Inside the mansion, there was a tearoom that was not used by guest.

The tearoom was facing towards the rose harden and had beautiful scenery.

Mother and I sat on the table while Anny poured us a cup of tea each and kept some cookies at my reach.

Mother did not talk much but took a sip.

I took the cookies and dipped it into the hot tea. The crunchy cookies when dipped into the tea turned soft and yummy.

Mother spoke "Andrea, you do know how dangerous it was to take a sword without a guardian is right?"

I had no excuse to make, so I nodded in silent.

Mother smiled "Child, don't do such dangerous things again. Okay?"

"Yes, mother." I smiled and agreed while biting onto the cookie.

Then I asked curiously "Mom, I saw a lady and few men standing behind a bush and discussing something. They were talking about some food items. Do you know them mother?"

Mom chocked on her tea.

Anny helped mother drink some water.

Mom was surprised by my sudden question about the strangers I met.

Mom spoke "Those people, are here to help your father. You don't have to worry at all."

"I see, mother. I just wanted to confirm they are not thieves" I understood that mother was hiding something from me.

But I knew that there would be no use even if I ask mother the question in diverse ways.

After the teatime was over, I said my farewell and went to my room with Anny.

Reaching the room, Anny helped me change into good clothes as the one I was wearing got all dirty. This time Anny dressed me up in a soft yellow shade and tied my hair in braids.

I felt a lot more comfortable once I got cleaned up.

Anny left for doing some chores while I was left all alone in my room.

Staying is room was all boring and no fun, so I decided to take a walk outside.

As the manor was safe, I did not want to bother the servants, so I decided to go out alone without informing anyone else.

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I reached the side garden of the manor, where there are less people around.

In the garden, there was a small pond that had many varieties of fishes in it.

I went near the pond and peeping into it saw my reflection.

As I was closely observing my own reflection, I saw many small fishes come near me.

I decided to put my hands in and try to touch them.

But as soon as I dipped my hands, the fishes moved away.

As the pond was less deep, I decided to step into it.

The water reached my elbows as soon as I stepped inside.

I knew that if someone saw me in water, they would surely scold me, but it was too much fun to get back now.

I trudged forward trying to catch fishes.

I never noticed that as I stepped farther from the land, it was getting deeper.

Soon I heard someone calling my name and realized that the water had already reached my shoulder level.

It was cold and murky now.

The fishes were around my feet.

My dress was all drenched and heavy. It was hard for me to move, in the drenched dress.

Anny ran towards me, seeing that I am completely inside the pond.

She steeped into the pond and carried me out.

Her eyes were tearing, while her face looked angry.

She kept me on ground and removed her apron.

She covered me so that I won't be cold and rushed inside carrying me in her strong arms.

Anny did not utter a word until we reached inside the room.

As soon as we reached inside, Anny rushed into the washroom and opened the hot water.

She removed my dress and helped me into the tub of warm water.

Anny had still not uttered a word.

I understood that I had done something terrible enough that put Anny in shock.

I slowly tapped on Anny's hand and asked "Anny, are you crying?"

Anny told "No my lady." Her voice was trembling.

I asked once again "Anny are you angry at me?" This time she stood silent.

I felt terrible at the sight of Anny's worried and crying face.

Anny wiped me with floral scent and helped me wash in warm water. Then she wrapped me in a warm blanket, and prepared hot chocolate for me.

Sipping on to the hot chocolate I again spoke to Anny in a soft voice "I am sorry, Anny."

Anny looked at me, after some time of silence she spoke "I am the one who is sorry my Lady. I should have known how lonely you would feel when everyone else leaves you alone. I should have never left your side."

"No, Anny. I should have stayed at my room. even if I had nothing to do."

Anny, held my arms and looking into my eyes, spoke with a slight smile "My lady, I will talk to the Madame. So that you will never be bored again. Please wait until then, don't go out without me. If I was a little later.

Oh God! I can't imagine what could have happened. so please my lady. Stay safe" Her voice was trembling. I could feel how worried she was because of me.

I felt guilty, but I was too bored to stay alone in a large room with no one to talk to.

Once I finished my Hot chocolate, Anny and I walked towards the duchess office. I was worried that mother would be angry upon hearing how I went to the pond alone. And how I was so near to drown.

Still, I did not want to drag these issues any longer. I wanted to do something to kill my time.

Anny knocked on the door.

My mother's maid Mrs. Brenna opened the door for us and with a smile invited us in.

Seeing me Mother stood from her seat and rushed towards me. She hugged me and helped me sit down on the couch.

Mother ordered Brenna to bring some fruits to serve me.

Brenna went to take them, while mother sat on the couch with me and asked, "Why is my sweetheart here?"

I smiled and told "I missed you mom, I wanted to see you. "

Mother laughed and turning towards Anny spoke "Is that true Anny, are you both her just to see me?"

Anny, looked down and spoke "No Madame, we are here to discuss something important related to the young lady."

"I see what is it?" mother asked.

My heartbeat was increasing, and I was worried on how mother will react to what I have done again.