Chapter 26: Cornered (2)
"It's time," Mavis said, clapping her hands to gather the servants. Edwin stood beside her with his hands behind his back, letting Mavis take charge. "You represent the Callahans more than ever tonight. You will serve the Callahans, the knights, and their guests without any failures. I shall fire you if you fail."
Edwin looked at Mavis because of her horrible way of encouraging the servants. It would only make a handful of them, who were working such a party for the first time, even more nervous.
"You know your positions. Those who have to walk around serving, I will be watching you all night long. Go! It is time the guest starts arriving."
"She always does this so late and then blames us when we are not at the doors to greet the guests. Here," Cara said, handing Annalise a tray of drinks to walk around with. She was still sulking over the fact that she had not gotten to dress up at all. She would have liked it if it was a party for all of the Callahan servants.
"Thank you." Annalise took the tray from Cara, careful not to let one of the glasses fall.
"My arms are going to hurt me all night long. Why can't the guests just walk around and get their drink from a table? I thought it wasn't supposed to be this grand of a party," Cara whined.
Annalise did not share the same sentiments as Cara. If her arms could not handle holding a tray with a few drinks for a little while, she needed to train more. Annalise and Cara left the already busy kitchen and walked to the grand hall, where the guests and knights should start gathering.
Annalise was glad Beatrice had planned this party, as she realised it presented her with the opportunity to see the majority of the knights in one room, hear about their travels and what they would be assigned to in the future, and see other influential men involved in the war. All she needed to do was keep handing them drinks so they would keep talking.
"So many handsome men in one room. It's like I am living out one of my dreams," Cara whispered.