Befriending Annalise

Annalise watched me clear one plate, then pushed another in front of me.

What's this? Is she trying to stuff me until I can't breathe?

I stared at the food, feeling too full to eat. She, on the other hand, didn't seem interested in eating at all. It was clear I wouldn't be allowed to leave until I finished everything on the table.

"Don't you like it? Aren't kids supposed to love sweet stuff like this?" she asked, frowning. Her annoyance was building, and I started to panic. Am I about to get a spank? That'll be terrifying.

I quickly tried to explain, "I love them. They are delicious. I just ate lunch, so I'm not that hungry right now…"

But that just seemed to make her more irritated—why? I've been so careful, so polite!

She was so hard to see through. She had invited me here without a word, laid out a huge spread of desserts, and now wasn't eating any of it herself.

We sat in awkward silence—her annoyed, me embarrassed—until she suddenly shot me a look that clearly said "get lost," then motioned toward the tree shade nearby.

"Come out," she said, her voice cold.

I froze. Have Mila have snuck in without me noticing? I really hoped not—if anyone was going to get in trouble, it should be me, not my maid.

But when the figure stepped out from behind the tree, it wasn't Mila. It was Cedric.

"Don't be mad, MISS ANNALISE. Father just sent me to check on how you two were getting along," he said, his crimson eyes flicking briefly toward me.

The moment our eyes met, I felt like the air around me froze.

That's when it clicked—the figure I had seen behind the window that day was the Duke. He must've sent Cedric to check on me, worried Annalise might punish me. His intentions were good, but not exactly well thought out.

I felt a tiny bit grateful, but not much—Cedric scared me way more than Annalise did…

"Annalise, this is the first time you've brought someone to enjoy the roses with you," Cedric said, still looking at me even though he was speaking to his sister.

Annalise didn't even acknowledge him, clearly not thrilled to see her brother. I used to think she hated me, but seeing how she treated Cedric, I started to think maybe I wasn't doing too badly after all.

In the beginning of the story, Cedric was painted as a charming gentleman. With his good looks and strong build, he played the part so well that even the princess, before the truth came out, was completely fooled into thinking he wasn't so bad.

But now, as he walked toward me, I could see him for what he really was. Knowing what I did, he looked like a harbinger of death. I wanted to run away!

But then I stopped myself—why am I so afraid of him? I am mentally an adult now, and he was just a kid. Why am I so terrified?

I should stand tall, gather my courage, and face him head-on!

He stopped right next to my chair. I jumped up, ready to face him, but the moment our eyes locked, I froze—his stare was like a snake's, sharp and unblinking.

"…Lord Velmont, please, have a seat!" I managed to say.

I'd already gotten up and summoned the courage to speak, so I considered that a win. But facing Cedric? I'd save that for later.

I forced a nervous laugh and awkwardly backed away around the table. Thankfully, there were only two chairs, or I would've had a tough time explaining what I was doing.

Cedric's eyes never left me, cold and unblinking. Great. Looks like I'm going to have nightmares tonight.

I couldn't just run off outside the garden—that was a rule I'd learned in the jungle. Never avoid a predator's gaze, or it'll sense your fear!

But you can shift its attention elsewhere.

So, when faced with two bad options, I chose the lesser evil. Without thinking twice, I ducked behind Annalise's chair.

In front of Cedric, the purebred lunatic, Annalise almost seemed like a safe haven.

"Don't mind him. Just sit down. You're invited here; he's not," Annalise's voice came from above, sharp and impatient. She was looking at me, her wine-red hair falling to brush my cheek. I stared for a second—this angle was so striking, I almost acted like an idiot.

I quickly blurted out, "I ate too much, so I thought I'd stand up and take a walk…"

It was clear there was tension between the two siblings. Perfect. Maybe Annalise can chase Cedric away.

Cedric smiled. His face was all polished charm—handsome, even striking. But every time he smiled, chills ran down my spine, like my instincts were screaming to get away.

"It's fine. We can sit together," he said with that same unsettling smile.

Huh? What does that mean?

He stepped toward me, arms outstretched as if he was going to pick me up. The moment his hands touched me, I nearly recoiled.

My head swirled with flashes from the novel, scenes flying by like a spinning lantern.

In that dizzy moment, I swear I saw Cedric no longer as a child.

I felt like I had this illusion: His slight smile stayed, but in his hand was a sword, drops of blood dripping from the blade and falling onto the floor in front of me.

DRIP, DRIP. The sound was so light, yet deafening.

...Don't come any closer!

No!

"Don't!" I screamed, freezing both of them in place, their eyes wide with surprise.

I had no idea what just happened. Why was I seeing myself killed by an adult Cedric? Too many questions, but one thing was clear—I didn't want him touching me again.

I yanked my arm out of his grip and clung to the hem of Annalise's dress, looking up at her with a pleading, desperate expression. "I want to sit with Annalise! I want your hug!"

I didn't care if it was embarrassing anymore. I put on the most pitiful face I could muster, hoping she'd take pity on me.

Annalise blinked, clearly thrown off by my boldness. She stared at me for a long moment, and I could feel my face getting redder and redder, the silence in the gazebo thickening.

I knew it didn't matter if she turned me down. At least I could pretend to be hurt and leave. That would be a perfect excuse—flawless improvisation! Unbeatable!

I almost admired myself for such a flawless plan.

Just as I was preparing to fake a few tears and make my getaway, Annalise slowly bent down. Her thick, wine-red hair fell around her like a curtain as she reached out and gently pulled me into her arms, settling me on her lap.

My face felt like it was on fire.

I was really sitting on her lap. Her body was cooler than mine, almost icy, and it was surprisingly comforting. She smelled incredible—not like cheap perfume, but like real flowers.

I guessed it was from spending so much time in the rose garden. The scent must have soaked into her clothes and hair.

Is this really the redhead witch from the novel? Could she actually be some kind of fairy?

"Th-thank you!" I stammered, my voice shaky.

She didn't respond, but instead, she reached over and poured two cups of flower tea—one for me, and one for herself. She drank hers in one smooth motion.

Cedric looked completely surprised. This was the first time I'd seen anything other than his usual mocking smile. He actually seemed... human. And that made me feel a little better inside.

Hey! Your sister's mine now! Are you jealous?