Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 90: Spoiled (3)

"Thomas, I must be more careful when telling that man he can do as he pleases. My husband, I mean," Ophelia clarified. "I believe he has bought the shop."

Ophelia stood off to the side as the knights came out of the shop with boxes in their hands.

"Lord Hastings is thoughtful," said Thomas.

"He is not here to hear you speak highly of him. Should I take this moment to run and look at other things? I need to get a few shirts and pants for my brother. I could use you to measure what would fit him. Let us go here," Ophelia said, walking to a shop near where Dante stood.

Thomas followed Ophelia, not thinking it was wrong of her to step away since they were still beside the other knights.

"I thought this would be easy, but when there are many options, it is hard to decide. Shopping isn’t for me. What do you suggest?" Ophelia asked, seeking a man’s opinion.

"I can be of some help to the beautiful lady," said a stranger.

Ophelia noticed a man to her right approaching where she stood. "Thank you, but my guard’s help is all I need."

"Nonsense," said George, a passing merchant. "How could a guard possibly know what a lady should pick? I am a well-known merchant here in the capital. I can take you to where you can find the finest clothing for men. It must be for your father."

"Thank you for the offer, but I do not need it. I must be on my way," Ophelia said, turning around before the man became a bother.

It was unfortunate since Ophelia saw something which caught her eye. She found a shirt he thought Dante would like.

"You mustn’t be so fast to leave," George said, approaching Ophelia to see more of her beauty. "I have not seen you in the capital before. You must have come from far for the ball. I am willing to offer you some of my time to pick out what you need for your father."

George came to a stop before Ophelia, blocking her path.

Ophelia touched Thomas’s arm to stop him from drawing his sword. The one who would get rid of the man before her was already on his way.

"For the last time, thank you for the offer, but it is not needed. For your safety, I advise you to be on your way. My husband is a bit scary when he senses danger is near,’ Ophelia said, keeping her gaze on the man she spoke of.

George chuckled. "So, you are married. You must walk around the market a little more and familiarise yourself with those who run it. I am not afraid of your husband. A man-"

"Are you disturbing my wife?"

George turned around to see who had captured the beauty’s hand and felt his heart sink when he was forced to look up at the tall man towering over him.

"L-Lord Hastings," George stuttered. "I meant no disrespect. I was not aware she was your wife."

"Then, were you going to bother her if she were the wife of another man? Are you not married?" Dante asked, purposely brushing George’s shoulder as he walked by to get back to Ophelia’s side.

"Why, yes. I was only being kind to show the lady around. She wanted to find a shirt for a man and only had her guard to ask. Think nothing of it. I must be on my way," George excused himself.

"I left you alone for a moment, and you were being courted by a married man. This is why I must keep a hold of you," Dante said, holding Ophelia’s hand once again.

"I did not wander far. I only wanted to take a look at the shirts they have for men when he came along and offered to help me. To think he is married," Ophelia said, shaking her head at the man walking away. "Are you so kind to others when I am not present?"

"No. If not for you, I would not be in the market now. You never have to fear that I am courting a lady behind your back," Dante promised.

"Right. You already had your fill of mistress chatter," Ophelia said, teasing Dante.

"I did not think this would come back to haunt me. How long are you going to tease me about it?" Dante asked, fearing he was in for a long day with Ophelia’s teasing.

"For as long as it makes you react as you do now. You are easier to tease than I thought. Smile, Lord Hastings," Ophelia said, motioning with her hands to show Dante how to do it. "It is a good day, so you mustn’t pout. Are you done shopping for your dresses?"

"It is not my dresses. They are for you. I hope you always remember how generous I am."

"I will, and I shall remember that you tried to make use of Alice behind my back. You almost turned her into a mess since she is regretting the lie she told. I am the only one who can make Alice nervous. Find someone else to trouble," said Ophelia.

"Are the two of you close now?" Dante asked, curious if Alice turned out to be better.

"I wouldn’t say we are close as yet. I don’t think I could trust her to keep my secrets as yet, but she is useful, and I can see she is trying to do better. Alice is my maid; therefore, if anyone wants to use her, you must come to me. Please stop making her panic," Ophelia said, concerned Alice was going to faint.

"Understood," Dante answered.

"Now, since you are here. I would like your opinion on what shirts you think would best suit Theo. I always think of him as a little boy, but he is a man now. He will want to dress more mature, and I was going to use Thomas to measure," Ophelia said.

"Why Thomas and not me?" Dante asked, flicking his wrist as he shooed Thomas away.

Ophelia examined the difference in size between Thomas and Dante. "You are too big. You won’t be any help to me."

"It is a complaint I am hearing for the first time," Dante said, stepping back as Ophelia glared at him.