By the next morning the storm had passed and I didn't even feel a whiff of cold all night, I slept through it peacefully. The morning was already bustling with the other children's noises, working on their morning task just before breakfast while I sat and watched them. Being stuck in this shed also means I get to skip work all day. When my stomach grumbled, I scavenge around the shed for some food and opened the boxes where I found a few dried goods but they were mostly herbs. I ate it anyway. We just got tools out from this shed yesterday so it isn't likely that someone well be checking here again.
It didn't look like anyone had noticed my disappearance since yesterday so I stayed comfortably. Privacy was a luxury in this place and today I'm finally alone so I was able to relax. Passing the hours of boredom with whatever idea I could come up with and recounting the flow of the story again or to just simply sleep and save energy.
It wasn't until late in the afternoon when I awoke from a nap after hearing the loud commotion of whatever was going on outside so I checked what everyone was doing. Observing them while chewing on a dried ginger for my lunch and yet again scratching on my side.
'It's becoming more and more of an unbearable itch these days, I wonder if its because I haven't bathed since coming here'
I'm seeing the caretakers being busy running around and paving the snow. They seemed to be extra busy today and the children are all dressed up too. I wonder what all the fuss is about.
"Clean out the entrance quick!"
"Hurry! Hurry everyone we don't have much time!"
"Where's the smart one? Have you found her yet?"
"No, I can't find her anywhere"
"The guest is here!"
'Guest?'
Tsk! And today of all days when I'm locked up in here.
I quickly looked around for ways of escaping. Realizing I had let my guard down for a moment my situation had only gotten dire. I seemed to rushed things and wanting to act upon it right away, I lacked patience, now I face the consequence of my impulsiveness. If this guest turns out to be the duchess when I don't get out of here in time, it's game over.
I quickly took out my potion and put some in my eyes, I need to get used to the sting every time I use this from here on. Since this is an old shed, I searched for a weak spot on the walls. Looking around for holes that I might fit in through. Kicking on it with my foot to see if it was weak enough to destroy. When I found one at the back side of the shed, I smashed through it with one of the pitch forks that was laid out in the corner. With a few attempts, I was finally able to create a hole that was big enough for my body to fit through. Promptly crawling under it, I didn't waste much time even if the snowy ground I was crawling on was unbearably cold. The sooner I got out, I instantly ran towards to other kids.
Then, a carriage had just settled in the front yard. Panting through the cold air trying to catch my breathe, I could feel the cold sweat building on my back from the tension. Everyone acted their best and as an old lady begins to climb down from her carriage with the assistance of a butler, my heart sank. I knew then just who exactly it is.
That was a close call for me but I calmed myself and collected my thoughts. Glancing at the others around me, everyone here looked nervous and hopeful to be picked.
From the mere look in her eyes alone, you could tell this old woman who had lost her sense of life for she had a great air of sadness surrounding her. Stern and fierce, with a sword tucked in her belt around her waist, though old and wrinkled one would still know that she was a beauty in her younger years. Despite her age, she stood firm and poised with the graceful posture of both a lady and a soldier. It is definitely her based on the illustration in my memory.
The duchess stood her ground and began looking around. Examining us like we were fine goods but really her stares showed great disinterest. I managed to join the group in time. I desperately pushed myself through the crowd of kids trying to get to her. And as I heavily catch my breath, she began to walk around looking each kid that was in the front and then, in the second row where Nicaise was, she stopped. Her hand moved without a thought and gently held her hair.
"You…look so much like my husband", I heard her say. To which Nicaise answered with a bright smile and sparkling eyes.
"I am honored, madame", she bowed.
'Tsk, they're already getting chummy with each other', I grumbled.
"What? Kid? There you are, where have you been?", But just as I turned around I was meet with yet again another hindrance when the care taker lady found me.
"We have a guest and she's rich, quick we must get you dressed. You'll sell better than the rest", she quickly dragged me away from the group and towards the hall.
'Dammit not this too'
"And make sure not to make an embarrassment this time. If this one doesn't pick you as well, we will kick you out". While her grip was loose, I quickly escaped and ran away but she instantly went after me.
"Kid!", however, I was caught again.
Originally, a commotion where a kid would fall on the ground and Nicaise comes to the rescue were to occur, that being her ultimate selling point to the duchess but since I'm incapable of acquiring that scene because of this unexpected situation, I'll have to think of another way since this damned lady is ruining it for me. All I need to do is drive a fierce play of justice to entice the duchess' memory, acting it out the way the Duke would.
"Let go of me!!!", I screamed at the top of my lungs getting everyone's attention as the caretaker proceeded to drag me away while I retaliated.
"You're just dressing me up to sell! You monsters"
"W-what are you saying, come now you are dirty that's why we need to get you changed. Hahah", the woman lied sheepishly as she hurried along the door.
"Shut up! You liar. All you ever care about is making money out of us! All of you!", as we were entering the door I firmly grasped onto it so I wouldn't be dragged inside.
"Sweety, this isn't the time for one of your tantrums. Let go", she glared at me with a warning look but I held on tight. I could feel her nails dug into my skin with frustration.
"You make us do all the work and don't even feed us while you do nothing! I won't let you use us for your own greed--", the woman panicked even more and tightened her grip on me which made me winch in pain.
"What's going on!?", the other caretakers also started coming over to us so I took my chance and bit her hand for my release, wincing painfully when I hit the ground. The caretakers all looked angry and wary because if the duchess understood the situation they would all be out of jobs.
"We are not merchandise to sell. We are children!", running over to the entrance where I'm 'attempting' to escape from, the angry herd of adults who came rushing and gained momentum over my laggard speed stopped me, as they yanked and lifted me up in the air, containing my violent movements as they concealed my mouth with their hand to prevent me from revealing any more of their selfish secrets but I kept screaming.
As long as I secure my role I do not care if the 7th god relished on this moment. That old fart intentionally did this to me but shits on him because I still turned the tables in my favor.
* **
The old woman, witnessing the scene was silent. She observed the vehement feat of the little girl where, for a moment, she had thought of her husband, reflecting a memory of him on the girl. Even more strikingly when she caught a glimpse of the girl's eyes. She remembered their days as young fierce knights defying the orders of a commander because it was unjust. The woman felt her tight chest lighten and before she knew it, her legs moved towards the folks that were dragging away the poor child.
"Might I interrupt?"
With just the sound of her voice, the crowd silenced and listened. Her cold authoritative gaze nervously shook them on their feet. She stared at the child and after a minute of eye contact, she turned her back and walked towards the carriage.
"Bring her to me…right this instant", she subtly looked back but to the people watching, it seemed like she had glared.
The caretakers nervously looked at each other and followed, gently letting the girl down and assisting her towards the carriage where they forced on wearing their bogus smiles.
"Y-yes, right away, madame", one of them politely bowed and answered, pinching the girl's side and throwing spiteful glances at her.
"Lucky brat, but if she changes her mind you'll have hell to pay", the lady caretaker, continuing to wear her fake smile whispered threats as they walked.
"And if we lose our jobs because of you, we'll take out our anger on the other children so remember that", but the receiver of such threat wasn't phased at all. For she knew who had more power over the situation and who she should be obeying.