Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 82: Advice (2)
Dante entered the home and found Ophelia speaking with the maids. She stopped when she noticed his arrival and seemed to inspect what he wore.
"Take off your shirt and pants," Ophelia instructed Dante.
"Wouldn’t it be best to wait until I enter my chamber?"
"That would be best," Ophelia agreed, nodding her head. "When you take them off, give them to a maid. I will mend them for you," she offered.
"You must choose your words more carefully, dear wife."
"You must know that I would never attempt to seduce you," Ophelia said, knowing what Dante thought. "I sent a maid to prepare your bath so you can get undressed in your chamber and wait for the water to arrive. Do not toss your clothing."
"I have plenty of shirts and pants to replace-"
"It is a waste of money. I can mend the holes so it is like your clothing is brand new. How is it that under all that armour you managed to tear the material?" Ophelia wondered, questioning the quality. "Who picks the material you buy?"
"The one who prepares my clothing," Dante answered.
"I think they have tried to fool you. A man of your status can afford quality material. I have a good eye for it. May I touch it?" Ophelia asked, wanting a closer look.
"You may," Dante allowed.
Dante pulled the shirt over his head and handed it to Ophelia.
"It is good quality, but I wouldn’t use this kind of material for a shirt you would train in. It is better for the clothing you would wear to a ball. Still, I shall mend it to give it more life. I’ll have it washed before I return it to you. Consider this part of my thanks for what you did today," said Ophelia.
"I believe you were led astray. I am not a man who has everything, as you have been told. If you pay attention, I am certain you can find a gift for me. It doesn’t have to be found while we are in the capital. I can wait, so surprise me," Dante said, eager to see what Ophelia would come up with.
"It will be hard, but I shall try. If I make the mistake of giving you what you already have, you mustn’t laugh at me," said Ophelia.
"Why would I laugh at a woman who carries around a knife? I am grateful for what I am gifted."
"I heard you have a room for gifts you receive from others. Gifts that you already have or perhaps don’t care for. Was that a lie?" Ophelia asked, glancing at where Alice stood, before her gaze fell back on Dante. "It is true. Your face tells it."
"I’ll do my best, so my gift doesn’t end up there. You should go to your chamber and have your bath. I am going to prepare for my bath as well and return in time to sit with you for a feast. I can eat and wake early in the morning," Ophelia said, remembering what Dante spoke of.
"You truly don’t forget. I should be more careful with you. Eat your fill tonight and rest. I will take you around in the morning when you are ready. I shall see you soon," Dante said, parting ways with Ophelia.
Ophelia watched as Dante walked away to go to his bath.
Since Dante did well today, he was the one who needed to eat well and rest. Before she would go to bed, Ophelia wanted to see that he was resting. Even if she had to force him to his chamber, Ophelia would ensure that Dante would go to bed early.
"Would he drink wine?" Ophelia wondered out loud.
"Lord Hastings enjoys wine, but he won’t drink it here while he is in the capital. He thinks it is too risky, but I can suggest wine to you. There is a family here who makes good wine, and they are trustworthy. I can show you tomorrow," Victoria offered.
"You are joining us tomorrow?" Ophelia asked, but she wasn’t surprised.
"Only for a moment. My uncle is here in the capital, and whilst we have attended the same gatherings, I have not spoken to him as yet. I will be meeting with him tomorrow alongside Lord Hastings and his guards while you are in the capital. I won’t disturb you," Victoria promised.
"I do not mind if you join us. I do not own the capital, and if you are near where there is wine being sold, I will ask for your opinion. I must get to my chamber, so if you would please excuse me," Ophelia said, wanting to get undressed.
"Before you go," Victoria said, closing the space between her and Ophelia. "I know those ladies are not bearable, and it is not what you are used to, but I suggest wearing a smile and sitting with the queen when she asks. She can make you an outcast if she wants."
"I have already thought that she could make me an outcast, or make my life hell, but I stand by my decision. I could play nice with the queen, but I don’t want to trap myself by being at her side when her husband makes me uncomfortable. Unless Dante is near, I won’t be near the royals," said Ophelia.
"The king has a way of making ladies and even men feel uncomfortable, but you cannot ignore them. Believe me, I am not trying to scold you or start a fight. I am concerned about what will happen from here," Victoria said, knowing Althea wouldn’t let the matter go.
"Even if the queen doesn’t act upon it, the other ladies will. You are lucky that you are returning to the castle soon, but you must be careful in the capital. I fear the next time you visit might have consequences. You must watch your surroundings."
"I understand," Ophelia said, grateful for the advice.
"There is one more. I saw that you were speaking to Mrs Sterling. You should make friends who sit in positions to help you. While her husband certainly is wealthy, she is not close to any of the ladies-"
"Thank you," Ophelia stopped Victoria’s rambling. "I truly am thankful for the advice and concern about my safety, but I enjoyed her company. I know why she wouldn’t fit in with the other ladies, and to be honest, it is part of why I wouldn’t fit in. Until she does wrong by me, I shall be her friend."
"I wish you well in meeting with your uncle tomorrow. Don’t show any fear, or he will think he still has some power over you. If Dante speaks up for you, let him do it. These men are only bold against women. I shall see you for the feast," Ophelia said, offering Victoria an encouraging smile before leaving.
