Madeleine hurried through the streets of Paris. She was running late and did not want to miss the start of Clopin's puppet show. She had made a promise after all.

She rounded a corner and saw she had made it just in time. Sitting down on the edge of a nearby fountain she began to listen to the tale. It told the story of a young woman who sacrificed her freedom to save her father and ended up falling for a beast who was actually a prince under a curse.

Clopin really was a fabulous storyteller. He could make the characters truly come to life and enthrall his audience. She could also tell he loved what he was doing and his passion only made the show more enjoyable.

Madeleine did raise an eyebrow when she saw the puppet of the heroine had blond hair and aquamarine eyes. Briefly catching her gaze Clopin winked causing her to blush.

"And the Prince asked Belle for her hand in marriage. For not only was she the most beautiful woman in France but also the kindest. She had seen beyond the beast when no other could. Belle accepted and the pair lived happily ever after." Clopin concluded the story with a flourish.

There was a smattering of applause and once the crowd had dispersed Madeleine walked up, a smile on her face.

"Kindest and most beautiful woman in all of France?" she asked. Clopin grinned.

"I speak only the truth Mademoiselle." Madeleine laughed and inclined her head towards the blond puppet.

"I see you have a new puppet." Clopin nodded.

"Clopett has been bothering me for a while to make him a lady friend." Clopin pulled out the puppet of himself.

"If you get a pretty lady why shouldn't I!?" it squeaked.

"Quiet" scolded Clopin, "The grown ups are talking." Madeleine couldn't contain her mirth and burst out into a fit of laughter.

"I'm not always sure the term "grown up" can be applied to you." Clopin put his hand over his heart in mock offense.

"You wound me Mademoiselle Clement!" he cried.

"I'm fairly certain you'll survive," Madeleine quipped. This sent both of them into peals of laughter.

When their mirth subsided Clopin's smile became softer. She could tell he wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms. Just as she longed to be in them. But alas, with all the people and guards around it would be nothing short of suicidal.

Suddenly Clopin dropped a piece of paper on the ground. They both bent to pick it up and he pressed the paper into her hand. She looked at him curiously and made to open the note but a shake of his head stopped her.

"Not here," he murmered softly. Madeleine nodded. Clopin's smile returned and he kissed the back of her hand.

"Until we meet again Mademoiselle Clement," he then quickly made his way down a side alley and disappeared. Madeleine looked behind her and saw two large guards heading in her direction. Internally cursing their timing (and possibly their existence), Madeleine began to head home.

Once she was on the deserted path to her house she took out the letter which was address to her and Henri. It read,

7'oclock, your house. Four others to come.

Madeleine furrowed her brow in confusion before hurrying home to give the letter to Henri.

HoND

Her brother's face was serious as he read the letter.

"Well?" asked Madeleine slightly impatiently. "What does it mean?"

"It's from Harodain. He and the other few people who help the gypsies are coming over for a meeting. He looked at her with a small smirk.

"I'm sure your darling Clopin will be there too." Madeleine could feel her cheeks burning at the implication and Henri laughed. Madeleine sighed. He really saw straight through her.

Once everything was prepared for their guests Madeleine went upstairs and changed from her day dress that she used for running errands and into a slightly nicer dark purple dress, for much like Clopin purple was often her preferred color, with some lace detailing on the bodice and neckline. She had actually made it herself and was quite proud of it.

After brushing out her long gold hair she decided to pass the time by doing some sewing. Sewing was a passion of hers. She loved the comforting rhythm of the needle flowing in and out of the fabric. She was looking foward to tonight but was also a little nervous. As she began to sew Henri's cloak she sung to herself softly.

The valley green was so serene

In the middle ran a stream so blue

A maiden fair in dispair, once had met her true love there and she told him.

She would say

Promise me, when you see, a white rose you'll think of me

I love you so, never let go, I will be your ghost of a rose

Author's Note: Well another chapter as promised. Again I should update weekly although I might get lucky and post multiple chapters at once so keep checking back for updates. Thanks especially to everyone has commented. It helps to know my readers thoughts (and to know that people are truly interested) so please drop something in the comments below. The song Madeleine is singing is called Ghost of a Rose by Blackmore Night. It had an oldtimy feel that I really liked I highly suggest listening to it the link is below. Until next time!

watch?v=kPk9c0UK0Fg