Chapter 125: A ball without drama (3)
Rue did not enjoy the stares the further she walked into the ball. Was it so strange that she was wearing a dress? She wore plenty of dresses, but none like this.
The whispers puzzled Rue as well. There was fear in the eyes of the guests, which shouldn’t be there since she had left her weapons at home.
To get some answers, Rue turned to Penelope and asked, "Why do they stare so much?"
"It is our first appearance since we married in secret, and they are foolish to believe that I am cursed," Penelope answered, forgetting that Rue didn’t know what was said.
"Cursed? You are not cursed. My great-grandmother would have told me and found a way to help you. It is just like my mother said that this kingdom is strange," Rue said, no longer worried about the stares. "If they think you are cursed, why haven’t they offered to help you be free of it?"
"Lockwood isn’t that kind of town. They would rather gossip than seek help or simply not believe such lies. There is some beauty to this town, and I will help you see it. Perhaps when I am done, you might not want to leave," Penelope said jokingly.
Rue shook her head. "I cannot stay. I want to be by my sister’s side when she becomes the next leader. Lockwood doesn’t suit me. I do enjoy my time with your family. My father always looks forward to seeing the duke and king."
"Maybe one day Tyrion and I can travel to the border and you can show us around. I want to see much more of the kingdom," said Penelope.
"I would love to show you around," Rue replied.
Tyrion found a quiet corner for them to stand by whilst they waited for Penelope’s family to arrive. While Penelope and Rue spoke amongst themselves, Tyrion kept watch of the crowd around them.
So far, there were only stares and chatter, but Tyrion knew it wouldn’t be long before someone approached them. It was too good an opportunity for the crowd to find out details concerning their marriage to let it pass.