Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 94: Offer (2)

Ophelia remained quiet as her feet were measured and shoes were bought with Dante’s money. When it came time to leave, she held Dante’s arm so he could not run.

"What were you saying about last night? What lie was it? I asked you if there was more to share, and you didn’t speak of anything in the morning, so why speak of it now?" Ophelia asked.

"To bother you, of course. I told you what was important. Surely you didn’t think I wouldn’t keep a few moments to myself to tease you. Nothing inappropriate happened, but you did enjoy my presence. You also bit me, but I wasn’t hurt," Dante shared.

Ophelia gave Dante’s arm a little squeeze. "It is best that you forget all that happened then, and you must instruct your knights not to speak of it. I like the comfort of being the only one in my bed and wouldn’t need to cling to you."

"Would it kill you to admit you liked resting on my chest? There doesn’t need to be any feelings behind it. I think we have come a long way for you to have been so comfortable in my arms. Do you not agree?" Dante asked, hoping Ophelia saw it.

"I know we have changed for the better, and I am proud of myself for opening up to someone. I do hope we can continue to grow closer, but I don’t want to get carried away. This all has to end at some point. I will save you the trouble and never drink," Ophelia promised.

"How disappointing. It is when you are most honest." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"I can be honest without a drink. If there is something you wish to know, ask. I shall answer you," Ophelia said, deciding to be more open. "I won’t ask for your secrets in return."

Dante was pleasantly surprised. "Why the change?"

"You took part in an event you didn’t have any interest in for me, and so far, it doesn’t feel like you intend to use what you have learned about me against me. I don’t have any suspicions that you are plotting to use me to go against Joel. More importantly, I enjoyed having someone to speak to," Ophelia confessed.

Ophelia looked at the women whispering as she walked by with Dante. "I have tried to speak of my troubles before with others, but they either start telling me of how their troubles are worse, or gossip when I am not around. Many thought I should endure since I got to live in a castle. You are different. You listen, and I don’t feel judged by you."

"I am happy to be of some use. Like my other offer, when you wish to speak to someone, you are welcome to my chamber at any time. I do not believe you wake in the night so often for no reason. I think it is because you cannot sleep. Is there something wrong with the chamber, or is there more troubling you?"

"It will sound silly, but the chamber is too big. The chamber in the tower was smaller, so it was easier to sleep in. I don’t know how it happens, but a big chamber makes me get inside my head, and it is hard to fall asleep. There is nothing to do in the chamber, so I sit in a chair until my body tires itself," Ophelia confessed.

Ophelia placed her right hand on her neck. "My body pays the price for it in the morning. I know everyone would prefer a big chamber, but I am not used to it yet. I would buy a book, but I am still learning to read. It is part of why I want to garden and make clothing. I must keep my mind busy."

"My chamber is big as well, but with two people, it should appear a bit smaller. I’m used to sleeping on the ground when I travel so that a floor would be no different. You are welcome to stay the night in my chamber if my presence would help you," Dante offered.

"I already feel bad that you had to sleep on the floor last night. I cannot take you away from your bed, all because I’m unable to sleep. You only need to warn the servants that if they see a woman wandering the castle late at night, it is me going to see my garden," Ophelia said, followed by laughter as she imagined herself a ghost.

"Then, my bed is big enough for the two of us. You may have one end, and I will have another. I am not the one who moves in their sleep, and considering you slept well once I got you down to bed, it might work if you have some company. I won’t touch you," Dante assured Ophelia.

"Your kindness sometimes scares me. Not a lot where I would run away from you, but there is a little voice in my head telling me that it won’t last. I will consider your offer, or consider the idea it has given to let Alice stay in my chamber-"

"You would stop her from getting her rest?" Dante asked, shooting down the idea.

"I would have another bed added to the chamber. If we were to share a chamber, no one would believe that we are merely sleeping. You would need to prepare yourself for gossip," said Ophelia.

"A husband and wife sharing a chamber? How scandalous. There must be more gossip since we do not share a chamber. Besides, others will chatter no matter what we do. You mustn’t think of them," Dante said and awaited Ophelia’s response.

"I will think about it. There are reasons why it is not so easy for me, despite trusting you. Truly, it isn’t because I don’t think you are a gentleman," Ophelia said, worried Dante would misunderstand.

"I know your hesitation comes from past instances where someone else scared you. If anyone harmed you in any way, you must tell me so I can keep you from them. I can punish them no matter who your tormentor is. I will protect you," Dante promised.

"You know who they are, but you cannot kill them as yet unless you are ready to have the war start again. I promised to be honest, and soon, I shall tell you what terrified me the most. For now, why don’t we start with me coming to your chamber to talk when I cannot sleep?" Ophelia proposed.

"It is a good start," Dante replied, putting the other matter to rest for now. "Must I prepare rope just to be safe?"

Ophelia laughed. "If there is to be any rope, it would be for me to tie you. Would I be the first person to make you my prisoner if I do it?"

"You have," Dante answered.