The Duke's Masked Wife 2: The Prince's Outcast Bride - Chapter 487

Chapter 487: Reunited (2)
Elijah found a safe place at Tyrion’s side and took a glass of wine from a passing maid.

“You’ve changed quite a bit since the last time I saw you. Prince Tyrion, of all people, is hosting a ball. There once was a time when you would be hiding under tables to get away from ladies. Now, look at you,” Elijah said, feeling disgusted.

“Anything to make the wife happy. Don’t scowl, Elijah. You should be happy that I am treating your sister well,” Tyrion said, enjoying himself despite what he said in the past.

Tyrion watched as Penelope walked around the room, welcoming guests as they arrived.

“I am happy, but that doesn’t mean I enjoy seeing what has become of you. I thought you two were preparing to leave town after Lily’s wedding? How much time do you have on your hands to prepare to travel and host a ball?” Elijah asked, suspecting there was a secret.

Tyrion stirred the wine in his glass. “That will happen all in due time. We’ve decided to stick around for a little longer. Enjoy ourselves a bit more before we head out. We will be travelling so Penelope can attend Ally’s wedding, and I must see my brother.”

“The two of you spent so much time speaking of wanting to see the kingdom, and now you are taking it slow? What have you two done? What have you done? Have you gotten my sister pregnant?” Elijah asked in a hushed tone.

Tyrion took a sip of his wine and said, “I don’t feel comfortable speaking of this with you. Why don’t you go ask Penelope?”

“I know the consequences of approaching a woman to ask if she is with child, only to find out that she isn’t. Penelope might hit me right into next week. So, I want to hear it from you. What is the reason you two are not travelling?” Elijah asked, still suspicious of the pair.

Elijah had to endure many days of Penelope speaking of travelling, and now he was to believe that Penelope wanted to slow down to enjoy her time here?

“We like this town. It is quiet and I’ve made a few friends. What the wife wants, she gets. It keeps our marriage well,” Tyrion answered.

“I don’t believe you. I think I should take a tour of your home,” Elijah said and then drowned the last of the wine in his glass.

“The rest of the rooms are off-limits to guests. Unfortunately, that includes family. I’ve had to hide your sister’s gun from her because she is spending a bit too much time on the training grounds, but I promise she will find it if you go digging around,” Tyrion warned Elijah.

“Why must you two be so difficult? It is my first time here, and yet you would not allow me to venture into the home. If you were wise, you would lock the room you might be placing baby things in,” said Elijah.

“I would be quiet if I were you before you start rumours. Rather than meddling in our lives, you should put your attention on the door. The Callahans have arrived, and with them is Rue. Penelope invited a few men who are not yet married. Bastard,” Tyrion muttered as Elijah walked away before he was finished speaking.

“Enlighten me. Why is my brother a bastard?” Penelope asked as she snuck up on Tyrion.

“Because he was rude to not let me finish speaking before he left my side. You have become a social butterfly tonight. By the time the ball is done, your feet will be aching,” said Tyrion.

“Luckily for me, I have a husband who will be kind to get rid of the ache for me. So far, it seems to be going well. The guests are quickly arriving, and the music has set the tone for the night. I can’t wait to see couples dancing,” Penelope said excitedly.

“Your brother wants to have a tour of our home,” Tyrion shared.

“Why is he so interested? Let him,” Penelope said, knowing Elijah wouldn’t find anything. “My family is likely to stay behind to talk after the ball. We should let them stay the night.”

“We should, but your brother is being nosey. He wants to know why we aren’t travelling.”

“He truly is nosey. Thankfully, Rue has arrived in time to keep my brother busy. All focus these days must be on Lily’s wedding. This is her moment, and I will not be the one to spoil it. Maybe we should take a short trip,” Penelope considered.

“I think we should stay put. If you want a change of scenery, we can go to another home for a few days,” Tyrion suggested.

Penelope shook her head. “It is not the same. For now, how about you share the first dance with me? That should get the guests moving to dance.”

Penelope placed her hand on Tyrion’s and watched as he gave his glass to a maid. “We must enjoy ourselves.”

“And we shall,” Tyrion answered.

Tyrion led Penelope to the centre of the room and, seeing that they were going to dance, other couples who had recently arrived moved to join them.

Away from where Penelope and Tyrion prepared to dance, Elijah walked up to the Callahans.

Once again, it was only Rafael and Rue since Annalise could not leave her other daughters.

“Sir Rafael, Rue. It’s nice to see you both again,” Elijah greeted the pair.

“It is good to see you as well. I hear that you have been given the estate all alone. It reminds me of when your father first moved to the estate. Back then, I was training under my father’s command and had time to visit your father. I urge you to be with friends at this time,” Rafael suggested.

Rafael didn’t want to see Elijah follow in Edgar’s footsteps to be alone in the estate for the first few years.

“I have been outside the estate more than I am inside. My father would be thrilled to see you, and it sounds like a dance is starting. May I have your first dance?” Elijah asked, offering his hand to Rue.

Rue looked to her father for an answer.

“I trust that Elijah will be respectful while you are in his care. You may dance with her, but,” Rafael stopped speaking to place his sword against Elijah’s chest. “Be careful. I am not afraid to hurt you.”

Rafael trusted Elijah, but Elijah was still a man, and Rue was his little girl. Annalise was confident that when she saw Rue again, her daughter would be engaged, but Rafael wasn’t ready for it.

Elijah looked down at the large sword. “I don’t intend to hurt her. After the dance, she will be back at your side, safe and sound.”

Rue smiled since that wasn’t going to happen. It would only take one distraction to slip away, so they may speak in private and not be disturbed.

“I hope so,” Rafael said, walking away to leave the young pair alone.