Chapter Six.

The next day, Garet awoke still lying in bed, the weight of his thoughts heavy upon him. He had spent the night planning a course of action, determined to uncover the truth about his mother's disappearance. His mind drifted to the butler, Uncle Frederick his only friend, who had been in charge when he left for abroad. If he could find him, perhaps the butler could provide some answers. Then, there was his mother's maid, uncle Frederick's wife who had comforted him during the painful years after his mother's departure. He hadn't seen her in ages, but surely, she must know something.

He decided to start by searching for these two people, once he found them, he would know what to do next.

Rising from his bed, he rang for a maid to prepare his bath. Hoping to see the young maid who had caught his attention earlier, he was disappointed when a different maid arrived. He said nothing but allowed her to assist him as she prepared the bath. Once done, he dismissed her, left alone with his thoughts as he bathed.

Afterward, Garet made his way downstairs for breakfast. The Duke's family was without guests that morning, allowing for a quiet meal. It was a moment of peace, and as he sat at the table, Garet caught sight of the young maid, Hazel again. Though they had yet to speak, seeing her at every meal made him feel as if their paths were somehow intertwined. He quickly pushed such thoughts aside. There was no time for distractions. He had matters far more pressing to attend to.

His musings were interrupted when the Duke addressed Edward, his step son. "Edward, take your brother around the countryside today. He must become familiar with the places, for much has changed these past few years."

Edward grinned eagerly. "Of course, Father. I'll show him everything. Once we're done with breakfast I'll make sure the horses are ready for our ride."

The Duke nodded approvingly, and Garet wondered what his brother had planned. He didn't trust Edward, who always seemed to have some hidden agenda.

As they finished breakfast, Lady Delinda, Garet's stepmother, remarked, "I've been remiss in not celebrating Garet's return. I've heard of a lovely tea plant, and I intend to plant it myself. We shall all enjoy the tea it yields, including Garet, of course."

Unbeknownst to them, the tea plant Lady Delinda had ordered was poisonous. She harbored darker intentions, hoping to slowly poison the Duke and his son.

Once breakfast was over, Garet set out with Edward, who at first took him to a few places in the countryside, afterwards he took him to an unfamiliar route. At first, Garet didn't think much of it, but soon, they veered into an area that looked more like a forest than anything else.

"Where exactly are we going?" Garet asked, his curiosity piqued.

Edward merely smiled. "One of Father's acquaintances lives just beyond the forest. We'll be there in no time."

Garet grew suspicious but said nothing as they continued deeper into the woods. The path grew more treacherous, and Edward led them further into the wilderness. Garet, however, was observant, memorizing each turn, knowing he could find his way back if needed.

They stopped at a clearing, and Edward dismounted with a smirk. "We've arrived."

Garet looked around, confused. "Where is Father's acquaintance? I don't see anyone."

Edward gestured toward the trees. Suddenly, figures cloaked in black and wearing masks emerged from the shadows, all armed with weapons.

"Welcome, Brother," Edward said, his voice dripping with malice. "I'll leave you now and tell Father a lovely story about your… unfortunate end."

With that, Edward rode off, his men advancing toward Garet, who stood unmoving. "They won't kill me," Garet muttered under his breath. "But they will regret this."

In an instant, Garet's hand was on the penknife he had brought from abroad. Though it was a small weapon, he knew how to use it. With practiced precision, he engaged the first man, sidestepping the attack and disarming him in one smooth motion. The second man lunged at him with a dagger, but Garet was faster, knocking the weapon from his hand and sending him crashing to the ground.

The third man attempted to strike from behind, but Garet anticipated his move and twisted his wrist, sending him stumbling into a tree. The fourth man, realizing the tide had turned, hesitated for a moment before charging forward, but it was too late. Garet swiftly incapacitated him with a well-placed strike, leaving all four men sprawled on the forest floor, groaning in defeat.

With the attackers scattered, Garet took a deep breath, straightening himself as he surveyed the aftermath. "Run, then," he called out. "I'll be waiting for your return."

The men fled into the woods, leaving Garet standing alone. He didn't need to chase them, his victory was evident. As the adrenaline faded, Garet remembered his way through the woods and mounted his horse, determined to return home.

On his way back, he heard a rustling sound, the unmistakable cadence of someone practicing martial arts. Curious, he followed the noise and soon spotted a young woman in a clearing, her movements fluid and precise. She was quite skilled, better than most men he'd encountered but there were a few noticeable flaws in her technique.

He rode closer, and the woman, noticing him approach, paused, her body tensing as she prepared to defend herself if needed. Garet stopped his horse just a few paces away.

"Ah, it's the Duke's son," she muttered, recognition dawning on her face. "What is he doing here?"

Garet greeted her, dismounting gracefully. "Greetings, young lady," he said. "You are quite impressive with your skills. How long have you been training?"

Hazel, her eyes wary, gave a stiff bow. "Very well, my lord," she replied, still unsure of his intentions.

"I must say, your training is quite exceptional for a lady. But why train here, in the woods, when we have such fine facilities in the countryside?" Garet inquired, intrigued.

Hazel hesitated before answering, her voice dropping. "It is not allowed for women to fight openly, my lord. That is why I practice in secret."

Garet's eyes widened, but he kept his composure. "I see. And what is your name, young lady?"

Hazel swallowed hard. "I am Hazel, my lord."

Garet's eyes narrowed as he said you look quite familiar. Then, it clicked. "You're the maid who bumped into me, the one who serves the meals at my father's estate."

Hazel's heart sank, her worst fear coming true. Garet had remembered her.