Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 213: New beginnings (1)

In the Valthorn castle, Nigel whistled a tune as he walked toward his father’s study. After receiving news from the palace, the day had suddenly turned better for Nigel. All that Nigel wanted was within arm’s reach. He only needed to do his part now.

Before Nigel entered the study, the door opened, and Bella walked out, rubbing her teary eyes.

Bella looked up at her brother. Her lips trembled as she tried not to cry.

"Is he angry with you?" Nigel asked, stooping down to Bella’s level. "What for?" He inquired after Bella, who nodded her head.

"I am not Freya, and I can’t be better than her. Why does he scold me instead of her? When is Freya coming home?" Bella asked, her tears starting to fall as she found comfort in Nigel’s presence. "I want her back."

Bella wanted Freya to return so she could be the one their father gave his attention to. Bella didn’t like being called the favourite daughter. It came with too many rules and expectations.

Nigel used his thumb to wipe away Bella’s tears. "Valthorns shouldn’t show their tears so easily. You must do better at controlling your emotions. You will be far better than Freya. Our father cannot see the future. Go on and play. I will distract him."

Bella wiped away the last of her tears. "But he is too angry. We should leave him," she said, holding onto Nigel’s hand.

Nigel ruffled Bella’s hair and said, "I will be fine. When I am done speaking to him, you and I can have a little fun. Would you like that?"

Bella nodded. "I would."

"You and I have always gotten along well. With Freya out of the castle, we should become a little closer. Now, run along and finish your studies until I come to you," said Nigel.

"Nigel, when will Freya and Ophelia come home? Why did Theo get to go to the Hastings’ castle without me? This is their home," Bella said, wanting someone to play with. "I miss Giselle."

"You are in luck since Ophelia and Theo will soon return to us. This castle is where they belong, so I will make sure they come back to us. You are making me late. Run along so I can speak to father," Nigel said, standing up straight.

Bella ran along, taking the moment to find a servant to play with instead of studying. Bella didn’t want to follow her father’s orders to be like Freya, or better, as her father said. Bella wanted someone to play with before she would be busy with balls.

Nigel watched as Bella ran away before turning back to the study to enter it.

Nigel knocked on the door as he walked into the study. "Father," he greeted Joel.

"I don’t have time for you," Joel said, not looking up at Nigel.

"Is it because the king is ill and has not left his bed? Don’t look so surprised, Father. I am close friends with the crown prince," Nigel said, walking around the study.

"You cannot speak of it to anyone. I need Edward to get better so I can carry out my plans. He has chosen the worst time to fall ill. The others will be restless, and Dante might see it as an opportunity to attack us. Now is the time for you to remain in close contact with the crown prince," said Joel.

Joel needed Nigel’s friendship with Sebastian to stand tall more than ever now.

"I have planned well to place you at the crown prince’s side," Joel said, taking credit for what Nigel gained. "This is why you must always listen to me," said Joel.

"Father, must I remind you that you wanted me to turn my focus to the king, and I was against it? The other noblemen have decided to cast you aside. I have heard from good sources that they intend to drop you. You will need someone to cling to soon," Nigel said, enjoying the fall of Joel.

"Don’t be so foolish. I am still the king’s right-hand man. What I need is for my children to use the sense I made sure they were taught. I have arranged for you to meet with your future bride. It is time that you end your silly little interest in Ophelia and focus on your duties."

"It is not silly, Father. I had long claimed her, and you got in my way by sending her to Dante without my permission-"

"Nigel!" Joel yelled, picking up a book to throw at Nigel. "You fool!"

Joel faced many challenges now that Edward had fallen sick. He couldn’t have Nigel acting like a lovestick fool for a woman who was well below his status.

Joel missed hitting Nigel with the book since Nigel moved in time to avoid it.

Joel stared at Nigel. "Where did I go wrong with all of you?"

"You can only be disappointed with Freya and yourself. I told you to keep an eye on her, but you did not listen. Times are changing, Father. I don’t need to follow your lead for much longer," Nigel said, reaching behind his back. "If only you would have faith in my ideas and listen to me."

Nigel would have liked it if he could have worked with his father, not against him. However, Joel was stubborn and was strongly against the idea of Nigel claiming Ophelia.

Nigel came to a stop to the right of Joel. He was less than an arm’s length away from Joel.

"The king is going to die," Nigel confidently spoke.

"Madness!" Joel exclaimed and slammed his hand down on the table before him. "All of you have lost your minds. I partly blame Giselle for wasting years not doing her duty."

Nigel chuckled. "There is always no fault when you are the one who brought her here. You force us to follow your wishes, and when your plans fail, you blame everyone else."

Joel searched for another book to throw at Nigel, and this time, he didn’t intend to miss.

Nigel was bold because he was the only possible heir, but it didn’t mean Joel wouldn’t raise his hand to punish Nigel for the disrespect.

Nigel approached Joel to grab his hand before the books could be picked up.

Joel’s eyes widened, surprised Nigel had grabbed him. This was a line Nigel should never cross.

"Old fools like you are no longer needed," Nigel said, taking a knife he sneaked in and plunged it into Joel’s chest.

Joel looked down at where blood formed around the knife which pierced his chest.

"I will be Lord Valthorn and save the good name of this family," Nigel declared.