Ophelia flinched when the door closed. She didn't know what to make of the interaction she had with Dante.
Dante could have forced her to his chamber if he had come here with the intention of sleeping with her, but he didn't. So, what did he come for?
Did he care about where she slept?
Ophelia gripped the knife he left behind. "Don't trust him," she whispered.
No one from the Hastings family was to be trusted, and the same could be said for the Valthorns. Ophelia was stuck in the middle, and neither side realised that she didn't want any part of the war.
Ophelia brought her legs closer to her chest and hugged them.
Despite her awful predicament, Ophelia could only think of her brother.
Was he well?
Would their mother have him seen by the doctor frequently?
"Theo," Ophelia whispered her brother's name.
Ophelia's only wish was that, in time, she could be reunited with her brother.
In the morning, Cecilia walked toward Dante's chamber with Edith not far behind her.
Cecilia entered the room alone and found Dante getting dressed by himself.
"Tell me, why did you not think it was important to inform me of your return? I also heard that you visited that woman last night. What for?" Cecilia asked, cautiously drawing closer to Dante.
Dante was never in a pleasant mood when returning from the palace.
"Why would I need to report what I do with my wife to you? Don't be nosey, mother. It doesn't suit you," said Dante.
"You are my son. What involves you is my concern, and I don't trust that woman. Don't tell me that after one night with her, you have started to care for a Valthorn? The same family that made your father fight until he took his last breath," Cecilia said, her nails digging into her skin.
It infuriated Cecilia when she thought of Dante being married to Ophelia. For Dante to fall in love, Cecilia would rather die than witness it.
"If you ever-"
"Mother," Dante turned around swiftly. "I said, don't be nosey. I have known her for only one day. What is there to feel?"
Cecilia smiled, relieved that Dante wasn't so foolish as to fall prey to Ophelia's tricks.
"Don't smile. She is still my wife," Dante reminded Cecilia.
"It is a title she will hold only to outsiders. She is not a Hastings, and she is certainly not your wife. Joel threw the most unladylike of his daughters to us. He has insulted us!" Cecilia exclaimed.
Dante remained silent.
What use was it to get so worked up when the matter was already done?
"Don't you dare let your guard down around that woman. We cannot trust anyone from that family. The only good that came out of this is having one of them in our hands."
"Is that why you placed her in the old tower? You mistreated her on the ride here, didn't you?" Dante asked, knowing his mother's plans without needing to ask around.
"How was I to sit in a carriage with her for days? Why? Are you angry with me because I did it?"
"I need you to think for a moment. The king is paying close attention to this truce. If she dies in our hands, the Valthorns have reason to accuse us of breaking the truce. So, while I understand your hatred, don't harm her," Dante advised Cecilia.
Cecilia hated that she couldn't do as she wanted. "I will have it that she doesn't die. Tell me, do you trust her?"
Dante's expression changed as though he had heard something amusing. "I don't trust anyone. That doesn't mean I will spend my days torturing her. My fight lies with Joel."
"Good. You should never lose sight of what you promised your father. There is something else I must speak about. With that woman here, Victoria may feel lonely. You should spend more time with her," Cecilia suggested.
Dante chuckled.
It was absurd for his mother to want him to be with a mistress as opposed to his wife, regardless of the circumstances.
"Victoria's father was always loyal to our family. She knows our secrets. I beg you not to abandon her. If you must have a child," Cecilia said, taking one final step to touch Dante's cheek. "Have it with her."
"I'm not having a child with anyone," Dante revealed.
Cecilia's lips parted, a gasp exiting. "You won't have a child? Wasn't one of the agreements that you would have a child with that woman? Everyone is awaiting news of a child. Why not have one with Victoria instead?"
"I'm not repeating myself," Dante said, picking up his sword and then starting to walk toward the door.
Cecilia couldn't believe her ears. "This castle needs another lord."
"I never said the castle wouldn't have an heir. There are plenty of children without parents because of the war. We can find one suitable to fill the empty seat. I am going to train," Dante announced, letting his mother know it was time for her to leave.
"Dante, you cannot do this. You must have a child with your blood. We've always had the upper hand because of it. You mustn't let it die with you," Cecilia pleaded.
"You are back in the comfort of your home. Sit with other ladies and calm yourself since there is no war for the time being. Do anything other than trouble my wife," Dante said as he opened the door.
Edith flinched when Dante stepped out. She was nervous when he suddenly stopped before her.
"Was what I asked to be prepared sent to her chamber?"
"Yes, my lord. The maids sent them this morning, and Lady Hastings should have met her maids this morning. I dealt with the matter closely," Edith said with her head bowed.
"She should have met her maids? You dealt with the matter closely, but you didn't oversee introducing the maids to her? My mother may slip from punishment, but you don't enjoy the same privilege. I suggest you be careful."
Edith kept her head bowed as Dante walked away from her.
Even when Dante was far out of reach from her, Edith couldn't feel relaxed. Since Dante returned, it felt like he had something against her.
"Edith," Cecilia said, exiting the chamber. "What does he speak of when preparing something for her? What did he ask for?"
"It is a peculiar request. Lord Hastings approached me late last night and asked that I send pots filled with dirt to the old tower. I don't know the meaning behind it," said Edith.
Cecilia was stumped.
"Dirt? Of all things, that is what he sends her? Oh, that boy," Cecilia chuckled, no longer concerned. "He has insulted her. I have to see it."