Who is Captain Penrod from Heir Apparent and what is their importance?

Captain Penrod is the Captain of the guards. In one of Janine's lifetimes, he kills her for freeing a poacher, and he is responsible for one of Janine's deaths, having stabbed her with a knife. Penrod believes that Janine is too weak to rule the kingdom.

After a number of attempts on her life, Janine realizes that Penrod and his men likely haven't been fully paid for some time. After her investigation of the matter reveals that Counselor Rawdon has been stealing from the treasury for several weeks, Janine rectifies the men's wages and includes a bonus. She further earns the respect of the guards when the barbarians attack, and she spends her time hauling arrows to the guards on the battlements rather than hiding inside with the Queen.