Chapter 32: Annalys Cross II

From the start to present, Annalys never took Serena as a sister like what everyone thought. Instead, what began as a simple dislike grew to become hate to the point that she derives pleasure from making Serena's life miserable.

When Annalys realized the Serena thought of her dumb, instead of confronting her about it, she used that knowledge to her advantage. Since Serena wanted to play as her big sister, she let her take the lead and played along.

It was not difficult because Serena indulged her. All she had to do was continue to be herself except this time, she needed to pretend that Serena was slowly growing on her. At first, she didn't know she could do it, but as time went to pass, it became so much easier. It helped that Serena thought herself so smart and she too dumb to even consider that she's only pretending.

After 3 months as lady-in-waiting, her father told her that they were in the brink of backtracking from their political stance because Geoffrey's position as crown prince was just too strong. Thus, she was advised that while Serena was pregnant and could not perform some of her wifely duties, she should take the opportunity to catch Geoffrey's attention.

If her love for Charlton, one-sided as it was, was not strong enough, she would have been tempted. Geoffrey was a fine man. Handsome with his black hair and blue eyes, tall, masculine, and he was the crown prince. Which lady would not be interested especially when they get to see him almost every day? However, it was also that reason which made her second guess her chances of successfully getting his attention. She was a direct witness on how strong Geoffrey's affection for Serena was, and she does not intend to make a fool out of herself and give Serena the satisfaction by proving that she was dumb enough to try.

Knowing that the situation was not favorable whether she tries or not, she made a bet.

Geoffrey's stronghold as crown prince seems impenetrable in the political arena, however his love for Serena can become his weakness.

What if Serena loses the child during her pregnancy and later could not successfully birth Geoffrey a child?

If he chooses to hold on to Serena, then even those from his faction would begin to talk. Sooner or later, he would have to choose and if he were to choose Serena, then they already won half the battle.

On the other hand, Serena was the darling of the society. If Geoffrey chooses to abandon her, not only would he lose the support of Serena's family, he would also incite the hate of the masses.

Of course that also meant that the prospect for Geoffrey's next wife would not be good. However, she was not that interested to take on that role. In fact it's good for her because that way she gets to buy time and wait for Charlton.

In any case, whatever the result, it was all good for them. Unless, she gets found out, then it's off to the guillotine for her.

Those were the hypothetical situation and outcomes she presented and though her father was skeptical at first, in the end he agreed to proceed with her plan.

And so, they took the gamble.

Everything was easier said than done, but by some miracle, she was able to do it without getting caught. Every afternoon when Serena would take her tea, she would mix a little of the medicine so that the effect would be gradual. On the day the queen visited, she was not sure if she mixed too much then, but Serena suddenly went into a premature labor.

Despite not being able to witness people giving birth before, she was no idiot not to know that it was a stillbirth. The baby already had limbs. However, she could do nothing about that information since the queen chose to protect Serena. If she chose to become the squealer, that would only be her asking for trouble. Thus, she could only pretend that she did not understand and kept quiet about it.

Aside from that, she was more worried that an investigation would follow. What if she gets caught?

To her surprise, there have been no investigation that followed and though she has been tense with trepidation every time she was with Serena, always nervous as she wondered if that would be the day she gets caught, no one even suspected her. Instead, what happened was that Serena and the others thought that she was empathizing for the loss, and maybe because she did not tell anyone that it was a stillbirth, she even won their hearts.

It was strange how she taught they were very intelligent but were actually pretty dumb. Anyhow, it worked to her benefit so who was she to complain?

That event has proven that she had and can continue to outwit them. Thus, her confidence grew and so did her prowess in acting.

The second time Serena got pregnant; she was one of the few who has been privy to it. It made her nervous to do the same thing, but again, she took the gamble.

It worked out in her favor, and no one even doubted her. Serena has been so happy with the pregnancy that she became more miserable when she lost it.

The knowledge that Serena, the one who thought her too dumb and used her as a foil was in fact in her mercy, that all her misery was her doing and she knew none the better, was truly gratifying.

When Serena got pregnant the third time, they were too careful that she had no opportunity to do what she usually did. She became anxious but her first experience reminded her that she still had time. Thankfully, her patience won, and in the end, Serena lost the child without her having to do anything.

After that, Serena haven't had another pregnancy.

For her it was both good and bad.

Good, because she doesn't have to continue risking her life by ending another. Pity though, because she always enjoyed watching her in the brink of her breaking point.

Bad, because with Serena being unable to get pregnant and give birth, it reopened the idea that she (Annalys) can marry Geoffrey later.

Annalys loves Charlton and even though her family's offer has been rejected thrice, she does not believe that Charlton did so because of herself as a person. Thus, she would always refuse to back down unless she tries herself.

Now, regarding Geoffrey. It's not that she does not find him attractive nor the prospect of him tempting. Sometimes she even wonders if only by taking him away will Serena finally break.

However, again, she has been direct witness to his devotion to Serena. That despite everything unfolding the way they did, he still chose to stay by her side. Thus, she knew better. Aside from that, she refuses to become a stand-in and forever live in Serena's shadow.

Then again, who knows? The queen was already pressuring Serena and she saw with her own eyes how Serena would sometimes stare into space. Sooner or later, Serena will break and so will her relationship with Geoffrey.

In any case, whichever way fate unfolds, she has been able to place herself in an advantageous position.

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TBC