The Duke's Masked Wife 2: The Prince's Outcast Bride-Chapter 103: Mother knows best (2)

"Last I heard, Tyrion was very adamant that he would not return to the palace to become king, and he would not take Penelope there. It is their wish, so we should leave them alone," said Alessandra.

Tabitha chuckled. She had thought very little of Alessandra, and she was proven right to do so.

Though Alessandra’s father was once a baron, the way Alessandra spoke now revealed that there wasn’t much care put into her upbringing.

"Tyrion is the oldest and has spent his life preparing to be king. There is an order in the palace. Traditions exist for a reason. Surely you understand that," Tabitha said.

"I do understand, but I also know that Tyrion was not happy and did not want to become king. I’m sure you wanted great things for him as future king, so it is hard for you to see him leave the palace, but you must think of his happiness," Alessandra said, annoyed that Tabitha only cared about appearances.

Alessandra had heard the tales of how Tabitha acted with Hazel, but she came here with an open mind.

"What if your son spoke of not wanting to inherit his father’s title in the future? What if he wanted to run off with some young lady, abandoning the plans you had for him? What would you do then?" Tabitha tested Alessandra.

"I would not force him to-"

"You are a fool," Tabitha said over Alessandra. "I question how you have raised your children. It is no wonder that there is so much said about your daughter now."

"Lady Tabitha, I have been respectful with how I spoke to you, so I expect the same treatment. If letting my children choose happiness instead of forcing them to go along with what I want for them makes me a fool, then so be it. I will not lose any of my children," said Alessandra.

Alessandra suffered at the hands of her father, who cared too much about appearances and used his daughters for his gain. She was unhappy for many years and would not bring that upon her children.

"Your daughter is now married to the crown prince. There is time for Tyrion to go back where he belongs. All that needs to happen is for your daughter to go along with him. If she cannot, I think it is only reasonable that the marriage ends," Tabitha suggested.

Alessandra released a dry laugh, which lacked any warmth. "Edgar has been very vocal about not wanting our children to marry into the palace, but I will not have you place blame for Tyrion leaving the palace solely on my daughter."

"If you had paid more attention to Tyrion, then you would have noticed his displeasure with the palace. A king who doesn’t enjoy ruling isn’t a king suited for this kingdom. Tyrion has found a place where he can be happy. If you loved him, you would accept it," said Alessandra.

"I had little expectations for you, and you proved why I did. I expect nothing less from a friend of Hazel. For years, I could never understand why Edgar made the choice he did. So many eligible ladies wouldn’t-"

"Lady Tabitha," Alessandra stopped Tabitha before she got carried away. "From the moment I married Edgar, many questioned our marriage. I have heard these questions too many times to be upset by them now. You will not upset me."

Alessandra was numb to the questions concerning her marriage. Despite all the questions, she had lasted far longer than others who did not think she was a good match for Edgar. She was still happy and loved.

"I am not much of a fighter, and I try to be respectful to who sits before me, but I draw the line when it comes to my children. Tyrion and Penelope are happy, so I will not disturb them to fulfil your wishes," Alessandra said, addressing what Tabitha wanted from her.

No matter who asked, Alessandra was never going to convince Penelope to return to the palace if it wasn’t what she wanted to do.

"Penelope is young and uncertain of what she must do," said Tabitha.

"I do not believe that a young lady who is considered of age to take a husband and start a family needs to be told what to do by her mother. If she is too young to know what she is doing on her own, then we must reconsider the age these young women are wed," Alessandra said.

Tabitha didn’t like Alessandra’s stubbornness.

It was evident that birds of a feather flock together since Alessandra reminded Tabitha of Hazel.

"I see now that it is my fault for thinking you would want the best for your daughter. How could I have expected that a woman whose mother abandoned her would know how to be a mother to her daughter?" Tabitha asked, scolding herself for trusting Alessandra.

Alessandra smiled.

Tabitha had come a little too late to have a chance at upsetting Alessandra by mentioning Melanie. Instead, what Tabitha said made Alessandra think very little of the former queen, and she fully supported Penelope’s decision.

"A new crown prince has been announced, and from what I hear, the second prince is eager to become king. When Tyrion’s grandmother speaks like this, I support him and Penelope staying away from the palace," said Alessandra.

Alessandra continued to say, "I will remember well what you have said today and continue to keep an eye on you. I fully believe that rather than not make the mistake you did with Hazel you will do it with my daughter. I will not allow it."

Tabitha laughed since she was not afraid of the duchess. "And what will you do? Will you tell your husband what I have said?"

"Yes," Alessandra replied. "I do not keep secrets from my husband. Had this been a simple talk amongst women, then I wouldn’t bother to tell him details he doesn’t care about, but I know you will plot to disturb my daughter. That is something my husband should know."

Edgar would also know what Tabitha said about Alessandra. As much as Alessandra would like to hide it from him, Edgar would always notice something was bothering her and get his answers.

"A sensible mother in your position with your title should understand me. Do you not know what it means to be a duchess? There is more expected of you and your daughter because of the title you hold. Why would you keep her from living in the palace?" Tabith asked, growing angry that Alessandra wouldn’t listen.

"Because there are people like you there," Alessandra replied.