Chapter 331: Guests (3)
"What did I say to make him go back, Damien?" Penelope asked, puzzled as to why Tyrion hurried off.
"I do not know, Milady. Would you like me to go closer to see?" Damien asked, taking small steps to get a better look.
"Yes, please. I don’t want to get too close. Be careful," Penelope said, not wanting Damien to be in danger so soon.
Matilda stepped where Damien once stood.
"Why does this keep happening? I knew not to expect peace when Tyrion stepped away from the throne, but I didn’t think townspeople would be at our gates like this. Should have just been queen?" Penelope wondered.
"No, Milady. You spoke of not wanting to enter the palace. You have made a good decision not to be queen. These people must get used to it," Matilda said, annoyed that the guards started to release the visitors. "This isn’t normal. No one would just approach a royal’s home."
"It is strange. Though Tyrion isn’t in the palace, the king didn’t strip him of his title, so he is still a prince to be respected. I do wonder if the townspeople had grown to love him and felt betrayed, or if this is the work of someone unhappy he left," said Penelope.
The court was no longer Penelope’s first thought since all of the men against Tyrion were gone.
"There is much about Tyrion that I must learn. Could he have enemies who are bold enough to do this? I cannot tell if these people are trying to ruin his reputation or push him back to the palace," Penelope said, uncertain of the answer.
Bothering Tyrion wasn’t going to place him back in the palace. If anything, it would make them consider moving sooner.
"There is one person I can think of who would bother Tyrion in hopes he would return to the palace, but she isn’t in town. I wish I could say Tabitha wouldn’t go this far, but she is the only one I can think of," Penelope said, almost certain this was Tabitha’s doing.
"Will you speak of this to the prince?" Matilda asked, but soon regretted it since it wasn’t her place. "I’m sorry."
"No, it is something I am questioning if I should do, but I don’t have any proof. Right now, she is meant to be out of town, taking time away from the family. If I say her name and it is not her, it won’t be forgotten. Brendon," Penelope said, having a better idea.
Brendon looked away from the chaos at the gates to Penelope. "Yes, princess."
"You’ve done some work for my father, and I heard you did well. Do you think you can find out if Tabitha Castro is truly where she is meant to be, and if there is anything suspicious she is up to? I want to find out if she has any part in this," Penelope said, looking at where Tyrion stood.
"I can do it," Brendon replied. It was better than standing around doing nothing.
"Good," Penelope smiled. "Remember, you are here as my guard; therefore, you aren’t to tell anyone what we speak of. It doesn’t matter which knight questions you. Do you understand?"
"I do," Brendon answered.
"You will leave in the morning, and I will inform Damien that you are doing something private for me that concerns my father. They won’t question it," said Penelope.
Penelope thought of using her father, but just like if she spoke of Tabitha too fast with Tyrion, someone might die.
Once Penelope had proof, she would mention Tabitha to Tyrion.
"He is letting them all go," Damien shared when he returned. "I do not know why."
"The last time we encountered someone who called him a deserter, they killed themselves. If these people were willing to do the same, then it wouldn’t be good for us, especially if someone knew they were coming here. The town guards are already circling," Penelope said, assuming she would see them soon.
Penelope finally understood why Tyrion changed his mind.
They couldn’t have any unnecessary inattention on the estate since it would give the guards reason to come back and potentially find Warren. Mark was already suspicious and lurking around.
"You look exhausted," Penelope said, walking out to meet Tyrion. "Or are you upset you couldn’t punish them?"
"I wish I could, but they are innocent people paid to do this. There’s also the chance they might kill themselves while our holding. What?" Tyrion asked, confused by Penelope’s smile.
"I am a wise lady. You should come rest with Snow and me," Penelope said, holding Tyrion’s hand so he wouldn’t think of running away.
"I don’t want to be with your pets," Tyrion replied, but he didn’t make any effort to get away from Penelope. "I would prefer for it to be just the two of us."
"No."
***
The next day, the Castro residence had an unexpected visitor.
Edgar looked out the carriage window and the people standing outside Penelope’s gates. He was curious if this was a usual occurrence, and if it was, why hadn’t Tyrion sent them away?
"Caleb, find out what this is all about. If they break any part of my carriage, they will have to pay for it," Edgar said, staring at the man who hit his window. "Is this what Penelope has to bear with?"
Edgar rubbed his temple.
Penelope was better off still living with him.
Luckily, the carriage made it inside without any further disturbance.
Edgar exited the carriage when it came to a stop before the front doors. He looked back at the noisy guests who wouldn’t be there if this were his home. He liked peace in the morning, and as long as they were on his land, he would have had them silenced.
Caleb opened the door for Edgar, and by some luck, the butler was near to greet them.
"Good morning, Duke Collins. The prince and princess are having breakfast outside. I can escort you there," Winston offered.
"Breakfast this late in the morning? It must be the guests outside that troubles them. Don’t look so worried, Winston. I won’t question you about what happens in your employer’s home. You’ve learned from the best," said Edgar.
"Yes, Duke Collins," Winston responded.
Winston knew Alfred would roll in his grave if he spoke of what the prince and princess faced.
Winston led the way to the garden where Penelope and Tyrion sat unknowing of the guests they had.
"It is right ahead," Winston said, stepping to the side so Edgar could pass.
Edgar first noticed the puppy running around the table and then Penelope leaning over to offer it some of her food.
Tyrion made the foolish mistake of letting Penelope have another pet. Give her one, and she would seek to have three more.
"Penelope, didn’t your mother teach you it was bad manners to feed pets at the table?" Edgar asked, drawing attention to himself.
"Father!"