Chapter Text
Penelope massaged her temples in attempt to ease her persistent migraine while muttering curses under her breath. It seems like the world still hadn't run out of ideas to screw with her.
She understood that with her status as the Duke's daughter, no matter how ridiculed and neglected, a few single nobles were considered courting her. She understood that with a marriage with her meant the backing of the empire's only duke, which was quite favorable to someone in the Crown Prince's position. So, she understood the logic behind her being chosen. But never in the countless lifetimes she lived did the Crown Prince sought a fiancé. Penelope didn't understand why this lifetime is different.
When the duke asked for her opinion she bit back the urge to immediately refuse. She didn't know how an acceptance or refusal could impact her in this life. Would she die sooner? Would she have to suffer more? She needed time to decide the best course of action. Time that the Duke granted her.
"His Highness is expecting an answer soon." He told her. "You have until the end of the week. We will have to respond by then."
"I understand, Your Grace." With that, she was dismissed and returned to her room.
Once her doors were closed and locked, Penelope retreated to the comfort of her bed. Noon had yet to come and she already felt exhausted. She plopped herself down with a sigh. She closed her eyes, appreciating the softness of her bed. Perhaps she should just sleep the day away. She could do without the garbage meals she was served anyway. It didn't take long for Penelope to slip into unconsciousness.
By the time Penelope woke up, night had fallen. She considered falling back to sleep, but she registered the sound of knocking at her door.
"My Lady? Are you awake? It's Pennel."
Penelope wanted to ignore the old butler, but if Pennel sought her out it was often by the Duke's order. Dragging herself out of bed, she trudged to her doors and opened one wide enough to see the servant's face.
"It's late. What do you want?" She knew her way of speaking was rude, but she didn't have the energy to care.
"I apologize if I'm disturbing you, Lady Penelope." He bowed slightly which surprised her. "I was only ensuring that you were well. The Duke was worried when he heard you locked yourself inside your room and haven't eaten since this morning. Would you like me to bring you something to eat?"
Penelope didn't respond immediately. She simply stared at the butler who usually showed her disdain. Why was he suddenly so polite to her? It only took her a few seconds to realize the reason. He knew about the proposal.
"My Lady?" Pennel lifted his head when the silence stretched on. "Should I have a meal prepared for you?"
Just as she was about to respond, her stomach answered with a loud growl. Mentally cursing, she felt heat rising on her face. Thinking it over, if Pennel was taking care of her meal this time, she would actually receive something edible. She gave a small nod. "Something light should be fine."
"I will be back shortly." With another bow of his head, he left.
Penelope closed the door, leaving it unlocked. Plopping herself down on her bed once again, she stared up at the ceiling. The Duke informing Pennel about the proposal isn't surprising nor was it much of a concern. Being the loyal servant he was, Pennel would never break the Duke's confidence in him by sharing what was said in private. As long as the proposal was known to a very small circle-meaning her, the Duke, and apparently Pennel- it'll be fine.
Penelope had hoped to keep the Crown Prince's proposal between her and the Duke while she figured out what to do. It only took a day before that was shot to hell.
Penelope watched with wide eyes as crates and trunks of luxurious items continued to pile near the entrance of the manor. Dresses. shoes, jewelry boxes overflowing with blinding necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, golden statues, and several crossbows were only some of the commodities received. She knew immediately who was responsible for this, and upon seeing a familiar aid, her suspicions were confirmed.
What the hell was the crazy bastard thinking?!
She took a hesitant step towards Pennel and Cedric, the two men conversating as servants around them tried to organize the items.
"Lady Penelope," Cedric greeted her with a polite smile and bow. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am the Crown Prince's aid, Cedric Porter. His Highness has sent me to ensure you receive his gifts and to personally deliver this letter." He extends his hand, holding out a folded paper bearing the imperial seal.
Penelope was well aware of the stares and whispers of the servants present. She could imagine the rumors that will spread like fire in the duchy. Her eyes briefly met the head butler's before setting on the letter presented to her. The Duke and his sons were currently out, but she knew they would be informed of today's events shortly after their return. She was certain Bastard One and Two would demand to know why his Highness is sending her wagons filled with gifts while throwing verbal daggers at her. A migraine was coming on just thinking about it.
Taking the letter and opening it with a caution that others may deem unnecessary, Penelope read the contents. When she read the last sentence, her eyes flashed to the aid. "Lord Cedric, his Highness does know that I have not accepted his proposal, correct?"
He gave her a sympathetic look. "He is aware that you have yet to accept or refuse, but he is. . .confident that you'll accept."
She raised an eyebrow. "Because I'm a superficial girl easily enticed by status and jewelry?"
Cedric's eyes widened. "No, of course not, my Lady. I apologize if I insinuated such a thing. I meant that the Crown Prince is sure that he can give you a happy life by his side."
"Is that so?" Penelope didn't bother to hide her skepticism.
Cedric nodded. "If you'd excuse me, I must return to the palace. Would you like me to relay a message to his Highness?"
Glancing around at the abundant commodities and gossiping, Penelope had a rather unsavory message she'd like to send but swallowed it down. "Tell him I appreciate his. . .generosity, but it's a bit premature for him to be calling me his fiancé. Afterall, there's still chance I'll decline his proposal."
"Lady Penelope..." Cedric clearly did not wish to say such a thing to the violent prince.
"Pennel, please see Lord Cedric off." She addressed the old butler, signaling the end of their conversation.
"Yes, my Lady." Pennel responded obediently. Penelope was slightly surprised to see that the usual disdain in his eyes and voice was absent but quickly dismissed it as he couldn't show such behavior in front of a guest.
As the butler walked the aid to his carriage, she took a closer look at her gifts. She ignored the whispering servants, mentally cursing the bastard responsible for the commotion that practically announced the potential engagement between the crazy Crown Prince and the Mad Dog of the Eckarts. As she inspected the glamorous dresses and jewelry. her attention was caught by one of the chests. Its appearance was rather plain, but something was drawing her to it.
Expecting more flashy luxuries, she was surprised to see it was filled with old, worn-out books. Reaching for one, she felt it. A tingle spread throughout her body and a warmth that settled in her blood. Her magic was reacting to the books.
"Lady Penelope," Pennel's voice sounded behind her. Once her attention was on him, he asked, "How would you like us to manage your presents?"
Closing the chest, she turned to face him. She gestured behind her. "Have this chest delivered to my room. My room would be cluttered if everything is moved there. The rest will have to be stored elsewhere. I'll leave that for you to arrange. I'll look through it another time."
"Yes, my Lady." His response was immediate, his tone matched the one he used when speaking to the Duke or the young masters. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she mulled over his sudden change in behavior. With a tired sigh, she decides to let it go and return to her room. As she was about to leave, Pennel's voice stopped her. "The Duke has been busy lately at the palace." Seeing her blank expression, he continued. "But he will return in time for dinner. It's been a while since you've joined the Duke and the young masters for a meal. He wishes for you to join them this evening."
A refusal and an excuse was at the tip of her tongue on reflex, but she stopped the words from coming out. After several moments of contemplating, she nodded. "Very well. I need to discuss my potential engagement with him anyway." She didn't miss the way the butler winced at the mention of her engagement.
"I'll let the Duke know."
When Penelope was finally alone in her room, she reads the letter again. Her mind focused on one particular line.
We'll meet soon, Princess.