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Chapter

4

Annabelle

     Annabel was a beautiful woman who was in her early thirties. She had dark hair and green eyes, which was uncommon. Her daughter Pristine resembled her much more than Jasmine did. But she loved all of them the same. She was strict with her girls since their father had been shot during the winter hunt ten years before. She worked hard in the castle as she had since she was old enough to clean. She was born into the castle as a servant and that she would die. The likes of her would be wanted nowhere else. A widowed mother of twin girls and a girl she had raised since her birth was seen as old and worn. No man would show interest in her. That didn’t bother her though as long as she had her girls and the comfort of the castle. She was constantly reprimanding all three of them for their jealous ways, saying, “Girls it is unbecoming of a lady to act the way you do. You must not be jealous of one another, you are all you have, and that is what matters.” However, they were young and the words meant nothing now. Annabel only hoped that they would see that before it was too late.

     She could see that something was in the air with the girls, she could usually tell when Jasmine and Justine were plotting against Pristine. It was usually something good but she tried to go light on her since she knew the others had to dig to find something to pin on Pristine. Punishment was harsh but not as harsh as if she were to catch her herself.

     Annabel was also aware of the fact that Pristine was acting different; it made her wonder if she had met someone. When would she have a chance to do that between chores and Annabel trying to keep the girls busy. She knew they would all grow up and meet someone, but they also knew the respect it meant to introduce the gentle man to your parents. She would find out soon enough she was sure.

     She had the same feeling lately as she used to get when her late husband had first came to her. It was a dark feeling, but enticing at the same time, but that was impossible since he had been dead for ten years. It had been a long time maybe she was just missing him. It was something that did not happen often but at times, she needed to take a few days to reminisce and would have the girls do her duties while she stayed in her chambers. No ne was aloud to come in, everyone in the castle knew what it was about and never questioned her. She and Arturial were deeply in love and had been since Annabel was thirteen years old. Her parents did not approve but when Annabel threatened to run away if they didn’t let them be together they gave in so they did not lose their only child and any future grandchildren, which Anabeles parents knew was next to impossible. They had told her that she would probably never be able to give birth to a live child. When Annabel and Arturial had conceived and she gave birth to twin girls who could not look more different everyone knew that Annabel and Arturial were meant to be and were truly in love. Jasmine and Pristine were the only pregnancy Annabel ever had she was happy to have her and her beloved’s children. Especially after he died she lost a piece of her soul as well as her spirit.