Chapter seven.

Hazel, the sound of her name on Garet's lips was like a melody, soft yet resonant. Hazel couldn't deny the strange thrill that swept over her as he spoke.

"It seems servants now have the luxury of time to attend to their own affairs," Garet remarked, raising an eyebrow, "even while preparations for the festival are underway?"

Hazel quickly bowed her head in apology. "My lord, forgive me. It won't happen again. In fact, I was just finishing up so I could return in time to help with dinner service."

Garet was silent for a moment, his gaze intent as he observed her. Then, with a sudden gleam in his eye, he said, "Let's see just how sharp your skills truly are."

Before Hazel could process his words, Garet moved swiftly, launching a series of attacks that forced her to defend herself. She reacted instinctively, blocking his strikes and countering with all the skill she had. The clash of their movements was intense, each move testing her reflexes. As they fought, Hazel's admiration for him grew, he displayed techniques she had never seen before, each strike deliberate and precise. She found herself praising his skill silently, unable to keep from being impressed.

Just as she thought she might gain an advantage, Garet feigned an opening. Hazel took the bait, lunging to attack, only to find herself thrown off balance. She nearly fell, but Garet caught her, steadying her before she could hit the ground.

As she regained her footing, panting from the exertion, he finally spoke. "Your defensive skills are quite impressive, but you still have much to learn."

"I must say yours are more impressive, if I had such skills, I'll do a lot" Hazel praised.

He paused, then continued, "We can discuss that as we make our way back to the estate. It's nearly time for dinner."

Garet gestured to his horse, offering her a ride. Hazel hesitated, shaking her head. "It wouldn't be proper, my lord, for a maid to ride alongside her master."

"There's no one here to see us," he replied, a slight smile on his face.

After a brief hesitation, Hazel finally nodded. "Very well, my lord, but let us take the hidden path. I'd prefer not to be seen."

Garet helped her onto the horse, and they began their ride. As they traveled through the quiet woodland, Garet took the opportunity to learn more about her. He admired her resilience and sensed a quiet determination in her that set her apart from other young women he'd met, both abroad and in the countryside.

"How long have you worked at the estate?" he asked, curious.

"I'm only here temporarily," she replied. "I'll be leaving the night before the festival."

"Why the Duke's estate?" Garet pressed.

"Why not, my lord? The pay is the highest around, and my family is in great need of it," Hazel answered simply.

"I see," Garet said, nodding. "My father is indeed generous with his servants' wages."

"Indeed, he is," Hazel agreed.

As they neared the estate, Hazel pointed out a secluded path. "Here, my lord. I'll go this way to avoid suspicion," she said, sliding off the horse with a graceful bow. She disappeared quickly, making her way to the estate's farm. There, she picked up a basket she'd left earlier, filling it with vegetables before heading indoors.

When she arrived, Head Anna, the head servant, was waiting, her expression displeased. "What kept you, Hazel? You've been neglectful of your duties today."

Hazel bowed her head. "Apologies, Head Anna. While at the farm, I received word that my mother was unwell. I left without asking for permission, but she's stable now."

"Hmm. See that it doesn't happen again," Head Anna warned, her gaze stern.

"Yes, Head Anna," Hazel said dutifully. "I'll take a quick wash and prepare for dinner service."

"Good. You'll help serve, then see to cleaning the kitchen afterward."

"Understood, Head," Hazel replied, hurrying off to prepare.

Meanwhile, Garet returned to the estate, only to be summoned immediately by his father. He felt a surge of irritation, guessing that Edward had wasted no time in spreading some fabricated tale.

"What is this I hear, Garet?" Master Timothy demanded as soon as he entered. "Edward tells me you didn't appreciate his guidance around the countryside today. He says you struck him in your frustration. How could you, Garet? I thought you'd grown beyond such behavior."

Garet stiffened, barely able to contain his anger. "Father, if you'd be a bit more specific, I might be able to explain."

"Edward claims you dismissed his efforts to show you around and that you became aggressive when he insisted," Timothy said, shaking his head in disappointment. "How can I trust you to lead if this is how you behave?"

"So you'd rather believe Edward than me?" Garet replied coldly. "It seems you've always trusted his word over mine, even since we were children."

"I love you both equally, Garet," Timothy insisted. "You're older and wiser, I simply expect more from you. One day, you'll inherit the title of Duke. I want you to be prepared."

"Love?" Garet retorted, his tone bitter. "What if I told you Edward set me up and left me to be attacked by men he hired? Would you believe that?"

Timothy scoffed. "You look fine enough to me. Edward would never do such a thing, he respects you."

"You always take his side," Garet said through gritted teeth. "If you won't listen to me, I have nothing more to say. I'll be in my room, I'll prefer dinner be served in my room."

"Dinner will be served in the dining hall," Timothy declared, his voice hardening. "We eat as a family while you're under my roof, and that is not negotiable."

"Then perhaps I should leave," Garet muttered, storming off without another word.

Timothy watched his son go, fury simmering within him. He had hoped that sending Garet abroad would temper his spirit, yet it seemed his son's defiance remained as strong as ever.

That night, Garet lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. It was only his second night back, and already he was at odds with his father. The festival was just four days away, and he needed to act quickly if he was to uncover the truth. Tomorrow, he would begin his search in earnest.