Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 53: Forgive but not forget (2)
"Dante thinks we would both benefit from a friendship," Victoria explained.
"I have a feeling that he thinks you alone would benefit from a friendship with me. We both know that isn’t what you want, so how about we play nice when he is in our presence and avoid each other otherwise?" Ophelia suggested.
"I’ve disappointed him quite a bit, so I would like to do as he suggested I should. I assure you that I would be a wonderful friend to you. I grew up amongst many of the ladies you will meet at the event, and I can guide you," Victoria offered as a token of peace.
"I already know you could help me with the ladies in the capital, but I am choosing not to get your help," Ophelia declined the offer. "I would rather learn as I go along."
Seeing Victoria with Freya today, when meeting with the queen, Ophelia placed Victoria as the type of lady who would meet with enemies when she was upset.
Until Victoria dropped her childish act over a marriage that had already taken place, Ophelia couldn’t join her as friends. There would always be that doubt that Victoria would speak carelessly whilst she was in Freya’s presence, and Ophelia couldn’t make any mistakes when it came to the Valthorns.
"Ophelia, you speak as though you have never made any mistakes," Victoria pointed out.
"Why would you think that? Since arriving at the Hastings’ castle, I have made many mistakes. I acted based on emotions instead of thinking, but I have learned quickly. I know what I must do to survive, and I am sticking to it," said Ophelia.
Ophelia knew she would make more mistakes, but Victoria made too many at once.
"You tend to make mistake after mistake," Ophelia pointed out the difference. "I have long told you that I am not your enemy. That you may have my husband if you wish, but you have been trying to belittle me and remind me of how close you are. I don’t care for it."
"That is why I came to apologise-"
"You came to apologise because your friendship might be hanging by a thread. I would also get annoyed by your behaviour if I were him. Instead of worrying about me, do what you must to get back what was stolen from you," Ophelia advised Victoria.
Victoria clenched her fist. "You know nothing about me. Don’t speak on matters you do not know of."
Ophelia nodded her head, agreeing that she didn’t know all of the story. "You are right that I don’t know all that you face, but I thought someone should remind you of it. You might miss your chance to get what you are after by fighting with me. Focus on your family."
Ophelia proceeded to walk by Victoria since there was nothing more to discuss.
"You should focus more on your family as well. Freya has spoken quite a lot about you, and I have no doubt she will repeat it when she gathers with more ladies. You needed at least one friend, and you lost me," said Victoria.
Ophelia smiled before she turned around. "The mere fact that you speak to Freya about me is a good reason for me to keep walking away. Good day, Victoria. We are in a beautiful home with plenty to eat. We must enjoy ourselves."
Ophelia hummed a tune she heard playing at the ball as she continued to walk away. Despite her conversation with Victoria, Ophelia remained in a good mood.
Ophelia thought only of Dante winning and how he would be able to request that her brother visit her.
"Alice," Ophelia said, startling Alice. "Do you know where my husband is now? Is he training? He should be."
"I do not know where he is now, but I have never heard of Lord Hastings training when he is not at the castle. He doesn’t have a reason to train now," Alice answered.
"I only know about him from the rumours which reached the Valthorn castle. Dante succeeded in making Lord Valthorn run many times, but in your opinion, could he beat the men who will participate in the event tomorrow?"
Alice nodded her head and answered, "I believe so. The men who participated were happy when Lord Hastings no longer joined the games. They were given a chance to win. I have always heard that even when Lord Hastings was a young boy, he was quite strong and fast."
"No one could lay a hit on him. I could never understand why he would stop participating when he was so skilled. The late Lord Hastings or the king must have forbade him from entering so others could have a chance," Alice concluded.
"Perhaps it is so, or it could be that there is far more to him than meets the eye. Are there times when he would forbid anyone from entering his castle?" Ophelia asked.
"I am not to speak of it," Alice said, fearing she would place herself in more trouble with Dante. "If you must know, you will need to speak to Lord Hastings, the head maid, or Rick. Servants like myself can find ourselves in danger."
"Then I won’t push it," Ophelia replied.
Ophelia was satisfied in knowing that there was something secretive that existed about Dante. Her eyes hadn’t been playing tricks on her. She clearly saw what had become of his eyes.
It made even more sense why, instead of sending servants out of the castle, they were killed.
"I need you to tell me about the ladies who will be attending the event. Tell me who they are, what family they are from, and if they are allies of Lord Hastings. If anyone tries to hurt me, they might hurt you as well. We must work together," said Ophelia.
"I will do my best. There is one other thing you should know of," Alice said, her mind wandering back to Victoria. "As the head maid would influence us, Victoria’s maid has a say over all the maids because they once believed Miss Victoria would become Lady Hastings."
"If you want to get the maids to listen to you, you will need to get rid of Nora. She is quite loyal to Miss Victoria and will never allow you to outshine her lady. I know she reports to Lady Cecilia as well," Alice shared.
"I don’t need to get rid of Nora to get the maids to listen. I know how to deal with that matter when I return to the castle. I am Lady Hastings," Ophelia spoke with confidence. "The maids will obey me. My focus now is on the ladies at the gatherings and the dangers which linger."
