"It's just a dance" Esmeralda told herself, doing her best to smile at Lefebvre while Frollo walked away.
The emissary grabbed her waist and pulled her towards him, a little too vigorously, which made her throw him an inquiring look. So far, the man had behave with exquisite manners, though it was obvious to her that his movements and words concealed a pressing desire. But she had always felt confident that he wouldn't dare to make a move or act on said desire as long as she didn't invite him explicitly to do so.
However, there was a different determination in his eyes now, as if he knew that it was only a matter of time until he got what he wanted. And that sent a shiver down her spine.
- I could use some water, I'm actually thirsty! - she commented casually, assuming he would rush to get her a glass.
But instead, he tightened his grip.
- I'm a little tired of dancing. - she insisted, this time with a more serious tone.
- Oh, this is a slow dance, my dear, worry not. - Gaspard replied, as the music slowed down so conveniently that she wondered if he had somehow instructed the musicians to do so.
His breath smelled of ale, and the fact that she could smell it meant he was definitely too close. However, she looked around and realized with despair that apparently, that was the correct distance for that sort of dance.
So she took a deep breath and decided to just go along with it. The sooner it happened, the sooner it would end.
- I can see why you were so fascinated with life in the royal court. - she said, trying to distract herself with conversation.
- You see? - Lefebvre nodded approvingly. - This is the lifestyle that suits a young, elegant woman like you.
- I am happy with my life in Paris, though. - she stated, politely but firmly.
- I'm glad you are. But it is always good to leave some space for the winds of change to blow.- he commented, and she could sense that his seemingly casual words were hiding a lot of meaning.
- I'm not sure I understand what you mean. - she said tentatively.
- Well, let's just say… when things are stuck for long, they begin to rot. It's only natural.
- And what exactly would you say it's rotting? - she asked, getting irritated by his enigmatic disposition.
- Oh, that's not for me to venture… It is our King who must determine the need for fresh blood where he finds it suitable.
Though she knew it was a figure of speech, the mention of blood alongside with the quick but meaningful look he threw towards the room in which Frollo had disappeared set all her alarms on fire.
- What's going on, Gaspard? - she asked, stopping her dance.
Her fierce eyes startled him, for up until then she had always remained in character, charming and obedient. For the first time he saw the raw force hiding inside of her, and though it caught him by surprise, it only made her more interesting.
- Calm down, my dear. - he said in a soothing tone, caressing her arm. But she immediately pulled away.
- I'll calm down when you tell me what's going on. - she replied, and any trace of her smile or containment was gone.
People around them noticed her rising tone, and soon they had also stopped dancing and began staring, murmuring to one another.
Gaspard noticed this and he leaned closer to her ear, so no one would hear.
- I don't think it'll benefit you to cause a scene.
Esmeralda look around defiant. She couldn't care less about all those pretentious people, which she could tell were only interested in her for the gossip. But Gaspard was right. If something was going on, then she needed to not make it worse. So she inhaled to calm the increasing fire that was building up in her insides, and she made a great effort to smile back.
- You're right. - she agreed, throwing Gaspard a meaningful look. - Let's keep dancing, shall we?
The emissary nodded, pleased, as he pulled her closer to him again. If she had been uncomfortable before, now his touch had become utterly disgusting to her. The man was dropping his act, and so was she.
- I don't see what makes you so upset. - he said, in a low tone so only she could hear him. - I'm actually doing you a favor.
- And what favor would this be? - she asked, and though she was keeping her smile for the sake of appearances, her eyes were piercing his mercilessly.
- I'm setting you free. - Gaspard said, before taking her hand and making her swirl with the music.
- What makes you think I'm not free? - Esmeralda replied, once she got close enough again to whisper.
- Come on… - Lefebvre said, with a crooked smile. - You don't have to keep lying to me. I know all about you… - he leaned closer, and his lips touched her ear when he added. - and Frollo.
Esmeralda's blood froze inside her veins. She fought back a gasp, trying hard to remain calm and not give away her shock.
- What? What do you mean? - she asked with an innocent tone.
- Come on Esmeralda. I just told you, there's no need to keep lying. - he stared into her eyes, and in that moment she knew for certain that he indeed knew all about them.
He watched her face shift from fake confusion to furious defeat. - Exactly. - he nodded, satisfied.
- How? - she inquired, with her jaws clenched.
- You know… one of the good things of having humble origins is that you always remember were you came from. - Gaspard said enigmatically. - Those who are born nobility take many things for granted. Their eyes have developed certain blindness towards what they consider rightfully theirs. Their properties, their luxuries… and their servants. They never seem to recall that the servants are alive and aware individuals, you see? - he said, delighting himself in every word. - But they are… and they are the first source of information about what's going on in a palace, for they have ears and eyes everywhere. But they're usually overlooked.
A cold layer of sweat was covering her entire body. She had always been kind to the servants, she was well aware of their humanity. But it was true that she hadn't stop to consider that they could became a threat.
- Some people at your Palace of Justice aren't very pleased with the way they're treated or things are done.
- Magdalene. - she muttered, almost involuntarily.
- Yes, your housekeeper in particular. - Gaspard confirmed with a grin. - It only took a little gentleness on my side and she became an open book. She was eager to tell me all about the Minister's erratic behavior lately, ever since he met that street dancer… and got infatuated with her.
Esmeralda looked at him horrified. She knew Magdalene didn't like her, but she never imagined she would be able of such betrayal to her master.
- That's right. I know exactly who you are, gypsy diplomat. - the emissary stated triumphant.
However, there was something weird in all this.
- You didn't tell the King. - she realized. - Why?
- I'm not one for gossiping. - Gaspard said, and she frowned with skepticism. - If I had told him that, Frollo would be hanging for treason by tomorrow.
The lightness in which he stated that made her feel like throwing up. She inhaled sharply, trying to calm her stomach.
- Isn't that what you want? Haven't you always wanted to destroy him? - she accused him bitterly.
- God, what kind of man do you think I am? - he replied, offended. - I don't seek Frollo's demise. I just wanted to make sure that the city of Paris and the ministry of justice are in the proper hands.
- Let me guess, those hands are yours.
- According to the King, they are. - his smile widened, as he shrugged like his manipulations hadn't had anything to do with it. - Once he was able to see that, I had no need to ruin Frollo's reputation even more. He dug his own grave. So to speak.
- You disgust me. - Esmeralda spat, letting go of his hands and ready to leave in search of the judge.
- Not so fast. - Gaspard said, grasping her arm despite her warning look. - There's still something else to discuss.
- What else could you possibly want? You already got your way, didn't you? - she asked, trying to release her arm from his grip.
- There's still something I desire. - he stated, throwing her a meaningful look.
- Oh, not in your wildest dreams! - she replied, repulsed.
- Hmm… that's interesting. - he seemed to ponder. - Maybe I still have a conversation pending with the king after all.
She looked at him horrified, with her mouth open in disbelief.
- What…? - she said, unable to find the right words to describe her disgust. - So that is the kind of man you are?
- Hold on a second. I don't know what you're picturing, but I'm a man of honor. - Lefebvre stated, apparently offended.
- So tell me then! What should I picture?
- Here's the thing. - Gaspard began, finally revealing his deepest intentions. - You will come back to Paris with me, as a gypsy diplomat or whatever you want to call it. You'll do your part. And, not long from now we'll announce our engagement. I won't disrespect you like Frollo does. I intend to marry you before anything else happens between us.
- How honorable of you!- she yelled, with tears of rage in her eyes. The crowd around them stared once again, but the emissary smiled and guided her through the people towards a more discreet spot in the room. Esmeralda followed him numbly, her head was spinning with dread.
- You should be careful with your next steps, Esmeralda. - the emissary warned her in a low tone. - I am willing to treat you the way you deserve, but I'm no fool. I just told you what would happen to your beloved judge if I decide to come to the King with what I learned about his actions. He broke his vow to the King. If word gets out, our Majesty will have no choice but to execute him. He should have thought twice before taking a vow of chastity when he got his position… I will never understand why he would chose to do so, but I must admit it worked on my behalf. - he said with mockery.
- No one forced him to take that vow! - Esmeralda argued with desperation. - He took it freely and he is allowed to change his mind!
- It doesn't work like that, when you're a member of the court, your word is your most important asset. If you break it, you're betraying the King.
Tears began rolling down her cheeks. It was all her fault. She had gotten into Frollo's way and now she had made him lose everything he cared about. She should have never gone after him. She should have left the city and never looked back. But...maybe it wasn't too late. Maybe she could still get out of his way.
- If you're considering running...- Gaspard warned her, as if he was reading her mind. - You must know I will also tell the King the truth if you do. If you're not going to be with me, I have nothing to gain from my silence.
- You bastard, son of a ….
- Hush now. - he warned her again, as there were some curious observants not so far away.
- I'd rather die than marry you.- she muttered, between her gritted teeth.
- Would you rather Frollo to die, than marrying me? - he replied.
She stared at him, with such an intense hate it could have melted stone. But finally, she shook her head, defeated.
- That's what I thought. - he stated, proud. He came closer to her, his hand wiped away the tears from her cheek. - Don't you worry, my dear. Everything will be okay. I believe we can be really happy, if you cooperate.
- What must I do? - she asked, her heart completely broken.
- As I said, you will come back to Paris with me. You will play your part, granting me your company when it is requested, and agreeing to our engagement soon. Once we're married, you will fulfill your marital duties. I hope by then you'll have learn to appreciate what a younger, stronger man can offer. - he said, with a repulsive smile.
She once again stared at him in disgust, but she didn't argue.
- Needless to say… your sinful relationship with Frollo ends now. If I ever suspect you two are meeting alone again, I will…
- Go to the King. - she finished his sentence.
- I see you're finally getting it. - he applauded her.
- What if Frollo comes clean first? - she said, suddenly hopeful. - Maybe he will confess and the King will forgive him.
- Now why on earth would he do that? - Gaspard inquired with mockery.
- He would do anything to protect me. - she stated, defiant.
- Oh, but that's the thing, my dear. Of course, you're not allowed to tell him any of this. Wasn't that clear? - he asked with fake concern.
- What? I'm not even allowed to tell him why I leave? To say goodbye?
- Think of it like this… - the emissary suggested. - If you don't say anything, you're not only protecting him from himself… (because, don't be foolish, the King would never forgive such treason even if he's the one to confess)… But you're also making it easier on him to move on. He would think you just changed your feelings once you realized you could do better than him.
- Please… - Esmeralda broke down crying. - Please don't do this. - she begged, all her pride scattered on the floor.
She could deal with giving up her life or freedom for the ones she loved. She had been willing to do it for her family and now she was willing to do it for Frollo.
But she couldn't stand the thought of Frollo believing his worst fears had come true. Believing she had never truly loved him. Thinking everything had been a lie and she had traded him for the man who had ruined his life. It was too cruel.
- You know my terms. - Gaspard said coldly. The sight of her crying only made him uncomfortable. He didn't want to have to deal with female excessive emotions right now. He wanted to focus on his bright future. - Will you take them or not?
She wanted to murder him. For a second she looked at the nearest table, looking for a knife big enough to put it through his heart. She cursed the absence of her usual dagger, which was safely guarded in her luggage God knows where in that labyrinthine palace.
But soon her mind caught up with her impulses. Murdering a court member was probably no better than breaking a vow to the King. And the consequences were probably the same. There was nothing she could do. Not for now, at least. She wasn't going to give up, until she found a way to get rid of the emissary and tell Frollo the truth. But, until then, she would have to play his game.
- Alright. I do. - she yielded at last.
- Wonderful. - the emissary said, mimicking the King's tone. - That's just wonderful. Worry not, my dear. I promise you the rest of our lives will be great.