The Duke's Masked Wife 2: The Prince's Outcast Bride - Chapter 447

Chapter 447: For the sake of peace (2)
“Tabitha,” Faye whined in disbelief that Tabitha would not aid her. “They want to label me as a mistress.”

“How could you be a mistress if you didn’t sleep with him? I had high hopes for you, but you disappointed me. I’m certain you have disappointed your mother as well. Do you not think it is time that you leave?” Tabitha asked, bored with Faye.

Faye looked down at her lap for a moment. “You were backing me. You said that the prince was dissatisfied with his marriage and the decision he made to step away from the throne. Was that all a lie?”

“It wasn’t, but none of that matters now. You lost your chance to be with him. You won’t have a second chance. I helped you get into gatherings to be near my grandson-”

“The prince wasn’t there today. Only Penelope was. You sent me there to trouble her. All I am asking for now is for your help to have the ladies not say that I would be a mistress to other men. I only wanted the prince,” Faye argued.

“I did not send you to speak of wanting him to everyone. You were to keep it between you, Penelope, and my grandson. I never instructed you to speak for the other ladies to hear. Women were so much wiser in my day. The younger ladies are too fast to speak,” Tabitha said, shaking her head.

“You should be thankful that I am not angry with you for mentioning my name in those lies,” said Tabitha.

“Lies?” Faye’s eyes widened. “You agreed to send me to seduce him for his sake.”

“It will be known as lies once I am done. Think for a moment. If it were any other young woman sitting in your shoes, would you believe her or me?” Tabitha asked, confident this wouldn’t backfire for her.

“You asked that Cassidy be invited as well, and the women pointed out that I am not married. Your true colours will be revealed. They won’t only attack me, but you as well,” said Faye.

“No, they won’t. They might gossip in secret, but say nothing to my face since I still carry the Castro name. I have years over that little girl, and at this age, I have nothing to fear. Since you’re so pitiful, I will help you,” Tabitha decided.

Faye felt a moment of relief.

“If you want to silence the women, all you must do is succeed in becoming his mistress. You have already said that you wouldn’t mind sharing him. Do it,” Tabitha suggested.

“You said it yourself that I failed-”

“You failed because you never succeeded in being alone with him. You only need one moment alone to have his child. That is enough to have you protected by the palace, and those women cannot speak of you to your face. Why bother with what they say when you would be a Castro?” Tabitha asked, noticing Faye’s interest.

Faye didn’t believe in Tabitha’s plan since there was no way she could be alone with the prince.

“I have been trying for years to get close to the prince and never once succeeded. Why would he suddenly want to be near me now, especially when his wife hates me?”

“You didn’t have my help then. It is easier than you think to toy with men. Tyrion is my grandson, and I have followers all around the town. It wouldn’t be hard for me to have a lady lie with him. It is up to you to decide if you want to save your name by becoming a Castro or be ruined. What will it be?” Tabitha asked, hoping Faye would be wise.

“You have wounded me once,” Faye said, still hurt by how Tabitha responded to her news. “And you were willing to send me away without offering me help, but I want to be a Castro even if I have to be his mistress. I would have kept him in the palace, and eventually, I know I can make him want to return.”

If not her, Faye knew Tabitha was going to choose another young woman to be with Tyrion. Why shouldn’t she take the chance every woman wanted, which was to become a royal?

“You will not betray me, will you?” Faye asked, though she knew Tabitha would lie now.

There was some doubt from Faye. She saw with her own eyes that Tabitha was not to be trusted, but what she wanted was right there.

Faye thought of using Tabitha until it was time to drop her, since the prince would surely get bored with Tabitha plotting. She would not let it be only Tabitha using her.

“I will do as I please. Either you do as I say or I will find someone who will do it in place of you.”

“I will do it,” Faye decided.

“Good. I will send for you when it is time,” Tabitha said, turning away from Faye.

Tabitha didn’t have any intentions of using Faye anymore. She already thought of another young lady who wouldn’t be worried about what the other women had to say and would proudly claim the title of mistress.

Tabitha’s plans would continue and second the second time around, but without Faye.

Faye stood up and curtsied. “Forgive me for the intrusion. I am far away from home, so I must return home before my mother worries. I’m sorry for doubting you.”

“You are forgiven. Now, be on your way while it is still early in the day. Have your mother know that I will soon write to her,” said Tabitha.

Faye nodded and followed the maid who escorted her inside.

Tabitha sighed in relief and rubbed her temple to soothe a headache she felt. “Gone are the days when ladies knew how to act.”

Back in her day, Tabitha could have long succeeded with her plans. There would be a woman in the palace already claiming to be carrying Tyrion’s child.

Tabitha didn’t like being so out of the way. She belonged near the palace, but to rebel against what Tobias did, she didn’t attend the coronation and wedding. It angered her even more that no one batted an eye and came to see her.

The only good news to come from the coronation was knowing that Hazel was no longer the queen. Hazel couldn’t use her power as queen to push Tabitha away from the palace anymore.

The downside of this was having a queen and king whom Tabitha didn’t approve of.

“Gather my things!” Tabitha announced to a nearby maid. “I am returning home tonight.”