Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 151: Danger (2)

In the Hastings castle, Ophelia saw Mary off and did a walk-through of the castle to see that everyone did their tasks.

"It seems you have grown closer to Mrs Sterling," said Alice.

"I have. Everyone has misjudged her because she married a man older than her. It wasn’t her choice to marry him, but the choice of the family who pushed her into his arms. She understands what it feels like to be in my shoes, and best of all, I can be myself around her," Ophelia said, reminiscing on her time with Mary.

"Do you bond with her because she had an arranged marriage?"

"No, that was never why I became friends with her. Mary is a very mature and wise woman. She sees that I am Lady Hastings and gives me the respect that I deserve. She could have followed the crowd and hated me to save herself from being further ousted, but she didn’t. I like her because she is herself," Ophelia explained.

Ophelia wanted to invite Mary to the castle more often, and already she received an invitation to Mary’s home to see her children.

Ophelia saw Mary’s genuine side. Mary was trying to help her avoid the mistakes she made and also be the woman Mary hoped had been around to guide her.

"I always thought I either wouldn’t have time for friends, or there wouldn’t be anyone to understand the position I am in. Now, I must push myself to get to know others because I genuinely enjoyed her company. I want to make more friends," Ophelia said, wanting more people she cared for around.

"Perhaps you feel this way because you miss Lord Hastings. Oh," Alice covered her mouth. "Forgive me."

Ophelia turned to face Alice. "I have noticed that you have been trying quite hard to push me towards my husband. First, with moving some of my belongings to his chamber, and now this. Did he put you up to it? I expect nothing less."

’"No, Lord Hastings didn’t put me up to it. You appear to be deep in thought at times, so I thought you might be missing your husband. I shouldn’t overstep," Alice said, bowing her head.

"You didn’t say anything wrong. It is partially true that I miss the big brute. I am worried because we haven’t received any news, and I have been trying to keep my mind off of him. I know that you are trying to be helpful, so I won’t think anything of it. Please prepare a warm bath for me. I will retire early," said Ophelia.

"As you wish," Alice said and made haste to relay the message to the other maids. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

"It is just you and me now, Thomas. I’m afraid you were stuck with a boring job since you haven’t needed to protect me this far, and you couldn’t go with my husband," said Ophelia.

"I don’t mind it," Thomas replied, his gaze on the knights passing by. "It is an honour to be selected to guard you. We should move faster to get to Lord Hastings chamber."

Ophelia picked up on danger and did as Thomas asked.

They had yet to find the knight Ophelia spoke of, but the good news was that Thomas knew who she spoke of. The problem was the knight didn’t appear to be in the castle, and they had no way of knowing if he had gone along with Dante’s entourage.

Ophelia didn’t stop walking until she reached the inside of Dante’s chamber. She welcomed Thomas inside so they could speak in private.

"Did you see the knight? Or, was it someone else?" Ophelia inquired, worried danger might be getting closer.

"He is in the castle. I would have preferred for him to be travelling with Lord Hastings, so you wouldn’t have to face him. I must order the others to capture him, but I cannot leave your side. I will wait for Alice to return and have her give your order," said Thomas.

"I would prefer you place someone to watch him and see who he speaks to. I don’t believe he is working alone if he is plotting to harm me. I know I might be taking a grave risk by not capturing him right away, but I don’t want to miss the chance to catch others," Ophelia said, believing there were others.

"I have tasked someone to watch him, but since he has returned in view now that Lord Hastings is out of the castle, I worry he might be plotting to harm you. It is best that we place him in the dungeon and explain the matter to Lord Hastings when he returns," Thomas suggested.

"Then, do so. The others will show their hands eventually. Guard the door and pass the order to Alice. It must be done with no one getting hurt. Not the knights nor the maids. Get him when he least expects and have him questioned about his whereabouts," Ophelia gave the order.

While Ophelia didn’t have proof that this knight was plotting against her, he made a mistake by not obeying Dante’s orders. No one was to leave the castle without permission.

At least until Dante returned, the knight would be in the dungeon.

"I will pass on your order. I will be guarding the door so you may rest," Thomas said, hoping Ophelia wouldn’t think too much about the knight. "I am sorry for spoiling the ending of your day. You were having fun."

"I would be upset if you hid his presence from me, all because you want me to have a fun day, Thomas. My day isn’t spoiled by this. In fact, I feel good knowing that we have been wonderful at avoiding dangers. We are quite the team, so please, continue as we are now," Ophelia said, preferring to be safe than have fun.

"I understand. Since Alice is gone, is there a task you need from another maid? Water? Food?" Thomas asked.

"A report of where my husband is now would be good. Does it normally take this long, or is it because I am waiting for him that it is this way?" Ophelia wondered.

"It is taking a bit long to receive a report, but it might mean that there isn’t much danger, so Lord Hastings shall soon return. If the matter with the duke has been dealt with, then it is possible Lord Hastings could be on his way back and reach the castle by nightfall," Thomas said, trying to ease Ophelia’s worry.

"I shall send a messenger boy out for you. It is not uncommon for us to do it," said Thomas.

"Thank you," Ophelia replied, having some peace of mind for the moment.