Chapter 19: Different worlds (2)
"Thomas," Annalise sighed. "Why is it that the first thing to come to your mind is me killing someone? How could you think that of me?"
"I think that because I know you well. Are you having a hard time finding friends? We are nothing like these people therefore it is hard for us to make friendships. It is odd to see how much they care about status here. So many rules," Thomas shook his head. He found that the people here cared about foolish things and felt the need to always flaunt their wealth.
"There are too many rules," Annalise agreed with Thomas. It was hard enough to remember what she had to address everyone as. "It is not hard for me to make friends. I've surprisingly made a few friends who accept me as I am. They are fun to be around. There are just a few maids who I will never be able to get along with."
Annalise wasn't concerned with the fact she could not make everyone like her. There were so many personalities in the Callahan household so everyone formed small groups of friends, but for the most part, tried to get along with each other when they were working.
"Accept you as you are? Have you told them where you truly come from?"
"Of course not. They would want me to be rotting in a cell if they knew. They accept the Annalise they think they know and I enjoy spending time with them. I didn't think I would be so close to anyone, but I am enjoying it. While it lasts," Annalise added as all good things had to come to an end here in Ashborne for her.
"I hope you stay focused on why we are here. I do not want you getting caught up in being a maid for long and getting too attached to the people you are friends with. They will not care for you if your identity is revealed. I can't help thinking about how angry your father would be if he ever found out where you've run off to. You've placed yourself right in the home of one of our greatest enemies," said Thomas.
It was more dangerous for Annalise to be here than for him because of who her father is.
"It has its good and bad sides to me being so near to him," Annalise replied, not using Rafael's name so no one they walked by could know who they spoke of. They did not need to be questioned about speaking about Rafael and the border. "I am close enough to kill him if needed."
"Do you think you could take him alone?" Thomas asked, worried about Annalise going up against a skilled Knight.
There was no denying Rafael's skills that led him to have countless victories. He remembered hearing the stories about Rafael's father going up against Annalise's father. Surely the man taught his son well. It was by some luck that Rafael was never sent to the border yet as he and his knights would tip the favor to the King's side.
"I would try and should I ever need your help, I would send you a letter first. We are free to talk here," Annalise sat down under a tree that was far out of the way from where people were passing. It was a small grassy place that would lead them into thick trees.