Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 83: Advice (3)

"My lady. Lady Hastings!" Alice called as she ran behind Ophelia.

"What is it now, Alice? Are you upset that I mentioned the gift room or that you think he is a man who has everything?" Ophelia inquired.

"Why yes, but that is not what I want to speak of now. Aren’t you the slightest bit concerned about what rumours would start if Lord Hastings attends a sit-down with Miss Lowe’s family? It could spark rumours that he is flaunting his mistress before you," Alice whispered.

"I could be seated beside them, and gossip would still start. I know he is going there to protect her, and quite frankly, it doesn’t matter to me what they do-"

"It must!" Alice exclaimed. Her eyes widened as she realised her mistake. "I didn’t mean to be so loud. You have only become close to one lady while the others are surrounding Miss Victoria today. If Lord Hastings is seen alone with her, then more gossip would go around, and you would be made a laughing stock."

"Any woman who finds joy in laughing at another woman having to put up with a mistress is not a lady I would want to associate myself with. Besides, I know the truth about their closeness. They are friends, but in this world, I suppose women and men aren’t to be friends," Ophelia muttered.

"If you haven’t noticed by now, there is already gossip and lies surrounding my name. For me to be concerned about the gossip between Victoria and my husband would only be a headache. I cannot please everyone around me, and since I know they are not lovers, why must I convince the town?" Ophelia asked.

"I was only thinking of the ridicule you would face," Alice spoke softly.

"The mere idea that I would face ridicule for my husband having a mistress is what is wrong with this world. I want peace, but I can’t have it. It is good to see your heart is working to be concerned about me, but I can take it. I am not worried about what gossip would start tomorrow," Ophelia said, having more to be concerned about.

Ophelia finally got her wish to see Theo, but she thought of how Joel and Giselle wouldn’t sit still to allow the meeting to happen.

Theo was the one person they could use against her, and certainly, they wouldn’t want to send him away even if someone were to accompany him.

"For the first time in my life, I want a drink. A strong one," Ophelia said, wanting just a sip.

"I do not think it would be wise for you to consume any of the drinks served tonight. The knights are heavy drinkers, and despite all the alcohol, they don’t pass out. You must be careful," Alice tried to warn Ophelia, but it seemed her words fell on deaf ears. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Alice continued to follow Ophelia to help her with her bath and get dressed for the feasts.

It was nearly two hours later that Ophelia came down from her chamber to get her dinner.

Ophelia looked around for Dante, only to find that he hadn’t arrived yet, so she sat alone, watching as the servants and knights helped to place the food on a long table while others already helped themselves to a drink.

Ophelia pulled her shawl upward to protect herself from the cold night air. Dinner was later than usual, and with the feast being outside, Ophelia had to face the chilly air.

"There are better seats where you can avoid the wind," Dante’s voice made her look up. "Or, are you still trying to avoid the knights?"

"Must you sneak up on me so? I must put a bell around your hand," Ophelia said, placing her hand on her chest to calm herself. "I sat here because I can get a glimpse of what everyone is doing. Your knights are drinking as though they have never drunk before. They must be happy about the feast."

"It is not the norm for me to allow them to drink while we are in the capital. We must always be on our guard, but since it is a happy occasion, I will allow it tonight. I won’t be drinking, so you are safe in my company," Dante assured Ophelia.

"Well, I will be drinking, so you may have to stay close. I have never indulged myself with wine, rum, or any other exciting drinks, so I don’t know how I might behave. I won’t have too many," Ophelia promised.

"Why? Didn’t you have a chance to slip it away from the kitchen? Was there always someone guarding you?" Dante asked, wanting to hear more about her life.

"I saw what it did to the guests who consumed it, and I couldn’t take the risk of not being in control of my mind and body. I couldn’t create a moment for someone to benefit from my state," Ophelia answered.

"Was there someone who would do that?"

Ophelia faced Dante, studying his expression as she tried to guess what he had been told. "Did Nigel speak to you about me?"

"He tried to say that you two are close, but I don’t believe it. There is no sense in why you would ever be close to him, but he did appear to be annoyed," Dante replied, noticing a change in Ophelia’s mood.

"I was never close to him. He’s a bastard whom I hope to see die, and the reason I shall drink tonight. If I get out of hand, please stop me and take me to my chamber. I am trusting you with my well-being tonight," Ophelia said as she stood up.

"I don’t know whether I should be honoured or concerned. Is it not me who should be enjoying a drink tonight?" Dante asked, a bit wary of Ophelia drinking, but he wanted her to enjoy herself.

"You already said that you wouldn’t be drinking tonight because you must guard everyone. A drink wouldn’t be so bad now to release me from the burden I faced from speaking to everyone today. With you at my side, what is the worst that can happen?" Ophelia asked, placing her hands behind her back as she walked away from Dante.

"That is not a question you should have when you are about to drink," Dante replied, following Ophelia so he could keep an eye on her.

The night was filled with celebrations and carefree moments, but by morning, Ophelia felt the consequences when she woke up with a headache.

Ophelia groaned and placed her hand to the right side of her head as she opened her eyes. "Why is it like this?" She muttered.

Ophelia tried to move her left hand to rub her eyes, but something held her back.

"What is this?" Ophelia mumbled, inspecting the rope tied around her hands.

Ophelia panicked, thinking she had been kidnapped until she leaned forward to see where the rope was tied to and found the other end around Dante’s hand as he rested on the floor.