The stone eyes of the sculptures seemed to follow Esmeralda as their horses walked through the entrance hall of the Palace, towards the courtyard. It felt as if they were silently murmuring among themselves with the knowledge that they had seen her before. The eerie feeling of recognizing every single detail from her dream was both accelerating her pumping heart and freezing her blood. This couldn't be happening. She had never, ever, seen or even heard a description of that place and still, she knew exactly what she would find wherever her eyes dared to roam.
- Claude… - she whispered, almost inaudibly, so the sound of the horse hooves on the cobblestones covered her voice. Maybe it was for the best, she thought. What was she supposed to say? "Hey, we should get out of here because I had this dream?"
But again… if something horrible was indeed about to happen, how would she feel if she had done nothing to prevent it, knowing it beforehand?
She had no time to decide, for the sunlight of the open courtyard momentarily blinded her. Her heart stopped in her chest, as her whole body got ready for throwing herself against Frodo to move him out of the way of the arrow.
But there was no arrow. And no crossbow.
And most importantly, no Phoebus.
She inhaled heavily, with such an intense relief it made her lightheaded. By her side, Frollo threw an imperceptible smile her way, as if he was saying "I told you so".
- Your Honor! - a familiar voice said. - My lady!
Once she recovered from the adrenaline rush she had just experienced, Esmeralda was greeted by the second less-desirable face she could have expected to meet there.
- Mr Lefebvre. - she greeted him back with a polite nod.
- Please, allow me! - he rushed to help her descend her mare, pushing away without contemplation the stable worker who was already placed to do so.
- I appreciate your help, sir. - Esmeralda said, secretly disgusted by the sweatiness of his hands.
- Oh, what did I tell you? - he scolded her humorously. - I am not nobility, just a humble servant of the King!
- Right, forgive me.
- Nothing to forgive. - Gaspard Lefebvre quickly stated, with a discarding gesture of his hand, before offering her his arm. - I hope you had a comfortable journey here… I must say I am surprised that our Minister of Justice saw fit to bring such an elegant lady with no carriage, riding on a horse's back the whole way! - he exclaimed, with a scandalized tone.
- Oh, but you see, Mr Lefebvre – Frollo intervened, once he had also descended his horse, walking towards them in a determined way. - Carriage journeys take much more time, which we would have had if our summoning hadn't been so urgently made. - he pointed out, visibly irritated, though his tone remained polite and calm at all times.
- Right, right. - Gaspard nodded conciliatory.- Exceptional situations call for exceptional solutions.
- Precisely. - Frollo agreed.
- Well, we're here now! - Esmeralda exclaimed with a joyful tone, which brought Lefebvre's attention back to her immediately.
- And we're really glad to have you! - he affirmed with a charming smile, though his eyes remained cold and dark. - Allow me to show you around, my lady.
- Of course! - she agreed and took his arm, throwing Frollo a quick apologetic look.
The judge nodded, calm. He knew they would be meeting the emissary there, and he knew what to expect from him. They would do better in just playing along and hope whatever was going on wouldn't take long to be resolved, so they could be on their way back as soon as possible.
The Palace was huge. Upon first look, Esmeralda got the impression that it looked like a brighter, bigger twin of the palace of justice she was now so used to. The walls and pillars were built with white elegant stones, the windows were wide and tall with intricate glass designs and thick curtains set aside to let the light in. Long, elegant carpets covered the hallways, and beautiful paintings and engravings decorated the walls in the spaces between the doors. Those were also wide and tall, and the wood had been carved and painted with golden colors. They looked nothing like the sober, almost prison-like thick doors of the palace of justice.
In fact, as they walked through different chambers, Esmeralda became aware of more and more differences among the two buildings. While Frollo's palace was built in a very organized, practical way, with long straight hallways and parallel chambers, the King's palace seemed to have been designed to confuse or entertain its visitors, with unsuspected twists and turns, and rooms leading to other sections of the building. Soon she had lost her sense of orientation, and the streetwise gypsy in her began growing restless as she unconsciously tried to retrace their steps in her mind, looking for a possible way out in case they needed one. However, the beauty-admirer in her could not deny the richness and taste in which the palace had been meticulously created.
After what felt like a long time wandering around, Gaspard Lefebvre finally stopped.
- Here are your chambers. I hope you will find it all suitable. - he indicated, gesturing with his hand toward a semi-open door.
- Of course. - Frollo took a step forward, and Esmeralda followed, but the judge immediately threw her a warning look.
- Forgive me, my lady. - Lefebvre said, clearing his throat. - I meant this is the Minister room. Your chamber is further along the hall. - he pointed out, and his subtle smile made Frollo's guts wrench with the certainty that the emissary had made sure Esmeralda's bedroom was near his own.
The gypsy hesitated for a second. Of course she knew they couldn't act like a couple in front of anyone at the palace, but for some reason, she hadn't stopped to consider that that meant they wouldn't be sleeping in the same room. She had got used to sleeping with Frollo and now the thought of spending the night alone in a foreign place was unsettling. However, she gathered her thoughts and with a smile, and a confident look towards the judge, she followed Lefebvre.
- You may rest from your journey, dinner will be brought to you tonight. The King will be seeing you both in the morning. - Gaspard explained, before gently guiding Esmeralda with a hand in her lower back.
Frollo inhaled slowly, fighting the urge to remove that hand with his very sword, and he closed the door behind him.
The King was waiting for them on the Audience room, sitting on his throne and escorted by his guard and some nobles that had come to witness the whole thing.
- You look amazing. - Frollo murmured to Esmeralda once they met at the door, where they had been told to wait until they were called inside.
- Thank you… you haven't slept either, huh? - she said, pointing to the dark circles below his eyes.
- Not much. - Frollo confessed.
- I missed you in my bed… - she said with a meaningful look, and though he was tired and worried, he felt the heat traveling to his lower regions. This woman held such power over him that he was pretty sure he would feel desire towards her even if he was taking his last breath. It was insane, and yet, wonderful.
The doors opened slowly, and the voice of Gaspard Lefebvre reverberated across the room.
- Please, come in.
They exchanged a fleeting silent look and obeyed.
Frollo felt scrutinized, but actually, all eyes were on Esmeralda. She was wearing an elegant long-sleeved velvety dress that matched her emerald eyes, and made her caramel skin look even more beautiful. She walked like a true aristocrat, slowly, with her head up high but not in a pretentious way. Frollo watched her with the corner of his eye, wondering if she had been secretly practicing such a paused, controlled way to move, given that she was usually practically dancing around the whole time.
Esmeralda's eyes were fixated on the King. She knew it was rude of her to stare but she couldn't fight her curiosity. The man was mature, it was hard to calculate his age because his hair was blond, so she couldn't tell how much of it was whitening from where she was standing. Also, his face was rounded and full, which made him look younger than he was. His hazel eyes were kind, which brought her some peace, but he didn't seem too perceptive, and she immediately noticed the proximity and avidity in which Lefebvre stood by him. It wasn't hard to guess that he was used to subtly manipulating the man on his behalf.
They arrived at the throne, and they both bowed with respect.
- Minister Claude Frollo.- the King greeted him. - Welcome back. It is a pleasure to have your presence here, as always.
- Thank you, Your Majesty. - Frollo responded, still with his head low. - It is my pleasure to serve you.
- And you, our beautiful guest of honor. - the King continued, shifting his attention towards her. - I believe your name is Esmeralda?
- It is, Your Majesty. - Esmeralda nodded, with a timid smile.
- How wonderfully exotic! - the King applauded, clapping his hands together. - I hope my winter Palace lives up to your expectations.
- It certainly exceeds them, Your Majesty. - Esmeralda said humbly.
- Wonderful. - the King responded, visibly proud. - You know my emissary and man of trust, Mr Lefebvre. - he said, pointing to Gaspard, who bowed his head with gratitude. - I would also like to introduce you to his brother, Gérard Lefebvre, my captain of the Royal Guard.
He pointed towards his left side, down the platform in which the throne stood. There, standing in a military position next to a pillar, was a man that truly resembled Gaspard in height and looks, with black hair and beard and blue eyes, though his features were less sharp and his expression much more serious.
- It's an honor to meet you, Mr Lefebvre. - Frollo said gently, though internally he was cursing that there were two Lefebvres to face now. He remembered Gaspard mentioning he was an orphan but he had said nothing about having a brother. Though, truth be told, neither had he. Only his closest people knew of the existence of Jehan, as it was a subject he wasn't comfortable discussing.
- Well… - the King began, straightening his position in the throne, and Frollo's body involuntarily stiffened. Here it comes. - As you well know, a few weeks ago I received the visit of the Bishop. He came to present me with his concerns, for he had gotten a letter from the archdeacon of Notre Dame, describing disturbing events that had transpired in Paris.
Frollo fought the urge to interrupt the King to explain himself once again. The King noticed his discomfort and made a calming gesture with his hand.
- Of course, that was quickly clarified and put to rest. I have known the Minister for a long time now, and I trust his decisions when it comes to applying justice where needed.
The judge nodded with gratitude.
- However, it was my moral and royal duty to make sure that the situation was under control, for the sake of all parts involved. - by his side, Lefebvre nodded with approval. - Mr Lefebvre here kindly offered to head up to Paris on my behalf as an emissary, and he came back with great news.
Esmeralda was doing her best to keep a straight, calm face, though her heart was pumping heavily in her chest. However, as the King spoke, the optimism in his words made her begin to consider that they might have been wrong to worry so much.
- Not only the situation in Paris was perfectly clear and contained, but also he brought news of a brand new method to solve one of our country's increasing problems. The disturbs caused by the gypsies.
This affirmation caused some agreeing murmurs among the men in the room, which shook her heads visibly upset by said disturbs. Frollo was able to hear some insults coming from their gritted teeth when thinking about the gypsies. Words as "plague" and "pest" made him threw Esmeralda a worried glance, but she nodded almost imperceptibly as if to say "Don't worry, I'll keep my composure."
- Gentlemen, please. - the King hushed the murmurs with a conciliatory gesture. - Our guest here deserves our full respect. - he indicated, pointing towards Esmeralda, who lowered her head with appreciation.
The men quickly changed their expressions and silenced their whispers, some of them even looked slightly embarrassed by their lack of manners. However, in the lateral of the room, Gérard Lefebvre kept staring at her with an indecipherable, but certainly not apologetic look. Frollo felt a chill going down his spine, and was secretly relieved that he wasn't the Lefebvre brother pulling the strings by the King's side. At least, Gaspard's obvious enchantment with Esmeralda kind of guaranteed her safety while they were there.
- Upon hearing such wondrous news, I had no choice but to send an urgent message to the Minister here, to come and explain how he has implemented this method, so we can all follow his example throughout the kingdom as soon as possible. - the King concluded with excitement
For an instant, Frollo felt a heavy burden being lift from his chest, and deep relief coursed through his veins. That was it? That's all the King wanted from him? No trial, no punishments? It was too good to be true!
By his side Esmeralda was smiling with satisfaction. In the past few days, the tensions of the journey had gotten to her and she had been infected with Frollo's concerns… But now her natural optimism had returned and she had to fight the urge to turn towards the judge and yell "I told you so!". She settled for throwing him a meaningful glance, which from the outside could be interpreted as mere pride for their work together.
However, Frollo's expression was not relaxed. He seemed alert, as if he was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Would this man never relax? she thought, frustrated.
- Would you do the honors, beautiful Esmeralda? - the King asked her suddenly. - I am genuinely curious as to how such an unlikely partnership came to happen. - he said, gesturing towards her and Frollo.
- Of course, Your Majesty. - Esmeralda replied, clearing her throat. - As you mentioned, there was a surge of conflict in Paris several weeks ago. Some gypsies rioted during the peasant's festival and they defied Frollo's soldiers and the Minister himself. The prosecution was harsh for both sides, and eventually the gypsies were captured and sentenced. But the Minister, being the merciful pious man he is, considered that proceeding with the executions would only bring more resentment and fuel the fire of the conflict. You see… my brother was one of their leaders, Your Majesty.
The King gasped with surprise.
- I find it hard to imagine... such an elegant and sensible woman as yourself to be related to a criminal!
- One does not choose their kin, I'm afraid. - Esmeralda simply stated with a shrug.
- Of course, I meant no offense. - The King responded promptly.
Esmeralda nodded in acknowledgment, and continued her story.
- So, as I was saying, my brother was one of their leaders, so the Minister came to me and offered a deal to spare his life and those of the others. He would let them go as long as they pledged their obedience to a set of rules, and vowed not to cause any more trouble in the city. I would remain at the palace of justice as a security clause to guarantee our people's genuine intention and trustworthiness.
The King nodded slowly, considering her words. He turn his gaze to Frollo.
- I am eager to know what kind of rules you considered appropriate to manage the situation, Frollo.
- Yes, Your Majesty. - Frollo responded, taking a step forward. - With the help of Esmeralda for better understanding of their habits, we banned those activities that are considered sinful or pagan, such as palm-reading, or lustful spectacles. We allowed them to perform their music and shows as long as they remained pure and they were only paid with alms, and in no case charged. If the citizens chose to gave them money, it would depend on their freedom and not any sort of scam.
- Did they agree to that? - the King asked with disbelief.
- Well, they didn't have much of a choice, did they? - Gaspard commented boldly, for he had not been addressed.
But the King didn't seem to mind his interruption.
- That's for sure… however, I find it hard to picture, gypsies giving away their habits just like that.
- Well – Frollo began, waiting for the King's permission to proceed. The King nodded in his direction. - That was one of the reasons why Esmeralda chose to stay at the Palace. So if there were any issues that the gypsies wanted to discuss, they could come to her and she would mediate in any hypothetical negotiation. That seemed to soothe their concerns, and along with their gratitude for their spared lives, the peaceful connivance was restored.
- I see. Isn't it wonderful? - the King asked, looking at the men in the room, who nodded in agreement. - It's come to my knowledge that due to your regulations, many gypsies even chose to leave the city entirely!
- Indeed. - Frollo responded, recalling how mad he had been that they had used his illness to flee, and how grateful he was now for that fact.
- Well… as my helpful emissary pointed out, it is still soon to see results in the long term… But I for one find this extremely promising. My dear Esmeralda… do you believe other gypsy communities would be willing to follow your steps and negotiate with members of the court?
- I am sure they will, Your Majesty. - Esmeralda affirmed convincingly. - We only wish to be able to live in peace, just as your people do.
- That's wonderful. - the King nodded, clapping his hands again. - Just wonderful. There are so many details I wish to discuss with you, and I'm sure everyone will be thrilled to get a chance to hear more about your story… That's why I'm hosting a Royal Dance this evening, with you two as my guests of honor.
- It would be our pleasure, Your Majesty. - Frollo said humbly.
- Well then, enough with this seriousness! I will see you both at the Main Hall at sunset! - the King stated, and he got up from his throne. The soldiers formed a row to escort him to the lateral door, where he disappeared into another one of the infinite chambers the palace seemed to have.
Once he and most of the soldiers and men were gone, Gaspard Lefebvre approached Frollo and Esmeralda.
- I'm glad you got such a good impression from your visit. - Esmeralda told him with a smile.
- Well, how could I not? - Lefebvre winked at her without restraint.
- Please, accept our gratitude for speaking well of our system to Our Majesty. - Frollo said, trying to remind him of his presence, which the emissary seemed to consistently forget about.
- Sure, of course. - Gaspard nodded once in his direction, before turning to Esmeralda again. - I hope that gratitude will earn me the honor of a dance tonight. - he said seductively.
- We'll see… - Esmeralda replied with a flirtatious smile, which was enough for Lefebvre to leave the room with a puffed chest like a peacock.
Esmeralda and Frollo followed him towards the door, where some servants were already awaiting them to guide them back to their chambers. Apparently, there were so many people at the palace that they wouldn't get the chance to be alone or speak with privacy.
- Congratulations, Your Honor. - Esmeralda said, not without certain concealed mockery in her tone. - It appears your hard work pleased the King. It was all for the best.
- One would think so. - Frollo replied, staring into her eyes with intensity, as if to warn her not to lower her guard just yet.
Yes, it was evident that the King was pleased with their diplomatic method… But something was off.
If everything was okay... why was Lefebvre so happy?