Chapter 262: Deaths (2)
"News is slowly coming from the palace. Kaden didn’t mention the coronation for the second prince, but he did mention finding the queen’s father dead. It appeared Althea worked with her father to sneak into the palace, and Freya was an unfortunate target," Dante shared.
Ophelia looked up at Dante. "A target for what?"
"She might have been going after everyone close to Sebastian, and while she couldn’t reach Lilith, the candidate for queen, she found Freya. Freya was taken from her chamber and killed. I do not know much as I am awaiting more messages," said Dante.
"I see. If only the news could come to us sooner. I would like to know more about what Althea did. While I understand her going after Freya, why did she not focus on going after Sebastian all the way to the end? He was the greatest threat to her children," Ophelia said, puzzled by Althea’s decision.
"It wouldn’t have been easy for Althea to get to Sebastian. Once Edward died, she lost her power, and the guards would have sided with Sebastian. She might have crossed paths with Freya and decided to kill her. We do not know what happened between them during our time away from the palace," said Dante.
"When I sat with them, they looked close. Perhaps Althea felt insulted that Freya abandoned her son for Sebastian, and they have clashed since then. I had hoped Bella would at least have Freya to turn to, but she has lost everyone," Ophelia said, thinking of how Bella would take the news.
’They all dug their graves. Kaden didn’t mention it, but I am almost certain that in his next message, we will hear that Althea has been caught and killed. I have already sent word back of Nigel being captured and that he is to be killed today."
"Someone will soon need to go to the Valthorns’ land to get it under control. Will it be you?" Ophelia asked, afraid she would have to part from him again.
Dante raised Ophelia’s hand to kiss it. "No," he answered. "I can send men I trust. Someone else will need to take control of the castle and handle the castle affairs. I cannot oversee two lands, so the king will have to grant it to someone."
"Good. I would have hated for you to leave, and I am not ready to return to the Valthorn castle to go there with you. I do not want to ever set foot there, even when there will be a new lord. I might visit the land to see Bella, if she allowed it, but I prefer to be here," said Ophelia.
"I understand, and I wouldn’t force you to go there. I would only have to visit the castle if trouble arrives. Let us hope that it does not."
Ophelia tiptoed to cover Dante’s mouth with her hand. "You cannot say that out loud. It will only bring us bad luck. Joel had relatives who would try to fight for the land, which means you would have to go there. For now, let us refrain from speaking about the Valthorns."
"I also don’t want to hear about the palace unless it is important. Before the ball, wouldn’t it be wonderful to get away from the castle and go to the home you promised me? For just a few days, we could be Ophelia and Dante. Not Lord and Lady Hastings. Please," Ophelia pleaded, and fluttered her lashes to convince Dante.
Dante stared at Ophelia, trying to make sense of her actions. "What are you doing?"
"Trying to persuade you? Is this not how the other wives would do to convince their husbands? Do not laugh," Ophelia said, and playfully tapped his shoulder. She soon joined Dante in laughing at how she acted. "I was trying to be cute."
"You are always cute in my eyes, and I don’t want you to act like the other wives. I didn’t fall in love with those women. I fell in love with you. I will arrange for us to leave the castle in secret. Will we be taking Theo with us?" Dante asked, starting to plan in his head.
"He can join us in one or two days. Wouldn’t it be wonderful for us to have time for no one to disturb us? No guests, no servants, and no Ester. Just guards outside to protect us," Ophelia said as she moved to stand before Dante.
Ophelia grabbed Dante by his shirt and pulled him toward her. "I am open to playing a role. A dutiful wife with her farmer husband. For your sake, you should make it happen quickly."
"We can leave right now. They do not require our presence," said Dante.
Ophelia chuckled. "They will come looking for you after the execution. Tend to your duties quickly, then arrange for us to leave. You must act fast because I can so easily change my mind. Dante?" Ophelia called for Dante as he stepped away from her and started to leave her.
Dante returned to Ophelia’s side to kiss her lips. "I shall see you in about an hour. Have Alice pack your bags, and for heaven’s sake, leave Alice behind. Only our guards are to join us."
Ophelia didn’t get a second chance to kiss Dante because he hurried off to complete his duties. "What have I started?" She muttered, realising she might have woken a literal beast.
While there was some concern about what would happen during her time alone with Dante, Ophelia welcomed the distraction to take their minds off of Nigel and their mothers.
"I should pack and continue preparations for the ball at the same time. I wonder if the invitations would be ready before then," Ophelia said as she changed direction to find Alice.
Ophelia found Alice lurking close to where she had been walking with Dante. "Were you following us, Alice?
"No. Yes? While I have become close to your guards, I do not believe they are good at sending away anyone who disturbs your time with Lord Hastings. How are we to have an heir- Oh!" Alice covered her mouth. "I did not mean to say it out loud."
"Well, I for one am happy that you said it. All this time, you have been amongst the people pushing for me to have a child. Now I know why there were so many suggestions for me to seduce my husband. Shame on you," Ophelia said, shaking her head. "I thought I knew you better."
Ophelia walked away from Alice and covered her mouth to hide her smile. She enjoyed making Alice panic.
"You do know me. You must let me explain," Alice said as she ran after Ophelia.
