Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 232: Final moments (2)

Ophelia searched for Mary, wanting to give her company and peace of mind. She also wanted to apologise for Kaden probing too much.

"It will be the three of us from now on, but we shall be fine."

Ophelia stopped just before a slightly opened door. She overheard Mary speaking.

Ophelia leaned forward to get a look into the chamber and found two little boys sitting on a bed while Mary knelt before them.

"Not having your father will not make you weak, and I promise you that I will protect you even more in his absence. I will ensure you have the same opportunities you would have been offered had he been alive. You must trust me."

Ophelia quietly left, not wanting to disturb the moment. She wished the best for Mary, and while each group spoke, she sat on the stairs to wait for it to be time to leave.

It wasn’t long before Dante sent Kaden off so he wouldn’t anger anyone, and Ophelia said her goodbyes to Mary.

The ride back to the Hastings’ castle started quietly, and Ophelia couldn’t take much of it.

"You mustn’t think it is your fault Nigel bothered me all because you embarrassed him. He was bound to trouble me for some other reason. If you spend the rest of the day dwelling on this when you soon need to leave- Oh!" Ophelia gasped, startled by Dante pulling her close.

"I am not going to spoil our last days arguing about Nigel. I hope you keep him prisoner until I return so I can torture him."

"I can’t make any promises. If I have Nigel in my hands, I am going to kill him to make up for all that he did to me. I don’t want to take him as a prisoner and allow him to see another day. Which reminds me about the prisoners we have now. How long will they be prisoners?" Ophelia asked, curious if Dante had plans.

"You are in a rush to kill them?" Dante asked and occupied his attention with strands of Ophelia’s hair.

"No. I am only curious how long they will be imprisoned for. Your mother is the only one who has a time on her punishment. I was thinking that for all the years my mother abandoned us, I would keep her alive in the dungeon, but I also want her to die before Theo. I am stuck," Ophelia confessed.

"Do you seek an answer from me?"

"I do. It doesn’t sit well with me that Theo could die before her, but I also want her to endure life in the dungeon. I would go even further to make her act as a maid during the day and then go back to the dungeon at night. I know I shouldn’t be so focused on revenge," Ophelia admitted.

The revenge might not be as satisfying as she imagined.

"From what I have learned about you and your mother, the mere fact that you have not ordered her to be killed is kindness on your part. I suggest you talk with Theo about it since she is his mother as well. I will support the decision you make," said Dante.

"I will talk with him, but not today. I want to have some fun with him today. I cannot believe you will leave soon," Ophelia said, staring at the land the carriage passed. "This kingdom will soon face war again. I urge you to go to Ester."

"I will go to her on my way to the palace. You must stay with your guards when I am gone. No more running off without them to be taken-"

"I have learned from what happened with Eliza. I won’t be kidnapped again," Ophelia promised. "You need to think about yourself. You are going to face Sebastian and the king’s army. I have a feeling you won’t be back for a while."

"You shouldn’t say it out loud. When you do, it is what happens. It will be a long battle, and it might take longer than I plan, but once we have clear control of the palace, I will return to you. I can’t stay there long when there is a chance Nigel might be heading to you," said Dante.

"You mustn’t rush your plans at the palace just to return to me faster. I will be fine. I have a better relationship with the knights, so I trust that they will listen and protect the castle with me. I am curious about something," Ophelia said, her gaze moving from the scenery outside to Dante. "What will become of Freya? She could have his child."

"What if she one day turns out tobe pregnant with his child? What of the woman he is engaged to?" Ophelia asked, realising it was more than just the queen to think about.

"She’ll be sent back to the Valthorns to be with her little sister. Nothing will happen to Sebastian’s fiancée as long as she keeps to herself. We are going there for the crown prince and his followers, not the women. Why? Do you think she should be punished?" Dante asked, curious if Ophelia wanted more revenge. "Her child would never be king or queen."

"I think being stuck with Sebastian and being known as his mistress is enough punishment. I don’t think Freya is going to come out of this and be a better person. If given the chance, she would jump back into her old ways, but she’s going to realise soon how this will follow her forever," said Ophelia.

Freya would forever be known as Sebastian’s former mistress.

"I do enjoy that I didn’t have to bother myself with her. Freya put herself in that position, but I know somehow I am going to be blamed for it. As much as I want to see her fall even lower, Bella needs someone at her side," Ophelia said, thinking of Bella’s position.

Bella lost her mother, and now she has lost her father at the hands of her brother.

"I will make sure Bella is sent with a family who will care for her."

"I think of what the duke said. Even he faced family trying to use him to get at his wealth. Once the Valthorn name is tarnished, Bella might not be treated well. Perhaps finding someone to raise her personally would be best for her. I don’t want her to suffer. Would you let me do it?" Ophelia asked, wanting to ensure Bella had a proper future.

"Let you?" Dante laughed at Ophelia’s choice of words. "I never want to hear that from you again. You can do as you please, Ophelia. You are Lady Hastings."

"Yes, but you have hated the Valthorns for a long time. It wouldn’t surprise me if you don’t care what happened to all of them," Ophelia said, but she found relief in deciding Bella’s future.

"I only hated a few of them, and they are getting what they deserve. Rest now," Dante said, covering Ophelia’s eyes with his hand. "You must enjoy your sleep while you can."