Chapter 77

THE SITTING ROOM WAS BRIGHT, which was not common in winter afternoons. It was surprisingly sunny.

Of course, the winter sun only provided light, no warmth at all. The fire was blazing in the fireplace and next to it, Geoffrey played with Ben.

"I do not appreciate being left in the dark, Daniel," Paula reprimanded.

The duke looked at his aunt for a moment. He felt guilty for lying to her, or rather, hiding his plans from her. But it would be better for her in case he failed. At least, she would not be involved and hopefully be safe from any punishment.

"You bring us to this hidden place and tell me to stay here until you come back to get us. What are you going to do, Daniel?"

"Aunt Paula, it's better if you don't know. I want you to stay safe so please don't ask me any questions."

Paula pressed her lips together but did not complain anymore.

"This place is like a fortress, no one can sneak in so you will be safe as long as the gates are closed. I'm leaving a few knights here for security as well. I want you and Geoffrey to be accompanied at all times."

"Fine." She sighed.

Paula could imagine what Daniel was about to do. She could see it in his hard eyes, he was prepared to risk it all. She wished she could be of more help to her nephew, especially since she was the one to tell him about his parents' murder. But she knew that an old woman with nothing but healing abilities had nothing to do in a battle.

"I can't believe how fast the month flew by," Paula said as she took a sip of her tea, trying to lighten the mood. "The Winter Hunt is already the day after tomorrow."

"Indeed." Daniel watched Geoffrey trying to teach his puppy how to follow instructions.

"Sit," the little boy repeated a few times until Ben obeyed. Geoffrey's smile widened.

"He's slowly going back to his old self," Paula told him.

"I'm grateful for everything you have done for us, Aunt Paula."

"What are you saying?" Paula frowned. "You're my family, I would do anything for you." She ran her finger over the rim of her teacup. "Just make sure you come back to us safely," she added.

"I promise, I will." Daniel pushed to his feet. "I think I should go back now." Geoffrey ran to him immediately.

"Are you leaving, Papa?" he asked with worried eyes.

"Yes." Daniel kneeled in front of him. "You will be a good boy and listen to Aunt Paula, right?" Geoffrey nodded, but he looked sad. "I will be back in a few days. I promise you, we will never be apart after that."

He pulled his son into an embrace and squeezed him. Then, he hugged Paula who patted him on his back.

"I'm so proud of you, dear, and your parents would be as well," she told him.

The duke gave her a weak smile before he walked away.

During the ride to his castle, all he could think about was his family. He had to protect them. This was the only way to eliminate any future threats from the king.

"Welcome back," Henry greeted him as soon as he arrived, he wore a worried expression.

"What is it?" Daniel asked.

"You have received a letter from the king," he said as he handed it to him.

The duke opened it and read over it quickly.

'Dear Duke of Salicera,

It was brought to my attention that you were still not able to find your duchess, this fact has gotten me worried. As I mentioned before, the Winter Hunt is a very important event this year and I do not wish for anything to disturb the occasion.

I just wanted to remind you that if your wife or anyone else has any plans for the Hunt, it would be foolish and dangerous to go through with them.

Please, make it your mission to have a safe and successful Winter Hunt this year. The only thing we should look forward to is the sizes of the preys.

Sincerely,

King Titus Albrecht'

Daniel crumpled the paper in his hand. "He is threatening me." He scoffed. "He's smart enough to know that the Winter Hunt is the perfect time for a coup."

"Do you think someone leaked the plans? Or one of our allies is actually a spy?"

"No, I trust every single one of them," the duke answered.

All the nobles who joined him shared his ideals and believed in maintaining the traditions set by their ancestors. Their goal was the same.

"I believe the king is only speculating." He grinned. "It's our duty to oblige."

"That look on your face is quite scary," Henry told him, making Daniel chuckle.

"Are all the preparations done?"

"Yes, I have also provided the list of the foreign guests to the earl."

"Great, and the knights from the other houses?"

"They will be moving in the morning of the Hunt so that there are no suspicions," Henry explained. "But they are all ready."

"It looks like we are ready, my friend," Daniel said with an excited tone. "Everything will be over in a couple of days."

"The king will surely counterattack," Henry said. "The royal knights under his order are quite competent, and they have big numbers too."

"Yes, but they don't stand a chance against us, and they know it." Daniel shrugged. "I don't wish for this to be a bloodbath, so I have a plan that I hope will prevent that."

"Well, may the Gods help us all," Henry uttered while patting his friend's shoulder.

"Indeed, may the Gods help us."