Frollo walked like he was floating. A few steps ahead of her, his whole body language screamed of victory and pride.
He was, indeed, proud of himself. Not only had he avoided the ominous feeling that the dream had left hanging over his head, but he had managed to, in the process, achieve what he desired most. And he got rid of the competition in the way. With Phoebus gone, and the gypsies under control, he could finally focus his attention on what he had wanted all along. His chest felt like it was about to burst with self satisfaction.
Esmeralda, on the other hand, was dragging her feet, as if each step forward her body became heavier with the burden she had imposed on herself. The guards behind her were insistingly tapping on her back to rush her, which only made her wanna slow down even more, just to spite them.
- I can walk, you know. - she grunted, when one of them went ahead and tried to grab her arm, releasing herself violently.
She had expected to see some sunlight when they reached the ground floor, but the main hall looked pretty much the same as the dungeons they had left behind. The dark stone walls had no windows, and all the light came from torches. In the middle, a big, ornamented staircase lead to the top floor, where some narrow tall windows finally revealed there was an outside world behind those claustrophobic walls.
Some metal armors guarded the hallways, but besides that, there were no decorations, nothing to make the place the slightest bit homey. There was no way around it; she was a prisoner, about to spend her life in a prison.
They went up the stairs, all the while Frollo never turned around to see her, though he could hear the annoyed sounds coming from her gritted teeth.
Finally, they arrived at a heavy wooden door, where he stopped. Taking out a ring of keys from the folds of his robes, he placed one on the lock and opened the door, walking through it and stepping aside to let her come in. She did, slowly, not knowing what to expect. But the sight was, she would never admit it, pleasantly surprising. The chamber was not too big, but it was definitely cozier than the rest of the building. There was a small fireplace on the side, and it was lit. They must have used some kind of aromatic wood, for the smell of the fire was rich and sensual.
On the opposite side of the wall, a much wider window went from the floor almost to the ceiling. There was a heavy garnet curtain on both sides, to cover it during the night and stop the cold from coming in.
A small wooden table and chair were nearby, with a glass jar of water and a ceramic basin next to it. Also a simple candelabrum held a few lit candles, that created a gracious dance of light over the wall.
Last, there was a bed on the corner. It rested on a wooden platform, well above the ground, very different from the simple hay mattress she was used to sleeping on at the Court of Miracles. But… no way…
She rushed to the bedside, with her eyes open wide. Over the bed covers there was a purple blanket, embroidered with stars made of golden thread. A blanket she knew very well, for she had sleep on it since her adoptive mother had sewn it for her so many years ago.
She felt a burning knot on her thread, and turned her gaze to the judge, still standing by the door, carefully observing her every reaction. She took the blanket in her hand, shaking her head indicating her lack of understanding.
He cleared his throat and answered with a light tone, as if downplaying it:
- I had my guards took it from the remnants of your nest.
She took a deep breath, finding it hard to believe that a man such as him would take that sort of details into consideration. But before she could even begin to feel a trace of gratitude, a sudden darker and much creepier thought popped into her mind.
- Was this before or after you knew I would be staying?
His so far relaxed expression changed fast, and though he did his best to conceal it quickly, she could saw a glimpse of a guilty, caught-red-handed, childish look.
She let the blanket fall back into the bed with a grimace of disgust, and took a step back.
- Great – she mumbled harshly. - God forbid you do something for other than yourself!
- Careful, witch. - he warned, suddenly dropping his arms in an I've-had-enough gesture. His previously calm appearance turned threatening again, as he frowned upon her and lifted a pointing finger in her direction. - The fact that you're here and no longer in a cell doesn't mean you can disrespect me. Don't forget I'm being merciful beyond your merits, and you wouldn't want me reconsidering our deal, would you?
Esmeralda knew he was bluffing, but still, calling it would make things worse. So she lifted her palms in a conciliatory gesture.
- Alright then. So what exactly is expected of me, Your Honor? - she said, accentuating the emphasis in the last words to sting him. - You know, it is rude to invite someone into a game without explaining the rules.
- The rules are simple. - he replied, regaining his superiority look and satisfied tone. - You will stay here, in this chamber I generously granted you, and will live by the Palace's schedule and protocol, which is one of respect and decency. You're allowed to go into the common areas, but not any of the private ones, without my permission. You can also visit the inner courtyard if it pleases you. But you won't set foot outside the Palace without my supervision. And if you try to flee… you'll show me I made a mistake by trusting the word of a gypsy, so our deal will be instantly broken, and the rest of your kind, captured and executed.
She swallowed hard. This time he wasn't bluffing at all. He couldn't care less about the gypsie's lives; all they were was a card in his deck, to play at his convenience.
- I won't. - she said firmly, staring into his eyes. - You have my word.
- Good. - he answered with a nod. - Then you can trust my word as well. - he added, gesturing towards the window.
She hesitated for a second, but then walked to it. Looking through the glass, she saw the empty cobblestone square. The floor was still damp from the night's rain, but the sky was clearing and the golden sunrise light made the wet stones shine. For a few seconds nothing happened, and then she heard the squeak of the big metal doors opening. She looked down at them, and her heart jumped in her chest. Clopin was the first to walk into the square, hurrying the others along, helping the children and elder descend the Palace's stairs. Their colorful figures flooded the grey scene, rejoicing in the fresh air and rising sun, like it was their first. Somehow, it was. They had assumed it would be their last, but now they had been granted a second chance.
Esmeralda's eyes flooded. They looked unharmed, though still afraid and looking back at the guards in the gates, as if expecting it all to be a cruel joke, a cat and mouse kind of game. They raced through the square, scattering fast to the narrow streets beyond. Clopin stood the last, to make sure no one was left behind, and then, with a mocking reverence towards the guards, ran off as well and disappeared into an alley. Their life wouldn't be easy now that their safe haven had been destroyed. But they were free. Thanks to her.
- They'll have nothing to fear as long as you keep your end of the bargain. - Frollo's voice sounded right over her shoulder. He had silently walked towards her while she was distracted watching their release. She jumped and turned quickly, to find him closer than she expected.
His granite eyes were fixed upon hers. The light of dawn reflected on them, turning them into a silver gray like a lake's surface under the sun.
This time, his tone hadn't been menacing. It was kind of… reassuring? As if he wanted to at least give her that comfort, that certainty, making it clear that her sacrifice would not be in vain.
Her mind protested upon this realization, but her heart softened a tiny bit. He was a monster, but, like the day of the festival, she caught a glimpse of something else, something hidden and buried within his soul, but nevertheless alive.
- Thank you. - she replied, for the first time in an honest, not double-edged tone.
This seemed to surprise him just as much as he had just surprised her. He didn't know how to take it, for up until then, every interaction had been a push and pull game. He searched her eyes for mockery or defiance but he found none. This suddenly made him nervous, and he felt his mouth dry and his hands getting warm, about to start sweating.
Finally, he decided it was a good moment to pause and assess the situation, so he simply nodded and walked away towards the door.
Before she could think or do anything else, he was gone, and the door was locked.
Her new life had begun.