Questions and a Threat

Felicia fell in a step behind the two maids. The further she walked from the hot kitchen, the early morning coldness caused her breath to fog. She was dressed lightly and the chill was making her shiver. She had not even thought about wearing a coat over her dress. She had been burning up with so much anger that she was too distracted to even consider the fact that it was almost winter.

Or maybe, she was so used to going out only for training and instinctively dressed light because once she started running and climbing, the cold was forgotten. 

Rubbing her hands and blowing into them, Felicia eyes narrowed in on the maids drawing water out of the well. They were in the same courtyard as the annex. The nearby lilac trees were coated with frost and her former prison looked very different. Uglier. It felt like more time had passed since she'd left when it was only a month and a half ago.

How on earth did I tolerate this hideous place for over 4 years?

"My lady?"

Felicia snapped out of her thoughts and pulled her eyes away. The new maids in front of her bowed. Felicia noticed how Tara's bow was more a nod of her head than the respectful bend of the other two.

Tara's eyes widened with innocence when she saw the first miss staring at her. Although her palms began to sweat as she could guess the reason, she kept her expression soft.

"My lady, how can I be of service to you this morning?"

Felicia dismissed the other four maids with a wave of her hands. "Thank you, that would be all. Now leave us be." 

The kitchen maids bowed and left. When the other two were about to leave Felicia stopped them.

"The two of you can stay. I do not wish to disturb your work. Tara, come with me. We will chat over there."

The maids curious gazes followed Tara and Lady Felicia walk towards the flower trees. Tara sat down on the small bench at the lady's gesture. 

Felicia turned her back on the spectators and crossed her arms. "I'm sure you already know why I have come to see you."

"I am not sure what you mean, my lady." Tara really hated this woman. She hated her as much as the Duchess did. It was difficult to keep her disgust out of her voice. She had to bite her lip to keep herself from sneering. 

Why is this idiot out here when she's supposed to be locked inside the annex like the unwanted rodent that she truly is?

Felicia wasn't impressed with the act. Even if she didn't already know this woman's true face, it wouldn't be difficult for her to see it.

"I'll get right to the point, Tara. I am not one to play word games with. Nor will I tolerate any form of disrespect or mockery. Now I'm going to ask you a series of questions and you will answer each one honestly. I know you are loyal to Tyren, but don't think that means you can take liberties with me." Felicia's tone was as cold as the air around them.

Tara clenched her fist but still managed to nod meekly. "Of course, my lady. You are the Duke's blood daughter. I would never disrespect or lie to you."

"Good," Felicia responded with a tilt of her chin. "Have you met my former nanny, Hildegarde?"

Tara kept her eyes lowered as she answered. She felt a bit nervous and she didn't know why. There was no reason for her to be nervous. She was very good at lying and manipulating. She would be able to fool this skinny bitch in front of her without a sweat.

"Yes, my lady. I have had a few interactions with your beautiful, old caretaker. But I do not know her very well." Her tone implied she was fond of Hildegarde. It made Felicia sick to her stomach.

"What have you been doing with her each time you interact?"

Tara hated that Lady Felicia wasn't deceived by her gentle tone. The first miss was always very gullible. It looked like her lady was correct. The black sheep was no longer a fool to be toyed with.

"I have done nothing but exchange greetings with her, my lady."

Felicia's brow arched. "Really? Just greetings? You haven't brought her anything to eat?"

Tara lifted her head to make eye contact. Speaking a lie was easy enough. But making eye contact while spousing false tales would make the person questioning you doubt their doubts.

"Indeed, I did bring her some tea and biscuits from time to time. But I do the same for many of my fellow maids and so naturally, I included Hildegarde." She smiled bashfully. "Even though she worked here before, it has been years since and I wanted to make her feel welcomed and at home."

"So why not say you've been exchanging greetings with her and bringing her food and drink?" Felicia asked.

Tara blinked delicately. "Well, the second part is simple courtesy and decorum, as a younger maid towards an aged woman. I did not see the need to state the obvious, my lady." She felt like laughing at this idiot who couldn't think a step ahead.

She may have gotten some spine, but she is still dumb. Haha. What was I worried for?

Tara felt herself relax and knew she could handle the rest of the questioning with ease.

"Well," Felicia began. "The reason I need exact details is because Hildegarde has been feeling unwell. Her chest has been hurting and her body is feverish. When I inquired her, she said that these symptoms only showed up since she accepted the first set of tea and biscuits from you, so....explain yourself!"

"Oh, how unfortunate! I feel so bad! But, I simply don't know why she would think the food and drink I gave her caused her to feel unwell. I served others from the same tray of biscuits as the ones I brought her. I think her age is catching up to her and she is mistaking natural weakness and fatigue with something as innocuous as food," Tara deflected. "There is no reason for you to look at me with such suspicion, my lady. I have done nothing wrong. I stand to gain nothing from poisoning an old lady who's going to die soon, anyways. If you do not believe me then please feel free to interrogate everyone who ate the biscuits I made that day and ask them if they had similar symptoms." 

Felicia's eye twitched.

Tara knows damn well that she only poisoned the biscuits she served Hildegarde. Why would I ask the other servants? None of them would have any symptoms as they didn't consume the poison. Does this woman think I am stupid? She doesn't know how much I already know. It's so frustrating that I can't confront her with what I heard last night.

Tara smirked when she saw the lady remain silent. She had no proof, just speculation. How sloppy! If you're going to successfully accuse someone, you have to have more arsenal to utilize.

"From now on, you are not allowed to give Hildegarde any food or drink. You are forbidden from even approaching or talking to her, understood?"

Tara gasped in mock shock. "But, my lady! That is most unfair! I have not done anything wrong! For what reason would you need to be so harsh with me?! If you have proof of my wrongdoings then please state them so I can clear up my name! Is this simply because I work directly for the Duchess, that the lady does not trust me? You are being unfair and biased towards me!"

Felicia gritted her teeth. The urge to slap this shameless, lying bitch was overwhelming.

"I do not have to explain myself to you! You will stay away from Hildegarde and that is all there to say on this matter!"

"But---"

"No buts!" Felicia snapped. "You will obey my order or there will be consequences!"

Tara's eyes widened in alarm when she saw Lady Felicia's eyes glow for a brief second. It was so fleeting she wondered if it was just a trick of the light. But still, it spooked her.

Felicia knew what had just happened and immediately walked away. Today was not the day she would expose herself.

Later that night, she spoke to Alex and had a guard assigned to Hildegarde. She gave him very clear instructions. Nobody is allowed to offer the old woman food or drink. If they insist, slap it out of their hands. If it's Tara, shove it down her throat.