Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 74: Misdirected anger (3)

"I do not want the king’s attention. How could you think it is comfortable for me? Queen Althea, I don’t want to be your enemy, nor am I here to yearn for your husband’s attention. I simply want to enjoy the event and watch my husband," Ophelia said, annoyed she was pulled into more drama.

"Do you think I haven’t noticed you sneaking glances in my direction? Every woman here wants to aim higher, and the best way to do it is to go after the king. You might not start off wanting his attention, but that is how it ends. I suggest you avert her eyes," Althea advised Ophelia.

Ophelia stopped walking. "It appears that you are placing your anger on the wrong person. I don’t have any interest in the king. It sounds as though you are faulting me for getting his attention. Is it that you cannot address the king’s actions, so you pick a fight with the women he goes after?"

"You should watch your tongue. I am still the queen," Althea reminded Ophelia.

"I have not forgotten you are the queen, but it appears you have. You are in a position where you could fight for other ladies, yet you would pick fights with us because of your husband’s actions. How disappointing," said Ophelia.

Althea stepped away from Ophelia. "It would be best for you not to make me out to be your enemy. Though you are Lord Hastings’ wife, I can make your life hell."

"I am warning you now that should my husband ever cross the line and invite you to his chamber, you decline if you know what is best. All you would ever be is his mistress," said Althea.

Ophelia laughed, humoured that Althea thought she wanted to lie with the old king. Ophelia didn’t want to lie with Dante, and Dante was far more pleasing to the eye than the king was. Dante was far more pleasant to speak to.

Ophelia decided to be polite and not speak of the difference between husbands to further her troubles with Althea.

"I hope you stand true to your word. If you do, we can be the best of friends," Althea said, willing to give Ophelia a chance.

Ophelia smiled. She knew well that with the king making his intentions obvious, Althea would never be a genuine friend.

"Your mother came to me and spoke of how she so desperately wants a chance to speak to you. I thought I should let your two sit together, along with your sister, Freya, so you can take this moment to speak. Then, there are some ladies I want to introduce you to. It won’t be long," Althea promised.

"My mother, Freya, and I have already spoken. So thank you, but no thank you. I appreciate the offer to sit with you and the king, but I will bear the consequences of walking away. I am not in the mood to walk into a trap with you, Your Majesty. I want to watch my husband. Excuse me," Ophelia curtsied.

Ophelia knew the trouble she was putting herself in by walking away from the queen, but she had enough childish conversations for the day.

Ophelia was concerned about Dante going into the woods with men who wanted him dead and wanted to keep watch for any suspicious behaviour.

"Lady Hastings! Ophelia!" Althea called after Ophelia. She didn’t mean to send Ophelia away.

Althea looked at where Edward stood with the men participating. He wasn’t going to be happy when he returned and found that Ophelia had left.

Ophelia made her way back to her chair. "You may say what is on your mind, Thomas."

"It is not my place to speak," Thomas answered.

"I am willing to hear what you have to say. Do you think I should walk back to the queen and apologise for my rudeness? I wouldn’t mind a voice of reason now," said Ophelia.

"I don’t think you should return to the queen’s side. Lord Hastings didn’t want you there from the start, and there have been occasions when young ladies disappear from these events. It is easier for you to slip away at the queen’s side with all their guards," Thomas shared his feelings.

Thomas felt more protective of Ophelia now that Dante was out of sight. It was the perfect time for someone to approach Ophelia.

"Then, I am glad I made the decision I did. I am worried about him going into the woods with those men. Nigel will be there, and I can never tell what that awful man would do. Fortunately, Dante was allowed to take two guards along with him. They should be well," Ophelia said, hoping she hadn’t placed Dante in danger.

"Ophelia," Joel’s voice disrupted Ophelia’s thoughts. "I heard what you did to Freya."

"Lord Valthorn," Ophelia curtsied. "I apologise, but I must take my seat."

"Wait, you," Joel said, stepping forward, but Ophelia continued to walk away from him.

Such disobedience would have never been allowed in his castle. Distance made Ophelia misbehave again, and Joel could only think of how it would affect him as well, since others thought of her as his stepdaughter.

Joel left Ophelia alone for now and walked over to where Giselle sat.

Joel sat down beside Giselle and said, "I see you haven’t gotten your daughter in control as yet. It couldn’t be that you want the necklace."

"I want it, but getting close to her isn’t as easy as it appears. The queen said she would give me a moment to sit with Ophelia, and I watched as Ophelia walked away from the queen. She’s changed," Giselle said, keeping an eye on where Ophelia sat. "She won’t listen anymore, and I can’t force her with a crowd watching."

"You’re failing because you aren’t using the right card. What use is there to keep your son breathing if you won’t use him? It was my fault. I sent a woman to do a man’s job," Joel said, deciding to face the matter himself. "Forget about the necklace. Just watch my daughters."

"I can still do it. You didn’t give me enough time, and surely, you wouldn’t want me to make a fool of myself before this crowd. Since she was bold enough to disrespect the queen, Ophelia will not listen to you. Now is not the time for this. You must focus on Nigel," said Giselle.

They had more to lose if Nigel didn’t succeed.

"Nigel will win," Joel spoke confidently. "He is my son."

Joel was certain Nigel was going to be the victor with the schemes he came up with. If there was a chance Nigel lost, it was best Nigel remain lost in the woods.