Chapter 72: Not drunk (2)
Rafael finally took a sip of his wine and continued to watch Annalise. "Is it strong?" He asked.
Annalise stared at her almost empty glass. "It is sweet, but I’ve heard not to let that fool you. It is a good drink. I’m jealous of what you get to drink daily."
"I’m not much of a drinker. I mostly indulge myself when there are guests or have one glass every few nights. I don’t find it good to get into the habit of drinking so much. I have seen what the obsession that follows does to someone," Rafael said, thinking of a former knight who loved to drink so much that it cost him being a knight.
Annalise placed her glass on the balcony wall. "I agree that walking around, being unable to balance yourself, and slurring words is not a good look. The wine was nice, but I should not have any more. You can drink as much as you like. I will look for the butler if you need help to your bedroom."
Rafael brought his glass to his lips to stop himself from smiling and giving away that there was no alcohol so soon. "I will try not to drink so much for you or Edwin to carry me," he said.
Annalise sensed that there was something wrong with Rafael since he kept staring at her like he was amused by something she said or did. Did he think she could not help carry him back to his room? He was bigger than her, but she would manage to drag him to his room. It might take an hour to get there, and his body would wipe the floor clean, but he would get there.
Instead of asking what was amusing him, Annalise looked off to the side at the maids and knights having a good time around the fire. There were sticks placed around the fire with what looked to be meat on them.
Annalise hoped it was one of the chickens since they had not listened to her. She warned them about a fire, and now look. One of their own might be getting eaten now. Slowly roasted by fire.
"You can still go down to join them for food and drinks. There is plenty to share since the knights usually store up many bottles of wine or rum for moments like this. A few of them went on a hunt this morning for something to eat. It will help them prepare for the hunting contest-"