The Duke's Masked Wife 2: The Prince's Outcast Bride-Chapter 92: Duties (4)

"Based on what she said, I will keep her away from Penelope. My grandmother has not learned not to meddle too much. She still thinks her way is the best," said Tyrion.

"Well, do what is best for your family. I will have a word with her to stay out of it, but you know your grandmother well. She spent years looking forward to your time as king. She isn’t going to let this matter go easily," said Tobias.

"I have many problems of my own. I cannot add arguing with my grandmother to it. Can’t you send her somewhere around the town for her to be at ease and not hear of what happens with the palace? It is time she takes a break from interfering," Tyrion suggested, more than happy to place Tabitha elsewhere.

"I have tried that before, but she will not leave the palace grounds. It is by some luck that she doesn’t come inside the palace often. I will speak with her," Tobias promised.

"Are you certain that will be enough?" Edgar asked.

Tabitha Castro wasn’t a woman to move on when she couldn’t have her way. She did not like for palace plans to be ruined.

"No. If she goes far out of line, I would have to consider placing her home on lockdown. For now, don’t let her meet with Penelope until this calms down," Tobias advised Tyrion. "You should also keep your distance from her."

"I intend to. Penelope and I were considering meeting with her, but it is out of the question. That reminds me, Duke Collins. Is there no dungeon in my home?" Tyrion asked.

"It was a home intended for my daughter to inherit one day. Why would I let there be a dungeon? Who do you need to put in a dungeon? Your grandmother?" Edgar inquired, more than willing to do it himself.

"Edgar!" Tobias gasped, touching Edgar’s arm. "Right, no touching you, grumpy bastard. Don’t put ideas in Tyrion’s head. We cannot all be like you to go to war with your grandmother. It is by some luck that Rose did not find herself in your dungeon."

This grabbed Tyrion’s attention.

Tyrion had heard from Elijah that his father once placed his grandmother in a dungeon, but he did not know that it almost happened to Elijah’s great-grandmother.

"She never stepped foot in my home again. Your home is in your full control. Be careful who you allow there," Edgar advised Tyrion.

"You have the best man to offer you advice on guests. Edgar’s home is infamous for not having unwanted guests. Enough of this talk about our mothers and grandmothers. Rafael, spar with me," Tobias said, wanting to get back to his sword fight.

"On any other day, I would love to, but if I spar with you now, I might break your sword. The way the people here speak of the border has not gotten better. You are lucky that it is I who came and not my wife," said Rafael.

Rafael’s wife, Annalise Callahan, was a woman of many talents when it came to weapons. She would kill and ask questions later if anyone disrespected her people.

"Only simple-minded people think the border is filled with barbarians. I have heard of many of my people travelling there for business. There is still tension after all these years because you abandoned your post. I shall put an end to it," Tobias promised.

He could not have the two lands go back to being at war with each other.

"Do something about it quickly. I have heard the mention of my daughter marrying your son, and the insults that follow to make her seem unworthy of your son," Rafael said, his anger still present.

"Rue will not marry into your family, and you must have your people not forget that she is also a royal. I’ve held back long enough. Anymore disrespect to my family and I will kill those who speak of them," Rafael warned Tobias.

Rafael had been doing his best to avoid war, but speaking to his wife and daughters was where he drew the line.

"I will gather the court again and inform all the servants to treat you as respectable guests. I will do it now," Tobias said, putting down his sword.

Tyrion smiled since he looked forward to war. It would allow him to kill many in the court without having to steal them when they were alone.

"It has been wonderful speaking to you both, but I must see my brother again and return home to my wife. Excuse me," Tyrion said, leaving to follow his father.

Rafael looked at the former crown prince. "I was surprised he still stands, but after a second look, he reminds me a bit of you. Something dangerous lurks behind his gaze."

"Are you losing your sight, Rafael?"

"No, I don’t believe so," Rafael replied.

"I think you are. The only one who takes after me is Elijah. Tyrion is like his father. I should write to Annalise to inform her of your condition," Edgar said, thinking of it as an urgent matter.

Rafael chuckled. "For the sake of everyone here, I advise you not to write to my wife."

***

Less than an hour later, away from the palace, Amelia arrived at the home of a lady she considered a friend. She was relieved to be away from her father since he spoke carelessly and would ruin her chances with Teo.

While her talk with Teo didn’t go well, Amelia still had a chance to make her day even better since she had much to tell the ladies who were gathering here today.

’I must send for him,’ Amelia thought, needing Warren to add to her gossip.

Amelia had not called upon him before now because she had been waiting for the perfect chance to add to the gossip surrounding Penelope, and now it had come.

Amelia smiled as she walked inside. It was going to be Penelope’s greatest mistake trying to compete with her. Penelope was doomed to fail from the start.

Amelia intended to prove to the other ladies that it did not take only having a father with a title to succeed. Ladies needed to be smart.

"Amelia, we were starting to think you had abandoned us," said Octavia Norwood, the host.

"I would not have abandoned you after giving my word. I had some business to tend to with my father in the palace, and then I was caught up speaking with the second prince. I had to end it sooner than I wanted so I could be here on time," Amelia said, stirring up chatter.

It was best that the ladies knew of her interest in Teo Castro now, so they knew they didn’t stand a chance.