Chapter 11. Twisted Every Way

Count Philippe Rousseau sat in his study, fingers folded under his chin, deep in thought. A single candle lit, he pondered over the curious events of the masquerade ball several night ago.

Despite his royal status, the noblewomen he'd invited had refused him. Left with no other option, he recalled the pretty servant girl and with a few slight changes to her appearance, escorted her instead. Yet halfway through the night she went missing after an extremely rude and overdressed young gentleman whisked her away for a dance. When confronting her the next day, she apologized profusely, stating he was an old acquaintance from her home in Gascony. Philippe didn't believe her for a second, but accepted her answer with grace. It wouldn't do any good if she were suspicious. Then she could warn her friend.

There had been many "accidents" on his person over the years. Poison in his cup. A belt that released a small, venom dipped blade when latched. A cobra set loose in his chambers. The list continued with the years, including nearly being crushed by the grand chandelier several months ago. Could the garishly dressed man have been behind these attempts and the girl his accomplice? It made sense. Although, from what he'd heard she only recently started working at the palace.

Something about this young man didn't sit right with Philippe, however. It almost seemed as if he knew him somehow. That he was familiar in some way. Philippe thought harder.

No. It couldn't be. He'd disposed of him ages ago. No human could survive a poisoning of that strength. Then again, the boy had been the epitome of unnatural qualities. Philippe shuddered, thankful his uncle had the sense not to commission a family portrait. He thought of the gentleman at the ball again.

He looked about the right age. His cousin would have been in his twentieth year by now. Whether intentional or not, the gruesome mask he wore certainly evoked memories of the boy's macabre visage. And those eyes! So familiar! Philippe almost wished there was a portrait to compare them to.

A knock at his door drew him from his thoughts.

"It took you long enough," Philippe growled.

The man bowed. "My apologies, Your Grace."

Philippe waved him off. "Save your breath, I've a job for you, Bertram."

"Yes?"

"It's been brought to my attention that an old enemy of mine may not be as dead as we originally thought," he said. "Perhaps you remember him?"

"You'll have to be more specific, sire. Many a man fit that description."

"Oh, you would know him. He's quite hard to forget. Very unique."

Bertram shuddered. "Only the devil's child could have survived that."

"Perhaps. But whether by the supernatural or not, my cousin may still in fact be living. If that is the case, several problems arise, my friend." Philippe rose from his chair. "You see, if dear cousin Louis is indeed alive and my uncle catches word of it, my claim to the throne will be just that. A claim. Although why my uncle bears affection for the monstrous child his late wife bore, I'll never understand. Disgusting."

Bertram remained silent.

"Another problem is that though he was but a tender age, Louis was quite aware of those who poisoned him. I doubt my uncle would take that news well."

The other man shook his head.

"Of course, this is all just speculation." Philippe continued. "It could have been anyone at the ball. But we can't afford to take any chances. Not when it comes to Louis. Keep watch for anything out of the ordinary. And if you do see something, report it to me at once."

"Yes, sire."

"Excellent. And keep an eye on the blonde maid as well, she was with him at the ball. D'Artagnan is her family name." Bertram's eyebrow raised.

Philippe chuckled. "Yes, my friend. Curious indeed. Now, I believe we have work to do."

...

Raise your hand if you hate Philippe even more now. What a dirt bag. But he's my dirt bag. And Bertram got to make an appearance! I feel like Philippe/Bertram could be a thing. (Did I really just write that?) As for today not being Friday, I am spending Easter at my roommate's house and decided to post a little early. Happy Spring and Happy Easter everyone! One more thing: the awesome Spirit Ella drew an amazing fanart for the masquerade! The link won't work here, but if you got to deviantart and search "Spirit-Ella", it should come up. It's called "La Mort Rouge" and I totally love it.