Chapter 417: Caught (4)
Tyrion exited the dungeon and walked in search of his family to say his goodbyes.
Edgar had already departed to be with his family and inform them of the news.
Tyrion found his mother and Teo speaking alone.
"Are you scolding him, mother?" Tyrion asked, bringing attention to himself.
"There you are. I wanted to see you before you slip off," Hazel said, setting aside her other troubles for now. "Are you well?"
"I wasn’t shot," Tyrion said, ending the questions before they started. "Penelope has threatened to harm me if I am wounded again. I fear what she will do more than anything in this world."
"Good. Men should fear their wives a little," Hazel said, tidying Tyrion’s hair as she spoke. "’Don’t worry her by throwing yourself into danger. Now that Quinn is dealt with, you must take a break."
"Should he not come around to help me, mother?" Teo questioned, not wanting to see Tyrion go.
"He will be around, but you will be the king. Surely you cannot expect Tyrion to be at your side for every occasion. He has a wife to give his time to, and you are about to be married. I hope to see Penelope soon so she can sit with Juliette," said Hazel.
Hazel wanted to see all her family together before she would give away her crown.
"Are you fond of her?" Tyrion asked, still yet to welcome Juliette.
"She is lovely. What matters most is how she is with the people and Teo. So far, they seem to be falling in love, and she is preparing well for her duties. The hardest part for a young lady will always be to adapt to the palace ways, but I shall make it easier for her," Hazel promised.
Hazel didn’t want Juliette to face what she did with Tabitha. She didn’t see the need to be so hard on a young lady who was coming into a familiar setting where she would be without her family.
Hazel had advice to offer, and then she was going to step away until Juliette needed her.
"I am quite tired of being queen for so long. Of all the Castro traditions, I am most thankful they will not have us sit on the throne until we are old and dying. You must visit and give Juliette a chance. Nothing will change that she shall be our queen," said Hazel.
"I don’t intend to ask that Teo pick a different queen. I am getting to know her at my own pace," Tyrion said.
"I know. You have always found it hard to let anyone around your sibling, but this isn’t just anyone. She will be Teo’s wife. We must all be close, so bring Penelope to the palace. No, I will send her an invitation," Hazel said, knowing Penelope wouldn’t say no to her.
"I do not want Tyrion to get close to my wife. Every lady from this season was once obsessed with him. I would not be surprised if Juliette were the same. Stay far away," Teo ordered Tyrion.
Tyrion hit Teo’s shoulder. "I have Penelope. Why would I bother myself with your wife?"
Hazel shook her head. "It is not a contest. I must visit your sister. Tyrion, visit Hailey to see her before she leaves with your aunt."
"She will still go despite Quinn being caught?"
"Yes. Your father and I think Hailey would benefit from some time out of the palace. Your aunt’s home is well guarded, and perhaps there, Hailey can experience a bit of freedom. You are not the only one who yearns to experience life outside the palace," Hazel said to Tyrion.
It was all Hazel could do for her daughter since there was more danger for a princess outside of the palace than for a prince.
"When you are done speaking, join me to see Hailey. I must see Juliette for her lesson afterwards. Do not take long," Hazel said, leaving soon after with four maids behind her.
"The palace is going to be quiet with you and Hailey outside of it. I did not think it would ever be like this so soon. You and Penelope could stay in the palace a little after my coronation. I will keep you both safe," Teo promised.
"Focus on keeping your future wife safe. Penelope and I want to be alone. We’ll stay in the palace when we deem it is time. Now come before she scolds us for being late to see Hailey," Tyrion said, following Hazel.
"Is everyone on the Collins estate well? No one was injured, right?" Teo asked, nervous about Tyrion’s reaction.
"I’m certain you heard the report, and we both know the duke would be raising hell now if anyone had been injured. Are you trying to be sneaky to ask about Rue’s well-being?" Tyrion asked, certain it was what Teo wanted. "We are all friends. It would not be odd for you to ask about her unless you make it odd."
"I was concerned about everyone. I will write letters for you to give to everyone when you return to Penelope. I miss seeing them. Now I understand why you didn’t want to be king," Teo said, but he still wanted to sit on the throne.
"Rue has faced two attacks in a short span of time. I believe she would be better protected here than staying on the estate. What is so funny?" Teo inquired, puzzled by Tyrion’s laughter.
"What is funny is that you think she would be safer here. Let me offer you advice one last time as your older brother. To keep our friend group as it always has been, let go of your feelings for Rue. Something is growing between her and Elijah. You are to be married soon," Tyrion reminded Teo, since he seemed to have forgotten.
Tyrion lost interest in the triangle Teo placed himself in. If Teo created a mess, it would place Tyrion in a difficult position since Penelope would be invested in resolving the conflict.
"I am only concerned about her safety-"
"You are trying to keep her within your line of sight. You’re going to lose your wife and a friend if you keep this up. You had your chance to court her, and she doesn’t want to be here. She picked him. Live with it," Tyrion said, wanting Teo’s ways to end here.
"Had Penelope turned you away, you wouldn’t have forgotten her easily. You courted her even after she said she didn’t want to be in the palace," said Teo.
"So I gave up the palace to be with her. You can’t have Rue and the palace. You couldn’t have her either way since she is set on Elijah. The feelings won’t pass fast, but it will help if you focus on your bride-to-be. Don’t waste her time by loving Rue in secret," Tyrion said, trusting Teo to make the right choice.
"I’m going to return to the palace and give you a good hit on the head if you forget about your wife. Now come, you know how scary our mother gets when she is angry," Tyrion said, not wanting to be late.