Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 64: Jealousy (1)

The next day, Ophelia returned to the palace alongside Dante, Victoria, and all of the knights. The palace had become far busier than it was during the ball as the townspeople were welcomed inside to see the games.

For now, Ophelia remained by Dante’s side. She took the moment to examine who was attending and question Dante about who she should be wary of.

The king and queen were yet to show themselves, and for now, the Valthorns were not present.

"Where am I to sit?" Ophelia asked, searching for the perfect spot to watch Dante.

"By the trees would be best. We’ll be here for hours, and the weather is already warm. I’ll set up close and from there, you can see a bit of the hunting grounds," Dante said, pointing to where Ophelia would sit.

Ophelia looked out at where Dante pointed. "Hunting grounds? You have to hunt?"

"It is the ending event. The best catch brings in the most points," Dante explained.

"Aren’t you worried about being surrounded by so many men trying to hunt? Wouldn’t it present them with the perfect time to aim an arrow in your direction and claim it was the work of the wind?" Ophelia asked, worried for Dante’s safety. "Is there a chance you can win without going to hunt?"

"Worried about me?"

"Of course. Shouldn’t I be? Men can’t be trusted when they are alone with pointy weapons. I still need your help, so please refrain from making me a widow today," said Ophelia.

Dante chuckled. "Even if I win most of the games before the hunt, there is a chance I can lose if I sit out. I was looking forward to the hunt."

"I am starting to have the feeling that you would be the careless man who aims at someone and blames it on the wind. Are you trying to get even with me and have me be the one to escort you out of the dungeon? I ask that you reconsider," Ophelia said, hardly in the mood to see a dungeon.

"Neither will happen. I am always careful. Here comes the show," Dante whispered.

Ophelia didn’t turn around to see who had approached them.

"Ophelia dear," Giselle called, her voice sweet as honey. "It is good to see you are out today."

Ophelia stared at Dante, not wanting to turn around to face her mother, but she needed to. "I have been out since I arrived, mother. I wouldn’t miss this event today when my husband is taking part."

Nigel, who stood behind Joel, frowned.

No one informed Nigel of Dante taking part in the event.

"Father," Nigel whined.

"Keep calm," Joel shushed Nigel. "This is a surprise, Lord Hastings. I cannot think of the last time you took part in the event. What has convinced you to join this year?"

"The celebrations for my marriage have put me in a good mood, and I find myself needing to remind some men of my talents. It also gives me the chance to impress my wife," Dante said, holding onto Ophelia’s hand.

Ophelia smiled.

"I see. May the best man win. The ladies are starting to find their seats. Ophelia, why don’t you sit with your mother and sisters?" Joel suggested.

"I’d rather not spoil my day. I will sit with my husband’s knights and join all of you if I get the chance," Ophelia replied.

"If?" Freya raised her brow.

"Well, it is hard to tell how the day will go. Perhaps both sides would be busy and cannot sit down with each other. I won’t bear any ill feelings if we cannot sit together. I hope you will respond the same way," said Ophelia.

"Nonsense. We must sit together since we are a family," Giselle pushed.

Ophelia’s smile fell to a frown. "You’ll have to forgive me. Sometimes I forget we are a family since we never acted like this before. I don’t want to keep you here any longer. You should go prepare yourself for the first game," she said, hoping Dante took the hint that it was time to leave.

"I shall, but first," Dante said, reaching into his pocket to reveal a small box.

Ophelia was just as puzzled as everyone standing around her. She was surprised to see a beautiful necklace come out of the box and even more surprised that Dante moved to place the necklace around her neck.

Ophelia touched the jewel, which she thought would weigh her down if she were in water. "What is it for?"

"A gift. I think of you as my good luck, so I should reward you. I thought the necklace was beautiful when I first laid eyes on it, but now I see that it pales in beauty when placed on you. Stay safe while I go add my name to the list," Dante said, leaning forward to kiss Ophelia on her cheek.

Dante got close enough for his breath to tickle Ophelia’s cheek. He remained cautious of what Ophelia would be uncomfortable with.

"Excuse me," Dante parted from the group.

Ophelia stared at Dante, trying to place what he was plotting. He was doing too much work as a doting husband, and with all the eyes on them, she would have to add to the act later to show that she also loved him.

"It’s beautiful!" Bella complimented the necklace.

"It is not of this season," Freya muttered.

Freya was upset, not only with Ophelia, but with her father for not listening to her request concerning the jewels she should wear.

Now Ophelia wore a necklace with jewels that twinkled in the light, whilst Freya had a small gem around her neck.

"Is it?" Ophelia asked, lifting the necklace to see it more clearly. "Maybe it is not in season since many cannot afford it. Such is the benefit of having a lord for a husband. Well," Ophelia said, her gaze momentarily settling on her mother. "That might not be the case for everyone."

"You’ve misbehaved since you left the castle. While you aren’t in your mother’s care now, I advise you to be careful. I would hate to be forced to set you back on the right path. Be careful," Joel warned Ophelia.

"It is exactly as you said that I am not in your care anymore. You should also be careful," Ophelia warned Joel.

"I don’t have time to spend time with women. You should be seen, not heard. Nigel, come," Joel said, leaving Ophelia to be dealt with by Giselle.

Ophelia stepped to the right so Nigel could not brush her as he walked by. She looked down to avoid his gaze.

"Escort me to the trees my husband spoke of," Ophelia ordered Thomas.

"Ophelia," Giselle stepped forward to block Ophelia’s path. "I need to speak to you urgently. We haven’t talked since the ball."

"And I would like to keep it that way," Ophelia replied.