The Duke's Masked Wife 2: The Prince's Outcast Bride - Chapter 459

Chapter 459: Enjoying the night (1)
Later in the palace, Penelope brushed her hair, preparing for bed.

“I could have sent for Matilda,” Tyrion said as he walked into the room which once belonged to him.

“I am quite capable of brushing my hair and braiding it. We used to pretend Isabelle was a little doll and braid her hair. Did you find my father?” Penelope asked, shifting in her chair to face Tyrion.

“It appears your father is out of the palace, which I find to be odd since he left your mother behind. Is there something you are not telling me? Your mother doesn’t appear to be concerned about your father, but you are,” Tyrion said, drawing closer to Penelope.

Tyrion suspected there was reason for him to be concerned when Penelope smiled.

“That doesn’t work on me,” Tyrion said, placing his hand under her chin to make her look up. “Your smile is quite beautiful, but I know you are hiding something. What is it?”

“I think my father has left to see my grandfather,” Penelope confessed.

“I see. Why is that a concern?”

“Because he might have warned my grandfather to get out of town by tonight, or he’ll kill him. Seeing that he left right after dinner, I think he plans to keep his warning to my grandfather. My grandfather is wise, right? Partially,” Penelope corrected herself.

“If he wants to live, he would have left by now,” Tyrion said, smoothly taking the brush from Penelope’s hands.

Tyrion ran his fingers through Penelope’s hair to let it fall onto her back and then started to brush it.

“That is what concerns me. My grandfather doesn’t seem to realise death is knocking on his door. Surely he would be wise this time and leave. He could not be so foolish,” Penelope said, placing her finger in her mouth to bite at the nail.

“What am I doing?” Penelope wondered, realising the habit she had long stopped. “What are you doing?” Penelope questioned, now realising Tyrion was brushing her hair.

“Helping my wife prepare for bed. Do you not like it?” Tyrion asked, continuing to carefully brush Penelope’s hair.

“I don’t dislike it. The palace servants might panic seeing you do this in place of a maid. I am quite blessed to have such a caring husband. My father said the silliest thing when we were alone. He wants our grandchildren to be more like me, but I disagree,” said Penelope.

“Has your father forgotten all the times you placed yourself in danger? Need I remind you of the night I needed to save you? He would be rather grateful to have obedient grandchildren.”

“I was on your side, yet you are not on mine. I was not a troublesome child. I simply kept my father on his toes. Had you not arrived that night, I would have shot those men. They had rather fragile egos because they lost to a woman,” Penelope muttered.

“I have done the men of this town a favour by keeping a close eye on you. Between you and your father, the ladies will soon outnumber the men,” said Tyrion.

“That doesn’t sound awful to me. In the future, I am going to host events where ladies can privately enjoy the same games as men. Why should men be the only ones to openly gamble? I hope Teo makes good laws for women,” said Penelope.

“I trust my brother is wise enough to think of women’s needs, but I don’t think gambling will be at the top of the list. You may have to wait a little longer. You could always play against me. I won’t be upset if I lose,” Tyrion said, trying to give Penelope what she missed.

“I would be angry if I lost to you far too many times. It is not something we should welcome into our marriage. What are you doing now?” Penelope asked, her eyes narrowing in on her reflection. “Are you trying to braid my hair?”

“I, too, have a younger sister. Hailey used to sneak here at night when she was afraid and would ask me to braid her hair. I am the reason she once had to cut it. Why are you moving?” Tyrion asked, watching Penelope move away from him.

“I like my hair, Tyrion. I would rather not have to cut it, so you should keep your hands to yourself. What could you have possibly done to make Hailey need to cut her hair? Tie it?” Penelope asked, raking her fingers through her hair as she spoke.

Penelope thought of all the times she allowed Tyrion to place his hands in her hair and thought it felt wonderful. All along, Penelope didn’t know the dangers that awaited her.

“I have gotten better at learning to braid. I wanted to improve after that incident, and Hailey will tell you that I am wonderful with it. You don’t believe me?” Tyrion asked, laughing as Penelope slipped away from him.

“I believe you, but I would rather braid my hair myself. Now I know how my father feels,” Penelope muttered.

Penelope noticed Tyrion’s gaze. He was enjoying himself, and it wasn’t about the hair.

“You stare at me as though you want me to kiss you, and I would be happy to oblige if it is what you want,” said Tyrion.

“I don’t like the look you have now. Maybe you should go get dressed for bed while I finish my hair,” Penelope said, taking small steps backwards as Tyrion came toward her.

“I am already dressed for bed,” Tyrion replied.

The loose shirt Tyrion wore with the buttons not going all the way up should have been the first clue.

“What I do enjoy about the palace is how large it is. No one will be able to hear us in this wing, so you don’t have an excuse. Didn’t you say you wanted to spend more time together? That moment has fallen upon us,” said Tyrion.

“It is the day of your-”

“Don’t say it,” Tyrion shushed Penelope.

Tyrion placed his finger on Penelope’s lips to keep her from speaking. “As long as neither one of us says it out loud, it shouldn’t hinder the moment. It won’t be long,” he said, reaching for the hem of his shirt.

Penelope watched as Tyrion’s shirt came over his head and was tossed to the side. His features were somehow more dashing in the dim light.

Penelope didn’t trust his words that it wouldn’t be long, but she quickly gave in as she too became excited for what was a start to the nights they would enjoy once they left Lockwood.