The Duke's Masked Wife 2: The Prince's Outcast Bride-Chapter 104: Mother knows best (3)

"People like me? The ones who want to keep the palace in good order and do what is best for my grandson? The moment I got a good look at Tyrion, I felt it inside of me that he would be a good king. I will not let him waste his birthright," said Tabitha.

"Then you might lose him just as you almost lost your son. You have no room to speak on how I am as a mother," Alessandra said, since there was plenty Tabitha had done wrong.

"Your daughter was careless and created the opportunity for many to speak on your name. They say that she is cursed. I thought curses were a thing of the past since you entered the Collins family. Now it will spread to the Castros," Tabitha said, worried.

"I was never cursed, and neither is my daughter. Penelope is the target of lies because she had the prince’s affections. Do not pretend as though you do not know how cruel some young ladies can be. I made an outcast for years because of jealousy," Alessandra said, annoyed she needed to explain herself.

Tabitha was a sensible woman who knew not to believe what was said around the town.

Tabitha didn’t want to hear the excuses. "She is careless. She was accused of pushing a young lady out of anger, and that lady has died. I might not travel around the town, but I know what is said."

"It was poor judgment, but she thought she was helping someone who wanted to harm themselves. I raised my children outside of this town, where they never faced such schemes, and I do not regret that I did. Penelope made a mistake, but the daughter I know will not fall for it twice," said Alessandra.

It was unfortunate that it happened this way, but after having her first experience of the evil acts which occurred in this town, Penelope would have to change her actions. Alessandra was certain Penelope would not place herself in the position again.

"I do not know that. It is the start of the season, and there is so much said about her. Had they waited instead of running off in secret, perhaps there would have been a chance to find someone more suited for Tyrion. There must be a reason it happened so fast," Tabitha said, certain Alessandra knew the reason.

"You must say what you assume the reason to be instead of going around in circles. You have not been careful with your words since I sat down, so why start now?" Alessandra asked.

"Is she with child already?" Tabitha inquired.

Alessandra laughed. "I wonder if Penelope was willing to go to the palace, would you have all these accusations? Why is it so hard to believe they want happiness outside of the palace? It seems to me that your parenting and your place as a grandmother need to be questioned."

Alessandra stood up since it was time to go. She would not sit here any longer while Tabitha said awful things about her daughter.

"Penelope is not pregnant-"

"How do you know? Have you asked her?" Tabitha asked, refusing to believe it wasn’t so until Penelope said it. "It is best to get it out now so it can be dealt with. It wasn’t done the right way, but they are married. They don’t need to hide from the palace. You must ask her."

If Alessandra didn’t have answers, Tabitha had already sent someone to be her eyes and ears in Tyrion’s home.

"I don’t need to ask Penelope because I know my daughter. I don’t know what you think I allowed in my home, but I have raised my daughter well. I have made it so my children may speak to me freely," Alessandra said, proud she could say this.

"You must have turned to me for help since you cannot go to your son, the queen, or Tyrion. It tells me a lot about who you are, not only as a mother, but as a grandmother. You do not have the right to judge my parenting," Alessandra said, unfazed by Tabitha’s glare.

Alessandra curtsied. "You may take this as notice not to welcome me to your home anymore, since I will not show. My daughter will not show as well. Also, take my words today as my warning to leave my daughter alone."

"Duchess Collins, I admire your protective side of your daughter, but you forget who you speak to. You cannot do anything to me, so it is best that you go along with what I ask." freēwēbηovel.c૦m

Alessandra smiled. "No, I can’t do anything to you. Luckily, I am not the only one protective of my daughter."

"I can make it so you are an outcast again. Do you truly want to take so many steps back after you have cemented your place among great women? Do not let your daughter be the cause of your ruin when you have come so far," Tabitha advised Alessandra.

"If I lose any friends over lies, then those friendships weren’t meant to last. You will never get me to pick your wishes over my daughter’s happiness. Good day," Alessandra said, walking toward the door.

Tabitha stood up as quickly as she could, though she did not intend to chase after Alessandra. "It is behaviour like this which turned Rose Collins against you."

Tabitha smiled when Alessandra stopped. "Yes, I know of the tension you two had. She was a reputable woman, so I kept up with matters concerning her. She died with her relationship with Edgar ruined, all because of one person. Do you not feel any guilt?"

Alessandra turned around to face Tabitha once more. "I am not surprised that you would mention her now. There are similarities between you two. Rose never realised that her actions cost her relationships. You should see that you are heading on the same path."

Alessandra continued on her way out since she had said enough. Her guards were close behind her as she found her way back to the carriage.

Alessandra closed her eyes when she sat down, taking a moment to calm down.

Only when the carriage started to move did she open her eyes and look at Caleb.

"It wouldn’t be good for there to be a rift between the Collinses and the Castros. Despite all that she does, the king loves his mother, and he loves his son. Edgar loves our children, so should Tabitha do something foolish, he will go after her, right?" Alessandra asked.

Caleb nodded his head. "No one is safe from his anger. I do not know how Prince Tyrion would react concerning his grandmother."

"She will cause trouble for all of us," Alessandra said, certain this wouldn’t be the last of Tabitha. "Whatever happens, I hope the two families do not turn on each other."