Chapter 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.