Chapter 58: Exposing friends (2)
Annalise returned to Rafael’s side with the wine he requested, and after pouring some into his glass, she stepped back to give him some space to talk with the duke. She saw Edwin look her way and give her a nod as if telling her that she had done well.
Regardless of how the day started with Delilah, Annalise liked how it ended with some acknowledgement from Edwin. Mavis had not said anything to her further about the chickens, but after she carried a drink to Rafael and Edgar earlier, Mavis was quite easy on her.
If Aria were to go to Mavis instead of Rafael, it might change everything Annalise had achieved today, but Annalise was not worried about it. She could start from the bottom again before the king would arrive, and even if she were not picked to serve the king, she would find another way to get close to him and take his life.
"I will be leaving first thing tomorrow morning. As fun as it would be to stay in town and get away from the fools in Lockwood, I must return before Alfred sends someone on the hunt to find me," said Edgar.
"And here I thought you liked me so much you would stay a bit longer," Rafael replied. He wished Edgar’s stay would be longer since he rarely had time to see his friends who lived in other towns, but he enjoyed the fact that Edgar had stopped by even for a day. Edgar wasn’t as cruel as some would say.
"If not for looking for who is taking the women in Lockwood and having to find out what information the baron has, I would stay a bit longer and send for Alfred so he could enjoy a small vacation. It is unfortunate that you have returned at a time when I am busy. You can kill Tobias for it," Edgar said since it was because of the king that he was busier than normal.
"Before you lose your mind constantly killing your enemies, my gates are always open for you to put down your sword and just be Rafael," Edgar offered since the weight of being commander for the Callahan knights often got to Rafael.
Annalise was curious about what Edgar meant about Rafael losing his mind. Was he haunted by the people he killed? She was reminded of one of the warriors back at home, unable to sleep after taking the life of one of their enemies. Not everyone was cut out for it. By some luck, she was never haunted by anyone.
Annalise snuck a glance at Rafael, whom many would never think would be tortured mentally by killing so many people. At times, he wasn’t seen as a regular human because of how many people he had slaughtered. He would be well respected by her father if he were on their side.