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

Chapter 111: Closer (1)

As night fell upon the town, Penelope retired to her room to finish the preparations she had made for tonight.

Penelope decided to follow Tyrion’s advice to keep it simple. All that mattered was Penelope being ready to take the next step with her husband.

They both loved each other, so there was no reason in Penelope’s eyes to prolong consummating their marriage.

Penelope was nervous, but also eager. She trusted Tyrion’s promises that he would not hurt her and remembered that this was his first time as well.

Matilda aided Penelope by lighting candles in the room. Just a few to make it easy for Tyrion or Penelope to deal with them later.

Matilda never once questioned what Penelope had been preparing so intently for and why she was so curious about the workings of pleasing men. She didn’t dare think of questioning if Penelope had yet to have her wedding night.

"I am done with the last candle, Milady. Would you like help with the dress?" Matilda asked, facing Penelope.

"How strange it is that I don’t feel nervous under your gaze, but the second Tyrion looks, I want to cover myself," Penelope noticed.

Matilda approached Penelope to help her. "I have been at your side since we were children, and I am nowhere as charming as the prince."

"Do not say that. You are a very beautiful woman," said Penelope.

Matilda looked at the floor to hide her blush. "Thank you for the kind compliment, Milady. It is natural for it to be different from your husband. At least, that is what I witnessed with my cousin."

"I have also noticed that the prince goes out of his way to tease you. Perhaps that is why you are nervous," said Matilda.

"It most definitely is the reason. I have snuck glances at him, but now I can feel his body, and it is far better than I imagined it. You will not speak of this, will you?" Penelope asked, embarrassed by what she shared.

Matilda stepped away from Penelope after fixing the nightgown. "I wouldn’t dare speak of this to anyone. If I were ever so foolish, I would let you cut off my tongue."

Penelope didn’t doubt that Matilda would offer to get rid of her tongue. She was also certain that Matilda would grab a knife and attempt to do it herself.

"Thank you for your loyalty, Matilda. I would not have succeeded in preparing this if not for your help. Do you know where my husband is? He must come here before the candles melt," Penelope said, taking one last look around the room.

There was wine prepared by Winston, who made the suggestion.

Penelope was curious if Winston caught on to what would occur tonight or if he was simply excited to see her spending time with Tyrion.

"He called for the maids to draw his bath in another room. I will tell him that you are ready and get your guard to stop anyone from coming to your door. Good night, Lady Castro," Matilda said, excusing herself from the room.

Penelope smoothed out her nightgown even though there was nothing wrong with it.

"Is it too simple?" Penelope wondered. "I should have sent for Erin."

Penelope stared at her reflection in the mirror. She had spent enough time at home, and now it was time for her to travel around the town.

Penelope urgently wanted to make a stop with the dressmaker Erin, who had a talent for creating perfect dresses for the ladies around the town.

Though Tyrion enjoyed that Penelope wasn’t one to overdress, Penelope did enjoy getting dressed up for some occasions, and she had a growing interest in the nightgowns Erin was said to make.

"He must hurry before I get lost in my thoughts," Penelope whispered, awaiting Tyrion’s arrival.

Outside the room, Matilda hustled to find Tyrion so Penelope’s plans wouldn’t all be for nothing.

She almost collided with Damien.

"My apologies," Matilda apologised, but she didn’t stop as she hurried to the room Tyrion had to be in.

’How is she not scary?’ Damien wondered. It had to be that Tyrion was pulling his leg.

Matilda kept a brisk pace on the way to where Tyrion was, and before she could knock, the door opened.

Matilda lowered her head and said, "Lady Penelope awaits your presence in your chambers."

"You may retire for the day and have your supper. Take Damien with you," Tyrion instructed Matilda. "No one is to come on this floor until morning."

Tyrion left Matilda’s side to join Penelope in their room. As the sun set, all Tyrion could think of was what Penelope intended to do. He was curious how she had prepared herself for this night.

Had Penelope turned to Matilda for advice, or was it only the books she mentioned?

When Tyrion reached the door and opened it, he was welcomed by a dimly lit room. The candles and fireplace were the only source of light.

To his right, Penelope stood with her hair cascading down her shoulders and her right hand resting on the ribbon at the front of her dress.

Tyrion closed the door behind him, locking it so they wouldn’t be disturbed by anyone who disobeyed his instructions.

"I have kept it simple," Penelope spoke in a soft tone as she approached Tyrion.

She noticed right away that his hair was still dripping wet from his bath.

Penelope reached out to touch a few locks of hair. "I can dry it for you if you wish."

Tyrion held Penelope’s hand to stop her. "I would allow it if not for your smile."

"I’m sorry. My father and brother never allowed us near their hair. Come with me," Penelope said, holding Tyrion’s hand to lead him to the bed.

Tyrion trusted it was a good reason that Penelope wasn’t allowed to go near anyone’s hair. Still, he followed Penelope to the bed and got a glance at her exposed back.

When had Penelope found the time to get her hands on such a night gown when she had not once left their home?

Whoever had gifted it to her was truly on his side.

Tyrion sat down on the bed with Penelope standing before him. He knew that she had not noticed the position she placed them in, with her chest being in his direct line of sight.

Tyrion looked up at her face, since in time, he would get to better enjoy her appearance.

Unbeknownst to Tyrion, drying his hair wasn’t the reason she made him sit on the bed. It was simply a good way to have him right where she wanted him.