Chapter 96: Family (3)
"I hear the doubt in your answer, but I will take it. What I wanted to speak to you about is Delilah. How are you feeling about her targeting you?" Beatrice asked.
Annalise thought about a good answer that would seem logical. Truthfully, she didn’t feel anything about Delilah being out to get her. She didn’t think about Delilah until someone brought her up. She had been in more dangerous situations at the border, so dealing with Delilah did not scare her, but if she said that she wasn’t worried, it might sound strange.
Since Annalise knew she had to keep an eye on Delilah, she was prepared for any attack Delilah would make. Delilah wasn’t good at plotting, so Annalise doubted her plans would work. Annalise thought of being annoyed by Delilah more than fearing for her life.
Contrary to what she thought, Annalise replied, "I hope that the young master can stop her soon so I won’t be hurt."
Annalise looked away from Beatrice for a few seconds to hide the pain on her face from having to say those words. Her heart was going to fail one of these days from the horrible lies she had to tell.
"Rafael will make sure nothing happens to you. I never thought she would ever try to undress before him and be so jealous over a dress," Beatrice said.
Annalise became interested in speaking about Delilah at the mention of her trying to undress in front of Rafael. She wasn’t the best person to know all of the rules for this kingdom, but she did know the consequences of what Delilah did.
"I have always known that she adored Rafael, but I thought it was a simple crush like all the other young ladies. Eventually, they give up and move on to court someone else. Time moves quickly for us women, where we have to get married while we are young. You have to pick quickly to secure your future, but there are a few who cannot do with the man they desire," said Beatrice.
"The time to find a husband brings out the worst in women. It is a fight to find the best man who can protect you, offer you a good life without ever having to worry about struggling, and please your family. It is honestly not about finding the best match for us, but for those around us. Oh, look at me rambling far from what we were talking about," Beatrice stopped herself.
"It is fine. I enjoy hearing how the town works. The town I come from has nothing like this, so you are educating me. You can talk about it more if you like," Annalise said, preferring to talk about that over Delilah.
"See, this is why I like you, Annalise. You are not like the other servants who shy away when I try to speak with them. I feel like you do not see my status. Not that I have one. My husband and I are just simple people. Rafael holds the title of commander of knights. Many of the ladies still speak of how my marriage came to be, so I find myself unable to have an honest conversation with them. I am almost tempted to steal you away from Rafael, but then that would interrupt my plans," Beatrice smiled.
Annalise slowed down, staring at Beatrice’s back. It always felt like she was missing something when it came to this family. What plans did Beatrice have, and what did they have to do with her? This family was no longer normal. All of them were always up to something that included her. It was only a matter of time before Rafael’s father started planning something with her in it.