Chapter 425: Shameless (1)
"Why are you smiling? Are you happy that it is settled? Teo is king, so now no one can fight for you to reclaim the throne. Or, are you happy to see your little brother take on such a big role?" Penelope wondered.
"Both. We can also start preparing our move out of Lockwood," Tyrion said, most excited about the peace.
"Already? We do not know what fixes our new home will need. I thought we would travel around for a bit before we settled there. Or, stay at my parents-"
"No,’ Tyrion said, shaking his head. "We will not stay at your parents’ home."
"It is the one outside of Lockwood. My family is moving now that the coronation is over. Wouldn’t you like to be among friends and family?" Penelope asked, puzzled by Tyrion’s response.
"I would like to be among friends and family, but not all day. I am lucky to be allowed to share a chamber with you, even though we are married. We’ll stay in our own home since I have started fixing it up," said Tyrion.
"When did you do this? How did you have the time for it when you were busy with the court?" Penelope wondered.
How did Tyrion find time to do anything other than search for Quinn’s victims?
"I always set aside time for what concerns you," Tyrion answered.
"Then," Penelope said, clinging to Tyrion’s arm. "We should start moving. I’ve had enough of Lockwood. It has been eventful since I arrived. Oh, don’t you need to go to the meeting with Annalise and Teo?"
"Why? It is the first task for the new king, and I don’t want to be present when Annalise is angry. I cannot shake the memory of her throwing a dagger between the legs of a man who insulted her. She missed, but she made him piss himself," said Tyrion.
Penelope placed her right hand over her mouth to hide her laughter. "It is no wonder why the court hated her so much. She is not a woman to bow to anyone, no matter how big they might be. I adore her."
Annalise was the kind of woman many ladies should take a few notes from.
"I’m happy to see her in Lockwood since she always comes with good tales from the border, and Rue has her mother. It is good when everyone gets together. The more the better," Penelope said, staring at her family ahead.
"You’ve done quite well these last few days, so I think it is only fair that I award you. As long as the meeting goes well, and we are not asked to stay in the palace, I think it might be a good day to take a ride around the town," Penelope whispered.
It was innocent to others who managed to overhear, but Penelope didn’t want to take any chances.
Tyrion thought of what he could do to make the day go by faster. Luckily, his brother was the king.
"You sneaky woman. Speaking of this now, when you know I am to be at my family’s side to greet the guest," Tyrion said, sneaking glances at the path they would need to take to leave.
Penelope tapped Tyrion’s abdomen and said, "I too like to tease others a little bit. Why are you so tense, Prince Tyrion?"
"Prince Tyrion?"
Penelope frowned, believing she had heard double of her voice, only for Tyrion to move and reveal a young woman standing beside him.
Penelope’s mood turned sour since it was the very young lady who was bold enough to send a love letter to Tyrion.
It was already shameless to send a married man a love letter, but did this young lady not have any sense to not approach him when his wife was present?
Faye Dunley curtsied. "Greetings, Your Highness."
"Miss Faye," Tyrion returned the greeting. "My wife stands beside me."
"Oh," Faye said, flustered. "Princess Penelope. I am honoured to be in your presence."
"It is... wonderful to see you again," Penelope replied.
With the greetings dealt with, Tyrion went back to searching for an escape route for himself and Penelope. He was meant to stay to speak with the guests, but there wasn’t an order which said how long he needed to stay.
"The royal family once again stands high above the town with their appearances. I am delighted to have been able to witness a new beginning for the royal family. It must be exciting for you as well," Faye said with her right hand clutching the necklace she wore.
Tyrion looked down after hearing Faye’s voice. "Forgive me. I was a little distracted. What did you ask, or were you speaking to my wife?"
Faye blushed, embarrassed that he had not heard her. "Well, I was speaking about you being excited for your brother."
"I am. Did you think I would not be?" Tyrion asked, peering down at the young woman. "If you are here to speak to my wife, then I may step away so it can be done in private."
"I think Miss Faye wishes to speak to you in private, but every lady knows that wouldn’t be proper. There are lines a lady shouldn’t cross when it comes to a married man. You have not attended a gathering for a while, so Miss Faye must be thrilled to see you," said Penelope.
"Right, Miss Faye? That is the reason you approached the prince. My husband," Penelope said.
"Yes. I do not know when I might be so fortunate as to see Prince Tyrion again. I miss the days when I would enter the palace and get a glimpse of the Castro siblings. Now, I am quite busy searching for a spouse. I am upset I returned to Lockwood late," Faye said, staring at Tyrion.
A little earlier, and Faye might have had the chance to court or be courted by Tyrion. She had the support needed to get close to the prince.
"Tyrion, it seems I dropped my handkerchief in the throne room. It is the one I embroidered our names onto. I don’t want to lose it," Penelope said, looking up at Tyrion with a pout.
"Should I get a maid for you?" Faye asked, looking around for someone to help Penelope.
"No, I will get it. Stay by your guard," Tyrion said, lifting Penelope’s hand to leave a kiss as a parting.
Penelope smiled as she saw Tyrion off. "He’s a gentleman," she said.
"A prince should always be a gentleman. You are a lucky woman," Faye said, envying the life Penelope had.
"I am lucky," Penelope agreed with Faye. "But then there are shameless women who don’t know their place."