Chapter 429: Second chance (3)
Annalise shook hands with Juliette. "You must speak with confidence. I can tell that you are afraid, and if I can tell, then the men in this palace will notice and try to make use of it. Even when you are afraid, hold your head up high."
Annalise placed her dagger in the palm of Juliette’s hand. "I am not telling you to use this right away when you feel backed into a corner. Just know how to make use of it. A queen should know how to protect herself, as even her guards might turn on her. It’s perfect to hide beneath a dress."
"Thank you," Juliette said, holding on to the dagger. "I don’t have a gift for you. Oh," she said, reaching into her hair for a hairpin. "It is pretty and has a sharp end. I can get another for your daughter, Lydia."
Annalise lifted the hairpin high to get a good look at it in the light. "It is decorated with jewels. I think you should keep it."
"There are plenty more in my hair. I will not let this moment go by without offering you a gift. Please, take it," Juliette said, pushing the hairpin back to Annalise.
"I will treasure it and give it to my daughter. I wish you well on your journey as queen. I am counting on you to see that issues are dealt with fast. Now, if you would excuse me," Annalise said, pulling on Rafael’s arm. "The dungeon awaits me."
Tobias shook his head at Rafael and Annalise. "That woman scares me. How should I tell her that she cannot take weapons into the dungeon?"
"I don’t like this one bit," said Hazel.
Tobias turned to Hazel, surprised she agreed with him. "It’s about time we’re on the same page concerning Annalise. We need to take her weapons."
"No, that is not what I speak of. I don’t like that you are scared of Annalise. You should only be scared of me," Hazel clarified.
Tobias’s mouth fell open.
Hazel placed her hand under Tobias’s chin and closed his mouth. "Now that we have time to ourselves, I will fix it."
Tobias didn’t take Hazel’s words as a threat, but rather a moment for them to have fun.
"Please remember that your children are near. It is time that Penelope and I leave before we are trapped among the crowd. Another day, we will return for dinner, but for now, we want to enjoy this time to ourselves," said Tyrion.
"I wish you would stay longer, and I know Teo would want you to be at his side, but I understand. Your time in the family home was interrupted on your first day there. Have a safe journey home," Hazel said, seeing Penelope off with a hug.
"It is my time to leave as well," Edgar announced.
Tobias pouted, wanting Edgar to stay longer. "Why? Why would you all leave on such a joyous occasion? You wanted to leave early on my coronation day as well."
"There are far too many people here," Alessandra answered in Edgar’s place. "And even though a few days have passed since he dealt with Quinn, Edgar has not rested, and I fear he may soon fall sick."
"Sick?!" Tobias exclaimed.
"Do not come near me," Edgar said, annoyed. This was why he needed to leave.
"We are quite busy preparing for a move to our home out of Lockwood. I need Edgar to rest before then, since the journey already isn’t an easy one. I know Elijah intends to stay behind," Alessandra said.
"One of you is enough. Edgar, please do not fall sick," Hazel said, not only because she didn’t want him to be unwell, but because she didn’t want her husband to be visiting the estate.
"Perhaps I should see Edgar off and stay in the palace. Lily and Isabelle both seem to be enjoying themselves," Alessandra said, avoiding Edgar’s gaze.
Tobias chuckled since Alessandra wanted to stay a little longer for her daughters meant that Edgar wasn’t going anywhere.
"Don’t push it," Hazel advised Tobias.
Penelope shook her head and walked with Tyrion toward the door. As long as her family were around, her and Tyrion’s presence would not be missed.
Before they could leave the room, Teo caught up with the couple.
"Why is it you both are always leaving? It is early in the celebrations, and Juliette would like to speak with you," Teo said, trying to get them both to stay.
"It is not like we won’t return to the palace soon. We have spoken to a few of the guests, which is far more than I liked. He doesn’t mind it, but I don’t like the questions directed to my husband. We want this day to be all about you," said Penelope.
"I won’t listen to what they say. I already expected to hear that this was meant to be Tyrion’s day, and I won’t let it bother me. You shouldn’t let it bother you. I need my brother here," Teo said, hoping Tyrion would stay longer. "Even if it is just for an hour."
"Why is he glaring at me?" Teo asked, drawing closer to Penelope.
"I do not know. An hour couldn’t hurt us," Penelope said.
Penelope knew what Tyrion looked forward to, but he needed to put it to the side for a moment.
Teo did not like the look Tyrion directed at him. He inched away from Tyrion and Penelope so he would not further upset Tyrion.
Tyrion was not pleased to be staying in the palace for an hour, and he had good reason to be upset with Teo since the hour ended up feeling like the longest hour he had ever experienced, but thankfully, it did come to an end.
Tyrion stood back to speak to a guest whilst Penelope walked down to the carriage with Damien.
Damien opened the door and held it open for Penelope while the coachman offered his hand.
"I need a favour from both of you. I would like to take the long path home, but do not inform my husband. On the way home, do not let other carriages get close to us, and I apologise for what is to come," Penelope said as she entered the carriage.
Penelope wished the carriage could move itself so she wouldn’t spoil anyone’s ears.
Tyrion came to the carriage and entered before Damien could question Penelope’s plans. The door was closed behind him.
"What is wrong with those two?" Tyrion asked, noticing the strange behaviour of the two men.
"I do not know. Perhaps they are also tired of the crowd. They should be fine once we reach home," said Penelope.