Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 88: Spoiled (1)

The carriage came to a stop in the market, and when the doors opened, Dante was the first one out so he could offer his hand to Ophelia.

"What a gentleman you are," Ophelia said as she accepted Dante’s help.

"You always rush out of the carriage so you don’t leave any room for me to be a gentleman. I must hold your hand for a moment," Dante said, keeping a tight grip on Ophelia’s hand.

"Afraid I would see a dazzling gift and run off?" Ophelia asked in a joking manner.

"That and I must see what danger lies around us," Dante said, motioning for the guards to be in place.

"You must hold my hand whilst you search for danger? That is a new one. Are you certain there isn’t more I revealed to you last night? You are awfully protective now when we’ve only just arrived," said Ophelia.

"I am being a gentleman as you said," Dante replied.

"Then, I won’t question it anymore. You didn’t tell me what my limit would be. How much am I allowed to spend? I want to keep track of it so I do not go over," said Ophelia.

Dante peered down upon Ophelia and answered, "There isn’t a limit."

"Is this because of what I shared with you? Trust me, I don’t want your pity. Had I known you would be like this, I would have thought twice about sharing it all with you," Ophelia said, disliking it when others pitied her.

"Ophelia, I am not pitying you. I am spoiling you. It is what husbands do when they care for their wives. You didn’t spend any of my wealth since you came to the castle, so you can make up for it now. You are so concerned about wasting money that I have no doubts you won’t put a dent in my wealth,’ said Dante.

"You mustn’t challenge me. I have been kind since it is your money, but I can spend it all if you doubt me. You should remain close if you don’t want to see all your wealth go away," Ophelia warned Dante.

Ophelia didn’t have much to buy, but to see Dante panic, she wanted to spend a bit recklessly. It was what she saw some ladies do.

"The path is clear, Lord Hastings," Thomas informed Dante.

"I will lead the way," Ophelia said, pulling on Dante’s hand to have him follow her. "I will look around until there is something that captures my attention. If you must stop to buy anything you want, please let me know. We should all get what we want today."

"Thomas," Ophelia said, looking at the young guard. "Is there anything you must buy? I will buy it for you."

"You are too kind, Lady Hastings. I do not need anything from the market," Thomas answered.

Thomas slowed down so he wasn’t at Ophelia’s side after meeting Dante’s gaze. He fell back to walk beside Alice.

"How did you get her to like you?" Alice whispered.

"I wasn’t rude to her when she first entered the castle. You are lucky that you still have your head and your work. If I were you, I would get her to like me fast before we return to the castle. The lady has gained power," Thomas said, watching the couple before him.

"I know. Lord Hastings will allow her to oversee matters of the castle. It was what his mother and Miss Victoria once did," said Alice.

"No, she has gained another power. I told all of you to be careful. I warned you of the possibility of Lord Hastings falling for his wife, and it looks like it might be true. What do you think will happen to those who opposed her in the beginning? Do you think he would let it be?" Thomas asked, thankful he wasn’t in Alice’s position.

"I know that I was wrong, and I have been trying to correct it. They must both see that I am trying. I have been tidying her chamber, being at her side whenever she roams, and telling her all that she needs to hear. What more must I do to survive?" Alice asked, nervous about her return.

"Why are you asking me? I would drop to my knees and beg for forgiveness from the lady. Lord Hastings is sending Rick to the border since he is not fond of his wife. Rick is the second in command and Lord Hastings’ childhood friend. If he can be punished, no one is safe," said Thomas.

"There is some luck for you," Thomas said, giving Alice a bit of hope. "The others at the castle don’t know how close Lord and Lady Hastings have become. All you need to do is be better than the others."

"You are right. The other maids in the castle are not fond of her as yet. With the head maid leading them, they will surely be against her. I will have them get in trouble and have her see that I am the best. I must go," Alice said, upon noticing Ophelia admiring a dress.

"I didn’t tell you to get anyone in trouble. Let it happen naturally," Thomas said, but Alice wasn’t listening to him.

Alice returned to Ophelia’s side and watched as she touched a dress. "It would be wonderful for a ball. You can go inside and be fitted or have it made from scratch."

"I don’t have any balls to attend when we return home, but I should have a dress waiting for me if the time comes. Mrs Sterling spoke of inviting me to her home since I have not received invitations from the other ladies on your land. I don’t think this dress would suit such a gathering," Ophelia said, letting go of the dress. "We should move on."

"If you wish to live," Dante said, startling Alice. "See to it that everything she touches is put in my name. It will all be settled at the end of the day. I will remove your impending death if you succeed."

Alice’s eyes widened, thrilled that her moment had come. "You can count on me!"