"My lady, your bath is ready," Rosa called out. Anastasia stood before her wardrobe. She didn't have many dresses fit for going out, so it was easy to pick the only one that was still presentable. Although the design was no longer in fashion, it was in good condition.
Anastasia held the dress and looked at it carefully since it has been a while she wore it and wanted to be sure there was no problem anywhere.
"My lady," Rosa said, stepping closer when she received no response.
"I am coming," Anastasia replied, her gaze still fixed on the dress.
Rosa glanced at the dress in her lady's hand.She could guess why her lady was taken her time to examine the dress."Let me prepare your dress while you take your bath," Rosa offered, taking the dress from her.
Anastasia trusted her and allowed her to handle it while she went to take her bath.
It's has been so long she had so much help in the morning.
After taking her bath Anastasia return to the room to dress up. She had just put on her dressing when there was a knock on the door. "Come in," she responds knowing it was Rosa.
"My lady, the kitchen sent your breakfast," Rosa said as she stepped inside. Her confused expression was understandable, as such an occurrence hadn't happened in years.
Anastasia was also very surprised, she wondered if the sun was raising form the South that morning.
"Then we should have breakfast," Anastasia said. Although the Duchess's actions were unexpected, Anastasia believed the food wouldn't be poisoned. It was only the first day after her father had shown her some attention. Given the Duchess's methods, nothing would go wrong so soon.
Rosa opened her mouth, as if to say something, but held back when she saw how happy her lady was. She followed Anastasia out of the room.
When they reached the dining room, Nile was arranging food on the table.
Anastasia's eyes briefly widened at the sight of the many dishes. The change within the residence was unexpected. She hadn't expected the Duchess to send such a lavish meal.
"My lady, allow me to test the food," Rosa said, noticing Anastasia's reaction. She had also been surprised to see three maids from the kitchen delivering food to the courtyard. Her lady barely received a proper meal, so such a sudden change in fortune was suspicious.
"Let her do it," Anastasia said, shaking her head.
Although she doubted the Duchess would poison her, she was cautious, knowing it wouldn't hurt to take precautions.
Nile, who had just finished arranging the food, was startled. Rosa stepped forward to serve the food, and Nile hesitated. She was unhappy about being reassigned to serve the Duke's unfavored daughter.
What future did she have when her master was treated no better than a servant? But now, she realized her real concern shouldn't be about her future as a poor maid, she might not live to see the future at all.
Reluctantly, Nile took a spoon and tasted the food. She knew that refusing would make her look guilty of trying to poison Anastasia. 'At least I can have a good last meal if it's poisoned,' she thought wryly.
Rosa watched her finish the food and waited several minutes before serving Anastasia.
Anastasia smiled and began eating. She knew not all poisons acted immediately, but as long as she didn't die in the courtyard, the Duchess wouldn't be able to cover up her death so easily.
Rosa silently observed Anastasia, her thoughts racing. She wanted to question the Duchess's motives but dared not speak her mind.
"Sit and eat. I'll be going to class," Anastasia said, standing up once she was satisfied.
"My lady," Rosa said, still worried about the food. She had been preparing herself to hit the gong if anything happened to her lady later. If it was a slow-acting poison, who would get justice for her lady?
"Don't worry. She will die first, and then you can sneak out to hit the gong. The poison in your body will be the best evidence," Anastasia said, easily guessing Rosa's thoughts.
"My lady," Rosa murmured, touched by Anastasia's grim humor. The truth was, Anastasia was taking a calculated risk. She believed the Duchess wouldn't make such an obvious mistake, especially after the Duke's decision to let her marry the crown prince. Anyway if the Duchess wanted her dead, it was not something she could easily avoid.
After breakfast, Anastasia left to join her sister in class. Usually, Elisabeth was already seated before she arrived, but today, the room was empty.
Anastasia took her seat and waited patiently. A few moments later, Elisabeth entered. "Good morning, sister," Elisabeth greeted, wearing her usual polite smile.
"Welcome," Anastasia replied, ignoring the flicker of mockery in Elisabeth's eyes. Over the past five years, she had learned to let such things pass. There was no one to complain to, after all.
Elisabeth's smile faltered, and her gaze darkened. She hadn't expected to see Anastasia that morning. Like everyone else, she believed the gossip that the Duke had punished her sister.
"I heard Father sent for you yesterday," Elisabeth said, feigning concern. She waited eagerly for Anastasia to lower her gaze in embarrassment.
Anastasia raised her brows and looked at her sister. "Like mother, like daughter," she thought, recognizing the false concern. It reminded her of the Duchess's manipulative ways.
"I hope Father didn't blame you for yesterday's misunderstanding," Elisabeth continued, hoping to provoke a reaction.
"He's my father. He won't eat me," Anastasia replied. She had noticed the strange looks some servants had given her on her way to class. Usually, they pretended not to see her. Now, it was clear they believed she had been reprimanded when she visited the Duke study the previous day.
Elisabeth frowned at the response, frustrated that Anastasia didn't seem affected by her words.
"Keep pretending," Elisabeth muttered under her breath, but Anastasia, who was watching her closely, read her lips.