Chapter 6: Publicly Visible

In the week that follows my father's flight I keep with the plan, being publicly visible. When in public I wear simple cloths with my hair in a braid, as is the tradition for young maidens. I visit and donate to the hospital that is treating the refugees from the nearby villages. I even help bandage many. I also visit the cities orphanages and play with the children. After my first visit seeing the appalling conditions for the children, I invited them to come live at the Duke's Palace. It is not that I would do these types of things only for the publicity, but I will use what I receive to my advantage. Before I would help in secret, needing to hide my activity from my father, but with his absence I can shed my fear. I can be myself.

"Thank you Lady Pierrette-Danielle. You don't know what this means to the people." A kindly old nurse holds my hand to thank me after I have finished a round in the hospital, feeding some of the most invalid of the patients.

"I can only imagine their pain and am grateful I can alleviate a small part of it."

"You have always been an angle. I am glad you don't have to sneak around anymore." This old nurse is one of the few who knew my identity when I would come to help before. My earliest memory is barely a glimpse at my ailing mother covered in sweat and flush with a fever. Since I was a child this memory fueled my determination to ease the suffering of all those I can. As a duke's daughter that should have been many souls.

"So am I. I need to head home to work now." I part with a wave and smile. As I pass through the busy streets Marcus isn't far behind. I beam at those I pass, greeting everyone. Some recognize me, as I am becoming a figure to the people. I brush off their interest with politeness. I want to secure the people's safety and health before my end. I am sure if I plotted with all my might, I could find a way out of this predicament, but I know it would be at the cost of those surrounding me. Every man, woman and child that surround me deserve to live in peace even if the price is me.

I enter the palace and go directly to pond in the garden. The orphans, that have moved in, enjoy playing there with the swings we have set up in the large trees.

"Pierrette!" A child's voice calls me from the side of the pond. I smile and rush to enjoy one of the few pleasures left to me in these last days.

"What are you doing Paul?" He turns his back to me, looking out over the icy pond.

"Looking for frogs. Can you hear them?" I listen to the afternoon breeze, searching for the sounds of the amphibians.

"I can't hear them. I think they are hibernating right now. It is still very cold for them. They can't wear a coat like you." I wrap my arms around the little boy and tickle him through his winter coat. He giggles.

"Not fair. My turn." He rotates in my arms, and presses his fingers in my side, but doesn't really tickle me. I laugh anyway. He is adorable. I will miss the opportunity to have my own children.

"You got me!" I manage to say between my laughter. Once he is satisfied and has stopped, I ask "Where are the other kids?"

"They are with the teacher you got for us."

"Why aren't you with them?" My eyebrows knit together. I want the best for these children and found a private tutor. I paid for the next 5 years of their education upfront; I want to make sure they will continue to receive instruction at the end of 2 weeks. There is plenty of space in the palace, so I decided to house them here where they are safe, with their lodging being part of the treaty of surrender.

"It is boring!"

"Boring? What is it that she is teaching?" I take his hand and we walk towards their classroom.

"I don't know."

"Well I will see if we can't make it more exciting for you. It is important to learn, even if it is just a trade."

"Can you carry me?" The little 4-year-old lifts his arms, pleading. I cant resist.

"Just until we get to the classroom." I lean down and take him in my arms. He nestles into my shoulder as I place him on my hip. We chat about bugs as we go to the other children. I smile at his innocence. How I wish we could always be as happy as a little child. I don't want to ever force a child to grow up too fast, like I have been forced to.

As we reach the doors for the class, a familiar figure walks towards us, practically running.

"Raphael, what is going on?"

He leans into me and whispers "General Maxime is making a move."

I freeze for an instant before flying into action. I set down Paul. "We are here. I have to leave but I will come visit soon."

He nods and waves as I rush off with Raphael.

"You have everything ready?"

"We await your order." I nod, with a strait face.

"Then follow through with the plan."

"Marcus." I call my shadow to join in the conversation.

"Yes, my lady."

"Wait 20 minutes and then call an emergency trial."

"As you wish."

Both men separate from me to accomplish their tasks, as I repeat in my mind the plan. I need to be focused for the trial. I rush to change into a more regal attire and change my hair into something more befitting a Duchess.