Chapter 344: Dancing with death (2)
"Penelope, don’t scare the others. They are already afraid for my safety," said Tyrion.
"As they should be," Penelope replied.
Penelope left Tyrion’s side to get a coat to cover her nightgown.
"I will have Damien send a letter to the palace signed by me, and I will have something prepared for you to eat. For the next week, you are to stay in bed and I will tend to you," Penelope shared her plans as she got dressed.
It couldn’t be helped that she would deal with all matters of the residence by herself, so Tyrion wouldn’t have to get out of bed.
"I will speak to all of the visitors and bring all letters to you. I cannot attend the gathering tomorrow," Penelope said, but it didn’t upset her. "I won’t be gone for long"
"Penelope, don’t make plans to overwork yourself," Tyrion said, knowing Penelope’s mind was now filled with plans to do everything by herself.
"I am the lady of this residence. When my husband isn’t well, it is my duty to care for the estate. I will make you proud, so please, just rest for now," Penelope said, standing still to look at Tyrion. "I must get rope. You will not listen."
"To think this is how you would tie me to the bed," Tyrion said, but he was met by silence as Penelope opened the door and stepped outside. "She’s angry."
Penelope’s reaction was expected.
Tyrion thought of himself as cruel for wanting to see her cry a little. She looked lovely when she cared for him, but he never wished to put her in this position again, no matter how beautiful she looked when she was sad.
Tyrion closed his eyes, getting a bit of rest before it was time for Penelope to return and care for him.
Outside the room, Penelope’s back was pressed to the door.
Now that Penelope was away from Tyrion, her composure slipped.
Penelope covered her mouth with her right hand in an effort to muffle the sound of her whimpers.
Penelope knew that Tyrion faced many dangers, and someone could get hurt, but it scared her to see Tyrion be wounded. One wrong move and he could be lost in a gun fight.
Penelope cried, letting out all that she felt before she would have to face anyone.
Before her, footsteps were heard.
"Milady?"
Penelope looked up and found Matilda standing near.
Matilda’s eyes widened, and immediately she searched for the source of Penelope’s state.
"Milady!" Matilda called as she ran to Penelope.
Penelope pushed herself off the door and moved away to meet Matilda. "You mustn’t be so loud. My husband is resting, and I don’t want to trouble him. I need paper urgently and for Winston to be woken up."
Matilda nodded her head. "Yes, Milady."
Matilda didn’t know what exactly it was to make Penelope panic at this time of the night, but she picked up the sides of her dress and moved quickly to complete what was asked of her.
Penelope wiped away her tears and reminded herself that she had to be stronger to care for Tyrion.
Penelope followed where Matilda ran off to in search of Damien or another knight.
"Princess," Aiden addressed Penelope. He stood up from his chair and nearly slipped due to tiredness.
"Princess," Damien greeted Penelope.
"Anyone who was injured during their time with my husband must be looked at by a doctor. They must also rest. I am writing a letter requesting a palace doctor to come here tonight and be willing to stay for more days to care for the prince. I need a messenger boy," said Penelope.
"I can do it," Aiden offered.
"The prince had him on a task as of late, and he was one of the knights to be with your husband tonight. He needs to rest, and I will find another knight in his place," said Damien.
Aiden glared at Damien. He wasn’t so tired that he couldn’t ride out to send a letter to the palace. What could he have possibly done for Damien to keep him from doing tasks for Tyrion and Penelope?
"You must rest," Penelope agreed with Damien. "Now is not the time to be stubborn and disobey orders. If word of my husband’s injury gets out, we will have some visitors who think now is the chance to strike us. I need you all well rested to be at my side."
In the coming days, Penelope needed the knight’s help more than ever.
"Matilda is getting the paper for me to use, and she is waking Winston. Damien, ensure that no one gathers at the gates. At this time, I don’t want him to overhear anyone speaking of him being a deserter," Penelope said.
Despite what Penelope said before, if anyone came to trouble Tyrion now, she wouldn’t let them off easy. They would have to stay the night somewhere on the estate or be gathered and sent off to the palace dungeon.
Penelope’s kindness had run out. She had very little patience for anyone who wanted to trouble them with small matters.
"Understood," Damien replied.
"There is one other thing. Tomorrow, I want to meet with Warren. My husband will know of it, but I want you to have him look presentable for me to see him. If it will be hard to make him look best, then I understand," Penelope said, but she still wanted to see Warren.
"That isn’t the issue, Milady. The dungeon isn’t a place for a lady of your status to be," Damien said.
"As long as my husband is not against it, no one can stop me. I assume there will be blood and other gross things, but while he is alive, I want to speak with him tomorrow morning after Tyrion has been fed, or do you intend to object?" Penelope asked, challenging Damien to test her order.
"No, it isn’t my place," Damien responded.
"Good. Have it arranged that he is ready to see me right after I eat. You must promptly inform me of any visitors we have at the gates. I am trusting you to help me most now," said Penelope.
"Milady!" Winston called as he ran to Penelope. "You have sent for me. How could I be of service?"
"I need warm water prepared, and the chef woken up to prepare a light meal for my husband. I need clean towels and medicine to help with pain until the doctor arrives. My husband is injured, but we mustn’t panic," Penelope quickly spoke before Winston panicked.
"Calm yourself, and so as I say," Penelope ordered the group.