"The Master will see you all shortly," Madame Tolet shouts over the din of the crowd. "Now, Master will see only one person at a time and no cameras!"
Normally I hate mirrors. Why? Because they are a cruel reminder of my fate. But I sigh, and give in to the power of image in the mirror. I adjust my mask and clothes. I am really nervous, I muse.
A knock interrupts my thoughts.
"Are you ready, Master?" Papillon queries.
"Yes, Madame. Let them in." I turn around as she opens the door so that my back faces the visitor. "And who are you, good sir?"
The person coughs, obviously nervous about the situation. After all, I have dimmed the lights and am encased in shadow. "My name, sir, is M. Michel Marse. I am the local government administrator. A mayor, if you like."
"A mayor, eh? And why did you feel you wanted to come out here, to see me?" I query.
"I, I mean we, just wanted to know who the new Comte de Guirre is. We have not seen him since the old Comte passed away. It has been rumored that he had been living with his grandchild, raising it, yet no one has seen the child. Is it true?"
He may have just gone too far this time, I think to myself, and then reply, "What do you yourself think?"
He snorts. "I think it is all hogwash, bullshit, as the Americans say."
My eyes narrow. Who is he trying to fool? I can tell he is scared, no matter what he says. I step out of the shadows, looking like a living shadow myself. I laugh. It is a mirthless laugh, but at the same time, rich and powerful. "You don't believe there is a new Comte? I do pity you. Look! Look upon this hideous specter! Perhaps I am but a ghost, non?" He is truly frightened now. I raise my voice into a commanding tone. "Well then! Leave! And take the gawkers with you!" He is cowering in fear now. I know I am a forbidding figure when confronted. I need to relax; maybe I should take a walk…
I can hear Papillon talking to the crowd in the foyer. I sigh. Why must it always end this way? Why? Can't my life ever be normal? A voice at the back of my mind says, "No. Not as long as you live." I want to cry. My mind is a maelstrom of emotions right now, and I don't know whom to turn to. I yearn for love, companionship, and normality, but I know I will always lack those things. I leave the library and move to the landing on the second floor. Either way, I am already very far past the point of no return. I must now face the people.