Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 87: Plans (2)

The carriage soon started to move after everyone found their place.

Ophelia looked out the window, enjoying the scenery as they left the mansion.

"Aside from the people who reside in the capital, it is quite beautiful. I prefer a peaceful life, but it is exciting to witness the fast pace here. If you do not mind, I would like to be the one who plans for the arrival of Theo and his entourage," Ophelia requested.

"You are the lady of the castle. When we have guests, you will oversee the arrangements and plan to your liking. You may decide on the number of chambers you want for the guests and where to place them. I do not mind if you want to host a gathering," Dante said, placing the authority in Ophelia’s hands.

"Thank you. I will make sure it goes well, but there is something I must inform you of. I don’t intend to hand Theo back to the Valthorns," Ophelia revealed.

Ophelia knew that it would have consequences since Theo was only to stay for a week, but she thought of the greater consequences if she let him get back into their hands.

"I didn’t think we went through all of this simply for you to return him. I knew of your plans from the moment you wanted me to win, and I am not against them. The longer your brother stays in their hands, the more likely he is to die," Dante said, on Ophelia’s side.

"I know Joel will not sit still, and he will speak of us only being awarded a few days with my brother. Even if I must run away and hide forever, I am not handing Theo back to them. They don’t care for him, and it is only a matter of time before they leave him to die."

"What should I do?" Ophelia sought an answer. "I trust your ideas. What can I do that won’t leave you in the path of the king’s anger?"

"You can prove that your brother is better in your care. Expose the way you were both treated while in the Valthorn castle, but that would mean exposing secrets you wanted to keep hidden. Some will say you are lying now that you have found yourself in a good home, or accuse me of putting you up to it to make the Valthorns look bad."

"Are you up for it?" Dante asked, willing to do what Ophelia wanted.

"There is no doubt in my mind that I am willing to expose it all and face what others would say. I am in the position to speak, so I will be heard. I will do what I must to keep Theo at my side. I will listen to what you suggest, so I don’t place you in harm’s way," said Ophelia.

"Even if no one believes what you share, they would have to pry you and your brother from my castle over my dead body, and that isn’t going to happen. I promised I would return your brother to you, and I will keep that promise. We will plan when we return to the castle. Today is for fun," Dante said, not wanting Ophelia burdened by sad thoughts.

"Are you not worried about whether this all backfires? Joel would pick a fight with you, and the king might punish you. If we do not succeed, please send my brother where it is safe, and say it was all my doing-"

"No," Dante interjected. "What kind of husband would I be if I let my wife take the fall?"

Ophelia smiled. "The kind who is only a husband in name. I won’t drag you down with me."

"You won’t because we shall not fail. I am not afraid of another war starting. It is what I look forward to most," said Dante.

"And what if the king finally openly turns his sword to you? You would have to face his army as well. He cannot control you, so he will try to get rid of you. He said that if I noticed anything strange about your castle, I should report to the palace," Ophelia said, not wanting to have any secrets.

"I knew he would give you this task in time. I am not concerned about the king publicly turning on me as well. I needed the war to stop for a moment for a good reason," Dante said, partially revealing his plans.

"You wanted to have more time to go up against the king. I did think it was strange that you would accept peace. From what I saw in the Valthorn castle, your army could easily defeat Joel’s army, but I do not know about the king’s army. You would need support," Ophelia concluded.

"Do you think that, should you overpower Joel and take his land, that would be the time the king tries to kill you?"

"I know he is waiting for his moment unless I give him what he wants. I don’t trust the king to the point that I would commit treason and go against the king to remove him, as well as the crown prince. Now you know my secret," Dante said, leaving it to Ophelia’s hands to do what she wanted.

"No matter the reason, should you go against the king, they will want you dead. Even if it is to free us from his reign. This kingdom will be lost if it loses a good man like you. You showed me how to be trusting again. I cannot think of you dying," Ophelia said, wanting another way for Dante’s story to end.

"I do not fear death. I look forward to being put out of my misery. All I need is my heir before then," Dante confessed.

Ophelia’s mood turned sour. She didn’t like hearing that Dante was ready for death.

"You must find a reason to want to live when this is all over with. You have your mother and others you care for. Fight well so you will be alive for them when this is all over. I will not forgive you if you allow them to kill you," Ophelia said, folding her arms to feign stubbornness. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

Dante chuckled. "If palace guards come to imprison me, would you allow me to leave and hide with you and your brother?"

"Why wouldn’t I? You are a talented man. You would be useful for hunting, and with work around any home we find. If leaving your title is the way you may survive, then I will take you in. We must live," Ophelia said, offering her for Dante to shake.

Dante stared at Ophelia’s hand. He didn’t want to make promises he couldn’t uphold, but to keep her in good spirits for now, he shook her hand.