Author's Note: Hiya, folks! I'm back with a new story! I will not be updating this one regularly, because right now my top priority is the sequel to my other POTO story, and I'm too busy to keep two stories going regularly. Sorry ahead of time! :)
A Cold and Broken Hallelujah
Prologue
Madeleine Destler tried not to be angry at her friend. After all, it wasn't Marie's fault that she had given birth only a day before Madeleine had that little monstrosity. But she was angry nonetheless. She needed Marie to help her take care of that thing, since all of her few remaining servants had quickly taken their leave. Not that she blamed them. She would've had she been in their situation.
Father Mansart's near-daily visits soothed her slightly, but she wanted to see Marie. And why wasn't Marie there? Madeleine had moved to this damned town in the first place for her!
Good God, her son was driving her to the brink of insanity.
No. Not her son. She would never call the little beast her son.
Madeleine was brought out of her thoughts by a sudden knocking at her front door. Sighing, she stood and walked over to the door, opening it.
Speak of the devil and he shall appear.
"Marie!" she exclaimed, surprise evident in her voice. Her blue eyes travelled downward until they found the infant in her friend's arms. The child was completely covered with a pink blanket.
"How rude of me, Madeleine! Coming here uninvited like I did. I'm terribly sorry," Marie rambled. "If you want me to go…"
"No!" Madeleine exclaimed, causing the redhead before her to jump back slightly. "It's alright. Please, come in." Marie hesitated, but followed Madeleine inside. "What's her name?"
"Juliette." Madeleine glanced at the child again. She had blue eyes, just like every other newborn besides the monster she had birthed, and a smooth fuzz of carrot-colored hair. "Where is yours?" Madeleine grimaced. She'd been hoping Marie wouldn't ask, though she knew she would.
"You don't want to see him. Trust me." Her friend shook her head.
"Nonsense! Where is the little angel?"
'Demon would be more appropriate,' Madeleine wanted to say. But she held her tongue.
"Upstairs," she whispered. Marie gave her a strange look, but she ignored it. As her friend turned to the staircase, Madeleine spoke again. "Wait. Leave Juliette with me."
"You aren't coming?" She shook her head.
"I go to his room as little as possible." Again, Marie gave her a strange look, and again, Madeleine ignored it. She took the child from her friend, and much to her chagrin, the girl didn't cry for her mother. As Marie walked up the stairs, Madeleine spoke to the child.
"Hello Juliette. My name is Madeleine. I'm a friend of your mother." Her words were interrupted by a piercing scream. She sighed as the child began to cry. "I wish I had you instead."
Author's Note: I hope you guys liked it so far! See you next time!
-The Puppeteer Patient 120402