Chapter 354: Like the old days (2)
"Why have the two of you come if you are going to be like this? Did Alessandra send you, or was this Hazel’s doing?" Tobias asked, knowing Edgar did not decide to come on his own.
"I have heard that you are lonely," Edgar answered.
"Lonely?" Tobias scoffed. "How could I ever be lonely these days when Teo is always at my side, along with a trail of servants. I would love for it to only be Hazel and me."
"Teo is about to announce who he shall pick to be his queen, right? You are one step closer to leaving the throne as you wanted," Rafael said in an effort to bring Tobias some comfort. "You are leaving the palace while you are in good health and not too old."
Tobias frowned. "I don’t like you calling me old. You are not that much younger than I am. I am still waiting for your parents to share what they fed you that made you grow this tall."
"I think it is in the family blood," Rafael answered.
"I believe it is some secret your family doesn’t want to share. I will never forget when Edgar brought you here, and I thought you brought an older boy to play with. Just for this giant to be younger than the two of us," Tobias said, still trying to figure out the mystery behind Rafael’s height.
"I was also surprised to see the prince is so short," Rafael responded, followed by laughter from Edgar.
Tobias glared at the two men who acted more as enemies than his close friends. "You two only bring me pain. I am surprised that you are here, Edgar. Truthfully, I am surprised that I am here as well."
"You know I hate it when you speak in circles," Edgar said, annoyed.
"You hate it when I speak in general. Are you not aware that my son was shot? Penelope was kind enough to send a letter, whilst Tyrion wanted to hide it. He is well, but he must remain in bed," Tobias shared.
Tobias smiled, happy that Edgar wasn’t written to.
"He is sloppy," said Edgar.
"My son could have died, and that is all you have to say?" Tobias asked, a little annoyed.
"His carelessness could have left Penelope a widow in the early period of their marriage. You both should be thankful that I am only commenting on his skills. He needs to do better if he wishes to stay married to my daughter," Edgar advised Tobias.
Tobias laughed at Edgar’s threat, which he wouldn’t go through with. "You would ruin their marriage if he is injured again?"
"You are quick today," Edgar replied, sitting up. "I will not have my daughter be left mourning him in her youth because he cannot plan well."
"He killed the target," Tobias spoke on Tyrion’s behalf.
"He was shot," Edgar responded. "If that happens once more, I don’t think the palace doctors will be able to save him. I wish to see my daughter happy, not lost in darkness over his early death. Fix it before I fix it."
"He is no you, Edgar. Every battle he faces, he will not come out unscathed," Tobias argued.
Rafael sighed and didn’t let his eyes meet anyone’s. This was not his battle to get involved with.
"I don’t need him to be like me. I need him to choose his battles wisely and plan so that he will not be hurt. I gave him many of my men for a reason. Do not let this be a repeat of what happened in the past. Penelope will not be hurt over poor decisions," Edgar said, his voice rising with each word.
"Edgar, I have already apologised in the past for Alessandra getting caught up in what Grant did to my wife. Must I apologise once more?" Tobias questioned, tired of the past being thrown in his face. "I failed to protect my wife then. Thank you for the reminder."
"I have long forgiven you and others who overlook Grant’s actions, but this is my daughter. Tyrion and Penelope intend to leave town at some point. I cannot let her out of my sight if he injures himself once again. Many die from gun wounds," Edgar said, worried the wound could grow fatal.
Tobias abruptly stood up, annoyed that Edgar only looked at it from one side. "My son is injured, but you have taken it upon yourself to speak of your daughter. I understand your concerns, but as my friend, you should be mindful of what you say to me."
"Teach him," said Edgar.
There wasn’t anything more to be said.
Edgar stepped back and gave Tyrion the chance to take care of someone who targeted Penelope, and he failed.
What was the point of giving Tyrion men and wealth if he was going to jump to the front to be injured?
Edgar wished for Tyrion to be well, but he also thought of the position Penelope would be in now.
"I will teach him. The boy learns fast from his mistakes. You only ever care for your children," Tobias accused Edgar.
"Oh," Edgar said, humoured by this. "Have I not been at your side when you needed me? Have I not promised to care for them and your wife if anything were to happen to you? Is that something a man who only cares about family would do?"
"This is getting too out of hand," Rafael said, going to stand before the two friends. "This is why it is best for our children not to marry each other. You are both rightfully emotional, but you must be calm."
Tobias looked up at Rafael. "Save your breath, you fake priest. You should be concerned about your daughter."
"What must I be concerned about?" Rafael asked, his mood shifting now that Tyrion mentioned Rue.
"Do you not know where she is and what is said? That bastard’s son is courting your daughter," Tobias revealed.
"Elijah offered to take Rue for a ride around the town," Rafael replied.
Tobias didn’t want to hear Rafael act like a saint. "You always have to be innocent. Before I wed Hazel, I took ladies around the town for one reason. Wait, wait, wait," Tobias repeated after Rafael grabbed his shirt.
"Kill him and get it over with. We’ve suffered with him long enough," Edgar said, cheering for Rafael to toss Tobias out the window.
"Wait, why would you kill me? It’s his son who took your daughter for a ride. Around the town," Tobias quickly added. "You should be questioning Edgar. Surely Edgar knew that his son had some interest in Rue. Ask him."
"It’s not my concern who the children like," Edgar replied.
Tobias’s mouth fell upon. "You liar. You were quite concerned when my son was chasing your daughter."
"That is the difference. He’s your son. I happen to like Rafael," said Edgar.