The Knight's Mysterious Maid
Chapter 194: Knowing when to quit (2)

Chapter 194: Knowing when to quit (2)

"What did I do to deserve this?" Annalise muttered, looking up at the top of the tent.

It was all she could do since Rafael forced her to stay here. She could not hear any more arguments coming from outside and it seemed that everyone had gone back to cheering as the matches started, but here she was, forced to stay inside a tent and not see anything.

Annalise laid flat on the grass instead of using the single chair that was placed for Rafael. She already sat on it, but then she got bored and switched other positions to now end up lying down.

She kicked her foot up and watched her dress fall down her leg. Getting pants was still on her mind. They were much better than dresses and it was about time someone made it normal over here.

Annalise considered using Rafael’s feelings to get what she wanted, but then she couldn’t find it in herself to be so cruel as to lead him on. The memory of him not moving when she spoke of going home stopped her from thinking of using him. She had hurt his poor soul enough.

"Someone please save me from this boredom," said Annalise.

"Annalise."

Annalise sat up and looked at the entrance of the tent. "Lady Beatrice," she greeted.

"Why are you down there child?" Beatrice questioned, looking at Annalise’s head which was the only thing poking above the table. "Did he order you not to sit on his chair? Please get up before you have grass stuck to your dress. What is Rafael thinking?"

"It was my decision not to sit on the chair. I was bored and wanted to lay around for a little bit. Do you need help with something or are you looking for Rafael? I would be more than happy to find him for you," Annalise said, quickly getting to her feet.

Beatrice would be her way out of this tent and Rafael could not scold her for leaving since she would be helping his mother. Now her grandmother was starting to do things right.

"I have already met with Rafael and asked where you were. I’d be happy if you could stay by my side. Events like this do not suit me. All the swords, the noise, and someone looking like they are hurt. I am here to support the boys, but I need a break. Then I am running into too many ladies," Beatrice said, tired of all the questions.

Annalise was saddened by the fact she would not get to leave, but since she liked Beatrice, she did not mind staying with her. At least she did not have to talk to herself anymore.

"Normally the maid is to follow her employer, but you are here almost hidden away from everyone outside," Beatrice noted.

’Oh she definitely knows about his feelings," Annalise realised. This meant a bit of trouble for her, but as long as Beatrice didn’t know that she knew about Rafael’s feelings, there wouldn’t be any conversations about her and Rafael being together. She only had to deal with Beatrice’s hints.

"There was a bit of a disagreement between the knights and guards from the border so I was told to stay here. It sounded like they were getting ready to fight," Annalise said.

"Is that so? I’m sure Rafael was quick to make sure you were safe and sound. Lovely isn’t he? The guards are still here and I cannot deal with those men. They always seek out violence which is why I am here," Beatrice said as she walked to the chair Annalise did not want to use.

’That is why I want to be out there!’ Annalise screamed in her head. All the fun was out there. Just outside the tent for her to get a little glimpse.

"As the wife and mother of knights, you would think I have gotten used to this, but I have not. My chest hurts when it comes time for Rafael to spar with someone. Then River sometimes joins him. I want my husband to know that he is not as young as he thinks and I cannot have him injured. How am I to care for our garden alone and who will cook for me?" Beatrice joked.

"Your relationship with your husband is quite cute. I find it to be an amazing story of how you overcame everything and stayed together for a long time. I do not know the entire story, but what I know so far makes me like you even more," Annalise honestly spoke.

It took more guts than everyone who gossiped about it realised to throw away everything you had such as status and wealth along with cutting ties with your family. There were many things Annalise would do, but she couldn’t see herself doing what Beatrice did so easily.

"The entire story is filled with a lot of tears, pathetic moments on my end, and constant running. One day I will tell you the entire story, but not right now. I am trying to not think about the past. Did you get the chance to give anyone a charm? I have bought enough for there to be no space on River’s sword," Beatrice said, smiling at the memory of how River looked at her when she kept adding more. "There is no space for another to be added."

"He is married," Annalise said, not seeing why someone would offer him one.

"That stops nothing. I still have to deal with a few women of all ages trying to get his attention. I have never used a sword a day in my life, but if any of them get too close to him, I will be like a skilled knight. The kingdom is full of scandal, Annalise. It is not as proper as people like to act. So much goes on behind closed doors. The affairs," Beatrice said, having a few tales she could share.

"I have quickly realised the hypocrisy," Annalise answered, agreeing with Beatrice.

So many social rules were broken daily and if you took a walk in the red light district at night, many of the men and women who walked with their noses in the air were engaging in secret activities.

"It took me a while to see the truth. I trust River, but I do not like many of the women who come around him. We drifted so far away from what I asked. Did you give anyone a charm? I have an extra one I can give to you. Surely there must be a man you would like to give one to," Beatrice said, looking down at her lap as she fished through her small purse for the extra charm she had.

She bought this one specifically for Annalise to give to Rafael. It might make Rafael’s day to receive it from her. Rafael was never into this, but it was different coming from the woman he liked.

Annalise could see the trap Beatrice was laying out for her. If she told Beatrice about the ribbon, she would be setting herself up for questions about it, or being asked if she liked Rafael. Annalise crossed her fingers behind her back and hoped that Rafael had many more charms on his sword by now to hide her ribbon.

Beatrice had no way of knowing it was from her, but Annalise would rather Beatrice not see it.

"It is red. Do you want to give it away? I have no use for it so you can give it to a friend or one of the knights-"

"Annalise," Logan’s voice interrupted Beatrice.

Beatrice frowned, put off by his awful timing. She moved quickly to put the charm back in her purse so Annalise would not offer it to him, but before she put it away, she had a wonderful thought.

A bit of jealousy would help to get Rafael to move faster to court Annalise.

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