(A chat with Annette)

CLAUDIA

My gaze shifted from Nellie and fell on Annette as she walked into my chamber. She had an annoying smile on her face that made me wonder what was so funny. “Excuse us, Nellie,” She looked around the room as she spoke. I prayed very hard that she wouldn’t see Clarence where he was hiding. She would never keep her mouth shut about seeing him in my chamber. “You can’t ask my maid to go out except I do. I choose whether she stays or not,” I responded firmly, and she raised her brows. “Oh wow… I guess I’d have to discuss whatever I want to say to you in front of her then,” She said, and I rolled my eyes.

I looked at Nellie and titled my head slowly. “I’ll be outside.” She bounced her head and walked out of the room. She closed the door behind her, and I looked at Annette again. “Now talk, what do you want?” My tone turned harsh. “Oh please, don’t transfer your aggression to me, child. I wasn’t the one that made your life so miserable,” She uttered, and I heaved a sigh. “I still