Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 81: Advice (1)

Dante returned inside the tent after taking Ophelia’s shoes from Alice’s hands.

"Thank you!" Ophelia exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement. "You were rewarded with what you asked for. I do apologise that one of them shall be in your castle. I shall find some way to make it up to you."

"I already have a way you can do so," Dante said as he kneeled before her.

"How?"

"Spoil yourself tomorrow. We can get what you need for your brother when we return to our land," said Dante.

"That is still on your mind? Very well," Ophelia agreed.

Dante looked up as it had to be that he heard wrong. "Did you just agree with me?" He asked.

"Have I not agreed with you before? You endured a lot today because of me. I think it is only fair that you get what you asked for. I can put on my shoes myself," Ophelia said, taking the time Dante was distracted to slip the shoes from his hands.

"Is it only this moment when you agree with me, or will it be until our time in the capital ends?"

"I am starting to feel suspicious. Is it that you always want me to obey you?" Ophelia asked, teasing Dante.

"No. I happen to enjoy our banter. You are always so guarded, so I welcome a night of getting you to try new things. Let us add that to my reward," Dante requested.

"Very well. I am done," Ophelia said, placing her right foot back on the ground. "These shoes are quite comfortable. The other ones were too pinchy. Is it safe for us to leave now?"

Dante looked at the entrance of the tent and said, "Not unless you want to be surrounded by a crowd congratulating me. I said that your feet were sore, so wait while I speak to them and get the carriage."

"You are too kind," Ophelia said, wishing strength for Dante.

Ophelia sat still in the tent as she sent Dante out to the wolves.

Time soon went slowly before Ophelia got to see Dante again. It felt like she had been sitting in the tent for hours, so eventually, Ophelia drifted off to sleep.

When Ophelia woke, she was seated in the carriage. Her head rested on Alice’s shoulder for comfort. Dante wasn’t anywhere in sight.

"I’m sorry," Ophelia apologised as she leaned away from Alice. "Was my husband unable to join us?"

"Lord Hastings rides on a horse with the guards," said Alice.

"Oh. Why didn’t anyone wake me when it was time to leave? It must have been a hassle for you to get me to the carriage," Ophelia said, feeling apologetic to Alice.

"It wasn’t me who carried you, nor was it Thomas. Lord Hastings was the one who brought you here and asked that you rest on my shoulder. He snuck you away from the crowd when it came time for the royals to leave. You should give your thanks to your husband," Alice said.

"I see. Why did he not sit in the carriage with us? He is the one who had a long day and needs to sit."

Alice smiled, worried Ophelia would have her ask Lord Hastings. "I do not know, Lady Hastings. He placed you instead and asked for a horse. Perhaps there is danger, or he did not want to disturb you. Miss Victoria rides in another carriage, so he might be on guard. The capital can be quite dangerous."

"Or, he is a gentleman," Ophelia concluded.

Ophelia noticed how Dante would not force himself into her space. He did not force her to touch him, nor did he touch her unless it was needed for their act.

Dante never once intruded into her room. He always knocked and waited to be welcomed. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

"Is there anything Lord Hastings doesn’t have which doesn’t require a lot of money? Or, any money at all?" Ophelia asked, wanting to reward Dante.

Alice laughed. "I can’t think of anything a man as wealthy as Lord Hastings wouldn’t already have. Each time visitors come bearing gifts, they always hand him the same gifts. It has gotten so bad that Lord Hastings has a room assigned for gifts he does not need."

Alice’s laughter ceased when she noticed Ophelia’s expression. "You asked because you wanted to find him a gift."

"I did, and now you have made me feel that it will be quite difficult to find him one he will not laugh at. I shall rid myself of that thought, but thank you," Ophelia said, shifting her body so her back was turned to Alice.

"My lady," Alice said, regretting her response. "Perhaps you can make him a gift. Many of the ladies in town knit for their husbands. An arrangement of flowers would be lovely."

"Aside from the flowers used to decorate the chambers and the gardens, I do not think he is fond of flowers. It seems I woke up at the perfect time. We are back home," Ophelia said, eager to rest.

Alice tapped her mouth as the carriage came to a halt.

The carriage door opened, and Ophelia didn’t waste any time getting out by herself.

"Me and my foolish mouth. I must stop speaking," Alice said, tapping her mouth.

"What did you say now?"

Alice froze up.

Dante’s voice sent shivers through her body.

Alice wished there were a way she could bury herself where she stood to escape speaking to him.

"She regrets her answer to what I should give you," Ophelia spoke up on behalf of Alice. "There is nothing to give a man who already has everything. I won’t bother myself with searching since the gift for you doesn’t exist. I will inform the maids to prepare warm water for your bath."

Ophelia unknowingly dug Alice’s grave deeper with Dante.

Alice avoided Dante’s heated gaze as she followed Ophelia.

"Me and my mouth," Alice muttered, tapping her lips.

Dante watched the woman he needed to get rid of as soon as he returned to the castle.

Alice was causing more harm than good by being at Ophelia’s side.

"Rick, take the animals to the cook and have them prepared for a feast. All the servants and knights are to have a good plate today and plenty of rest. I don’t want to be disturbed in my chamber," Dante said, then followed Ophelia in hopes of changing her mind.

"As you wish," Rick replied and walked away to carry out the order.

"He has changed," Victoria spoke to Rick.

"Miss Lowe," Rick bowed his head. "He has, and unfortunately, I shall not be present when you return," he revealed.

"What?" Victoria’s eyes widened.