Chapter 427: Second chance (1)
Penelope stayed as Hazel left to speak with the guests. She sighed in relief that neither her father nor mother witnessed what occurred between her and Faye, since they were distracted by Isabelle.
"Damien, are you my guard or my husband’s?" Penelope asked.
"Your guard," Damien answered.
"Then, you shouldn’t lie to me. When I was not in the palace in the past, was Faye placed before Tyrion by his grandmother?" Penelope inquired, looking to her right at Damien. "I won’t speak of this with my husband."
"I have seen the lady try to get near the prince, but I do not believe he remembers who she is, nor has he ever entertained her," Damien answered. He scratched his head, not wanting to be a part of this.
Penelope smiled, having no use for Damien’s response. "It seems you are still my husband’s guard. I can expect this response from anyone loyal to my husband. I am not asking because I am going to be angry with my husband. I only wanted to know if Tabitha constantly pushed Faye forward."
Penelope got the feeling that Faye truly believed what she was told about Penelope’s marriage. It wasn’t a coincidence that Faye was close to Tabitha and now wanted Tyrion.
"We must get my husband since I have the handkerchief. Would you be so kind as to go to him?" Penelope asked, revealing the handkerchief she sent Tyrion for.
Penelope knew that by being away from Damien and Tyrion, they would speak of her incident with Faye. At the very least, Tyrion should be made aware of what his admirer did.
Damien was sceptical about leaving Penelope’s side. "I am to guard you. There are too many people around."
"I will go be with the other Castros and Collinses. Unlike my husband, I want to witness and hear what will be said in the meeting," Penelope said, then walked off in the direction of her family.
Damien thought it was fine as long as he was quick. He waited for Penelope to reach her father’s side before leaving in search of Tyrion.
Damien entered the throne room and found Tyrion searching for a handkerchief which was still with the lady.
"The lady tricked you. She has her handkerchief with her," Damien said, bringing the search to an end. "She wanted to be with Miss Faye. While you were away, she slapped Miss Faye."
Tyrion started walking toward the doors. "Why? Did anyone escort Faye out?"
"Your wife ordered the guards to do it. Before you do, I must warn you that Miss Faye spoke of her interest in you. I didn’t hear all that was said, but I know it was why your wife slapped her. She also knows your grandmother wanted you to marry Miss Fate," Damien informed Tyrion.
"When did that happen?" Tyrion wondered, stopping to look at Damien.
"Quite often. You used to be requested to your grandmother’s side, and when I escorted you, Miss Faye would be there. It’s been a while since you last spoke, but still," Damien said, a little surprised Tyrion did not remember Faye.
Damien only said Tyrion didn’t remember to make Penelope feel better.
"I told your wife that nothing ever happened between you and Miss Faye," Damien promised.
"Of course, nothing happened. I cannot remember who this young lady is," Tyrion muttered.
Tyrion returned to where he had left Penelope, only to not find her there. His parents, the Collinses, and the Callahans were also missing.
"I forgot to inform you that your wife went to join your family to discuss the border."
Tyrion turned slightly to glare at Damien. Never had he wanted to hit someone more than he wanted to hit Damien now.
"I’m sorry," Damien apologised for his delayed messages.
Damien followed Tyrion at more than an arm’s length away, so if he angered Tyrion again, he would not be easily struck.
Tyrion was able to enter the room where all the royals gathered just before Annalise could start speaking of her troubles. He sat down beside Penelope, who didn’t acknowledge his presence.
Tyrion leaned close to Penelope to whisper, "I remember nothing about her. I wouldn’t have let her stay if I knew she was close to my grandmother."
"I know that her love for you is one-sided. Did Damien not tell you that I am not angry? I thought he would tell you when he spoke of Faye to you. I am not upset with you," Penelope spoke with honesty.
Penelope couldn’t fault Tyrion for ladies being in love with him. She couldn’t get upset when Tyrion had not shown Faye the faintest bit of attention.
Penelope touched Tyrion’s face and made him look at where Annalise sat. "We must listen."
"It cannot go on that my people are disrespected when they step foot onto the Castro kingdom. There is no such judgment at the border, and you had just as much time as I did to change your people’s thoughts of the border," Annalise said, tapping her fingers on the table to keep herself calm.
"I am not only upset over the treatment of my daughter, but also of others who come here either for a short visit or to live. Your court has always looked down upon us. On me," Annalise said, wishing those men were present to kill them. "I have given you enough time. Fix it or there will be war again."
Teo looked to his father.
A war between the Castro Kingdom and the border should not occur, especially under Teo’s rule.
Tobias laughed, trying to settle the tension. "We don’t need to go so far. The two kingdoms are allies."
"My daughter is about to take my seat as leader. That doesn’t mean I will not be involved in the affairs of the border. If you cannot control your people, then I will come here to do it myself. Do we understand each other?" Annalise asked, directing her question to Tobias.
Annalise liked everyone seated in the room, but her people came first.
"If it must come to war, it will not be pretty for your side. I don’t want it to come to war. So, tell me how you intend to fix this?"
"We were so lucky to have your union with Sir Rafael create a bridge for the two kingdoms. A marriage-"
"You people think marriage will fix all your problems. What is next? A child of both Castro and Callahan blood? I loved Rafael; therefore, it was easier to make a truce. I am not going to force any of my daughters to marry a Castro," Annalise said, annoyed that it was an option.
Teo cleared his throat, regretting the suggestion he brought up. He turned to his father for help, but accidentally laid eyes on Elijah and noticed his friend had been staring at him.
Right away, Teo knew there was a misunderstanding.