I am all for them. I don’t want to be betrayed by you secretly plotting to use me. For trust to grow, promise there are no secret plans," Ophelia proposed, offering her hand to Dante.
"We don’t need to share secrets about ourselves, or family secrets that do not matter, but if I am in any of your plans, you must tell me. I will extend the same courtesy to you and tell you of the plans which involve you. Can you promise?" Ophelia asked, waiting for Dante to shake her hand.
"I promise," Dante shook Ophelia’s hand. "Let me show you to your chamber."
Ophelia let go of Dante’s hand and walked beside him. "Did the plan work? Did you find out anything, or was it useless for us to stay in that chamber for so long?"
"A few of the men did meet to celebrate. Some of them were men who claimed to be my allies. I might need to use you more often for my plans. You know nothing of what Joel is plotting, but you must have seen the men who visited his castle. Could you point them out at the event?"
Ophelia nodded her head. "I can. I have had a good look at many of them, but Joel would speak to them privately in his study. I know nothing of what was said."
"I only need you to point them out. I must know who has switched sides so I do not let them enter the castle. How did you feel meeting the queen? Did she make you feel uncomfortable, or was she friendly?" Dante asked, placing his hand behind his back as he walked beside Ophelia.
"She might have been trying to put me in an uncomfortable position, but it did not work. I don’t care about the things ladies in her position worry about. I also don’t think she is friendly. I see her more as a lonely woman," said Ophelia.
Ophelia imagined being married to the king was no easy task.
"She might be the kind of lady to take her frustrations out on others or toy with their life to ignore what happens on her own. At the moment, I don’t think I shall ever be close friends with the queen, but I will play along for the sake of it," Ophelia said, since it was needed for Dante’s sake.
"You don’t have to. I can save you from having to sit away from the queen," Dante offered.
"Where’s the fun in that? Besides, I can’t hide behind you forever, and I am not afraid of the ladies here. I have witnessed far worse and survived. I will be fine, but if I wave to you and smile, it is a signal for you to run to save me," said Ophelia.
"How am I to know it is the signal and you are not happy to see me?"
Ophelia frowned. "If I am happy to see you, it is all the more reason for you to run."
