- He knows. - Claude Frollo stated, the moment he entered the room.
- Hello to you too- Esmeralda replied, pretending to be offended. She was sitting at the table, practicing her newly acquired writing skills. She missed Quasimodo's classes, and was actually considering to ask Frollo to continue her education.
But it had been a long day alone at the palace, and she had decided to keep trying on her own. So she took a piece of parchment from Frollo's desk and his ink quill and spent the whole afternoon trying to reproduce the letters Quasimodo had taught her. The time flew by and before she knew it, the chamber door had opened and Frollo had walked through it vehemently.
But she immediately noticed he was in no mood for jokes. In fact, he looked like he was about to be sick.
- What happened? - she asked, rushing to him.
- He knows. - Frollo repeated, without looking at her. He was pacing back and forth, pressing the bridge of his nose trying to calm himself.
- He knows what? - she asked again, but Frollo didn't seem to hear her or react in any way.
She walked to him and grabbed his arm, stopping his pacing.
- Hey! Hi. Come here. Tell me everything – she pleaded, gesturing towards the armchair.
He sat there with an exhausted sigh.
- The man had me riding all day long! - he complained, rubbing his sore thighs. - And he took my horse. - he confessed, bitterly.
Esmeralda fought a smile, finding the way he cared about his horse so cute.
- What happened, then? - she asked for the third time.
Frollo inhaled deeply, and began telling her all about their day, the mill, the conversation with Flamcourt and the encounter with the archdeacon. As he was telling his story, Esmeralda's smiled vanished completely, and was replaced by a deep frown of concern.
- I don't know how to fix this. - Frollo concluded, lowering his head in defeat.
Esmeralda felt moved, and she kneeled by his side, holding his face between her palms.
- Look at me. - she begged in a whisper. Frollo obeyed, and found her emerald eyes filled with certainty. - It will all be okay. We just have to come up with a plan. I will help you.
Frollo's face softened, and he gave her a weak sad smile.
- I appreciate it, but I don't think any amount of flirting will help at this point.
Esmeralda looked offended, and she removed her hands from his face.
- You know, flirting with men is not the only thing I can do. - she pointed out irritated.
- I'm sorry, I know- Frollo promptly apologized. - I just mean that… I don't think there's much you can do right now.
- You really shouldn't underestimate me like that.- she replied darkly.
But when she saw Frollo's sad gaze, her heart melted a little.
- Okay, tell me this. Does he know that I am the dancer the archdeacon mentioned?
- No… - Frollo answered after a pause. - I don't think so. He never mentioned your name. Though Lefebvre is smart. It won't be long until he puts the pieces together.
- Let's get ahead of him, then. - she resolved.
- How? - Frollo asked, hesitantly.
- Do you trust me? - she asked back, lifting an eyebrow.
- I do. - Frollo answered, and to his surprise, he was being honest. He was used to controlling everything that happened around him, cause he trusted nobody but himself to do things right. But there was something in Esmeralda's confidence that filled him with faith in the woman before him.
- Good. - she said, with a crooked smile. - Because I have an idea.
- Forgive my tardiness – Esmeralda apologized, coming down the stairs.
Frollo was already waiting for her with Lefebvre at the main hall.
This time, she was wearing a light blue dress that contrasted beautifully with her tanned skin. She had tied her long hair in a complicated braid. Gaspard's eyes observed her meticulously.
- No apology necessary, my lady. - he said, offering his arm. - The pleasure of your company is something worth waiting for.
She smiled warmly, and taking his arm, followed the two men into the dining room.
- We missed you today. - the emissary said when they sat at the table, as the servants began pouring their drinks and serving the food.
- Did you enjoy the city, Mr Lefebvre? - Esmeralda asked politely.
- Oh, yes, it's a beautiful city indeed. I hadn't realized how much I'd missed it. I've spent so much time in the south with Your Majesty, for he prefers the weather down there, that I forgot how wonderful it is up here.
Frollo felt a little more relaxed once he saw that Gaspard appeared to be relaxed himself. He was commenting on the weather, mentioning his royal life as usual, and he had apparently buried the subtle hostilities for the moment.
- You were lucky it was such a sunny day then!- Esmeralda said cheerfully.- The weather is usually worse here in the winter.
- Indeed! - Lefebvre agreed. - The housekeeper was just mentioning that there was a huge electric storm a couple weeks ago, wasn't it? I believe it was the last time you were here. - he commented casually, while biting on some chicken thigh.
Frollo and Esmeralda exchanged a quick glance. The night at the library, by the harpsichord, came to their minds at the same time. Esmeralda hesitated for a moment, not sure what to answer.
- Don't you remember? - Gaspard insisted. - It must have been around the time those gypsies were released.
If Frollo had any doubt before, now he was sure. Gaspard was onto something, setting them up for a trap. Esmeralda's paling face let him know that she had arrived to the same conclusion. She threw him a desperate look.
- Okay. - she said, in a defeated tone, shaking her head. - This is ridiculous.
- Pardon me? - the emissary said, playing dumb.
But Esmeralda wasn't looking at him. Her eyes were fixed on Frollo's. The judge's lips tightened.
- We have to tell him the truth. - Esmeralda pleaded.
Frollo's eyes widened in disbelief. If they told the truth, then Gaspard would use it against them for sure. But at this point, he couldn't come up with any believable excuse anymore. And if Lefebvre suspected they were lying, he would stop at nothing to uncover the real story. There was nothing left they could do. Maybe being honest about it would help, somehow.
- Alright. - he granted in a low tone.
Esmeralda nodded and turned her gaze towards the emissary, that was witnessing their exchange with his mouth watering in expectation.
- Mr Lefebvre – she began, with a trembling voice. - I'm not at the palace because of my injury.
- You're not injured? - Gaspard asked, confused.
- Oh, I am. Or I was, anyway. But that's not the main reason I'm here. - she clarified.
Gaspard looked at Frollo, who held his piercing gaze with stoicism. Esmeralda watched them both, and proceeded to explain further.
- As you found out, this hasn't been my first stay at the palace. There's something else going on. Something we didn't tell you because...- she paused, hesitant.
The emissary couldn't hide his expectancy.
- Why? - he asked avidly.
- Well… because it is a secret. - she said, lowering her tone to prevent the servants from hearing. - We didn't want to tell anyone at least until we knew that it would work out for sure.
Frollo was listening alarmed. How much was she going to reveal? They hadn't discussed anything related to their relationship or what they were going to do about it. Was there even a relationship to discuss? He felt a layer of cold sweat covering his forehead.
- But you're an intelligent man, and I think you would have found out eventually by yourself. - she confessed, watching Lefebvre nod in agreement.
- So you may as well tell me now. - he affirmed, eagerly.
- Yes. - Esmeralda replied, and with a sigh of surrender, she declared – I'm here on a secret mission, Mr Lefebvre.
What? Frollo was astonished, but he did his best to keep his face straight.
- A secret mission? - Gaspard repeated her words, in a distrusting tone.
- Yes, Sir. - Esmeralda confirmed in all seriousness. - I'm acting as a diplomatic negotiator between the Minister of Justice and my people. I'm a gypsy. - she revealed.
- Is this true? - Lefebvre asked Frollo, stupefied.
Frollo nodded carefully, not daring to open his mouth and ruin Esmeralda's plan.
- Of course it is! - She replied offended. - Do you take me for a liar, Mr Lefebvre?
- Oh, no, that's not what I...- Gaspard said, stammering. - I just… I've never heard of such a thing before. A gypsy diplomatic?
- The reason you haven't heard from it is because it's never been done before. - Esmeralda explained plainly.- But I'm sure you're aware of the current difficulties that my people and yours are experiencing when trying to coexist in this country. - she pointed out, recalling what Frollo had told her about their conversation at lunch.
- Yes, yes, I'm well aware. - the emissary stated immediately. - Our King is very concerned with this subject.
- So is our Minister here. - she indicated, gesturing towards Frollo. - But he has observed during the years that the old methods of persecution and punishment were doing nothing to fix the underlying problem, and on the contrary, only led to more conflict and riot.
- Aha...- Gaspard nodded, listening carefully.
- So he figured that modern times call for modern solutions. - she stated, emphasizing the word modern with an imperceptible wink in Frollo's direction. She was well aware that one of Gaspard's usual ammunition against him was his age.
The judge fought the urge to smile at her hint, and just nodded to show his agreement.
- So what's this modern solution you propose, Minister? - Gaspard asked him directly.
He hesitated for a second, his mouth suddenly dry with nervousness. But he couldn't avoid the emissary's questions forever. Esmeralda was also looking at him, with an encouraging smile.
- Well… - he cleared his throat, and decided to stay as close to the truth as possible. - As she was saying, at one point I realized that the spiraling violence would only lead to more trouble. We needed to find a different approach. So I decided to negotiate with them.
- Frollo offered them their freedom back if I was willing to stay and mediate between the two factions. - Esmeralda intervened.- He set a list of rules, banned all controversial activities, and allowed them to stay in the city as long as they obeyed his rules and didn't cause any more trouble.
- I don't suppose that worked… - Lefebvre commented with skepticism.
- It did! - Esmeralda affirmed, with a broad smile. - There hasn't been a single incident since. In fact, thanks to my interaction with the Minister, most gypsies have decided to leave the city and find a new proper home to settle.
Well, that part was completely true, Frollo thought to himself with an inner crooked smile. He was feeling suddenly optimistic. This plan might actually work!
- What about that gypsy dancer the archdeacon mentioned? - the emissary asked, grasping for straws.
- Rest assured, Mr Lefebvre. - Esmeralda replied quickly, with a confident smile. - I personally made sure that she's off the streets for good.
Frollo could have kissed her right there and then. He struggled to keep a steady expression, as the emissary looked at him and then down to his plate.
- I see…-said Gaspard, lost in his thoughts.- Though, if my information is correct, this all happened barely a month ago. It's too soon to jump to conclusions. - It was evident that he was annoyed that the secret he was after wasn't a dirty one, but instead, something that made Frollo look better.
- That's why we decided to be discreet. We didn't want to announce our new method until we were sure it worked long term. - Esmeralda explained, nodding. - But I'm sure you'll understand the importance of this matter and the potential for a better coexistence, not only in Paris, but in all His Majesty's kingdom.
- Indeed. - the emissary affirmed. - I think the King will be very interested in hearing all about your diplomatic efforts, Frollo. - he said to the judge.
- I'm just trying to fulfill the duty Our Majesty entrusted me. - Frollo answered humbly.
- Of course. - Gaspard nodded, his face appearing more and more dissapointed and dark. - Please forgive me, but I'm feeling indisposed. - he said suddenly, dropping his fork on the plate.
- Are you alright? - Esmeralda asked with a fake concerned tone.
- Yes, my dear, worry not. - he said, his face softening a little as he gently touched Esmeralda's arm. - I'm just tired from this long day. The meal was wonderful, but if you'll excuse me, I'll retire to my chambers now. Tomorrow I'm traveling back to the King's palace after mass, and I need to be well rested.
- Of course. - Frollo agreed, also getting up from his chair. - We all should go to sleep now. It's been a long day indeed.
So the three of them walked out of the dining room, towards the stairs.
- This is were I leave you. - Gaspard said, and though he was smiling, both Esmeralda and Frollo could see the upset look in his eyes.
- Have a beautiful night, Mr Lefebvre. We'll see you tomorrow. - Esmeralda replied with a head bow.
- You too, my dear. Your Honor. - he saluted Frollo, and turned around towards his chamber.
The judge and the gypsy climbed the stairs slowly, in silence. As they reached the top floor, they heard Gaspard's door closing loudly, and, after a few seconds, they were sure he was gone.
Frollo turned around and grabbed both of Esmeralda's hands.
- You did it! - he exclaimed happily.
- We did it. Did you see the look on his face? - she corrected him, with a big surprised smile at his outburst.
- Oh, it was all you. - Frollo replied, shaking his head. - I was completely lost. You could have warned me! For a second there I thought you were actually going to tell him the truth.
- It had to look believable. - she answered with a shrug. - No offense, but you're not a good liar. Lefebvre would have noticed your face.- she pointed out, gesturing towards him. Frollo frowned a little, so she was quick to add. - But you followed along great! We make a great team. - she stated with a wink.
- You were brilliant. - Frollo responded, still amazed.
- Should I be offended that you sound so surprised?
- I'm not, it's just… you made everything fit so perfectly. - he remarked with admiration.
- Well, I'm a gypsy, remember? Don't you always say we're scamming masters? - she asked, with a hint of resentment in her tone.
He winced, but Esmeralda smiled again playfully.
- It's fine. I'm just glad it all worked out, and this day is finally over. - she said in a soothing tone.
- Yes… - Frollo nodded absently. Now that the emissary's problem was back on the right track, his mind was drifting towards more private matters. He suddenly noticed that he was still holding Esmeralda's hands, and he became aware of their softness and warmth. He lowered his tone and looked her right in the eyes.- Do you think you will be able to sleep safely tonight? Or do you prefer to come again with…?
- I'll be alright. - she interrupted him, and immediately saw Frollo's face clouding with disappointment.- I don't think our beloved emissary is in the mood for any nightly visits tonight. - she stated, and then she took a step closer to Frollo, who looked at her intrigued. - And also… You've had a long day and you need the rest. If I went with you now, I'm not sure I would let you get any. - she whispered, throwing him a meaningful look.
Frollo felt an unexpected surge of fire rushing throughout his body. He swallowed, unsure if he had understood properly, but the look on Esmeralda's eyes left no room for doubt.
- Hmm… alright. - he mumbled, feeling suddenly light headed.
- Alright. - she repeated with a smile, and letting go of his hands, she turned around to leave.
But Frollo squeezed her fingers and grasped her before she could get away. He pulled her closer, and leaned until his forehead touched hers. His eyes closed at the intensity of her proximity. But he could hear her breathing accelerating. Esmeralda felt like her heart was about to pump out of her chest. She was longing for him to move just an inch closer, so their lips would meet. His warm breath smelled sharp and sweet because of the wine he had been drinking during dinner. She wanted to taste it. But she was paralyzed like an animal before its predator.
Frollo was carefully pondering his next move. He knew what he wanted to do, his whole body was screaming at him to do it. But he also knew that his strength was debilitating each day he spent near her; he was sure if he started now, he wouldn't be able to stop. And she was right. It wasn't the proper moment. So he inhaled deeply, and moved his face away from hers.
Her pleading eyes were scorching his. He raised his hand and softly caressed her cheek with his thumb.
- Thank you for helping me tonight. - he whispered.
- Of...of course. - she mumbled absently, still lost in the burning desire she was feeling.
Frollo kissed her forehead gently, and with a smile of complicity, he let go of her hands and walked away.