The Duke's Masked Wife 2: The Prince's Outcast Bride

Chapter 110: Panic (2)

Penelope sat back down once more.

"I am certain this all ties back to what Sarah said about someone having something to settle with my family. It cannot all be a coincidence. I cannot think of why anyone would do this. We have been out of Lockwood and peaceful," said Penelope.

Tyrion sat beside Penelope, and to his surprise, when he sat with her, Penelope sat up for a moment and made herself comfortable on his lap.

Tyrion didn’t question it or dare tease her since he knew how concerned she was about her family.

He also didn’t like that someone was going around killing young women to get the Collins family’s attention.

Penelope was now a Castro, but others would still think of her as a Collins.

"I cannot think of any reason anyone would find an issue with your mother. It is most likely something to provoke your father with by dressing up these women as your mother. Duke Collins would never sit still knowing this," Tyrion said, assuming this was what the culprit wanted.

"That is true," Penelope agreed. "My father has many enemies, but to kill someone and dress them up as my mother is out of line. It is evil."

This was why Tyrion wanted to join the search for who was behind this before it turned from random women who were dying to Edgar’s daughters being the ones captured and dressed up to provoke him.

"It isn’t because of our marriage," Penelope said, getting rid of that theory. "The death at the ball happened before we ran off. Unless this is not all tied to each other, and it is more than one person."

Penelope touched her forehead, trying to settle the thoughts which filled her mind.

This day was going downhill very quickly.

"It seems to be tied to each other. We will solve this matter," Tyrion said, certain of it. "It reminded my father of a case concerning your aunt’s husband. Simon Farley is dead, but I will start my search with his family. Your aunt and cousin, who have not been silent about your family."

Tyrion thought of his run-in with Warren at the ball when he had been rude to Penelope. No one from the Kennedy or Barrett family had any reason to be invited to a ball held in the palace, so it was something worth looking into how Warren got inside.

"You must all be careful. I know of the case you speak of with the Marquess. If this is anything like what Simon did, then everyone in town is not safe. He left behind no sons, so whoever is doing this is twisted to use a case which brought fear to this town," said Penelope.

Knowing the lengths someone was going to so they could get her family’s attention, Penelope started to recount all of her past interactions with people who made her feel uncomfortable.

"In time, I don’t want to reside here," Penelope said, hoping Tyrion would feel the same way. "Once Teo has settled in as king, the court dealt with, and we know that our families are safe, we should find a home outside of Lockwood."

"If it is too much, we can get rid of this home and stay at my parents’ estate when we visit. Right now, I do not see Lockwood as the town where we can one day have a family," said Penelope.

Penelope waited anxiously for Tyrion to respond.

Though he was not king, Tyrion’s life was here, so Penelope wouldn’t be upset if he didn’t want to leave anymore, but they should take time away.

"I would like that as well. Where we call our home doesn’t matter to me. All I need is you at my side," said Tyrion.

Penelope tried to slip off of Tyrion’s lap, but his arms wouldn’t budge. "You are quite the charmer. Would you be so kind as to release me? I had not noticed you were this strong."

"I have many qualities I would love to show you," Tyrion said, keeping Penelope on his lap. "Some might show if you do not sit still. Are you dressed this way to entice me? Has your seduction started?"

Penelope looked down at the blue dress, which was quite simple in her eyes. "No. This is a normal dress for me to wear at home."

"Well, now that we have understood simple things, excite me, you do not need to worry yourself about tonight. Are you still willing to seduce me tonight?" Tyrion asked, hoping recent news had not changed her mind. "If you don’t seduce me, I will seduce you."

"I have not changed my plans, but I cannot promise that if you bring it up again, I will continue with my plans. I need to write to my mother and father urgently, so can you please release me?" Penelope asked, still struggling to get out of his arms.

Penelope appeared calm on the outside, but on the inside, she was a nervous wreck. She knew Tyrion was well aware of her act because of his smile.

Penelope wanted nothing more than to wipe the charming smile from his face, but at the same time, she thought of kissing him.

"I will let you go if you tell me what is on your mind now. What is it you could be thinking to stare at my lips? Are you admiring my beauty, or are you having indecent thoughts? You don’t need to wait until night falls upon the town," Tyrion said, nudging Penelope back to him.

"You will not last the night if you do not release me," Penelope warned Tyrion.

Tyrion loosened his hold on Penelope so she could run free. "You cannot keep running forever, but if you try to keep this up, I shall enjoy the chase. I am quite fast."

"I can be quite fast, too," Penelope said, getting off his lap before he held her again. "When Elijah would hide from us in the past, we were quick to find him. It was partially easy since he would always run to my mother’s side. I can be quick on my feet."

Penelope left Tyrion to have Matilda back at her side. Once the letter was sent to her family, Penelope would continue with her plans.

Tyrion stood up, watching as Penelope snuck one final glance at him before looking ahead.

Tyrion walked out of the drawing room and stood beside Damien. "Why do I pay you?" He asked, his gaze not yet off Penelope.

"To guard your wife," Damien replied. Was Tyrion ill?

"And where is my wife?" Tyrion asked, slowly turning to Damien.

Damien cleared his throat. "Excuse me," he said, leaving Tyrion’s side to catch up to Penelope.