"Oh, look at me," Annalise said, loosening her hold on Jade's hand. "I forgot how delicate the ladies of this town are. You'll have to forgive me."
Jade pulled her hand away and rubbed the back of it. She vowed never to shake hands with Annalise again, or her hands might be ruined by Annalise's rough nature.
"You don't need to apologise. Your excitement merely got the best of you. My daughter and I must get moving to see the king make his first walk through the crowd," Jade said, desperate to get away.
"I won't keep you, but I must ask a little favour of you. Each time I visit Lockwood, it is for matters concerning the two kingdoms, so I don't get time to socialise with the ladies. You look to be a wise woman. Tell the others that I am well with handling snakes," said Annalise.
Jade frowned, knowing right away what Annalise spoke of. One would assume Annalise truly spoke of snakes since she was said to be seen with them, but Jade knew she spoke of the women around.
