CHAPTER FIVE 

Several days later, I sat at my desk, a stack of paperwork before me that I pretended to review. My mind, however, kept drifting to the girl I had seen at the training ground. I glanced up, my gaze flickering to my right where Gareth, my steward, was organizing documents.

"Gareth, how is the girl?" I asked, feigning interest in the documents before me.

"Elara," Gareth responded.

I looked up again, my expression cold. "Who?"

Clearing his throat softly, Gareth replied, "The girl. Her name is Elara."

"Yes, yes, her. I noticed she is awake."

Gareth nodded. "Yes, my lord. Miriam has been attending to her."

"Good. Prepare a room for her," I ordered tersely. "Have the maid bathe her and dress her. When she’s ready, bring her to my office."

Gareth acknowledged the command with a brisk nod and promptly left to carry out my instructions.

***

Meanwhile, outside the infirmary, the maids exchanged excited whispers, eagerly anticipating their first glimpse of the mysterious girl who had become the talk of the entire dukedom.

"You two need to calm down," said Lila.

"Oh, come on. You’re only like that because you already got to meet her and we didn't," replied one of the maids.

"Shush!" Lila admonished.

The door to the infirmary slowly opened, and three girls stuck their heads in. I recognized one of them.

"Lila!" I called out excitedly.

"Good evening, Lady Elara," Lila said with a big smile as she and the other two maids walked in.

"I'm Sofia," said the second maid, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"And I'm Amelia," added the third maid with a kind smile.

"It's nice to meet you both," I replied, feeling a bit more at ease with their introductions.

"Is she done yet?" asked Sofia, her excitement noticeable.

Miriam, completed her checks on me and turned toward the maids with a warm smile. “We’re all done here,” she announced. Handing me a herbal drink, she added, “Here, this will help calm your nerves.”

I accepted the drink and took a hesitant sip, grimacing at its bitter taste. Miriam chuckled softly at my reaction. “It’s not the most pleasant, but it works wonders.”

Managing a weak smile in return, I nodded gratefully.

"Miss Elara," said Amelia warmly, "We’ve been ordered by Sir Gareth to help you freshen up and get dressed. The Duke has requested your presence this evening. "

"Please, come with us." added Lila.

I felt confused by all this, but nonetheless nodded gratefully, feeling overwhelmed by their kindness. “Thank you,” I murmured softly as they led me out of the infirmary.

***

In my appointed room within the castle, the maids attended to me with gentle care, their hands deft as they bathed me and adorned me in a simple yet elegant gown suitable for meeting the Duke. They worked efficiently, their soft chatter filled with curiosity and excitement about their mysterious guest.

“Have you met the Duke yet?” asked Lila, as she adjusted my hair into a loose braid.

I shook my head slightly, my nervousness evident. “No, not yet,” I replied softly, uncertainty in my voice.

“Oh, you’re in for a treat,” chimed in Amelia, arranging the folds of my gown. “The Duke is a man of few words, but his presence commands respect. He’s fair, though—very fair.”

“And handsome,” added Sofia with a mischievous grin. “You’ll see those glowing ember eyes and that chiseled jawline of his. Makes even us swoon a little.”

I couldn’t help but smile faintly at their enthusiasm, finding small comfort in their friendly banter amidst my nerves. “He sounds… intimidating,” I admitted, my fingers twisting nervously at the fabric of my gown.

“He can be,” Lila agreed, tying off the braid with a gentle touch. “But once you get to know him, he’s not so bad. Just don’t let his stern exterior fool you. Deep down, he’s got a heart, or so they say.”

Amelia nodded in agreement. “He’s not like other nobles. He cares about this kingdom and its people.”

Suddenly, there was a knock on my door. “Miss Elara, are you ready?” Gareth asked politely from the other side.

Inside, the maids hurriedly finished the last touches on my appearance. They smoothed out my shiny, silky ginger hair and adjusted my clothing. “Almost,” one of the maids replied with a smile.

Sofia handed me a mirror, allowing me to see my reflection. “There, all done,” she declared with a smile. “You look stunning, my dear.”

I took in my appearance in the mirror, my ginger hair now neatly braided, the gown fitting my slender frame elegantly. Despite my nerves, I felt a flicker of excitement about meeting the Duke and unraveling the mystery that had brought me to his castle.

“Thank you,” I murmured gratefully to the maids, feeling a newfound confidence bolstered by their kindness.

“You’re welcome, dear,” Lila said warmly, leading me towards the door. “Now, let’s not keep the Duke waiting. He’s expecting you in his office.”

Moments later, the door opened, and I stepped out, feeling slightly nervous yet determined to face whatever awaited me.

***

As Gareth guided me through the labyrinthine corridors of the castle, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by the grandeur surrounding me. My footsteps echoed softly against the stone floors, and the flickering torches cast dancing shadows that seemed to whisper tales of ages past.

My mind raced with questions I couldn’t answer. “Where am I? Who am I?” The Duke’s domain felt both imposing and captivating, a world far removed from any memory or familiarity I could grasp.

As we continued our journey towards the Duke’s office, I couldn’t shake the feeling that each step brought me deeper into a realm where my fate was uncertain, and I was adrift in a sea of unfamiliarity.

They finally reached the Duke’s office door, and Frederick knocked politely. From inside, the Duke’s deep, commanding voice responded, “Come in.”

Gareth opened the door and walked in with me following right behind him, hiding behind his tall build. He stepped to the side and announced our presence, “I have brought the girl, my lord.”

I looked down at the floor, hearing a chair slide against it and then footsteps. The footsteps suddenly stopped. “Look at me,” the Duke growled.

My heart pounded with nervous anticipation as I looked up. Before me stood the Duke, near his desk, his imposing figure casting a shadow over the room. His cold demeanor was unmistakable as he observed me with a penetrating gaze. “It’s the man from before,” I thought. “He is the Duke of this castle?” I murmured in shock.