"You're allowing that woman to join us for dinner?" Cecilia questioned, shocked by the news Dante shared with her. "Dante, if you don't want me to misunderstand you, then you mustn't make decisions like this alone. I gave the order that her food is to be taken to her chamber."
For Cecilia, dinner was a special moment she wished to share only with her family.
"She only carries the Hastings name due to the arranged marriage. She shouldn't be allowed to sit with us. Dante," Cecilia pleaded.
Dante ignored his mother's pleas and watched as the servants hurried around to place food on the table.
The sun had not set long, and it was the hour for dinner.
Dante had first arrived, followed by his mother. As Cecilia sat down, Dante shared that Ophelia would be joining them, so Ophelia's arrival wouldn't be a surprise.
"My son," Cecilia said, her voice softening. "An outsider will ruin dinner."
"No, bothering me with your cries will do it. When it comes to my marriage, stay out of it. You've left bruises on her, which I will have to explain if anyone from the palace or Vatlthorn family sees them."
"Bruises? Did you not see how she arrived? They sent her to us damaged. Besides, I did nothing to warrant concern from the palace or her family. The Valthorn family doesn't hold the right to object to my wants," Cecilia argued.
"Once married, a woman belongs to her husband and his family," Cecilia said, justifying her actions. "Would you like me to be kind to the woman whose family murdered many of the people I love?"
"Did she kill them?"
Cecilia suppressed her anger. "I am going to pretend you didn't say that. You were not well the day you left, and as it appears now, you are still unwell. I will look over all that concerns your wife. Focus on Victoria."
"Victoria might soon leave," Dante announced.
Dante thought of it once more, and Victoria might be best placed outside the castle alongside his mother to make the castle quiet again. The mansion was near, and they would both be protected by his guards.
Cecilia's mouth fell open. "You would put her out when we are the only ones on her side? Victoria," she said, standing upon seeing Victoria enter the dining hall. "Tell me it isn't true that you are leaving."
Victoria was taken aback by the conversation she was walking into. "If it is Lord Hastings' wish, then I respect his decision. Surely, I would be allowed to visit."
Victoria tried not to let her emotions show. She already had her doubts that Dante would change his mind, and already, he did so.
'This is madness!" Cecilia exclaimed. "It has gone too far and all for what? Can't you see what is happening? That woman has put you in some kind of trance. You shouldn't have brought her here."
Dante palmed his face with his right hand. With all the present noise, he would rather be still on the long trip home.
Victoria approached the table and sat down on her chair, which was to the right of Dante.
"Forgive me, but might I know why Lady Cecilia is upset?" Victoria whispered to Dante.
Cecilia caught wind of what Victoria asked and said, "I'll tell you what upsets me. My son is welcoming that woman to have dinner with us, and he is sending you away. Victoria, this is not a time for you to be calm."
"I must obey Lord Hastings-"
"For you, he is Dante. For her, he is Lord Hastings," Cecilia said, glaring at the women behind her troubles.
Ophelia entered the dining hall behind Alice, unaware of what she was walking into. She avoided Cecilia's gaze as she knew Cecilia looked forward to the smallest interaction to pick a fight.
Ophelia eyed a seat which was not too close to where Dante sat at the head of the table.
Since Cecilia was on the left side, Ophelia chose to sit on the right.
Ophelia sat beside Victoria.
"Good evening," Victoria greeted Ophelia.
"Good evening," Ophelia softly replied.
Though Ophelia wanted to return to her chamber, the sight of the food spread across the table made her wish to stay, even if she would only get a few bites. A bit of meat would go a long way to fill her and give her strength to put up with the Hastings.
Cecilia sat down since her words were falling on deaf ears. She didn't take her eyes off of Ophelia.
"Serve dinner," Dante ordered the servants.
"You should taste one of the bread rolls. They are made fresh for the castle every day," Victoria said, reaching for the bread bowl to offer Ophelia. "They are so good that a basket must be set aside for Lord Hastings, or the knights won't leave any behind."
Ophelia eyed the basket, and after some thought, she picked up one of the rolls. It was warm in her hands.
Ophelia cautiously brought the bread to her mouth and bit into it. It was good, just as Victoria said.
Ophelia quietly ate the bread and thought of a way she could slip one under the table to save for bed.
Victoria smiled, seeing that Ophelia liked the bread. "You can have as many as you like," she said.
"You mustn't be so kind. Her family are the kind to stab you in the back when you aren't looking," Cecilia said, put off by Victoria's actions.
Cecilia glanced at Dante, who appeared to be in his own world. Cecilia would obey his wishes now, but this matter would not be put to rest so easily.
The maids quickly served the food now that Cecilia was calm.
Ophelia tasted all that was placed on her plate, and when she thought no one was looking, she slipped bread under the table to hide in her dress.
Unbeknownst to Ophelia, a pair of eyes took notice of everything she did.
Ophelia enjoyed the silence at the table, which was likely caused by her presence. She was close to finishing her food, until Victoria spat out her food and stood up, clutching her throat.
"Victoria!" Cecilia exclaimed as she abruptly stood up.
Cecilia pushed back her chair and ran around to Victoria's side to help her.
Victoria didn't respond.
"What's wrong? Dante," Cecilia turned to her son for help. "Victoria," she stepped back.
Cecilia stared at the blood Victoria vomited. Fear settled in her mind as she watched Victoria struggle with the pain she experienced.
Dante came to Victoria's side and forced her to look at him so he could find the cause of her pain.
"Send for the doctor!" Dante ordered the maids.
Dante picked up Victoria and held her in his arms, intending to take her to the doctor inside of waiting for someone to arrive.
Cecilia was worried about Victoria. She took one step forward to follow Dante, but soon realised the source of Victoria's pain.
"You!" Cecilia glared at Victoria. "You're the cause of this."
Ophelia was quick on her feet to stand as Cecilia came toward her and wrapped her hands around her neck.
"You did this," Cecilia accused Ophelia.