The Duke's Masked Wife 2: The Prince's Outcast Bride

Quinn was brought down to the front doors, his arms and feet restrained by chains. Cloth rested in Quinn's mouth to keep him from speaking.

Seeing that the duke and prince were present, a guard wanted to remove the cloth.

"What are you doing? Who gave you an order to remove the cloth? He didn't want to speak before, so let him be silent now. We're departing for the palace, but some of you must stay here to help take apart his home," said Tyrion.

Quinn's eyes widened, and muffled sounds were heard, but not understood.

Quinn repeated a string of curses directed at Tyrion.

Rather than kill himself to get away from punishment, Quinn wanted to kill Tyrion for being the one to speak of destroying his homes.

"Seems he's ready to talk. The dungeon guards will have a lot to hear. Set out," Tyrion commanded the guards. "Mark, you'll be joining us. Once we reach the palace, this case is no longer in the duke's hands, so you will need to take over."

"Understood," Mark replied.

Tyrion walked back toward the carriage. Just a little bit more, and he would be able to return to his home with Penelope.

Tyrion shared Edgar's sentiments and wanted his time to go to his wife. All that was left for Tyrion to oversee was Teo's coronation, which could go ahead now that the matter with Quinn was resolved.

Tyrion entered Edgar's carriage along with Mark.

"In all my years of knowing the duke, he has never allowed me inside his carriage. I have you to thank for it," said Mark.

Tyrion glanced at Edgar, who sat with folded arms and his eyes closed, getting rest after a hectic start to the day. "I wouldn't push my luck if I were you. He has threatened to throw me out of the carriage, and I am far more special than you, so you will not stay."

"I've been bickering with the duke long before you were born. I don't know whether to be relieved or sad that he won't be involved in the court anymore. Just this once, I am going to thank you for all that you have done. I'll deny it if you speak of this to anyone," Mark said.

"How foolish of you to think that I would speak of you. Keep your thanks. It doesn't change my day," Edgar muttered, wanting silence.

Edgar regretted allowing Tyrion and Mark to enter his carriage.

"Be silent, or I will throw you both out," Edgar threatened the pair.

"I will be silent in a moment, but I have to ask-"

"No, you do not," Edgar interjected. "There's no need for anyone to speak."

"It is about the duchess. Before you end your time coming to the court, I suggest you and the duchess have a sit-down with her family. The court cannot get involved with matters of the mines, yet her family keeps sending complaints. It is a matter to be settled by the family, not the court."

"You are somewhat of a wise man," Edgar said, causing Mark to frown. "This is a speech you should give to her family, not me."

"I have had it with those who came to visit. The issue recently is that the duchess's mother wishes to fight what was passed to your wife. We cannot change what was meant to be inherited by the duchess. It is puzzling why nothing was left for Melanie-"

"Silence," Edgar said, uninterested in Melanie's affairs.

"Today is meant for celebrating the end of Quinn's run. Perhaps tomorrow you may speak of the mines, or rather, ban anyone from the Harris wishing to speak of mines from the court. A monetary fine, should they ignore the warning, would turn them away," Tyrion suggested.

Tyrion continued to say, "You must be stricter. Anyone who doesn't belong in the court and tries to fight for what doesn't belong to them must be dealt with. How long will you allow the court to be ruined? What use is there for a court if you don't ease the king of some duties? Must I replace you, too?"

"No, Your Highness. I've sent them away from the court, but that won't stop the letters. I only wanted to suggest that the families settle it themselves before it goes too far. I've seen what greed led others to do. Protect the duchess," Mark advised Edgar.

Edgar opened his eyes. He didn't need to be told to protect Alessandra from Mark.

"Was there a threat directed to the duchess?" Tyrion asked, reading between the lines. "If there was, you cannot keep it from the duke."

"Not now, but it is what it always leads to. If something were to happen to the duchess and her children, the court would have Melanie's grandchildren inherit the mines unless one of your children were to have a child. You know how this gets," Mark said, fearing the Harrises would also take it into their own hands.

Edgar didn't respond since he knew well how to deal with Alessandra's family. It wasn't a matter he could speak about to Mark, of all people.

Tyrion smiled at Mark, hoping he understood that it was time to stop speaking. "I want to rest. This case made my early marriage days go by fast. I agree with the duke that there should be silence."

Mark nodded his head, not having more to say to Edgar.

They had a long ride back to the palace, which gave Mark time to plan how Quinn would be dealt with and other work he needed to get back to.

The ride felt quick due to the three men resting.

News had already reached Tobias of Quinn's deeds being revealed, so he waited for the group by the doors.

Tobias was relieved that not only had the murderer been found, but Quinn was still alive to properly face punishment, unlike Simon, who killed himself.

Tobias walked down to the carriage as Tyrion and others stepped out.

Tobias touched Tyrion's shoulders and inspected him for any wounds. "You did not get shot again and want to hide it from me, did you?"

"I didn't. I get shot once and you won't let me forget it," said Tyrion.

"Your mother certainly won't. She wants to speak to you," Tobias said, patting Tyrion's back as he walked by him. "Are you well?" He asked, fast on his feet, to hug Edgar.

Tyrion stood on the sidelines, watching Edgar's struggle to push off his father. He shook his head and started to make his way inside the palace, so when Edgar's gun came out, he would not be around to be shot again.