In the daylight, Notre Dame did not seem as monumental as it did last night. The stares of the Saints of Notre Dame no longer seemed so piercing and did not arouse burning shame in the minister's soul. Frollo looked at the balcony located above the still heads of the statues, trying to see if his adopted son has already noticed his arrival. Luckily, there was no sign of the boy. "Good, perhaps he would try to hide if he saw me" the judge thought when he started climbing the stone steps of the cathedral. Despite all the contempt Frollo felt for Quasimodo, he was kind of... attached to him. He enjoyed teaching him how to read and write. Despite his hideous appearance, the boy was smart and quick-witted. And most importantly, he was faithful and obedient to his master. For most of the time at least. He felt a little irritated at the mere thought of the acts his adopted son had committed. But he couldn't blame him. How could the boy resist a spell cast by such a powerful sorceress? As he climbed the stairs to the bell tower, he wondered if Quasimodo's thoughts were similar to his own. Was his ward also so desirous of her body, or was her mere presence enough to satisfy him? When his hand reached the door handle, the minister felt a slight tension. Should he tell him the whole truth? After all, he didn't execute Esmeralda, he spared her life. He showed her mercy that she did not deserve. Yes, the boy should be pleased with the outcome. The fact that her life belonged to the minister was of less importance. He exhaled deeply and gently pressed the handle. The wooden door opened with a soft creak.
There was no sound coming from inside the tower room. The air in the room was even more stuffy than usual, making it difficult to breathe. The sun was gently breaking through the makeshift curtains hung from the small windows. Frollo quickly scanned his surroundings, looking for any sign of life. He took a few steps forward and then noticed a strand of red hair sticking out from behind the miniature model of Notre Dame.
"Good morning, Quasimodo." His voice was cold and indifferent, but deep down he was glad to see the boy. There was no answer, only a soft sigh. "Are you feeling alright my boy? You seem quiet today." Frollo took a few more steps and looked at his ward's face. When Quasimodo raised his gaze, his eyes expressed deep sadness and resentment.
"You killed her. You killed the only person who didn't wince in disgust at the sight of me" he choked out, a single tear running down his face. "You took my only friend from me."
"Dear boy, what are you talking about? You must have misunderstood the situation" Frollo said softly, cocking his head to the side. He stepped back in surprise when the boy sprang to his feet and quickly approached him, pointing his finger at the minister's face.
"I understood everything! You locked me in here so I couldn't see her die! But I heard her, I heard those shrill, terrible screams." To Frollo's dismay, he began to get dangerously close. The minister instinctively turned his hand towards the dagger hidden under his robe. Quasimodo's voice was both desperate and angry. Tears were now running down his deformed face, creating an image of misery and despair. "You knew how much she meant to me. I loved her! And yet, you murdered her in cold blood" he paused and then fell to his knees in front of his master. He hid his face in his massive hands and began to sob softly.
There was a moment of silence. Frollo has never seen his ward cry and it bothered him more than he would admit. Even as a child, he always hid his emotions well. His thoughts turned to Esmeralda. Indeed, her ability to mess with other people's minds was strong. She cast a spell not only on the minister but also on this poor, misshapen creature. Frollo looked down at him and for the first time in his life felt sincere sympathy towards the boy. He placed his hand on Quasimodo's shoulder.
"Poor, lost boy. I wish what you said was true. I should have cut her miserable life short" he said sadly. Frollo knew exactly what the boy felt, this burning desire was a feeling close to him. He was well aware of how destructious and devouring her charms were. "I spared her life. And I promised God that I would help her turn to the right path." Quasimodo looked up to meet his master's eyes. He opened his mouth slightly as if to say something, but no words left his throat. Frollo saw the consternation on his face. "Do not worry boy. She will torment you no longer. She will stay in the Palace of Justice and never disturb your peace again."
"But... I've heard her... Is she really...?" There was a glimmer of hope in Quasimodo's widened eyes. But when he looked back at the minister, that little ray was gone. "No, you are lying. You've been lying to me all my life!" His tone was accusatory, which the Minister did not like.
"Watch your words boy. I am fond of your company, but I will not tolerate such behavior." The minister walked over to a small wooden chair and sat down. This conversation became not only unpleasant, but also extremely tiring. "I have no reason to lie to you. Besides, lying, as you well know, is a sin. As for the screams you've mentioned... You probably heard one of the prisoners who were cleansed of their sins that night."
"Is she really alive? Is she alright? Oh, I'm so sorry for my behavior, master! I shouldn't have behaved like this, I should have known you would show her mercy. How is she feeling? Can I see her?" Quasimodo spat out the words so quickly that they all merged into one incomprehensible gibberish. Frollo closed his eyes and made a silence gesture with his hand.
"Slow down boy. You are talking nonsense" he said quietly and lightly rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"Can I see her? Please, master, just one time! I have to make sure she's okay!" Quasimodo shrieked, clearly excited. He was now standing in front of Frollo, shaking slightly.
"Dear boy, can't you understand? I'm just trying to protect you. Her charm spreads through your mind like a disease. You will never talk to her or see her again. This matter is beyond dispute." Frollo looked at the boy, whose face visibly saddened. He lowered his gaze and stared at the ground. "As for her well-being, I can assure you that she has never been better. My servants take good care of her."
"Master, I beg you... I'll do anything to see her. I don't even need to talk to her. Please, just let me see her one last time." The minister looked at his adopted son with pity. The boy's mind was beyond saving, he was completely possessed by Esmeralda's spell. If only he knew how pathetic he looked now, begging to see his torturer. Frollo took a deep breath and looked at Quasimodo, who was still awaiting an answer.
"Tonight she will attend mass with me. This will be the first step on her way to salvation. You can see her there. But I am warning you boy, don't try to approach her" he finally replied, raising a warning finger and pointing it at the boy. The smile that crossed Quasimodo's face was surprisingly warm.
"Thank you, master! You are so good to me. You've always been. I'm sorry for the lack of respect I've shown you today, it won't happen again." Quasimodo's words warmed the cockles of Frollo's cold heart. Perhaps the boy's soul hasn't been damned yet, perhaps there was still a chance for him.
"You are forgiven. I am glad that this matter has been settled. Now, set the table. I have prepared a special treat for you."
xxx
Esmeralda was sitting thoughtfully on the window sill. Her absent eyes watched people strolling through the streets of Paris. Her thoughts circled around the events that took place during breakfast. What was his game? What does he really want from her? She sighed in annoyance. His behavior was confusing and Esmeralda did not know what to expect from him. One day he tries to rape her and the next he acts as if nothing had happened? He invites her brother for breakfast just to please her? No, the man must be insane, everything he does and says makes no sense. There was no point in analyzing his actions.
Esmeralda got up and slowly walked over to the bookshelf. Her brother tried to teach her to read when she was younger, but that was not her forte. She always thought that books were boring and not worth paying attention to. Now that she was locked up in her chamber, she wished she could read. Perhaps it would help her dispel her troubled thoughts. She brushed her fingers lightly over the leather cover of a thick book.
She jumped slightly when she heard a knock on the door. Esmeralda turned to see Diane entering the room, holding a silver tray in her hands.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, ma'am. I brought dinner" the woman said softly, lowering her head respectfully.
"Oh, don't worry, you're not disturbing me. Just leave it... somewhere" Esmeralda muttered, still deep in thought. She watched as the woman walked to the bed and placed the tray of food on a small nightstand. Then she turned and headed towards the exit, still not looking up. "Diane... wait. I need to ask you something."
"Yes ma'am?" The woman stood in the doorway and looked expectantly at Esmeralda.
"What is he like? The minister. He was acting... strange today, completely different from yesterday. As if he were a different person. You probably know him longer than I do and that's why I thought that..."
"Please, stop. I'm sorry, ma'am, but I cannot discuss my employer with you." Diane cut her off in mid-sentence. She looked around the hall to make sure no one had heard her. Her eyes were horrified and her voice trembled.
"Don't worry, no one will know about our conversation. I just wanted to know why is everyone so afraid of him. Just tell me if he really is..."
"I'm sorry, ma'am, but I can't take any chances. The punishment that would happen to me if someone found out that I was gossiping about the minister... I don't even want to think about it." Diane took a few steps back and began to slowly close the door. "If you need anything, ma'am, please knock on the door. I will come as soon as I can." The woman nervously looked around the corridor again. "And please, ma'am, try not to upset the minister. For your own good" she whispered and then left the room, closing the door behind her.
xxx
It was already getting dark outside when Esmeralda heard another knock on the door. The sudden sound pulled her out of the lethargy in which she plunged. She turned her head to see Diane entering the room.
"The minister asked me to bring you downstairs, ma'am. He also indicated that I should make sure you dress properly" she uttered in a barely audible voice.
Esmeralda felt a shiver run through her. She had heard a similar message the previous evening, and what happened next she would have preferred to forget. She wanted to ask what the reason for her summoning was, but decided it didn't matter anyway. Whatever the reason, she had no choice but to obey his request. She could only hope that this time the minister would be in a good mood. Esmeralda reluctantly walked over to the closet and took out a long, light blue dress.
"Is this one proper?" she asked sarcastically, looking at her maid and twisting her lips in comical way, pretending to be thinking deeply. In response, she heard a soft snort and an affirmative answer. She threw off her nightgown which she changed into after breakfast and began to put on an elegant dress. Esmeralda couldn't deny that the dress looked wonderful on her. Judging by the high-quality material, it also had to be ridiculously expensive. She quickly fixed her hair and headed for the door. "Then, Diane, lead the way."
xxx
When Frollo saw her at the top of the stairs leading to the Palace of Justice, he couldn't help but devour her with his eyes. Dressed in the light blue dress he had given her, his gypsy girl looked stunning. As she descended the stairs, his eyes never left her and he appeared to take great delight in every move she made. He took a few steps forward and offered her his arm. Esmeralda hesitated for a moment, but eventually took it. His silence worried her, but she did not want to start a conversation with him. Frollo led her towards his carriage and then helped her get inside. The minister himself sat down in front of Esmeralda and signaled to the coachman that they were ready to go. The harnessed horses huffed anxiously as the carriage began to silently move forward. The silence, however, did not last long. The minister cleared his throat and began to speak in his imperturbable, calm voice.
"Now that we are alone, I would like to talk to you about what happened this morning" he began without taking his eyes off her. She trembled slightly under his cold, fixed gaze.
"Yes, I'm sorry. I misunderstood the situation and I know I shouldn't have reacted like that" she replied, and she felt her cheeks flush involuntarily. She still felt a bit ashamed of her over-interpretation of the whole event.
"I am glad that you at least understand your mistake. However, your temperament is something we really need to work on. If you were to behave in such an inappropriate way in front of a guard, I would have no choice but to punish you." She felt his gaze pierce her right through. The lack of her answer made the minister smile slightly. The shadow on his face made him appear even more sinister. "And as you well know, I really wouldn't want to do that. That is why I decided that you will attend tonight's mass with me."
"Mass? But... I've never been to Mass before." Esmeralda looked genuinely startled. Of all the places Frollo could take her, she didn't expect it to be a church. Or any other place where people could see them together.
"It's about time to change that. Perhaps a visit to a holy place will help you turn away from darkness and follow the path of light."
Esmeralda didn't answer, just shook her head in incomprehension. She still couldn't believe that the minister had decided to take her, the unholy witch, to a place he held such respect. "Well, if he wants it, then so be it." At least for the time she was there she wouldn't have to talk to him. Through the small window of the carriage she saw a huge stone building. Notre Dame, the place where she was hiding from the claws of the minister just a few days ago, appeared before her eyes. Their coach stopped and Frollo swiftly opened its door.
"Ladies first" he said, pointing his hand at the exit.
xxx
"Dominus vobiscum" the priest's words echoed across the cathedral. The assembled crowd of believers answered him in a loud, synchronized voice. "Et cum spiritu tuo."
"Ite, Missa est" came the words of the priest. From the crowd's reaction, Esmeralda concluded that the mass was over. People around her began to slowly get up and leave the church. Even though she hadn't moved the whole time, she felt exhausted. She did not speak Latin and did not understand a single word the priest spoke. She also did not know when to get up or kneel. She tried to imitate the minister's movements, unfortunately with little success. Furthermore, her different appearance attracted the contemptuous glances of the other gathered which made her feel even more awkward. The only thing she dreamed about now was to return to the palace and hide under a soft blanket. When she saw that Frollo was also getting up, she breathed a sigh of relief. She got up from her seat and started walking towards the exit.
"Leaving so soon?" she heard a mocking voice behind her back. She turned to see the minister smiling at her. "I think you still have something else to do."
"And what would that be?" she muttered irritated. She felt overwhelmed just being in the cathedral, let alone doing something.
"You still have to confess your sins" he replied, a dark, wicked gleam appearing in his eyes.
Esmeralda did not know what to answer. Once again she felt completely lost and dazed. The minister's waiting gaze, however, brought her down to earth. "Confess my sins? To who?"
"To God of course" he whispered, a wide, mischievous smile creeping on his face. "And to me, as I would love to hear what you have to say."
"You can't be serious" she choked out, but from the minister's expression she concluded that he was being completely serious. The disgusting smile on his face made her blood boil. "I will do no such thing."
"Oh yes you will." His words made Esmeralda quiver. His voice was now only a little louder than a whisper. "And you will be honest. You live with me now, and I have a right to know what sins you have committed."
"You made me live with you!" she screamed a little louder than she had planned but she couldn't contain the rising anger. This man had no right to ask anything of her. Their conversation caught the attention of several people who still remained in the cathedral. The smile on Frollo's face faded immediately and was now replaced with a scowl of anger.
"Keep your voice down, gypsy" he hissed through clenched teeth. "You will do exactly what I say. Without hesitating."
Esmeralda gave him a hateful look and without another word turned on her heel, heading for the exit. She felt herself once again blinded by illogical pride, preventing her from obeying his order. However, she did not manage to make a single step towards the door. She felt Frollo grab her hand, squeezing it painfully. He pushed her towards the entrance to the bell tower, getting out of curious people's sight.
"This is the final warning. I will not tolerate your antics any longer." Esmeralda felt his hot breath uncomfortably close to her ear. At this point, she didn't know if she felt more angry or powerless. She wanted to turn around and hit him, shout at him, or run as far from him as possible. But she knew she couldn't do any of these. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.
"I will confess" she whispered, surprised at how well she managed to hide the anger in her voice. She felt the minister's grip loosen slightly. However, he did not release her arm, which he was now uncomfortably pressing against her back.
"Good. Proceed" Frollo muttered in her ear. "And remember, when you confess you must sincerely regret your sins" he added silently, pressing his body even closer to her.
The closeness of his flesh and the irony in his voice made Esmeralda tremble with both anger and disgust. She clenched her jaw and choked out the words as she closed her eyes.
"A few months ago, I stole a piece of bread from a tavern table." She felt her cheeks flush pink. She hated the fact that he made her speak aloud about things she was so ashamed of. "I also distracted the innkeeper when my brother stole a few pieces of silver from his pocket."
"Oh, that is typical, I wouldn't expect anything else from your kind" he purred, inhaling loudly through his nose. Esmeralda felt his hand on her thigh, his cold and long fingers squeezing it lightly. "But that's not what interests me. You know very well what kinds of sins I want to hear about."
"I don't know who you think I am but..." she wanted to protest, but was silenced by the sudden sharp pain that pierced her body. Frollo tightened his grip on her leg, digging his nails deep into her skin. She whimpered softly, trying to break free from his grasp.
"Lying is also a sin, my dear. I know who you are" he whispered, squeezing her thigh even harder. Esmeralda let out another groan of pain. The minister could feel a fire burning in his body, and it grew larger with every sound and movement she made. His voice grew hoarse, his breathing was rapid and uneven. "I know what you did when you lived on the streets. And I want to hear about it. I want to hear about all those dirty sins you have committed."
Esmeralda felt like a caged animal. She desperately tried to free herself, but every move she made only caused her more pain. She felt hot tears flowing into her eyes, tears of fear, anger and irritation. Suddenly she stopped moving, which surprised Frollo enough to loosen his grip again. A few seconds passed before she spoke, her voice filled with bitterness. "You want to know what my worst sin is? My worst sin is that I gave up my freedom. And that I agreed to be the toy of an old, brutal pervert" she choked out, tears now running down her cheeks.
Frollo let out an angry roar. He pushed her hard, making her fall to the ground. Esmeralda looked at him in horror as she huddled on the cold stone floor. "This is the last time you've shown me disrespect!" His usually pale face turned red, his eyes showed pure hatred and contempt. Even though her mind told her to run away, something in his gaze made Esmeralda unable to move. The minister looked like he was going to kill her right here and now. And yet, he didn't move an inch. He was just standing there, breathing loudly. When he finally spoke again his tone was a sinister whisper. "I wanted to be kind to you. I wanted to treat you as an equal and give you a chance to save your soul. But people like you must be treated like animals, like the vermin that you are." Much to Esmeralda's surprise, Frollo headed for the exit. After a few steps he stopped and gave her a brief glance over his shoulder. "So be it."
But Esmeralda sensed something else in his voice. The way he pronounced his words. Was that... sadness? She watched the minister leave the cathedral. A moment later the door opened again and a tall guard entered. He walked quickly to Esmeralda, who was still lying motionlessly on the ground, and picked her up. He gave her a quick, sympathetic look and began to slowly lead her towards the door. Esmeralda felt that she was unable to walk on her own.
"Where are you taking me?" she whispered as she numbly leaned against the guard's shoulder. She felt all her strength leaving her.
"I'm... sorry, miss" he stuttered, looking away. "It's a direct order from the minister."
xxx
The air in the dungeons was moist and filled with the metallic smell of blood. Every step of the minister echoed loudly off the stone walls. In silence and thoughtfulness he walked down the dark corridor that seemed to be endless. When he looked up, he saw a guard waiting for him. He quickly approached him and looked into his eyes impatiently. The guard felt a shudder go through him and swallowed nervously.
"I tied her up as you ordered, sir" he said quickly, looking away as he was unable to bear the minister's piercing gaze. "I also prepared the... tools you requested."
"Good. Now leave me alone" Frollo said quietly, placing his hand on the door handle.
"Yes, sir" the guard answered almost immediately, glad to be able to finally leave this place. He bowed his head respectfully and then quickly descended into the darkness of the corridor.
Frollo paused, his hand still lying on the doorknob. Usually he was sure about every decision he made, but now he felt doubt. Punishing her this way is the last resort. But what else was he to do? The gypsy was disobedient and showed him disrespect at every step. And now she has to bear the consequences for her actions. He exhaled deeply and pressed the door handle. The torches hanging on the walls of the cell were lit, casting a faint light on Esmeralda's face. She was in the center of the room, tied to the ceiling by her hands. She was dressed in a thin white prison robe that barely covered her body. When she heard the sound of the door opening, she raised her head slightly, narrowing her eyes. As soon as she saw the minister, she sighed and looked down again. Frollo slowly entered the cell, closing the door behind him. He watched the girl in silence for a moment.
"You know you made me do it" he whispered as he stepped closer to her. His words were met with silence. He gently grabbed her chin with his fingers and lifted her head up, forcing her to look at him. Her eyes were red, but the will to fight was still visible in them.
"You are a monster. A soulless, heartless monster." Esmeralda wanted to say more, but was quickly silenced with a hard slap. She felt a burning pain on her cheek. Frollo stepped back and walked over to the prison bed on which the guard had left a leather whip. He picked it up and without another word walked behind Esmeralda. In one move he tore her robe, revealing her bare caramel back.
"I didn't want to hurt you. But you gave me no choice" he whispered and then swung the whip. He heard a loud whistle followed by a cry of pain. The sound made him sick to his stomach. Esmeralda wept softly, cringing in pain. Another crack of the whip and another scream echoed in the cell. Two red stripes appeared on her naked back, barely visible in the faint light of the torch.
Esmeralda clenched her teeth and bite her lip. She didn't want to burst out crying. No, she won't give him that satisfaction. However, her determination diminished with each strike of the whip.
"You forced my hand!" Frollo shouted as he hit her again. He wasn't sure how many strikes she had already received. Her entire back was now covered with red stripes and single drops of blood. The fact that she still hadn't said a word annoyed him. "Beg me, gypsy. Beg me to stop." His demand was once again met with silence. He waited a few seconds and then hit her again, using all his strength. She let out another pathetic groan, but didn't plead for mercy.
Frollo growled and tossed the whip angrily to the ground. He walked over to her and grabbed her face, feeling her wet tears on his skin. When he looked into her eyes, he felt his insides twist. He was used to the hateful glances of other people, but her eyes expressed more than that.
"Beg me for mercy" he whispered softly without breaking eye contact. He saw a single tear roll down her cheek. And yet, she remained silent. For the first time in his life, Frollo felt that he was the one who could not bear the gaze of his interlocutor. He leaned down and hugged her, placing his hands on her sore back. "Beg me to set you free" he whispered in her ear, burying his face in her raven hair.
Esmeralda was so surprised she forgot about the pain for a moment. She won. She looked blankly ahead, struck with the thought. She won. Despite the situation she found herself in, she smiled a little. At this point, even his touch didn't bother her. On the contrary, his cold hands placed on her aching back gave her a nice relief. She heard his rapid breathing right next to her ear. They remained in this position for a few moments.
Finally, Frollo slowly moved away from her. Still not meeting her eyes, he walked to the door. He put his hand on the doorknob and stared at the ground. There was silence in the cell, broken only by a faint crackle of fire. Several seconds passed before Frollo cleared his throat and began to speak, still not looking up.
"I'll ask the guard to untie you. He will bring you clean clothes and then escort you to your chamber" he announced quietly and then opened the door. He paused, wondering if he should say anything else, but gave it up. He left the room and closed the door behind him, leaving Esmeralda alone.
AU: I'm sorry it took me so long to write this chapter! I've had a pretty busy week, but I hope the length of this chapter has made up for the waiting :)