Mine to Fear (Mine #3)(14)
After giving a merry goodbye, I scoot back into the hall, heading for the next room I'm to clean. I've gone far enough that I'm no longer in the main hall and shouldn't have anyone passing by, when I slouch against the wall.
What am I doing here?
I suppose coming to an Envadi friendly home should have been my first clue I wouldn't be needed. Maybe I can find another place where my skills will be more useful while Tawny stays here.
While I'm still slouched against the wall, Annabelle comes into view. Peeling myself up, I plaster another smile on my face before she sees me moping.
“Waverly. Just who I was looking for.”
My smile feels more genuine. “Glad we could bump into each other then. What can I help you with?”
“I just wanted to say thank you for coming. Tawny is a lovely breath of fresh air. I simply adore her company.”
She does have that effect on people. “She said she enjoys being with you as well.”
Dimples form as Annabelle's smile grows. “Are you happy as well? If not, I could find a different position for you. Something you're more accustomed to.”
Like she needs two lady's maids. Besides, my thoughts on finding another place were probably correct. I'll just stay long enough to make Serena's reference of me worthwhile and to make certain Annabelle knows I'm grateful for this opportunity.
“Thank you, I'm happy where I am.”
“No problems with any of the other servants?”
Are you kidding me? I want to throw hexes at Jack every time I see him and, as a rule, I don't cast hexes. “They are all so welcoming.”
“Wonderful. We try hard to have a happy staff that works together.” I'll give her credit for that. Most of them are genuinely kind. “Most are working off debts, you know, and Councilman Daniel feels it's important for them to be able to do so. Yet, we also strive to have people working for us with attitudes conducive toward working together. Whether a warlock or not.”
Maybe she knows what a pest Jack is already. I lie through my teeth. “They certainly are all wonderful.”
“There’s one other thing I wanted to mention. I've already spoken with Tawny, but since it's your first time with us, I thought it would be best if I told you directly. There's to be a council meeting here tomorrow.” My ears perk up, and I work to not seem too elated over the possibility. “It would be best if you let the other servants handle everything since they are familiar with it. In truth, it would be best if you either stuck to your own room or came with Tawny and kept me company in my room. Things with Envado are so tense, I'd hate to see the council take it out on you two.”
“I'll probably stick to my own room. Get a chance to rest up.” Like resting is what I'm going to be doing. Guilt pricks at me for not telling her more, but I'm not about to involve her in the scheme that's forming.
“Perfectly understandable. I'm sure it'd do you some good and help give you more time to adjust. But if you change your mind, please feel free to join us.”
“Might I tonight, perhaps? I would really enjoy talking with you.”
“That would be lovely.”
“I'll bring a glass of warm milk, then.”
She laughs. “Tawny tried that last night. I fear a glass of water suits me just fine.”
“What is it with Chardonians not enjoying warm milk?”
“We're smart like that.”
She laughs as I make my way out of the hallway. There's much to think on now.
A council meeting. This is perfect. Even if I'm supposed to stay to my room, there's no way I'll stay locked up when the best opportunity just came my way. Perhaps I won't have to leave after all. Except I can't cause any problems for her or the Councilman. It's not only my own life at risk. Yet there must be something I can do.
Chapter Ten
Once I've parted ways with Annabelle, I don't waste any time. I make my way, not for the room I'm supposed to clean next, but to find where they're holding the council meeting. I'll clean the other rooms during the night if I have to make up for it. Though maybe this is why they need to be cleaned? Are some of them staying overnight? Maybe I can do something with that as well, but I can't chance that on a hunch. I need something firm to grab on to. Something that will work. No questions asked.
It doesn't take long to find it. Remembering the biggest yet most secluded rooms from our tour leaves few options. Plus servants are swarming it. Which is good as a confirmation, but bad for carrying through with my plan.
Most of them are bringing in chairs, but three of them stay to clean. It's probably just as well. I'm sure the council check for spells before they start the meeting. It's a common enough practice in Envado in any case from what Tawny has told me previously.
If Zade would stop being so stubborn and tell me what's going on with the political side of things so I could better help, I wouldn't be so desperate to figure it out on my own. Though it's hard to be too upset with him since I know he's just trying to protect me. Things have gotten worse for him with more pressure from the Grand Chancellor and other warlocks since I was gone. Whatever he's doing, he's working desperately to keep the council happy while desperately trying to help the Chardonian women.