The Knight's Mysterious Maid
Chapter 96: Family (3)

Chapter 96: Family (3)

"I hear the doubt in your answer, but I will take it. What I wanted to speak to you about is Delilah. How are you feeling about her targeting you?" Beatrice asked.

Annalise thought about a good answer that would seem logical. Truthfully, she didn’t feel anything about Delilah being out to get her. She didn’t think about Delilah until someone brought her up. She had been in more dangerous situations at the border, so dealing with Delilah did not scare her, but if she said that she wasn’t worried, it might sound strange.

Since Annalise knew she had to keep an eye on Delilah, she was prepared for any attack Delilah would make. Delilah wasn’t good at plotting, so Annalise doubted her plans would work. Annalise thought of being annoyed by Delilah more than fearing for her life.

Contrary to what she thought, Annalise replied, "I hope that the young master can stop her soon so I won’t be hurt."

Annalise looked away from Beatrice for a few seconds to hide the pain on her face from having to say those words. Her heart was going to fail one of these days from the horrible lies she had to tell.

"Rafael will make sure nothing happens to you. I never thought she would ever try to undress before him and be so jealous over a dress," Beatrice said.

Annalise became interested in speaking about Delilah at the mention of her trying to undress in front of Rafael. She wasn’t the best person to know all of the rules for this kingdom, but she did know the consequences of what Delilah did.

"I have always known that she adored Rafael, but I thought it was a simple crush like all the other young ladies. Eventually, they give up and move on to court someone else. Time moves quickly for us women, where we have to get married while we are young. You have to pick quickly to secure your future, but there are a few who cannot do with the man they desire," said Beatrice.

"The time to find a husband brings out the worst in women. It is a fight to find the best man who can protect you, offer you a good life without ever having to worry about struggling, and please your family. It is honestly not about finding the best match for us, but for those around us. Oh, look at me rambling far from what we were talking about," Beatrice stopped herself.

"It is fine. I enjoy hearing how the town works. The town I come from has nothing like this, so you are educating me. You can talk about it more if you like," Annalise said, preferring to talk about that over Delilah.

"See, this is why I like you, Annalise. You are not like the other servants who shy away when I try to speak with them. I feel like you do not see my status. Not that I have one. My husband and I are just simple people. Rafael holds the title of commander of knights. Many of the ladies still speak of how my marriage came to be, so I find myself unable to have an honest conversation with them. I am almost tempted to steal you away from Rafael, but then that would interrupt my plans," Beatrice smiled.

Annalise slowed down, staring at Beatrice’s back. It always felt like she was missing something when it came to this family. What plans did Beatrice have, and what did they have to do with her? This family was no longer normal. All of them were always up to something that included her. It was only a matter of time before Rafael’s father started planning something with her in it.

Annalise picked up her pace to catch up to Beatrice.

"Have you ever thought of marriage? Or have your parents mentioned it to you? You look past the age to start looking for a husband," Beatrice said, causing Annalise to almost stumble.

"S-Sorry," Annalise apologised, balancing herself. Her and marriage was never something she thought about. There were other things to think about. Better things. "My parents think about it."

"You are a pretty young lady with a wonderful personality. I am sure they have gotten many offers for your hand. You must have left behind a lot of broken hearts when you decided to come here to work. Take my advice and always follow your heart. I know the pressure of trying to please your family, but it is your life. Pick the person you find yourself unable to be apart from," Beatrice advised her.

"I will keep that in mind," Annalise replied. She would keep that all the way in the back of her mind since what she wanted did not matter because she was the leader’s daughter. She would always pick so her people could be safe.

Beatrice found Annalise to be just like Rafael. Letting her advice when it came to marriage go out of one ear. "I might be wrong, but I don’t think I am since I know my son like the back of my hand. Just remember that in the future, I am okay with it. You will understand if the time ever comes. Let us catch up with the two of them before they talk about swords and fighting."

Annalise already knew what Beatrice meant. Beatrice was not subtle in wanting her to be with Rafael so she could stop the search for her daughter-in-law. Rather than ruin Beatrice’s thoughts, she decided not to comment on it.

"Rafael is not interested in my garden, but I hope you will take a few of the vegetables. There are also a couple of fruit trees scattered around the yard. All types of berries and other fruit River had planted for us. Take what you like since it is too much for me and River to eat before they all fall to the ground. I can find you one of the baskets I’ve made. Where did I put them?" Beatrice wondered, stopping to look around before she stepped outside with Annalise.

For the first time, Annalise felt guilt because of someone who should be considered her enemy or who would call her all sorts of names if they knew where she came from. She wanted to believe that Beatrice was not like that. That she would see they were not wild or barbarians like many from this kingdom would say.

Annalise felt guilty because of how well Beatrice treated her, not knowing that a night ago, Annalise was ready to take her son’s life and that she would do it in the future if needed.

Annalise always killed her enemies with an empty heart, not thinking of those who would mourn them because she had her loved ones to protect. She could not escape the terrible feeling that came with her mind thinking of how Beatrice would react to hearing something happen to her son. She would feel nothing if not for Beatrice being so kind to her.

’I blame my grandmother,’ Annalise thought. Her grandmother had always lectured her about repaying kindness no matter who it came from.

The next time Rafael had to visit his mother, Annalise would ask to stay behind so she would not experience any more of Beatrice’s kindness and be rid of this guilt. A mother’s sadness should not make her hesitate in the future.

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