Ophelia tried to stand up, but her body swayed to the right. Fortunately, the wall was right beside her to keep her from falling.
Thanks to the open door, the flames from the torches outside provided some light in the room for Ophelia to see where her dinner was placed.
Alice's nose crinkled, and instinctively, she covered her nose with her hands. The closer Ophelia got, the more evident it became that she had not seen water for days.
Alice backed away from Ophelia and exited the room, closing the door behind her.
The task of informing Ophelia about the castle rules would need to be left to the head maid.
Inside the room, Ophelia was faced with darkness again, but she had reached the tray of food before the door closed.
'I can't take the chance,' Ophelia thought.
As hungry as Ophelia was, it would be too risky to eat the food without getting even the slightest glance of it.
Ophelia returned to her earlier spot and sat down, placing the tray on her lap. There was little light outside as the sun set. It wouldn't be long before Ophelia would be in complete darkness.
Ophelia frowned; she expected nothing grand, but the food before her was less than what would be given to a stray animal.
The wind blew a burnt scent to Ophelia's nose, and by touching the meat with her finger, she felt the charred ends.
Ophelia chuckled.
It was the first time she had been amused in the last few days. She had seen this plot before, and Cecilia wasn't very skilled at it.
To Ophelia, this punishment was better since she wasn't forced to eat leftovers while Joel sat and enjoyed the sight of it.
Ophelia sat in silence, eating the food despite its burnt taste. It was better than what Cecilia threw at her in the last few days. After her dinner, Ophelia remained seated on the floor and gazed at what was now her new home.
In the late hours of the night, Dante returned to the castle with his entourage of knights behind him. He left the king's palace as soon as the talk about the truce was over and returned to his land.
Dante retreated to his chamber, deciding to leave the morning to hear about his mother's journey home without him.
Dante pushed open the doors of his chamber, expecting to find his wife lying in bed, but what awaited him was far different.
"Dante," Victoria said, standing from the bed to greet him. "Where are my manners? Your grace," she bowed her head and curtsied.
Dante stepped further into the room, still in search of the woman who now held his name.
When it became apparent Ophelia was not around, Dante's eyes settled upon Victoria.
"Where is my wife?"
Victoria raised her head, surprised that Dante had any interest in Ophelia's whereabouts.
Victoria smiled and responded with, "In another chamber. I may escort you there if you need, but it is awfully late. To disturb her after a long journey might upset her. Should I help with your armour?"
"No. You should return to your room and not give in to my mother's games," Dante replied.
Victoria didn't want to leave. To keep their talk going, she said, "Your mother isn't fond of your wife, and neither are many of your servants."
"How shocking," Dante replied with a sarcastic air to his voice.
"I fear that there might be some tension for the next few days. Your wife might find it hard to settle in, and the servants will be uncomfortable. The lady will need a proper introduction to everyone in the castle. I can do it," Victoria offered.
"What are you doing here, Victoria?" Dante asked, growing annoyed.
"Oh," Victoria shyly tucked her hair behind her ear. "Your mother placed me here. She was right that you would return tonight."
"No," Dante said, taking long strides toward Victoria. "What are you doing in my castle? You were to leave by the time I returned."
Victoria's smile fell. "Oh, that is what you speak of. There is much that occurred in your absence. My uncle has caused a bit of trouble, so I cannot return home, or I shall die. I would not overstay my welcome if it were not a serious matter."
Victoria bowed her head in shame. "I only have you to lean on. My uncle gains more power by the day, thanks to becoming close to the king. I am begging you," she fell to her knees. "Allow me to stay a little longer. Just until I have a way to be rid of him and claim what belongs to me."
Dante looked down on Victoria. It was peculiar what had become of her.
Dante walked by Victoria, refusing to pick her up when she was being dramatic. "I gave you a shoulder to lean on. I gave the illusion of my support to help you against him, yet here you still stand."
"You also made a promise to my father to protect me," Victoria reminded Dante.
"I have not forgotten," Dante replied.
"I promise you that I am not taking your kindness for granted. I am gathering men who are against my uncle and waiting for the right moment to strike. I will not be in your way, and if needed, I can help with your wife," Victoria offered.
"If not for her arriving with Lady Cecilia, I would not believe she is your wife. Her state is ghastly. Even the maids appear better dressed. The Valthorns have insulted you and your family. They may only get away with it because the king-"
"Victoria, enough with your rambling. Get out of my chamber. I offer you kindness because of your father's past loyalty and our old friendship, but do not overstep when no one is looking. You are not to be here," said Dante.
Dante placed his hand on his temple. He imagined there would be an even greater headache once he spoke to Ophelia.
Victoria didn't know what to say at first.
It was all an act to protect her from her uncle, but Dante was never this dismissive.
Victoria forced a smile and thought of how Dante might be upset by now being married to a woman he hated, and he had not long come from seeing the king.
'He's not upset with me,' Victoria realised.
"I won't disturb you any longer. If you need, I can tend to your wife so you won't need to cross paths with her. It would surely help your mother," said Victoria.
Dante smiled, amused by what Victoria said. "Right now, she thinks you are my mistress. Surely you are wise to know to stay away from her. Leave my chamber, Victoria. I am not in the mood for any of this."
"As you wish," Victoria replied with a curtsy.
Victoria spared Dante one last look before turning around to walk to the door. In the morning, she knew Dante would be better.