"Lord Hastings!" Harold stood up just as Dante moved. "We have been loyal to your family from the time your father stood in your position. We are allowed a chance to explain ourselves to you and not be interrogated by a woman who comes from the Valthorn family. She is no good."
Ophelia smiled, humoured by what Harold said. "I gave you a chance to explain yourself, and all you wanted to do was deflect. It is evident that you switched sides and thought my husband was going to die. If you regretted it, you should have come to him sooner to confess."
"I think the men should settle this amongst themselves. You may trust your wife, but we do not. She is still a Valthorn, though her name has changed. Please," Francis pleaded.
Francis hated that Norman said nothing when he was the one closest to Dante. Why would they be forced to listen to a woman questioning them when she was new to this world?
