Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 69: Concern (2)

"I think you should be more careful. I’ve heard others say that Lord Hastings looks to be in love with his wife. There will be more tension between you two if you chase his wife-"

"It is a grand event, Althea. You should be seen, not heard," Edward said, dismissing Althea’s advice. "Smile and greet only the women. I don’t need conflict from you trying to be involved in politics. And where is my son?"

’Which son?" Althea replied, annoyed.

"The crown prince! Why should I be concerned about anyone else? You bother me with your uselessness," Edward grumbled, annoyed with Althea’s behaviour.

Althea decided to be silent.

Why would she know of the whereabouts of the crown prince when she wasn’t his mother?

Althea only paid attention to her children. Only her son, the third prince, was present today as the princess wasn’t allowed to attend. Still, even though her son could attend, all the attention would go to the crown prince, and the third prince was to stay out of sight. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

Althea followed Edward and sat down on the chairs assigned to them. She ignored what Edward spoke about with someone and looked down upon where Ophelia sat.

’How unfortunate,’ Althea thought.

Althea wanted to give Ophelia a chance, but she couldn’t when her husband was now yearning for Ophelia.

Whilst Ophelia was innocent in the matter, Althea never liked it when Edward added more women to the palace. It was embarrassing for Althea just as it was for the queen before her, but Edward never cared. He was foolish to think no one would whisper behind her back because she was a royal.

Althea moved her gaze away from Ophelia to the other ladies who didn’t dress for the occasion, but rather, to find a husband or an admirer to fund their lives.

"Lord Hastings is taking part today? Why?"

Edward’s panic brought Althea’s attention back to him.

"Find out his reason for joining. What next? The duke wants to join? It cannot happen," Edward said, sending off his servant to investigate. "There must be a reason."

Edward could only think of Dante trying to attack.

"Lord Valthorn!" Edward called for Joel. "We must speak."

"Your majesty," Joel greeted Edward.

"What is this about Lord Hastings attending?"

"You are just as surprised as I am. The duke is also here to watch. I fear there is something at play. I hope the two men aren’t working together on something sinister. Perhaps you should ban him," Joel suggested.

"I cannot ban him. It would cause an uproar with the town if I did it without good cause. Are you certain your son can beat him?" Edward asked,

"My son has trained for weeks for this very moment. He is confident he can win, so I must support him. He’s going to prove himself to both of us today. Please, put your faith in him," Joel pleaded.

Althea picked up her fan and hid her smile behind it. It was amusing to hear Joel so confident that his son, who rarely took part in war, would win against a seasoned soldier. It was even more amusing that Edward was trusting Nigel to win.

Althea wanted to laugh, but knew if she let it be heard now, there would be consequences later.

’I would bet on Lord Hastings,’ Althea thought.

If there was money involved, Althea would win big.

"Tell your son that he must win. This would be a good chance for you to humble Lord Hastings and get a reward from me by the end of the event. Go speak to him and tell him of the importance. He will not be at my side if he loses today," Edward warned Joel.

Joel bowed his head. His smile fell when his back was turned to Edward.

Dante’s participation was causing Joel a headache. It would be embarrassing for Nigel to lose after all that Joel said about him, and now Nigel’s place by the king was being threatened.

Joel didn’t know how to feel anymore. He wasn’t too confident that Nigel could win by playing fair. He needed to do a little more if he wanted the Valthorns to win.

Joel found Nigel standing by their guards as he put on his armour. "You must win."

"I said that I can win, and I intend to. Have you lost faith in me because Lord Hastings is here? I’m disappointed," Nigel said, followed by laughter.

Nigel thought his father was too tense.

"Nigel, this isn’t a laughing matter. Not only are you representing our name, but you are fighting for your chance to be taken to the king’s side. You cannot lose, or you will lose plenty. Nigel!" Joel yelled, grabbing Nigel’s shoulders to force him to turn around. "You mustn’t lose."

"I said that I wouldn’t lose," Nigel said, angry that his father doubted him. "You had confidence in me when he wasn’t anywhere to be seen. Say that you think he is better than me."

Joel shoved Nigel. "How can I be confident when there isn’t much to your name? The one time I allowed you to take charge of my army, you ran! I had to cover up your mess and pay the men to keep quiet about it. I had to convince them to still follow and respect you."

Joel approached Nigel to whisper, "How can you become a lord one day when all you do is boast, though you have never won a battle? Or, your only talent is to squander my wealth? I have already spoken of your skills because you were so confident you could win. If you know what is good for you, you will win."

"Now, are you confident you can get him off of skill alone?" Joel asked, willing to give Nigel the benefit of the doubt. "Now is not the time to be cocky when you have your doubts. Think of what you can lose if he beats you."

"I am a bit concerned," Nigel confessed.

Joel placed his hand on Nigel’s shoulder and whispered, "Here’s what you need to do."