"Victoria, your father was a well-respected man. You shouldn't hold the title of a mistress, but I allowed it because you came here and fell to your knees, asking for protection. I could have killed your uncle back then, but you meddled," said Dante.
Victoria gripped the sides of her dress. "That is a mistake I regret every day. I thought I didn't need to kill him to get what I want, but now he's grown stronger. I've learned from that mistake."
Victoria wasn't that gullible little woman anymore. She now knew that something you wanted wouldn't just fall into your lap.
The world didn't owe anyone any favours.
"I don't mind having the title of your mistress. The truth can be said one day, and I will rise from this. My uncle has the king's protection, but he fears you. If I am no longer seen as your mistress, then he will think I have lost your favour," said Victoria.
Dante's castle was the only home Victoria felt safe in.
"Just a little bit more. I am gathering enough people to take him down, and then your favour to me will end. I've never caused you any trouble. So please," Victoria pleaded.
"It isn't about causing me trouble. I am married now. That is why I told you this must end," Dante explained what shouldn't be explained.
Victoria's shoulder dropped due to disappointment. "You're worried about what your wife might think? You don't love her."
"That's not the only issue," Dante responded. He didn't need the headache of a wife and mistress.
"If it's about her reputation, she has none here, but I can help with that. If you need someone to keep watching her, I can do it. If there are misunderstandings, I can clear them. You're the only friend I have here," Victoria said, hoping it meant something to Dante.
"You may stay around the castle," Dante said, momentarily giving Victoria hope. "But that title you hold will cease to exist. I will have your uncle know you are still protected."
"Very well," Victoria replied, disappointed. "I will trust your decision. I hope that you are well, Dante. You must take care of yourself after a long journey."
Victoria was met by silence.
"By chance, did the king trouble you?" Victoria asked, seeking an answer for his distant behaviour.
"I am in a marriage with a woman I do not know. That fool pushed for this marriage because he knew it would upset me, but I am well. I have matters to take care of now," Dante said, hinting that he wanted to be alone.
"Oh, right," Victoria curtsied. "I have an engagement with your mother, so I will keep her from your side for a few hours. I will also tell the head maid not to let anyone disturb you. Excuse me."
Victoria turned to leave.
The talk with Dante didn't go as Victoria wanted, but she knew if she waited a little longer, Dante would change his mind.
"I'll take you to see your parents' grave soon. I have not forgotten."
Victoria smiled, her mood instantly changing. "Thank you," she answered.
This was enough for Victoria to confirm that all would be well between her and Dante. To visit her parents' grave, Dante would have to escort her to her former home. There they would be alone.
Victoria walked out of the study and went in search of Cecilia.
Behind Victoria walked her maid.
"Have you heard anything?" Victoria softly asked.
Nora, Victoria's maid, drew closer to say, "Yes. I heard that Lady Cecilia has gone to visit the lady. I do not know what for at the moment, but I will ask the maids. Also, it wasn't that she was unwell, but Lady Cecilia forbade her from attending dinner."
"I had a feeling Cecilia did so. She'll do as she wants when Dante isn't around, but I cannot confidently say he would want her at dinner with us. The castle has been so tense since she arrived," Victoria sighed.
Victoria wasn't pleased with who was sent to be Dante's wife, but she pitied Ophelia.
It was never a good feeling to be away from home, and in Ophelia's place, she knew no one here.
"It is all the servants speak about. They welcome peace, but don't feel comfortable with a Valthorn here, even if she is the Lord's wife. Others are pitying you because if not for the truce, you would be the one to marry his grace," said Nora.
"His marriage is already done, so there is no point in sulking over what could have been. You must be careful. You are in no position to disrespect the lady of the castle, and I will not be able to save you," Victoria said, trying to keep Nora safe.
Nora pouted.
Everyone thought of Victoria as the lady of the castle.
Victoria walked to the garden where she was to meet with Cecilia, and to her luck, she arrived at the same time.
"Lady Cecilia, Victoria curtsied.
"Oh, Victoria. Finally, someone to place me in a better mood. I feel a headache coming," Cecilia said, walking with her hand on her temple. "What did I do to deserve this?"
"Deserve what?"
"That woman, of course. You should see the way she looks at me. She doesn't obey and acts like the castle belongs to her. I must keep teaching her a lesson to get her to know her place. I am drained," Cecilia said, approaching Victoria to hold her hand.
"You do not deserve this," Victoria agreed.
"Neither does Dante, but he listened to the king. Why would he listen now when he has always disobeyed the king's order? Something is amiss with him, but he won't tell me. Did he say anything to you last night?" Cecilia inquired, hoping Victoria had the answers.
"I'm afraid I did not stay with Dante last night. He wished to be alone, so I left him. Soon, I will not hold the title of his mistress anymore," Victoria revealed.
Cecilia gasped. "Why not? Is it because that woman is here? This will not do."
Victoria panicked, afraid Cecilia would argue with Dante because of what she said. "It is because he wanted to be alone after a long journey, and as for being his mistress, he is now married."
"No, there is something wrong with my son, and I must act fast. There has to be more to why he visited her last night. Send for Ophelia to be brought here. I want to have a word with her," Cecilia ordered Nora.
"Yes, Milady," Nora replied.
Victoria feared this would only upset Dante. "Shouldn't we leave her in her chamber? She cannot do any harm if she is kept there."
"I have to show her where she stands in this palace. The servants should see what has become of a Valthorn," said Cecilia.