"Unfortunately, no," Camden replied with his head lowered. He knew Ethan would be angry with his reply, but what could he do?
They had investigated everyone in Ethan's courtyard, but to no avail.
As expected, Ethan got angry at his words as a loud sound was heard. Ethan had just knocked down a vase.
"Did you question the people who had been in contact with Adelaide?" Ethan asked.
"No," Camden replied, with his head still lowered.
"Marie, stay with Adelaide, and inform me when she regains consciousness, Camden, follow me, we have some questions to ask," Ethan instructed as he strode out of the room, followed by Camden who tried to catch up with him.
"Let's visit Penelope, shall we?" Ethan asked with a mysterious smile.
"Your Highness, do you doubt Penelope?" Camden asked with a frown.
He could not imagine Penelope being the culprit. She has been with Ethan for the longest time, and she understood Ethan's character. If she was the one behind it, he was not sure what Ethan would do to her.
"We have to be suspicious of everyone, Camden, what do I do with people who go against me?" Ethan asked as they finally reached Penelope's courtyard.
"You torture them, sometimes kill, and sometimes leave them alive so they can suffer," Camden replied hesitantly.
He was curious as to why Ethan asked such a question.
"What do you think we should do with Penelope? Remember, she hurt my wife, a Princess," Ethan smiled as he walked into the courtyard.
The maids immediately bowed their heads on seeing him.
Ever since Penelope was announced as Ethan's concubine, Ethan had not visited her, neither has he stepped foot into the courtyard. His presence came as a surprise to the maids.
They also had a bold thought. Perhaps, Adelaide was unable to satisfy the Prince. Hence he showed up here.
Well, that was just their thoughts, and they dared not to say it out.
"Your Highness, I do not have the proper punishment for her, you are the only one befitting of giving her the punishment," Camden replied humbly.
Ethan chuckled. He was expecting Camden to give him such an answer.
"Go call Penelope, I am here to see her," Ethan ordered one of the maids as he took a seat on the Windsor Chair, with Camden standing behind him
Ethan crossed his legs as he observed the little courtyard. He had a blank expression on his face as he waited for Penelope.
A few minutes later, Penelope walked out of the room, a blush on her face. Her face was visible with excitement.
And why wouldn't she? This was the first time Ethan would visit her courtyard. It was enough for her to be thrilled.
"Your Highness, you are here, you should have sent for me if you wanted to see me, I would have visited you myself, there is no need to visit me yourself," Penelope's voice was sweet, and any normal man would fall in love with her.
Penelope had an innocent face, and she had a weak character. Men who had a little self-control would fall into her trap, but Ethan was not such a person, much to Penelope's dismay.
Ethan merely looked at her, before he took his gaze from her. Since Ethan was silent, she could not speak.
For some reason, Penelope felt an intense fear. Ethan sat quietly on the chair, but his aura was something she could not take.
This was the first time Ethan would be in close range with her, but she had never felt so scared in her life.
"What are you to me?" Ethan asked after a few minutes of silence.
"I am your concubine," Penelope with uncertainty.
"When you were brought to me by my brother, do you recall what I said to you?" Ethan turned to look at her with a mysterious smile.
Penelope's heart skipped a bit. Ethan's smile was enchanting, but she had no time to admire it.
She remembered that day. She was a dancer before she was bought by Edward.
Edward had told her he wanted her to be a companion for his brother, as he felt his brother was lonely.
When Edward brought her to Ethan, these were Ethan's words;
"Even if you are my concubine, I do not recognize you as one, and any day you decide to go against my orders, that would be your last day in the palace."
Penelope turned to look at Ethan with palpable fear. She wondered why he had to remind of what he told her years ago. It didn't make any sense to her.
"I see you recall, do you think I won't find out? Why did you do it?" Ethan asked, his voice was threateningly low.
"Do what, Your Highness?" Penelope decided to play dumb. She finally realized what he was asking her about.
Ethan smiled. He always loved it when his prey decided to act smart. It gave him the thrill when his prey and enemies always put a strong front.
"Are you sure you want me to list your crimes out to you?" Ethan asked as he uncrossed his legs.
"I am sure I am innocent, I have not done anything, I don't know what Your Highness is talking about," Penelope had a confident look on her face, but deep within her, she was trembling.
"Okay then, stealing gold from me, telling people you are my wife, and lastly, poisoning my original wife to the point of death, are these crimes not enough to convict you?" Ethan cocked his head as he enjoyed the look on her face.
"Your Highness," Penelope whispered as she fell to the ground.
She stared at Ethan in horror. She had done all these, but she did it secretly, she had no idea he would find out.
"I guess I was right then, I am not even annoyed with you stealing gold, or telling people you are my future wife, why did you poison Adelaide?" Ethan rose to his feet as he squatted before her.
Penelope had her heart in her mouth as she moved backwards. Ethan did not bother to chase after all, she was unable to run from him regardless.
"I asked a question, it is best if you give me an answer, or I might just throw you into the dungeons, never to be found again," Ethan beamed as his heart raced at the thought.
Penelope's heart turned cold. She knew he was cruel, but never would she have realized that his cruelty would be directed towards her.