Chapter 134: I’m Not Lying

Maya struggled to wake up. Her subconscious was telling her she had to wake up now but it was so warm and cozy that she didn’t want to move an inch. She wrapped her arm tighter around it as she got even more comfortable.

It?!

Her eyes flew open. A lone candle shone in the room and it took her eyes a few moments to adjust and realize she had tightly wrapped herself around one of Keenan’s arms.

Her soul nearly left her body at the realization, she slowly let go of him and moved away. Why would he let her sleep like this? How long had she been clinging to him? No wonder it felt strangely warm.

She shook her head and started to get out of bed. How was he going to let her in his bed again if she behaved like this?

"Where are you going?"

"Ah!" She screamed and had to put her palms over her mouth to stop from waking the whole house.

He sat upright and glared at her disapprovingly. "Screaming like a thief caught in the act. What are you doing?"

"I didn’t want to wake you," she whispered as she pulled her hands from her mouth and turned to look at him.

His eyes narrowed. "You’ve never cared for my comfort in bed."

Maya blushed. Did he mean sleeping positions or a different kind of position? What was she thinking about in this serious situation?

She liked to think she was considerate but she couldn’t say that now when she had practically trapped his arm the whole night.

"I didn’t mean to be a bother," she mumbled.

His expression didn’t change. "You didn’t answer my question. You have no reason to be up early."

She grabbed the sheets. He was deadly serious. This wasn’t just her sneaking out of his room before he woke up; rather, he thought she was about to do something suspicious.

She couldn’t lie. She shouldn’t lie. Winnie said it wasn’t fair to him. If she couldn’t say the little ones, how would she say the truth she had been holding in for thirteen years?

"Today is different. I have to help in the kitchen."

"What? Why?" He stared at her with a look of disbelief.

"Agnes asked me," she replied.

"Why would she do that? Can’t you come up with a better lie?"

She grabbed the sheets tighter as she sat on the edge of the bed with her body slightly turned towards him. His accusation hurt but she understood. He had no idea she had made the chicken soup and the tea, so why would Agnes ever make such a request from her?

"I am not lying," she forced out. "Palmer told me."

"It is careless to lie about people I can ask," he said.

"Exactly why I thought you’d at least believe me this time," she smiled sadly. She stood up, walking away from the bed. "I have to go."

She held her arm as she walked to the door, her legs felt heavy and it was hard to ignore the feeling of dread that overwhelmed her.

Will this be his reaction when I say I am Penn?

He didn’t stop her or say anything as she left. She shut the door as she exited his room. She was almost at the stairway when she saw candlelight as someone walked up the stairs.

"Palmer," she called as she looked over the railings.

"Lady Maya," she called out in relief. "I was just about to go to your room. I was worried you wouldn’t wake up on time."

"I’m awake now. I’ll be in the kitchen as soon as I get ready. Would you be kind enough to tell Margaret to come to my room?"

"At once. Is there anything you want me to get ready before you get to the kitchen?"

"Get the chicken ready—we are having some chicken soup—and make sure to slice the vegetables I use. Do you remember them?"

"Of course," she replied and bowed happily.

"Oh, another thing. Do we have bread?" She asked.

Making bread would take too long. Maya wasn’t worried about being able to make it—Margaret was really good at making anything with flour. However, it would not be ready in time for breakfast, and she didn’t want to be late.

"Yes, Agnes made some yesterday. There is still more than enough for today."

"Good, then we don’t have much to worry about. Don’t forget to call Margaret." She turned away from her, going up the stairs.

"Wait," she yelled as she rushed toward Maya. "You need the light."

"Oh, thank you so much, Palmer. I really do."

The maid nodded as Maya accepted the candlestick, and she rushed down the way she had come. Maya watched until she could hardly hear her footsteps again, then she turned and went up the stairs.

She pushed the doors of her room and walked in. It was a little warm but it was nothing compared to sleeping next to Keenan.

She gripped the candlestick as she walked into the room but that didn’t stop her hand from shaking and spilling a little melted wax onto the carpet.

She sighed loudly as she placed the candlestick on her dresser. Why was she always punished for the risks she took? She knew there were too many reasons why he shouldn’t believe her but it still hurt so much.

She grabbed her chest as tears pooled in her eyes. Maya knew she didn’t have long—any moment now, Margaret would walk through the door—but for now, she would let herself break a little.

When Margaret walked through the door, there was a smile on Maya’s face as she sat on the edge of the bed waiting.

"My Lady," Margaret said with a bow as she walked in.

The maid was already dressed for the day. She wore the uniform of Father’s mansion and her brown hair was tied away from her face. It was clear she didn’t just roll out of bed.

"Margaret," she called.

The maid stepped closer to her. "Shall we get you ready now? We have a lot to do today."

"Indeed we have, Margaret," she said and stood to her feet.