City Garrison

Brigadier General Etienne Gérard sat at his desk, which was currently occupied by a large volume of paperwork.

This was a far from unusual occurrence when it came to General Gérard and his desk. He had the honour to be the deputy commander of the capitol garrison, and since the actual commander was seventy-nine years old, he found himself doing most, if not all, of the work involved in administering the force.

He harboured no resentments that score; it was a far from unusual situation: to command the garrison was a sinecure, the position of deputy commander was a job. A job that he had not sought out for its prestige - as much as the prestige was appreciated - nor for its importance, although the importance had grown, but for the admittedly rather selfish reason that it would keep him at home, close to his wife, with little chance of being deployed to a distant station on America or the Indes and forced to choose between separating from Lucrecia for months or longer or dragging his wife halfway around the world and destroying her business in consequence.

Of course, if all of the royal efforts to mediate an end to this war failed then he would be dragged away to places which, while not so distant, would separate him from Lucrecia no less.

But that was a fear for the future, a fear best left unspoken, not least because so few people were acknowledging it aloud.

And in the meantime he had a job to do, a job which, whatever his motives for seeking it, he was determined to do well. The garrison had responsibility for law enforcement within the city, and oftentimes that felt like its only responsibility, but of course there was desk the task of protecting the capital from attack - and of both protecting and policing the Aquitainian refugees who had fled here from the onslaught of the Imperial armies.

Etienne sighed. When he had been appointed to this position the garrison had consisted of two battalions of foot and a regiment of horse; a reasonable sized force to be under the command if a newly promoted brigadier general - this did not include the Guards, who did not answer to him. Now, with the situation being what it was, the garrison had ballooned in size: twelve battalions of foot, three batteries of foot artillery, and while he had lost his regiment of hussars he had gained two of dragoons. Honestly, at this point the post should have been held by a major general, with the constituent forces split into three infantry brigades and one of cavalry, but until or unless that happened he had to manage this burgeoning host as best he could.

Which was why his desk was piled with progress reports on the construction of earthworks and the placement of guns, as well as the disciplining of men, public order and everything else.

The door into Etienne's office opened and Prince Eugene strode, followed swiftly after by Etienne's aide de camp, Lieutenant des Voeux.

"Etienne, it's good to see you," Eugene said. "My God, it's cold in here isn't it? How do you stand it?"

"Sorry, sir," des Voeux murmured. "I didn't know whether to-"

"It's fine, des Voeux," Etienne assured. "It's not your job to keep the crown prince out." He smiled. "Although, in deference to His Highness, put some more coal on the fire before you go."

"Yes, sir," des Voeux said, and both Etienne and Eugene waited until he was done fussing about with the coal bucket and withdrew from the room, shutting the door behind him.

Etienne rose to his feet and bowed his head. "Your highness."

"Yes, yes, how are you, man?" Eugene repeated.

"Not as cold as you, your highness," Etienne said dryly. "Otherwise... the city is well, so I am well."

"And how's your wife?"

"Your wife probably sees more of her than I do, at present," Etienne replied. "My duties mean that getting g home in time for supper is almost a distant memory, and getting he before Lucrecia turns in for the night is becoming a rarity."

Eugene frowned. "Would you like to know what I've learned is the secret to a successful marriage?"

"A wife whose capacity to forgive borders upon the saintlike?" Etienne suggested.

Eugene's eyes narrowed. "You're being tediously droll this morning."

"I'm sorry, your highness, but I haven't had my morning coffee yet," Etienne replied. "Speaking of which, will you join me?"

"Yes, why not?" Eugene said, as he sat down on the other side of Etienne's desk.

"Des Voeux!" Etienne shouted.

The door opened. "Yes, sir?"

"Bring up a pot of coffee and two cups."

"Yes, sir." The door closed again.

Etienne sat down. "It won't be long. He's very efficient."

Eugene didn't respond to that, rather he said, "It's making time," he said.

"Your highness?"

"The secret to a successful marriage," Eugene explained. "It's having time for her. Making sure thet she doesn't feel neglected. Trust me, it does mote good than a thousand pearl necklaces or bracelets. Not that they aren't welcome too, but... the thing that Cinderella wants most from me is to be there. Incidentally, that's why I'm going to loiter around your office for a bit, of need be. Cinderella is coming to see you at some point, we said we might meet." He smiled. "I intend to make sure we do."

"Be my guest," Etienne said. He paused for a little while as des Voeux brought in the coffee. Then, once they were alone again, he said, "As for your advice, that strikes me as much easier when you can share the workload with your wife and thus mix business with pleasure. I don't have that luxury with Lucrecia."

"The children are hardly helping

Cinderella with her responsibilities but she still makes time for them," Eugene pointed out. "It doesn't have to be every day, but get home for dinner, kiss her goodnight; the country won't end if you do."

"Hmm," Etienne murmured.

"When Cinderella arrives and asks how your wife is then she will tell you the same thing," Eugene declared. "Only you'll feel guiltier about it when she's done."

Etienne chuckled. "How is she, by the way?"

"Motherhood agrees with her," Eugene said. "I remember when we first married she had so many doubts sbd hesitations, there was so much she was worried about. But when it comes to the children she has no worries at all. It's as if she knows what to do by instinct. It isn't that - I've seen the books she's looked in for advice - but she makes it seem effortless." He paused for a moment. "Philippe has started calling her 'mother'."

Etienne was silent for a moment. Aside from Prince Eugene himself - and with Madame Clairval having passed away - he was the only person left of any consequence who remembered Philippe's actual mother, Katharine. He had played the go-between to disguise her relationship with Prince Eugene, and he had... well, that had all been some time ago now, before he was married, before he had even set eyes on Lucrecia. It didn't do to dwell on the past, what mattered was the present, and the future.

What mattered was Philippe, and his present happiness, if he had found someone he loved sufficiently well to call her mother then that was all to the good. He was blessed, just as his father was, in the overflowing heart of Princess Cinderella.

And yet...

"I... cannot say that it surprises me," he said, his voice gentle. "But... I hope that you won't allow him to completely forget that he had another mother first."

Eugene was silent for a moment. "I... I know what you mean, but... it's all become rather delicate, as I'm sure you can agree."

"She doesn't deserve to be forgotten," Etienne said.

"What do you suggest?" Eugene asked.

"Talk to him about her?" Etienne suggested. "Make her live in his mind. Take him to the ballet."

Eugene frowned. "Talking about Katharine-"

"Might be good for you," Etienne said. "But I should probably stop there before I say too much and overstep the bounds of our friendship." He half rose to his feet and picked up the coffee pot, pouring out the steaming hot liquid into the two cups upon the desk. "And besides, if I am to get home for dinner tonight, we should probably get down to work, shouldn't we?"

"Well, I certainly wouldn't want to keep you having just told you not to be kept all the time," Eugene agreed. "So, how is work on the defences progressing?"

"With only two battalions for keeping order in the city, and two more assigned to the refugee camp, the others are all working to establish field fortifications around the city," Etienne said. "Three large fortresses, each big enough to hold two battalions and a battery, and two smaller positions to shelter a battalion each. Once they ate constructed, we can expand those positions somewhat to fit the rest of the garrison in the event of an attack."

Eugene nodded. "What about ringing the city?"

"That might look a little bellicose for a nation talking peace, don't you think?" Etienne asked.

"And digging earthwork fortifications isn't?" Eugene replied.

"Not really, the defences should never have been allowed to fall into such complete disrepair," Etienne said. "But since they have... there is a difference between caution and..."

"Caution and what?" Eugene asked.

Etienne sighed. "Does Her Highness know?"

"Does she know...? I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to be more specific," Eugene said.

"Does she know that of we can't stop this war then we will have to join it?" Etienne asked softly.

Eugene took pause a moment, but he did not dent it. "I think that's above your rank."

"It's not impossible to work out," Etienne said. "We seek to mediate an end to the war because the most likely outcome now appears to be that the Holy Roman Empire will be strong enough to dominate Gallia, and that we cannot abide. It follows, then, that if we cannot achieve our ends through peaceful means then the next step will be..."

"War," Eugene said grimly. "I hope with all my heart it will not come to that, but you know that if we cannot persuade the wolf to slink back to his lair, then... then we must shoot him." He scowled. "And no, Cinderella doesn't know, I didn't want to... I fear she would not understand. She believes that we seek peace out of our virtue, and I think if anyone could make the rest of the world believe our motives are so pure it is Cinderella. But she is a poor liar, so-"

"So you're lying to her," Etienne said.

"It is my sincerest wish that our efforts to peace will end thus conflict without a drop of Armorican blood spilled," Eugene declared. "Before God, with all my heart."

"I hope so too," Etienne said, with a touch of grimness entering his voice. "And in the meantime, I fear that to ring the city would be too obvious a statement. Plus, at the moment I do not have the men to dig such works, every man is occupied already."

"You won't have more, I'm afraid," Eugene said. "In fact, if I have my way you will have a good deal fewer men than you do presently."

"Your highness?"

"I want you create an Army of Observation upon our border, or close to it," Eugene said. "One thing I have shared with Cinderella is my fear that the Empire may decide to start the war whether we will or no."

"Which is why you took my cavalry away to patrol the border," Etienne said.

"I aim at much more than cavalry patrols," Eugene said. "As I said, a full army. We have already brought troops home from America and the Indes, by concentrating our available forces - including every man we can squeeze from the garrison and the Guards, I think we could assemble thirty, perhaps even forty thousand men."

"And may I ask how many men that would leave me, your highness, after I have been squeezed?" asked Etienne.

"Four battalions," Eugene said. "Enough to manage the city and the camp."

Etienne was silent fir a moment. "I see your highness' thoughts," he allowed. "But if the Holy Roman Empire dies attack, if they should bypass your Army of Observation then they would find the capital - including His Majesty, the princess, your children, all undefended-"

"Four battalions-"

"All occupied with not a man to spare to watch the city, and how many Guards to defend the Palace? A battalion? Less?"

"One company from each of the regiments of foot guards," Eugene answered. "When we sailed for America-"

"When we sailed for America, your highness, it looked as though Aquitaine might well win the war."

"Our force would be upon any Imperial army before they reached the city," Eugene said. "And no commander would present their flank or rear to such a large enemy force that way."

"It wouldn't need to be a large force to take a city denuded of defenders," Etienne pointed out. "One thrust to hold the attention of our army: a single corps, or perhaps two. Then, with our forces occupied, a second thrust around the flank, maybe even with some units turning to hit our troops in the rear but with a flying column closing on the capitol to seize the royal family and force us desperate to negotiating people. Is there anything you would not give to get then back if they were taken?"

"Nothing," Eugene said. His voice shook a little. "So, that is what you would do?"

"If I had malign intentions, your highness, yes."

"So how would you counter it?"

Etienne considered the question for a moment. "Well, I wouldn't take most of my men away."

Eugene snorted. "Obviously not."

"Although I would seriously consider appointing a general de division to command a force of this size," Etienne went on.

Eugene looked at him. "You lobbied for this post."

"And now the post has grown bigger than my rank," Etienne murmured.

Eugene hesitated for a moment. "I'm having a hard time thinking of a general de division who has my trust the way that you do. If you're right... there is no one I would trust more with the safety of my family."

"I thank your highness for the compliment," Etienne murmured. "And yet at the same time, if it does come to war then I am not sure I would like to remain here while you go to the front."

"And here I thought you were done with glory."

"I am not done with duty yet, your highness, else I would not wear this uniform still, " Etienne replied.

"But duty is where His Majesty appoints you," Eugene reminded. "But strategically, what would you suggest?"

"Deploy and army, by all means," Etienne said. "Even draw down on the Guards, God knows we'll need them to fight a war, but leave Brest and Nantes well garrisoned against a couple de main. I would use the National Guard to increase the size of the observing army."

"You say that ringing the city would be too warlike a move but raising the National Guard would not be?"

"They were raised for home service during the American war," Etienne said.

"We were at war during the American war," Eugene reminded him.

"If only local companies were raised from the border districts, could it not be said that they were being raised to protect their locales from misunderstandings as to where the border lies?" Etienne suggested.

"Some might say that is the job of the army," Eugene said dryly. "In which case... I suppose the obvious solution is to continue to spread our forces out to watch the border and hope that we can concentrate in... no. No, that's too great a risk when the attacker would be able to choose the time and place. What if we were to pull our army back, further behind the frontier, making it harder to slip past?"

"And exposing the country?"

"It's no good trying to hold every foot of ground, every inch of our border," Eufene pointed out. That way invites defeat in detail. Plus, if we do stand on the border we shan't be able to tell if the Imperial troops are moving against us or simply manoeuvring until the shooting starts. By letting them come on a little we can discern their dispositions and intentions and respond appropriately. We'll see their flanking column coming before we engage their main force."

Etienne considered it. "A little rough on the people left exposed to attack," he observed.

"It will be rough for everyone if we ate defeated," Eugene pointed out.

"But militarily... sound, I think. Will His Majesty approve it?"

"I don't know," Eugene said. "Hopefully I'll be able to persuade him that, having given me this job, he should trust my judgement with it."

A knock on the door interrupted them both before they could say anything else. The voice of Lieutenant des Voeux wafted in from the other side. "General Gérard, sir?"

"What is it, des Voeux?"

The door opened, and des Voeux put his head around the door, offering a brief salute. "Begging your pardon, sir, but Her Highness Princess Cinderella is here, along with Lady Christine Roux."

As Eugene's face brightened, Etienne murmured, "And you didn't have to dawdle after all." He raised his voice. "Show Her Highness in, des Voeux, and keep Lady Christine entertained until we're finished."

"Yes, sir."

Cinderella glided in, the sweet smell of her perfume preceding her, and the rustling of her petticoats accompanying her as she walked in. As she caught sight of Eugene a smile blossomed upon her face, "Eugene, so we caught each other after all."

"I wouldn't have had it any other way, darling," Eugene said, getting up from his chair and crossing the room towards her. He placed his hands upon her arms, and kissed her on each cheek and then upon the lips. "I'd ask you how it went in the camp but I expect we'll get to that soon."

"Yes," Cinderella assured him. "We shall. General Gérard," she said, extending a hand towards, "Good morning, I hope you're well?"

"As well as can be expected, your highness," Etienne said, as he crossed around his desk and too her outstretched hand, raising it to his lips as he bowed from the waist. "And I trust that you are, also."

"Oh, I have nothing whatsoever to complain about," Cinderella declared. "A loving husband and three darling children; I would be perfectly happy if not for everything that is going on out in the world."

"If you will forgive me, your highness, that sounds a little like saying that someone would be perfectly healthy if only he did not have the flu," Etienne remarked. "Please, Princess, sit down."

"Thank, you." Cinderella took the seat from which Eugene had risen. The two gentlemen, with only one chair between them, remained standing. Cinderella went on, "And yet, despite everything, I have something wonderful into which I can retreat for a little while each day; many others are not so fortunate. But what of your own good fortune, General? How is Lucrecia?"

"Well enough, I think," Etienne replied. "Although my duties mean I don't see as much of her as I might like."

"Oh, General," Cinderella cried. "You can't let that go on. You simply must find time to spend with her, for both your sakes. I would... I would hate for Lucrecia to worry thet she had lost your affections. Please, believe me when I say that attention is more valued gift than diamonds."

"So I've been told, your highness, and I will endeavour to practice the good counsel that I have received," Etienne promised. "But I do not believe your highness came here to discuss time spent with my wife."

"No, Cinderella agreed. "I came here because... Well to be quite honest, General, Lady Helen had something rather disturbing to say about the way that our soldiers have been treating these poor Aquitainian women. Some of them have taken to... to selling their bodies for money, and not only do our troops allow this, but they ate among those who pay! This cannot go on, General, you must put a stop to it."

"Where it so easy, your highness," Etienne replied. "I didn't know about this but it does not surprise me to learn it. But I... I can assign different battalions to the duty but there is no battalion in the garrison or indeed the army composed entirely of saints. So long as there are women willing-"

"Desperate," Cinderella said. "Not willing."

Etienne nodded. "Of course, your highness, and yet to soldiers not inclined to think too deeply about the situation... unfortunately it is not something I can easily put an end to, but I will remind the officers to make an effort to prevent it and to punish any offenders caught. Hopefully that will act as some deterrent. I wish I could fo more, but..."

"I understand," Cinderella murmured. "Lady Helen believes that only allowing the refugees to work honestly will prevent it."

"I fear she is correct," Etienne replied.

"Easily said," muttered Eugene. "Not do easily done. There are already enough people who resent the presence of these Aquitainians without allowing them to compete with our own people for jobs."

"I know, but all the same, I think we need to allow it anyway," Cinderella said. "The position they're in now is demeaning, and it's making them desperate, and because they are desperate they're putting themselves in danger. They came here looking for safety, but as things stand they are not safe."

Eugene's brow furrowed. "It won't be popular," he warned.

"I should like to think that, if I am popular, it is because I tried to do the right thing," Cinderella replied. "I hope that people will be able to accept that I am still trying to do the right thing, even if they don't like it."

Eugene laid a gentle hand on Cinderella's arm. "You are as compassionate as ever, and as ever your compassionate is to be admired-"

"But?" Cinderella asked.

"There is no but, at least not in your attitude, not this time," Eugene said. "Qe sought to prohibit them from working to protect our own people and to, hopefully, ease rancour and hostility by reducing cause."

"Unfortunately, I don't think that worked," Cinderella said softly. "Just by asking people to open their hearts and their purses I've been accused of betraying the people of this country."

"It could be worse," Etienne muttered darkly. "Do you remember that bread riot you almost got caught up in, your highness? Before your wedding?"

"I remember," Cinderella said. "They calmed down very quickly."

"Because they got their way, or something close to it," Etienne said. "If they had not... troops were not deployed lightly. Believe me, your highness, this is not anger, this is merely mils disgruntlement."

"So you think we should be afraid?" Cinderella asked. "And let fear rule us?"

"We will do the right thing," Eugene assured her. "Not least because doing the wrong thing appears to be helping no one. The refugees ate still working in the worse way, the most unsafe way, and it will be almost impossible to put a stop to. But Etienne is right, your popularity with the people is hardly dented and it is, I dare say, one of the most valuable assets the royal family possesses. Too valuable to waste on... on the Aquitainians." He did not wait for Cinderella to object, but rather pressed on. "Which is why I will make the case for this change of policy, take the lead on it... and take any blame that may accrue."

Cinderella's eyes widened. "Eugene, you can't!"

"I think you'll find I can, darling."

"But, why is it so important that I remain popular? You're a war hero, you preserved America for Armorique."

"I don't expect many people care about America compared to the fact that the price of bread has gone down," Eugene observed.

"But if what General Gérard said is true... it could be dangerous-"

"Then better me than you," Eugebe said firmly. "You've had more than enough danger already, and the children need their mother." He smiled, and his tone softened. "But I'm sure that it eon't come to that. People will hiss and spit and write letters denouncing me in the Breton Gazette, but no more than that." He paused. "My mind is made up on this, Cinderella, I will brook no argument upon it. Leave this to me. Think of it this way: you've spent so long showing me what it is to do the right thing, to have compassion for the less fortunate, to be kind to them. Now, at last, you can watch me as I follow in your example."