"How long do you intend to stay? Did you leave your bags at the door?" Rafael asked as it wouldn't be the first time she did it.
There was always the excuse of her carriage wheel suddenly breaking, a tree mysteriously falling and blocking the road, or his father leaving his mother behind and forgetting to pick her up. Beatrice had a habit of leaving her bags somewhere around the house and then revealing them once she got permission to stay.
"My son returned from a long adventure so why wouldn't I come to spend at least one night with you? Please," Beatrice innocently smiled. As long as she pleaded with him, she got her way, and would most likely be spending the night here. "I want to be closer to you."
"You live four houses away from me," Rafael replied, reminding her how close she was already.
"Your training grounds are large, and there are a lot of fields between those estates," Beatrice corrected him. Those four homes felt like four towns away. If not for wanting to give Rafael some space, she would build a new house on one of the fields to be closer.
It was only when Rafael went on long trips around the kingdom that Beatrice wanted to spend the night at his home. Seeing Rafael for a few hours was not enough to ease her mind that he had returned home safe and sound. Rafael would always hide when he injured his hand or foot, and the only way she would learn of it was by watching him.
Annalise returned to the dining room with a jug of fresh orange juice made by the cook. She was told it was something Beatrice would enjoy. Annalise looked back and forth between mother and son, hoping she did not miss out on anything important.
Annalise needed to hear about Rafael's travels, but more importantly, she needed to hear about his future plans. What was the King assigning him next and why was the Duke sending Rafael a letter?
"Your juice," Annalise smiled as she neared Beatrice. As long as she stuck close to Beatrice, she would find out all that she needed to know. "Is there anything else I can get for the two of you-"
"Rafael!" A voice Annalise had never heard before yelled.
After pouring Beatrice's juice, Annalise raised her head to get a good look at the newcomer. She assumed the well-built man with messy hair and a crooked smile to also be a knight. Once again, Annalise appreciated how many good-looking men she got to see from working in this home.
The stranger's eyes met with Annalise's, and before he could greet Rafael or Beatrice, he addressed Annalise. "A new one. Just my lucky day."
Annalise frowned as all interest in him vanished when he opened his mouth. From his words, he sounded like the type to enjoy flirting with the maids. She didn't mind him admiring her beauty, but as he continued to stare at her, it felt like her clothes were slowly disappearing in his mind.
Annalise wished more people would realize how unattractive they could become when they open their mouths.
"Mavis, you and all of the maids can leave. We will take care of serving the rest of our breakfast," Rafael disrupted the silence that had fallen over the dining room.
"Yes, young master. You heard him, girls! Hurry, hurry!" Mavis clapped her hands to get all the maids moving.
Annalise briefly glanced at Rafael, wondering why he was sending them away when there was more food to serve, and they were meant to clean up afterwards. She placed the jug on the table beside Beatrice so she could easily pour more when she was ready.
Cara went up to Annalise to grab her hand. "Come with me," she whispered, leading Annalise away from the dining room.
"Who is the man that just arrived?" Annalise softly asked as Mavis was right in front of them with the other maids. She knew the old bat had out-of-this-world hearing.
"That is Connor Bailey. His father is well-known for building houses for the rich. This estate was built by his father who is also friends with the young master's father. Connor is a guard for the King's army and is under Rafael. Conner is nothing but trouble for us," Cara whispered, keeping her eyes on Mavis to avoid getting in trouble. "Mavis doesn't like when we tell anyone about it. Especially the young master."
"Can we get to the point? Is it his perverted gaze that is the trouble?" Annalise asked. She kind of figured this Connor person was a creep just from his gaze alone. 'I've been called a pervert and met one in less than a day. Great,' she thought.
"Perverted, yes. He takes things a step further by getting too touchy. I like to make myself scarce when he comes to visit Rafael. Some of the maids have entertained his advances and learned a hard lesson about why you should avoid him. He seems to think he could have his way with us as he likes," Cara explained.
Annalise wondered what Rafael had to say about this friend. "What does the young master say about it?"
"Well, Rafael is hardly home for us to tell him, and Mavis has already told us to not mention it to him or she'll fire us. Connor comes from money so there's nothing we can do to get rid of him or have him punished. For the ones who feel uncomfortable around him, we either try to leave quickly when he is around, or smile and endure his hands being too touchy," Cara frowned, remembering the time his hand brushed against her buttocks.
"I don't know what to make of the young master as yet, but I think it's worth a try speaking to him instead of listening to Mavis. You should not have to let that bastard get away with this because he comes from money. If the young master is aware of this, but does nothing, I swear the last thing he will be worried about is me seeing his pecker," Annalise dramatically clenched her right fist. It loved connecting with the face of anyone who abused their power.
Cara pushed Annalise's hands back down to her side. "I am certain the young master does not know. He does not enjoy it when Connor visits, and out of all my employers, he is the kindest. If he ever finds out, the young master might kill Connor for putting his hands on the maids, but then it will create problems with Connor's father. Promise me that you will not say anything. I don't want to risk my job and shouldn't risk your own."
"All of these men and women with status speak to each other, and prefer when the servants are silent. If we expose one of them, if we leave this job it won't be easy to find work elsewhere. If he does something to you, speak up, but otherwise, just ignore what you see. Mavis is already looking to fire you," said Cara.
"You already know that I am not one to keep my mouth shut. If I see that bastard getting touchy with anyone, I am going to let him get well acquainted with the palm of my hand," Annalise promised.