The Duke's Masked Wife 2: The Prince's Outcast Bride - Chapter 468

Chapter 468: Goodbyes (4)
“Milady. Milady,” Matilda called, trying to wake Penelope.

Matilda moved away from the bed to push the blinds to the side so light would creep into the room.

Matilda wanted Penelope to get the rest she needed, but it was time for the Castros to depart and make the long journey to their new home.

Tyrion was already out of bed, lining up the guards and servants who wished to make the move. It was up to Matilda to have Penelope ready on time.

Matilda walked back to the bed to tap Penelope’s arm. “Milady, you must wake up, or you will be late getting dressed. I have brought your breakfast.”

Matilda stepped away from the bed as Penelope began to stretch.

“I mustn’t keep everyone waiting,” Penelope mumbled as she rubbed her eyes. “Has my husband eaten?”

“The butler convinced him to have a bit of bread and jam. I have spoken with the cook to pack more food for when you are in the carriage. The cook has prepared something light for you now,” Matilda said, lifting the tray to place it on Penelope’s lap.

“I must wash first and then worry about food after. I cannot believe I didn’t wake when Tyrion did. Prepare warm water for me urgently,” Penelope said, wanting to get dressed first.

“I will have the maids come in, but you must eat. You had a light supper last night. The trip to your home will be a long one. Please eat,” Matilda pleaded.

Matilda didn’t want Penelope to become sick because she wasn’t eating well. With the change in weather, it would be easy for Penelope to get sick.

“I will eat,” Penelope said, picking up a slice of apple to eat. She glanced at the window to see how high the sun was in the sky. “I cannot be the reason we are behind. We must arrive at the mansion by nightfall.”

Penelope ate as quickly as she could whilst the maids brought warm water in for her bath.

Penelope placed the tray of food to the side and got off the bed to get dressed for her travels.

Once she was done, Penelope went down to the front door where the carriage and many guards awaited her.

Penelope had been worried about the dangers of travelling out of town, but seeing how many knights and guards were with them, someone would have to be a fool to attack them.

Penelope watched as Tyrion gave orders to the knights. She tilted her hand, smitten with the way he looked.

“I am quite lucky,” Penelope said as she continued to gaze at Tyrion.

“Should I find a seat on another carriage?”

Penelope’s cheeks felt warm. “No. I need you to protect me from him. Nothing is more dangerous than being in a carriage with Tyrion when he is bored. Whatever happens, you mustn’t leave me.”

Penelope’s back was yet to recover from her last punishment and from last night.

“Ready?” Tyrion offered his hand to Penelope as he came toward her.

“I am,” Penelope replied, placing her hand on Tyrion’s.

Tyrion helped Penelope and Matilda into the carriage. Then once Tyrion was seated, the voyage began.

“Speak now if you wish to stay,” said Tyrion.

“I don’t. There are many friends I want to introduce you to, and I look forward to seeing you make friends. The Carsons will be a little closer to us. I would not be against attending many of the balls there, and you must walk by the bakeries to smell the freshly baked bread,” said Penelope.

“We must visit the market the day after we arrive.”

“We must. I know a baker who always prepares freshly baked pies for my family. We can make a new tradition to have pies sent to our home. We will also need to take a look around if we need more furniture, but first, I want you to explore,” Penelope decided.

“Should we hide that you are a prince for the first few days so you are not crowded?” Penelope considered. “It would be as bad as Lockwood, but you would get to be normal for a few days.”

“I don’t think I could ever be normal. Many won’t think the daughter of Duke Collins married an ordinary man, and many have portraits of the royal family in their home. Some might start to add you,” said Tyrion.

Penelope didn’t like the sound of this, but there wasn’t anything she could do. “I was trying to let you escape being noticed for a moment. I will introduce you as my husband without using the Castro name. The town is quiet, so no one will pry unless they suspect you are a royal. You mustn’t wear your uniforms.”

“I only plan to wear them when you and I are alone,” Tyrion said, purposely brushing his foot against Penelope’s.

Penelope glared at Tyrion. They were not alone in the carriage.

Penelope knew well that Matilda would turn a blind eye and cover her ears, but she didn’t want to spoil Penelope’s ears. Penelope was only recently able to look Damien in the eye.

Penelope tried to quietly move Tyrion’s foot away, but he kept coming back. She wanted to pinch him, but Penelope suspected he would enjoy the pain.

‘I should have asked father for his carriage,’ Penelope thought, turning her attention to the window.

“Are you ignoring me, dear wife?” Tyrion asked, enjoying every bit of how annoyed Penelope was.

Tyrion knew she was concerned about Matilda while Matilda was likely off in her own little world.

“No, I am enjoying the scenery, and you should do it too. When was the last time you travelled outside the town? Not for our wedding night, of course. Was it to deal with the bandits?” Penelope asked, remembering the threat of thieves months ago.

Tyrion nodded. “It was. I didn’t stay out of Lockwood long, so I wouldn’t think of it as a trip. You will be my very special guide.”

“I will take my job seriously. I assure you that you will be happy in our new home. The invitations to gatherings will start as soon as news of our arrival goes around. I hope we reach there before it is late in the night,” Penelope said, looking at the sky.

“Plenty of guns are out. Anyone who tries to attack us will die. Worry less about the dangers and lie on my lap. It is quite comfortable,” Tyrion said, patting where Penelope was to place her head.

Penelope reached for the book Matilda placed beside her and opened it. “I prefer to read.”

“Then I will pass the time by watching you.”

Penelope gripped the corners of the book. She couldn’t go the long journey bearing with Tyrion staring at her, so she raised the book to cover his face, but again, she felt his foot poking her.

“I now agree with my father,” Penelope said, thinking back to her father’s wishes. “Perhaps you are a bit irritating.”