Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 93: Offer (1)

"I don’t know what your plans are for the family, but please spare her. Bella is a kind soul. I don’t know how she managed to grow with the heart and mind she has now when everyone is so awful. Sometimes Joel would be frustrated with her because she didn’t behave like Freya," said Ophelia.

Ophelia suddenly remembered something Freya mentioned yesterday. "Have you heard more of Freya and the third prince becoming engaged? She spoke of it yesterday, and after what we spoke of in the carriage, it is evident that those two are strengthening their ties."

"I have not heard much about it, but it doesn’t surprise me that they are working to unite their families. Lord Hastings has always made his intentions of pushing her into the palace evident. I am not concerned," said Dante.

Ophelia turned around to walk backwards before Dante. "You did well at the event, and with all the rumours, I don’t doubt your talents, but I am worried about you not being concerned. It is fine to be afraid. I wouldn’t judge you."

"I can confess to you when I am afraid, but right now, I am not. All that has been revealed now are plans I have expected. His daughter’s entering the palace might do more harm than good with his friendship with the king," Dante explained.

Joel wouldn’t have the power he was looking forward to, and Freya wouldn’t last.

"Is it because Freya wouldn’t do well in the palace? She most likely only thinks of the attention and becoming a royal. She said something I thought was dangerous. She wanted to be queen, and she is foolish to go after it," said Ophelia.

"Unless she plots with her husband to kill his brothers, her only option would be to seduce the crown prince, but even then, he won’t change who he weds. He’d use her and toss her to the side when he’s done. He is not as she thinks," Dante said, knowing Freya was in for a big surprise.

"Freya only concerns herself with status. Perhaps she would endure so she could remain in the palace. Is it evil that I would want to see her being tortured just a little?"

"No," Dante answered.

"Good. The only one I hope has a happy ending from that family is Bella. She was always kind to Theo and wanted to play with him, but Giselle wouldn’t allow it. I know her tale of Bella speaking to Theo was a lie. She’s going to push Bella to hate her," Ophelia said, worried about Bella breaking down.

Bella always wanted a mother figure, but Giselle was not what she needed.

"If you could, would you take her with you? Bella."

"I would, but aside from her father, there are other Valthorns who would take her in. As much as I would like to help her, I think she would be better in their company. There are shoes there," Ophelia said, holding Dante’s hand to lead him.

Dante silently followed Ophelia, knowing she wasn’t aware she had grabbed his hand. It had become a natural action between them, and whilst it was an odd sight to see Lord Hastings being pulled around, Dante quite enjoyed it.

Dante remained silent even after they entered the shop, and Ophelia searched for shoes for herself. He motioned for the workers not to approach Ophelia to disturb her.

Dante also searched for what might look pretty on Ophelia’s feet and what would be most comfortable. He didn’t want her to endure the pain anymore, all because she was used to it.

"I only need one other pair," Ophelia said, deciding on a simple pair of shoes.

"No. Give us what is popular amongst the ladies in the capital. She’ll have her feet measured now," Dante said, leading Ophelia to a chair to sit.

"Isn’t it meant to be me spending while you stand off to the side? Why is it the other way around? Is this normal?" Ophelia asked, still sitting down as Dante wanted. "Shoes should be worn for comfort. I don’t need what is popular."

"You do," Dante disagreed with Ophelia.

"I am not going to buy them," Ophelia argued.

"No, you are not. I am going to buy them. You cannot tell me how to spend my money. I also paid for the dresses and shirts you selected. Should we take a look at the finest jewels next?"

Ophelia looked down upon Dante as he kneeled to take off her shoe.

All around them, the women whispered amongst themselves and likely spoke of how wonderful Lord Hastings was as a husband.

Ophelia wanted to take off her shoe herself, but with how gossip passed around, she knew it would soon reach Joel’s ears and make him regret sending her to wed Dante.

Dante didn’t hate her as Joel might have thought he would. Instead, they are getting along.

"Well, since you seem to know what I need, why don’t you decide what I should wear? Then I will look around and buy what I think you would look best in. Do you agree?" Ophelia asked, offering her hand to Dante for him to shake.

"You do not think I look good now?" Dante asked as he set Ophelia’s shoe to the side.

"You do look handsome now, but I am curious how you would look in the clothing I have in mind. I wouldn’t make you hideous. It would be impossible to do so when your parents have blessed you with a handsome face. I will do right by you and pick well. My offer is slipping," Ophelia said, slowly lowering her hand.

Dante smiled, and before the chance went away, he shook Ophelia’s hand. "I look forward to seeing what my wife wants to see me wear, though nothing is always the best answer."

Ophelia wished she could step on Dante’s fingers. "Don’t be shameless. Your little act has already worked," she whispered.

"Act?" Dante replied as he stood up. "I am spoiling my wife because I want to, not because of the crowd. If I wanted rumours to speak," Dante said, lowering himself to Ophelia’s level. "I would speak of how you clung to me when I carried you last night."

"I did not!" Ophelia denied the accusations. "You mustn’t lie about what happened."

"I slept on the floor not only because I am a gentleman, but because my wife thought I was a giant pillow. To avoid a misunderstanding, I didn’t bother sleeping at one end whilst you slept on the other end. I was afraid for my life all night as I was tied to a woman waiting to pounce," Dante said, placing his hand above what would be his frail heart.

"You are a liar. You-"

"She is coming to measure your foot," Dante spoke over Ophelia. He smiled as he knew she wasn’t going to let this matter rest.