Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 229: Unwanted visitor (3)

"I know. What do you want? You haven’t come here just to offer condolences to a man you never liked," said Dante.

"That is true. It is hard to see you, Dante. You have your castle well-guarded, which isn’t good when we’re supposed to be working together. This is what I must resort to see you and your lovely wife," Kaden said, flashing a smile at Ophelia.

"You could have sent a letter to the castle, and we would have arranged a day to meet with you. Surely, it crossed your mind," Ophelia said, annoyed that Kaden couldn’t read the room. "This is not the time nor the place."

"It did cross my mind, but surprising the two of you felt like the better option. Perhaps it is because I am without a wife that I don’t understand why you can’t leave your castle, but you must. Every day, the news I receive from the palace gets worse," Kaden said, ready to leave town.

"Lady Hastings, I would greatly appreciate it if you would lend me Lord Hastings for a few days. I will do my best to bring him back in one piece," Kaden promised and crossed his fingers for Ophelia to see. "Is there no place for us to speak in private? I do not appreciate all the extra ears."

"Are you asking that in the midst of Mary mourning the loss of her husband, we are to ask her to provide us somewhere to sit to speak about war?" Ophelia asked, pinching her nose.

"Yes, that is precisely what I am asking. It would be even better if she could send the guests away. There is no need for them to be present. Her home is filled with greedy little bastards, and you agree with me," said Kaden.

Ophelia hated that Kaden was right. It was about time the guests left Mary’s home to give her some peace.

"The two of you can speak, but it must be outside. I will help Mary with the guests," Ophelia decided.

"I can help to get rid of the guests-"

"No," Ophelia rejected Kaden’s offer. "I fear heads might roll if we allow you to take charge. Dante, would you be so kind as to send them off? You must have seen or spoken to the people here. If Mary sends them off, it will create trouble for her in the future."

"I will do my best," Dante replied, though he did not want to get involved in the Sterlings’ issue.

Dante left Ophelia’s side to speak to the guests, but he kept a close eye on Ophelia and Kaden.

"I fear you misjudged me, Lady Hastings. I am not one to upset a mourning wife. If it will help you feel better, I can apologise to the host for my sudden presence. It will only be a moment," Kaden said, walking around a very upset Ophelia. "You must trust me."

"I don’t," Ophelia muttered.

Kaden screamed trouble, but they needed him and his army.

Kaden left Ophelia and followed where Mary had walked off. He found her alone in the kitchen, drinking a glass of water.

"Wine or rum would be better to calm your mind, but I understand if you fear the scent lingering. I have promised Lady Hastings that I would apologise to you. I am sorry for bringing you flowers at this time," Kaden apologised.

"You did not need to apologise, but I will take it. You have done plenty for a man you didn’t like. You don’t need to stay any longer. Please, return to your home," Mary said, desperate to have Kaden out of her home.

Mary felt Kaden brought trouble. This was a man picking a fight with the king, for good reason, but Mary didn’t want to be tied to him.

"Why does it feel as though you do not like me? It wouldn’t make sense for you not to like me since we have only spoken once. Were you angry that I dismissed your husband? Is that it?" Kaden pressed, but he knew it wasn’t the reason when Mary turned around.

"It has nothing to do with my husband. Must I take a liking to you because you are a duke? Must everyone in the kingdom or world be fond of you? What you do for your revenge has spread across the town. I want to stay out of it," Mary explained.

"Yet you are friends with Lady Hastings. You shouldn’t judge me before you get to know me-"

"I don’t want to get to know you," Mary quickly spoke. She took a deep breath to calm herself. "There are many people out there who would love to speak of their love for you and kiss your shoe if you ask them. Why don’t you go bother them and have your fill of compliments?"

"I don’t enjoy being surrounded by those people, and neither do you. I was coming here to apologise and offer to get them out of your home. If a duke sends them away, they will have no reason to object. It also won’t affect the Hastings. All you have to do is say please," Kaden said, leaving out that Dante was already doing it.

"I would rather endure hearing them speak all day than accept your help," Mary rejected the offer.

"Don’t you have children? Don’t you want to be with them? Sooner or later, one of the relatives is going to stand up and claim that you killed your husband. Before that happens, wouldn’t you like to send them away so you can be with your children? Be with your children," Kaden spoke firmly.

"Why are you doing this? You aren’t here to offer condolences, and it isn’t because we are friends. You want something out of this, and I have a feeling it is to be near the Hastings. I am not going to allow you to help me put you in a good place with the Hastings," Mary said, refusing Kaden’s help again.

"So, Your Grace. What can I offer you? Would you like some water? Tea? Or Wine before you leave my home?" Mary asked.

"I would not go through all this trouble just to impress those two. I happen to admire those who fight to get the life they desire. I don’t think you have a right to judge me after what you had to do to get freedom, so no, I don’t want your tea or water," Kaden said, fixing the vase Mary had placed the flowers in.

"Come on, Mary. You know you want to kick them out of your home so you can have peace. Let me be the bad one while you get to watch it happen. Wouldn’t you like to drop the act of grieving a man you hated?" Kaden asked and noticed the temptation in Mary’s eyes.

"Fine," Mary agreed.