The Main Hall looked like it had been taken straight out of a dream. The long, wide room had two infinite tables on each side, with uncountable dishes of food and jars of wine and ale. Several roasted turkeys, so many different vegetables, hams, and all sorts of baked goods that filled the air with a festival of scents that hit Esmeralda's nose the second she reached the doors.
She stopped to admire the breathtaking room. The golden-orange light of sunset was still coming through the massive windows, though the lamps were already lit. But they were like nothing she had ever seen before. Torches and candelabrum looked primitive in comparison to the huge metal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, each one holding at least two hundred candles. She wondered how many servants, or how much time it had took to lit each and every one of them.
At the other end of the room, the King was sitting on a big throne, more ostentatious that the one in the audience hall. Next to him, in also ostentatious seats, were the two Lefebvre brothers, and a couple of the noble men she had seen in the morning.
But this time, it was the rest of the people that caught her attention. There were so many of them, all dressed with elegant, colorful clothes. They were eating from the tables, conversing lively, and dancing to the music. Her eyes roamed around the room, looking for the musicians. They were gathered in one discreet corner. There was a harpsichord, similar to the one Frollo had, but bigger in size and painted with brighter colors. There were also some string instruments that she didn't know the names of. Together, they sounded beautifully, and her whole body responded with an urge to dance, though the music was slower than she was used to and she wasn't sure what the proper moves would be.
- What do you think? - Frollo's deep voice startled her, taking her out of her wondering trance.
She turned to look at him as he walked closer. He was also wearing his most elegant clothes, and though they were too dark and serious for her taste, she couldn't help the urge to reach out her fingers and touch the soft velvet of his sleeve. He also smelled so nice, and she suspected that his chamber might have been provided with essential oils, just as the ones she had found in hers.
Frollo was looking at her with expectancy, and for the first time since they had arrived at the Palace, she saw his eyes shine. She realized he was glad to witness her amazement at the Main Hall and the people in it.
- Is it how you had imagined? - he asked eagerly.
- Better. - Esmeralda confessed. - Thank you for letting me come with you. I never thought I would see something like this.
Frollo smiled and he offered her his arm. She tilted her head and took it in a polite manner. It was actually amusing to pretend they were just mere diplomats, with nothing in common but gypsy negotiations. She winked at him briefly, and they entered the room.
- There they are! - the King announced delighted.
He then proceeded to introduce them to the crowd, who after a brief, polite applause, got back to their entertainment. It was soon apparent that they didn't care much about whatever royal affairs were behind their gatherings, for their interest laid in the gathering itself.
However, some of them were curious about the gypsy woman, so they came to introduce themselves and hopefully get a juicy piece of gossip to share with the rest.
The presentations lasted for and hour, while the food and drink quickly vanished from the tables, though there was much more of it than anyone could ever swallow.
- Are you enjoying yourself, my dear? - the King asked her once the last couple of nobles walked away.
- I am, Your Majesty, thank you so much. - Esmeralda said with a broad smile.
- I don't suppose you will let the evening go by without dancing…? - he suggested.
- Oh, I wouldn't dare! This music is so beautiful! - she responded in a dreamy tone. - But I'm afraid I don't know how to dance to it… you see, music is different where I come from.
- I hadn't considered that! How unmindful of me! - the king lamented.
- Oh, please, Your Majesty, it's not your fault at all! It is me who must learn your manners if I wish to collaborate with members of the court. - Esmeralda quickly assured, and the man nodded with gratitude. Though he was a little eccentric and apparently not very bright, she decided that she liked his kindness.
- Well, I'm sure our members of the court will be delighted to show you the way.- he affirmed, throwing Frollo a suggesting look. - Would the Minister be so kind? After all, he's the one who brought you into this new world, the least he can do is being your guide while on it. - he said, with certain amusement concealed in his tone.
It wasn't hard for Esmeralda to guess that the King knew Frollo enough to know that he was not a man for dancing or participating in this sort of activities, and it probably brought him pleasure to tease his old friend.
She also had to contain a chuckle when she saw Frollo's expression. The judge was clearly disgusted by the King's proposition, and he probably was feeling the urge of crawling under the table, away from the spotlight. But he was also aware that it was completely inappropriate to discard a king's suggestion, even if it wasn't a direct order. And he didn't want Esmeralda to feel rejected either. The struggle was palpable in his face.
- I would be honored to be taught by such an experienced member of the court. - she said, to add some pressure.
Frollo cleared his throat, as his cheeks reddened.
- I suppose we could try…
- Wonderful!- the king clapped, and he winked at Esmeralda, who clapped as well, before taking the hand Frollo was offering.
They descended towards the crowd, and the people seemed surprised to see him there. There were some murmurs and chuckles, but Frollo did his best to ignore them.
- You didn't help up there. - he accused her with a frown, as he placed their hands in the correct position.
- Oh, I wasn't trying to help. - Esmeralda confessed with a mischievous smile.
- Thank you for that. - Frollo replied with sarcasm.
- Is it so bad, having to dance with me? - she asked, pretending to be offended.
- It's torture. - he stated genuinely, shaking his head.
- Really? - she asked, this time actually offended.
- Yes. - he affirmed, tightening the grip on her waist. He made her turn and when people's arms went up in sync to clap, he used the momentarily coverage to lean closer to her ear. - It's torture to have you this close and not being able to…
He turned again without finish his sentence, but Esmeralda didn't need to hear the words out loud.
She continued to follow his lead, enjoying ever moment of brief proximity before stepping away again, and throwing him meaningful looks that only increased his desire. She could see him biting his lip in an attempt to maintain control of himself, and it only made her want to push his limits further.
But before she could do anything else to ignite Frollo's insides, a small cough made them both turn around.
- If you'll allow me, Minister. - Gaspard Lefebvre was standing behind him, apparently asking for permission to step in. - I believe you promised me a dance. - he said, looking at Esmeralda with avid eyes.
- I seem to recall no promises were made. - Frollo objected, perhaps too harshly due to the terrible timing of his interruption.
Gaspard frowned and his tone also changed when he said:
- The King has requested your presence for a private conversation. - he pointed to the throne with his head.
Frollo looked at Esmeralda with hesitation, but she nodded with encouragement.
- We'll resume our dance later, your honor. - she said with an innocent tone.
- Alright. - the judge yielded, though the eagerness in which Lefebvre reached for her waist made him feel sick to his stomach.
When he set foot on the small adjacent room where the King was waiting for him, Frollo felt the intense heat of the big fireplace in front of him. For the first time, the fire didn't seem luring, but threatening, as if it was somehow eager to consume him if he dared to step too close. Frollo cleared his throat, trying as well to clear his mind.
- You requested my presence, Your Majesty? - he asked softly.
- I did, my friend, come in. - the King warmly invited.
He was waiting by the lateral table, by a silver tray with metal ornamented chalices and a tall jar of dark, red wine. The King gestured towards the wine and, as Frollo nodded, he proceeded to pour two drinks.
Frollo's eyes wandered around, noticing there weren't any servants present, nor any King guards whatsoever. There were only the two of them, which was extremely rare. Even during private audiences, there was always some member of the royal guard present to protect the King, or at least some servant to attend to his needs. And though Frollo usually didn't like being observed, the lack of witnesses made him restless.
- There you go. It's one of my finest. - the King announced proud, as he handed him his cup.
- Thank you, Your Majesty. - Frollo took the cup and brought it to his lips. The wine was certainly good, though its flavor was a little too sweet for him. But he knew the King enjoyed sweet treats in all its forms. - One of your finest, indeed. - he complimented the expectant King.
- The harvests are better in this weather. - the monarch explained, with a puffed chest. - It's one of the many advantages of the south.
- I can imagine. - the judge nodded, wondering where the conversation was headed.
- How could you? You only show your face down here when you're forced to! - the King laughed. - For the life of me, I can not understand what's the appeal up there in the cold rainy north. Just look at your skin… it's almost translucent!
- My job takes place inside for most of the time, Your Majesty. - Frollo tried to defend himself from the King's friendly jokes.
- So does mine! But when I step into my gardens, there is some sunlight to greet me and prevent my veins from showing… - he pointed out with a wink.
Frollo took another sip, deciding to let the man get away with his teasing.
- Haven't you ever considered moving south? - the King asked casually, refilling his cup, which he had drunk quickly.
- As the Minister of Justice my place is in Paris, Your Majesty. You were the one who assigned me there. - the judge reminded him, a bit confused.
- Oh, I know, I know! And you've done a wonderful job all these years! Which is why I was thinking, maybe it's time for a change?
- A change? - Frollo repeated, with his mouth dry. He tried to calm his heart, which was beginning to pump hard inside his chest.
- This project of yours, of negotiating with the gypsies… I've been thinking it would be wonderful to implement it on every important city in France. I could really use your help in advising our governors on how to do so.
- I'd be glad to... - Frollo said cautiously.
- That's wonderful news, my friend! You could stay here as a member of the court and we would organize a series of meetings, you would supervise the entire process! And maybe get some sun on that pale skin of yours, and some fine wine in those skinny bones! - the King laughed again, clearly satisfied by the way things were turning out.
But Frollo didn't feel like laughing at all. His gut was wrenched with anxiety and fear. He didn't want to leave Paris. He didn't want to leave his home, and most importantly, he couldn't leave Esmeralda. He knew he couldn't refuse a direct order from the King, but so far, the monarch was apparently just posing an option. He would have to do his best to convince him otherwise.
- Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I don't see the need to change my location in order to supervise your project. I believe it can be done from Paris, like other matters I have managed from there in the past. This way, I would be able to continue my labor as a Minister of Justice and guardian of the city. I would serve you twice as much.
- Oh, but isn't that too much work? - the King protested. - You're not getting any younger! - he said in a condescending tone.
- I'm not much older than yourself. - Frollo replied, and he immediately realize the harshness of his words. - And you're doing an incredible job ruling an entire kingdom. - he added, trying to correct his mistake. - I believe I would be able to do just a fraction of that amount of work, with good results.
- Of course you would. - the King responded, not taking any offense in his words. - But that doesn't mean you should! You've worked so hard all these years, you've served me and this kingdom enough for two lifetimes. You deserve to slow down and enjoy life a little. - he winked at the judge with a crooked smile.
- I enjoy a life of working in behalf of France. - the judge said, trying to sound convincing.
Suddenly, the King's smile vanished completely. He closed his eyes and frown, looking unexpectedly upset. Frollo watched him as his heartbeat accelerated again. He didn't know what had triggered the King's discomfort but he sensed he was about to get to the bottom of it. The real reason why he had been summoned urgently.
The King sighed, and he walked to the table to leave his empty cup. He rubbed the bridge of his nose, as he made little exasperated sounds.
Frollo waited impatiently for him to say something, but the monarch seemed reluctant to speak. The man paced back and forth across the room, and finally, he turned at him.
- I wanted to do this the easy way, Frollo. - he said, defeated.
- What is it, Your Majesty? - Frollo asked, with a scratchy voice.
- You're a good man, I know you are. You have been a faithful servant to this kingdom, hardworking and just, ever since I made you Minister of Justice. You're intelligent, wise, and pious. And above all of this, I considered you a friend. I thought the honor was mutual.
- It is, Your Majesty. - Frollo assured, with a knot in his stomach.
- Oh, but is it? - the King shook his head, visibly dissapointed. - Friends are supposed to be honest with each other. Friends don't keep important secrets for years.
Frollo was puzzled. He thought this would be about Esmeralda, about the gypsies, about everything in the past couple of months. But the King was talking about something else.
- I don't know what you're talking about, Your Majesty. - he said genuinely.
- You don't recall forgetting to mention any important detail from your life, Frollo? - the King asked, and for the first time, there was actual anger in his voice.
The judge stared at him blankly.
- Imagine my surprise and disbelief when my emissary came back from Paris bearing such incredible news as you having a son.
The King's words hit him like a slap in the face. Quasimodo? How had Lefebvre found out about that? Barely anyone in the city knew of their connection, though there were rumors. But he knew Lefebvre wouldn't risk his reputation by spreading rumors unless he knew for a fact they were true. The only people who knew for sure were himself, Quasimodo (who hadn't met the emissary at all), the gypsies (same applied) and… the archdeacon.
- Of course the archdeacon of Notre Dame assumed you would have notified your King of such a significant event in your life. - the monarch said, reading his thoughts.
- Your Majesty… - Frollo began, though his mind still was reviewing the entire emissary's visit trying to figure out when he had had the chance to speak with the archdeacon alone. "It was at mass" he realized. When he had re-entered the cathedral after Esmeralda. It had been only two minutes! How could two minutes change the course of his life so much?
The King was staring at him, waiting for an explanation.
- It happened twenty years ago. You must know he's not my biological son. I adopted him, but he doesn't even live with me at the palace, but at Notre Dame. I just make sure he has something to eat, there's nothing more to it. And it's never affected my duties. - he felt terribly wrong by diminishing his relationship with Quasimodo, but he knew it was for the best, and, for better of worse, their relationship had already come to an end.
- You're not on trial for having a son, Frollo. Your personal matters are God's concerns, not mine. But you lied to your King.
- I just didn't thought it was necessary to bother you with…
- Stop. Please stop. - the King raised his hands. He looked at him, and Frollo could see he was actually hurt. - I wanted to do this the easy way. I respect you, and I want the court to respect you as well. I had hope you would accept my offer of moving here, and taking care of the gypsies project under my supervision. That way, no one would have to know what you did, your reputation would remain intact and action would have been taken. Everyone would be happy. But you've left me no choice, damn it! - he punched the table with his fist.
Frollo held his breath, waiting for his next words.
- I can't pretend this didn't happen. And even if I could, Lefebvre already knows about it. I asked for his discretion, so no one else in court finds out, but I can only assume he told his brother too. So what kind of King would I be if I continued to trust a man who lied to me for twenty years, with the Ministry of Justice and our beloved city of Paris? I would lose their respect, and soon all the court would know.
The judge knew it was true. His mind went still. There was nothing else he could argue.
- I have no choice but to destitute you from your Minister's position. Tomorrow I will announce Gaspard Lefebvre as my new Minister of Justice and protector of Paris. He will move to the Palace of Justice and resume your labor there, including the gypsy negotiations with Esmeralda. I'm very sorry, Frollo. I wish it hadn't come to this.
- It's alright, Your Majesty. - Frollo said, with an empty tone and absent eyes.
There was no ounce of strength left in him to fight. He should have seen this coming a long time ago, but he had been too focused on his personal matters that he had missed the evidence. Lefebvre had always been after his position. Finally becoming a noble member of the kingdom, owning his title, his palace, and above all, his social position. The emissary's visit was never intended to prove the King everything was under control, but to gather useful information for his own plan.
He had played his cards well. And he had won.