After he left, the duchess called Maria and Ben.
"As you have already heard our conversation, I don't think I have to explain you anything" the duchess said.
Maria and Ben looked at each other and nodded.
"Yes, we have understood" they answered in unison.
"Then go and start the preparations" the duchess commanded.
Both the servants left the room without turning back.
"Milady, am I allowed to leave?" Dr. Charles asked.
"Go. And remember even you have to accompany us to the fief" the duchess.
"Yes. I understand" Dr. Charles said and left the room.
She then looked towards the two kids sitting silently.
"Daniel, Stella, go and prepare everything you want to take. We are never gonna came back to this place" the duchess said.
"Yes, mom" both said at once.
Both the kids stood up and left the room, leaving their mother in the room alone.
When Alice woke up it was already evening. Emma came and served her some light meal and then gave her some medicines.
"Milady, I have to tell you something" Emma said excitedly.
"What?" Alice asked curiously.
"We are going back to our fief" she said.
"Fief?"
"Ah… I forgot you don't remember. It is the district owned by the duke Etkinson, your father. I have never been there, but I hear that it is very big and beautiful."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"But why so suddenly?"
"That… it is because duke and the duchess are planning to visit there since long, but due to your accident it got delayed."
Emma lied without hesitation.
"Is everyone going?" Alice asked curiously.
"Yes. The duke, duchess, young master Daniel, young lady Stella, you milady, and even me" Emma said with a wide smile.
"Is it a family picnic?"
"Um… no. We are shifting there permanently. We are leaving this place forever."
"Forever?"
"Yes."