Chương 14: On the outs (3)

Annalise slowly walked back to Beatrice's room, watching the knights begin to train as she passed by the windows. It was still unbelievable that she had made her way inside Rafael's house. She wished the day would come to an end sooner so she could go to the market and meet with a friend tomorrow.

'So many murderers on one property,' she thought. 'If only I could just-'

"Annalise! You went for snacks?" Beatrice's voice interrupted her thoughts.

Annalise smiled, looking ahead at Beatrice, who walked with Rafael, who didn't seem too happy. Annalise wondered how Beatrice had convinced him to come inside. "I thought you would like something to eat while you speak with your guest. The cook had some cake left over," she said.

"Wonderful. Isn't she just a doll, Rafael? I might just steal her away from your home. Get some rest son," Beatrice released his hands and walked up to Annalise to help her with the tray. "I can help with the jug," she took the jug of juice. "Don't make me have to pull you out of that sun again, Rafael."

Annalise snickered and when her eyes met Rafael's, she looked off to the side to hide the fact she was laughing at him being scolded by his mother. It was a cute scene to witness, but still funny nonetheless.

"Mother," Rafael sighed as he was going right back out to the training yard with the men when he was finished here. He had only stopped to walk her back to her room. "I am going to train. I need to so I don't get hurt when I have to leave back out again. Father told you not to get in the way," Rafael reminded her of what his father told her the last time she kept taking him away from his training to rest.

"I knew we should have prayed for a daughter. Then I would have someone to take my side. All you and your father do is gang up on me. When you pass out from working too much, I will be here to tell you that I told you so. Go away before you start distracting the maids again," Beatrice motioned her hands to make him go away. He was already receiving looks from the maids passing by.

"I will spend some time with you if you do not interrupt training again. I will cancel your plans for a party if you do it again. I will rest, mother. Just not right now. I will see you soon," Rafael promised.

"Don't have any boys in the future, Annalise. Or do you already have children?" Beatrice asked, sneaking a glance at Annalise's finger, but found it to be empty. Still, many didn't need a ring to start making babies.

Annalise noticed Beatrice had snuck a look at her hand for a ring. "I do not have children, nor am I married. I have to focus on working to help my family," she replied. Plus, Annalise wasn't ready to take care of anyone when it was already hard to care for herself.

"Oh," Beatrice hoped her words weren't a bit insensitive. She was in the position to do as she wanted since money was no issue for her, but someone working as a maid might be working hard to help their family and did not have time to start a family of their own. "Forget that I asked. You know dear, I am not obsessed with having everyone start a family. I'm just a romantic who wants everyone to find their happy ending.

'I don't see the difference,' Annalise thought.

"Is everything alright with you, Annalise?" Beatrice asked after she noticed a passing maid giving Annalise a nasty look. "Did me personally choosing you, place you in a bad place with the other maids?"

Annalise didn't think Beatrice would have noticed how the maids passing were eyeing her. Beatrice was highly aware of what was going on around her and didn't act oblivious. Annalise didn't think she could like Beatrice more than she already did, but she was wrong.

"It is fine. I didn't fit in most of the circles here before this. Your guest must be getting concerned with neither of us returning," Annalise changed the topic. She didn't need Beatrice helping her with the maids. She would take care of it on her own.

"I can't just leave you when it appears you have become hated. I know maids can get a bit competitive when it comes to serving me," Beatrice admitted. She was no fool to not notice what the maids were doing.

They would backstab each other to raise their position in this house.

"I can take care of myself," said Annalise. She didn't need anyone to fight her battles, especially when she was looking forward to what games the other girls would come up with to try to make her cry. It's been so long since she shed a good tear. She wanted to see if it was still possible.

Annalise didn't understand why everyone was so worried about her not making friends with a few of the maids. Rafael's estate was quite large, so there were plenty of maids for her to become friends with, and there were female knights. Annalise didn't care to focus on the few maids who gave her dirty looks or say something under their breaths.

When maids would be assigned to take care of cleaning Rafael's bedroom, there would be a new target to give dirty looks and throw insults.

"You seem like you can, but if anyone bothers you, please inform me. When I leave, I will have Rafael keep an eye on what is happening with you. The last thing I need is for anyone to be bullied because of me," said Beatrice.

"Thank you," Annalise replied. Annalise was happy Beatrice wasn't a stick in the mud like all the other wealthy women she stumbled across when she walked around the market. Beatrice was kind and did not stick her nose in the air. She couldn't help but be curious about Beatrice's life and how she was raised.

"Delilah," Beatrice said, reminded that she had someone waiting for her. "Come Annalise. We have a party to plan," she said, walking to the room first so she could open the door for Annalise since she was holding a tray. "Delilah, I am so sorry to have kept you waiting. I was having a conversation with Rafael and then Annalise.

"You didn't keep me waiting long," Delilah smiled as she stood up from where she sat. Her eyes went to Annalise for a moment, annoyed that the maid was back. She thought long and hard about how she would get rid of Annalise from Beatrice's side and working as a maid here, but had come up with nothing yet. "I see you brought the snacks I sent you for, Annalise. I hope I didn't trouble you too much. You are so helpful. I understand what Beatrice likes about you."

'Did she just take credit for me getting snacks?' Annalise thought. Annalise didn't mind if Delilah wanted to act as if she sent her for the snacks. It was just funny to see the lengths someone would go to look good. It was not even like she was taking credit for saving someone's life. 'Snacks,' Annalise shook her head.