The next day, Penelope parted from Tyrion to meet with the queen and the ladies invited to the palace.
Luckily for Penelope, Hazel had also arranged for Eleanor and Julie to sit with the ladies.
Eleanor walked ahead of the young ladies, while Penelope and Julie walked holding hands.
"Why do the men stare at us like we are a pair of lovers declaring how much we care for each other. Is a lady meant to only cling to her husband? Must we forget our friendships?" Julie asked loud enough for onlookers to hear.
Julie smiled when Eleanor turned around.
"I think it is me they stare at. It is the first time Tyrion and I have stayed the night in the palace. It went well, but we cannot stay another night since it would give others enough time to plot," said Penelope.
"It is unfortunate. The palace is so beautiful, and it is the prince’s first home. He should be able to come here without worrying about your safety. I do not think I shall marry a man who works in the palace. I also will not marry a guard," Julie decided.
"Your father is a guard," Penelope reminded Julie.
"’His work kept him from us a lot. I have seen my mother worry about my father not returning home. I wish to be free from worrying about my husband returning. I know not to aim for a nobleman," Julie said, crossing off another.
"Why? Please do not say it is because you do not think you have the status for it. It does not matter when it comes to falling in love. I think the man you will marry will be one to surprise you. I urge you to be yourself and wait," Penelope encouraged Julie.
"I do not want to see you change yourself all so you can marry. You must see your worth, Julie. Any man would be lucky to have you," Penelope said, certain love would find Julie. "You should enjoy the season and perhaps love will come to you unexpectedly."
"I hope you are right," Julie replied.
"I know it will happen. I also think you shouldn’t go after a man who would please your grandmother. Take it from me that though we do our best, it is still never enough to satisfy others. I married a prince, and my grandmother didn’t like it," Penelope said.
Penelope remembered all the long talks she had with Melanie about why she shouldn’t marry a man with status.
"You are right. Perhaps at the end of the season, if I don’t find a husband, I will go to the border with Rue. I won’t have to hear about finding a husband there. Penelope," Julie said, squeezing Penelope’s hand. "Are these women lovely?"
Julie grew nervous as they drew closer to where the queen’s guests sat.
"I do not know," Penelope replied with honesty. "They are ladies my mother would sit with. I am here beside you."
"And I’ll be here if you need my help," said Julie.
Penelope let go of Julie’s hand now that they were in view of the guests. There were a few familiar faces, but many ladies Penelope had only spoken to in passing.
Though Penelope had not spoken to them often, she knew that each one had ties to influential families around the kingdom. It was how they earned themselves the chance to sit with the queen.
"The princess has arrived," one of the ladies announced.
Penelope, Julie and Eleanor curtseyed to greet the queen.
"I also have my guest, Lady Eleanor and her daughter. They are my esteemed guests, so I hope you treat them with the same respect you would show to me. You may sit where you like," Hazel said, smiling at Julie, who acted shy.
Penelope sat down beside Julie so she would have a familiar face right next to her.
"Lady Penelope, I am honoured to be in your presence today. I have been looking forward to the time I would get to be formally introduced to you. I remember when you were a little girl at the duchess’s side."
Penelope looked down the table to a lady who sat close to Hazel. "I also am grateful to be in your presence. You are all remarkable ladies."
Lady Mabel Vale, who sat beside Penelope, tapped Penelope’s hand and said, "What a shame you didn’t get to experience the joys of selecting a wedding dress. It is what all ladies look forward to. Have you and the prince done your portraits yet?"
"We haven’t," Penelope answered. "We didn’t have time for it, and then there is the matter of choosing the painter."
"It is not a question that the painter should be the royal painter. The duke’s painter must be splendid as well, but it makes most sense for you to pick the royal painter. Then you can have your portrait done here. Wouldn’t that be lovely, Your Majesty?" Mabel asked, turning to Hazel for support.
"I think the royal painter would be honoured to paint their wedding portrait, but the young couple has the freedom to choose. I have seen portraits in the duke’s estate, and they rival the ones in the palace. Without a doubt, whoever they pick shall do a wonderful job," said Hazel.
"One must be hung in the palace for us to admire the beauty of the prince and princess. I can only imagine what handsome sons Penelope will give the prince."
Penelope looked up at another woman seated on the other side of the table.
Penelope remembered the woman to be Lady Agnes, a woman who prided herself on giving her husband many sons.
"Thank you," Penelope thanked the maid who poured water for her. She needed something to distract her.
Was all that the ladies could speak of were their husbands or children?
What of the weather? What of the dangers around the town?
Penelope sipped the water and set the glass down. She looked at Hazel, who appeared to be even more annoyed by the talk of children.
’It cannot be helped,’ Penelope thought.
Sooner or later, many would wish to know when Tyrion would have sons.
"My daughter only wed last season and had her first child recently. It was a healthy little girl to bless the family, but already they are thinking of having another. A little boy who will be everything like her husband. You mustn’t wait, Princess Penelope," said Mabel.
"I am most certain the queen shall have many gifts laid out to spoil you after you have given the prince a child. We can never have enough princes running around. I know a good remedy which can help you," Agnes said, waving for her maid.
Agnes wanted to send for the doctor who helped her son’s wife.
Penelope came to the table expecting to enjoy herself, but talk of children made her feel uncomfortable.
"It is a kind offer, but it is not needed. The prince and I are more than capable of having a child when the time presents itself. Let us not bore ourselves with this talk. I have not been married long enough to think of children," Penelope said, hoping the others would catch on to her feelings.
"Oh," Mabel laughed. "You should start thinking of children after your wedding day. How long do you intend to keep the prince waiting?"