1 month later

The sun sneaked into Frollo's bedroom through a tear in the curtains. For a second, the light made him rise from his bed, fearing he had overslept and was going to be late. Also for an instant, his hand unconsciously reached for the other side of the bed, looking for her warm skin, to let her know he was leaving for work.

And then it all came back, as if an iron anvil had been dropped on his chest.

The heavy realization pushed him back into the pillows. His hand gave up his search and instead, covered his own face, as he tried to gather his thoughts.

It was early April. It had been a month since they traveled to the King's Palace. An entire month since that fateful weekend, and still, his mind seemed to be unable to assimilate his new reality. Every day when he woke up, the same scene happened, over and over again. Those seconds of confusion, of cruel oblivion before the truth rushed back into his heart like water from a broken dam.

And then, the dreadful weight of it, crushing his chest for the rest of the day, before the merciful night took it from him, only to drop it back in the morning.

It was still early, but he knew he wouldn't be getting any more sleep, so he resolved to get up anyway. He walked to the window and threw a displeased look at the old, threadbare curtains. They had been clearly neglected for years, as the rest of his small chamber. The bed was tolerable, but the furniture were scarce and ugly. The fireplace was tiny, just enough to keep the room somewhat warm. He missed his old chamber, his old things. But he wouldn't have mind spending the rest of his life sleeping in that seedy place if Esmeralda had been there with him.

When the King had announced him that he would be stripped off his charge as Minister of Justice, as much as it hurt his ego and self-esteem, his heart had remained hopeful. He knew that the King felt guilty about causing him pain, and he was determined to use that guilt to minimize the damage. So he had managed to convince him that it was best if he returned to Paris with Lefebvre and Esmeralda, as an adviser for Lefebvre on his newly acquired position. He also told the King about Quasimodo's situation, how his unfortunate circumstances made it better for him to stay at Notre Dame, and how he was the only family the lad had. He conveniently avoided mentioning that Quasimodo had made it very clear that he never wanted to see him again. Frollo appealed to the King's compassionate nature, asking him for his permission to return home, and assuring him that he would take care of any gypsy business from there. It didn't took much convincing for the King to yield to his petition.

So next morning, when he announced Lefebvre's naming to the court, he also explained that Frollo would become his adviser. The King didn't mention anything about the motives for his decision, to spare Frollo's reputation in front of the court members. He just gave a brief explanation about the importance of family and how Frollo was a valuable member of the community in Paris.

Lefebvre's face paled when he heard that Frollo would be coming back to the Palace of Justice with them, but he was quick to react. Quoting the King's argument about family, the emissary asked for permission to bring his brother along with them as well. The King was baffled by his petition, given that Gérard Lefebvre was the Captain of his guard, and not easily replaceable. But the emissary played his cards well, as usually, and eventually his request was also granted.

If Gérard was happy or dissapointed about it, they could never tell, for the man's expression rarely changed. He just obeyed the instructions given and prepared himself to move out.

On the other hand, it was evident for Frollo that Esmeralda was miserable. He wanted so badly to be able to explain what was going on, for when he finished his conversation with the King and returned to the Main Hall, she was already gone. They hadn't had a chance to talk privately since they had arrived at the palace, except that brief moment during their dance. And with the new circumstances, he wasn't sure of when they would. Gaspard seemed determined to not let her out of his sight, and for some reason, Esmeralda wasn't presenting any opposition to that. It was frustrating, but Frollo decided he would be patient, for surely they would be able to talk once they were back at their own palace.

But the chance never came.

Gaspard Lefebvre was used to making the best out of whatever situation he was dealt, so he soon realized that Frollo joining them in Paris could actually be a good thing. Since his role as "adviser" had not been properly determined, Gaspard used his upper position to deviate any unpleasant parts of his new job to the judge. Which turned out to be most of his job. He only showed up in public situations or events, or meetings with important people in the city. The rest of the work relied upon Frollo. The commoner hearings and complaints held no appeal to Lefebvre, who had no interest in serving the people, and only cared about the recognition.

The same way he had assigned Frollo with his boring duties, he relied on his brother to come up with a new set of rules for the city, and specially the gypsies. The apparent interest he had faked at court towards the gypsy negotiations was now gone, and in its place his real feelings of despise had taken over. His brother seemed to share those feelings, or even worse, for apparently he didn't only hate gypsies but people in general. The rules quickly hardened under his supervision, and the citizens soon became afraid of the soldiers that were meant to protect them, for they had been given a free pass to apply every and any repression necessary whenever they saw fit. It was only when administrating those punishments that Gérard Lefebvre displayed any sort of positive emotion.

Besides his duties as Captain of the guard, Gaspard assigned his brother the mission of being Esmeralda's bodyguard. She uselessly tried to explain that she didn't need, nor want, a bodyguard. But it was clear to her that her constant vigilant was only there to make sure that she never got alone with Frollo. Not even at night, when he would assign one of his soldiers to guard her chamber's door to make sure she didn't sneak out.

But the worst part wasn't that she couldn't see Frollo in private… the truly heartbreaking part was that she was forced to spend time with him every day during the meals, with Lefebvre by her side, getting closer and closer each passing day. And though Frollo did his best to hide it, she could see how much it tortured him. And so could the new Minister. Gaspard Lefebvre had thought he didn't care about Frollo as long as he was out of his way, but he was realizing a newfound pleasure in watching the man silently struggle under his command. He soon decided that the main bedroom should belong to the current Minister, himself, so he ordered Frollo to gather his things and move to one of the small chambers for guests in the ground floor. He had also requested the key to the library, though he didn't care at all for books or music. He just wanted to make sure he was the master of the palace now.

Frollo's only small comfort was in the fact that Gaspard had been unable to control his horse. Snowball had repeatedly rebelled against the man, and eventually Lefebvre had given up and chosen another horse from the stables as his official mount.

But this little pleasure was nothing in comparison to the pain he felt whenever he saw Gaspard taking Esmeralda's hand, calling her "my love", and above all, the heartbreak he felt when she didn't stop him.

For a month, he had reminded himself every moment of every day, of all the times she had asked him to trust her. And the truth was, he did. Even if he couldn't understand what was going on. Even if it had been torture watching them together… He trusted there ought to be some reason behind it all. The way she looked at him whenever Lefebvre got distracted, even if she didn't say a word, kept his hope alive. Maybe she had a plan. Maybe he just had to wait.

But days kept passing by and nothing changed, and as much as Frollo wanted to trust her, his faith was beginning to falter.

His last hopes were set on that evening's dinner. Last week, Gaspard had announced the servants that he intended to host a social gathering that day, where the most important people in Paris would be present. He had been quite mysterious about the reasons behind the reunion, but Frollo didn't care. All he could think was that maybe, with the noise and mess of the party, he could get a moment alone, or at least with some privacy, with Esmeralda, so she could explain what the hell was going on.

With that hope, he left his chamber and walked to the dining room for breakfast, preparing himself to face Lefebvre's disgusting displays of affection.

- Good morning, judge. - Lefebvre greeted him when he entered the room. Esmeralda and him were already sitting at the table.

- Good morning, your honor. - Frollo responded, though those words still tasted bitterly in his mouth. - Esmeralda.

- Hello. - she said, with a brief smile, though her eyes were filled with sadness.

Frollo usually ate in silence, trying to distract himself from their presence there, while Gaspard talked loudly about his plans for the city or shared stories from his past with Esmeralda, who smiled and nodded absently. However, the atmosphere today was slightly different. He couldn't tell why, but Gaspard seemed eager to engage him into the conversation.

- So, Frollo… you know Mr. Flamcourt will be attending our dinner tonight.

- I figured so, yes. - Frollo said, without raising his eyes from the plate.

- His business is going so much better since he was allowed to charge for the rooms he was forced to give away for free. - Gaspard commented casually.

- I doubt the miller could tell you the same thing. - Frollo replied, lowering his tone. He was aware that he had been the one responsible for those families losing their homes in the fire, but he had also made sure they had proper accommodations after that. Even if he wasn't a people's person, he did care about the people in Paris, so it bothered him enormously, the lack of compassion or even justice in Lefebvre's decisions.

- Well, it is a cruel world, isn't it? - Lefebvre responded, with no trace of remorse. - No one handed anything to us either, and look at where we got.

Frollo didn't respond. One of the things that made him think something really weird was going on was the fact that Esmeralda hadn't complained about Lefebvre's unfair rulings ever since they got back. He knew her well enough to know she would fiercely defend what she thought was right, specially if it involved people who couldn't defend themselves, in whatever situation. So the fact that she was silent about all of this was a very bad sign.

Just when these thoughts were reassuring Frollo that Esmeralda knew something he didn't, Lefebvre's next words crushed his hope brutally.

- Well, we wanted it to be a surprise… But since you seem so concerned about the citizens, I'll tell you I'm sure they will rejoice with the news of our engagement tonight. Nothing like a wedding to lighten up the mood, right my dear? - the emissary said joyfully, grabbing Esmeralda's hand, though his eyes scrutinized Frollo's face to not miss any single detail of his suffering.

But Frollo didn't look at him. His gaze went straight to Esmeralda. Engagement? That's what the party was all about? She was going to marry him?

Esmeralda didn't look at him. She smiled at Lefebvre, and murmured "Right", with a small nod.

Her simple affirmation felt like a death sentence to the judge. He suddenly felt so stupid, so naive. All this time he had been thinking she had a plan, that it was only a matter of time until she would share it with him and they could both fix this horribly wrong situation. He had trusted her. He had kept thinking she loved him. He had been seeing signs of hope, all while she planned her engagement to the new minister of justice. He remembered the bandits on their journey, how they had been sure that she was with him only for his position. Had it all been a lie, a manipulation? Was she the dark witch he had thought her to be right at the beginning, only sent to destroy him? His gut and head were spiraling so heavily he felt he was going to pass out. From the outside, he just seem paralyzed. Lefebvre wasn't sure as to which extent Frollo was affected, so he decided to add some pressure to it.

- I will have a gold ring made for you, my dear. - he said charmingly, stroking Esmeralda's fingers. - It will look glorious on your skin.

She just smiled politely. Inside, her heart was bursting into a million pieces with the urge to scream, to run towards Frollo and explain everything. But she had found no solution, as much as she had thought about it, and she wasn't willing to risk Frollo's life. She was beginning to fear that there was nothing to be done.

- I never asked you about this other ring. - Gaspard's tone suddenly changed, as his smile disappeared. He had noticed the sapphire ring she was wearing on her other hand.

Those words made their way through the dense fog that had clouded Frollo's mind, regaining the judge's attention and bringing him back to the dining room.

- Oh… - Esmeralda said, apparently surprised. - Yes… this was a gift from my father. - she said simply.

- Maybe it's not very appropriate…. To be wearing another man's ring when you get engaged? - Lefebvre asked tentatively.

- Well… as I said, it was from my father, who recently passed away. I wear it as a reminder of the man I have loved the most in my life. - she stated firmly.

Frollo's heart jumped inside his chest. Though she hadn't looked at him, she didn't need to. He understood the hint immediately. He knew she wasn't talking about her deceased father.

Whatever was going on, she wanted him to know she loved him.

However, he wasn't sure that was enough anymore. Even if it was true, he wouldn't be able to withstand witnessing their wedding and living under the same roof during their marriage.

It was too much.

Frollo made a decision. He wouldn't stay in Paris. He would go back to the King's Palace and offer his services there. He would say Lefebvre had adjusted just right to the position and was no longer in need for an adviser. He was sure the King will welcome him warmly into his court.

He knew Lefebvre would be busy during the day with the preparations for the evening party. So, after breakfast, he would gather his most important belongings, take his horse, and leave for good. As much as he loved Esmeralda, or precisely because of it, leaving was his only option to not end up insane.

- Your Honor. - he said, breaking the silence. Gaspard looked at him, eager to get a reaction, so he was disappointed when instead Frollo said calmly : - I have some matters to discuss with the farmers outside of the city. If it's okay, I will leave for the day.

- Can't it wait? - Lefebvre asked, thinking Frollo was trying to avoid having to attend the evening party.

- I will be back before sunset. - the judge assured, reading his mind.

- Alright then. - the minister quickly agreed. - Your presence tonight is very valuable to us. - he added, with a wide smile.

However, Esmeralda noticed Frollo's calm and realized he ought to have something in his mind, some sort of decision that granted him the certainty that he wouldn't have to suffer through their engagement and wedding. She remembered the time she had found him laying on the dungeon floor, and fear began to creep inside her. She knew Frollo could be very drastic when he thought there was no other way.

- Forgive me, please. - she said out of the blue, getting up from her chair. - I need to get some air.

- Are you alright? - Gaspard asked, getting up as well.

- Yes, my dear, don't worry. - she said, though her voice was strangled. - Please, finish your breakfast, I don't mean to interrupt. I'm just lightheaded… - and then, in a surge of inspiration, she added. - It must be feminine stuff.

Those words worked their magic, and Lefebvre quickly sat down, nodding.

- Of course, do what you must.

- Thank you. Forgive me. - she said again, and she walked out.

Gérard Lefebvre was standing by the door. As much as his brother insisted, he refused to eat with them, and instead ate with the soldiers in the small room by the kitchen. However, he would stand there during the meals, making sure everything was under control. He got ready to follow Esmeralda, but Gaspard ordered him to stay, trying to give her some privacy. After all, Frollo was still at the table, so there was no risk of them secretly meeting. Gérard hesitated for an instant, but finally decided to obey, returning to his position.

Frollo finished eating in a blur. His mind was already out of there, out of Paris entirely. The city he had loved so much, now he couldn't wait to leave behind. He was only sorry that he wouldn't get to see Esmeralda one last time, for she had left in such a rush. But actually, what difference would that make?

Finally, breakfast was over. He said goodbye to Lefebvre, fighting the urge to tell him to rot in hell before leaving for good.

As he had planned, he gathered his few important belongings and stuffed them on a leather bag. There were so many items he wished he had retrieved from his library or his room down in the dungeons… but it didn't matter anymore. Nothing did. He just needed to get out of there.

Snowball greeted him with a soft neigh. Frollo stroke his neck affectionately. Who would have thought, the animal would be the last loyal friend he would have left. His long fingers combed the black, horse mane, as he breathed deeply, feeling for an instant the weight of his grief for all he was about to forsake.

Then, his fingers suddenly stumbled upon something weird. He moved the horse's hair aside, and he found a small piece of parchment rolled and hidden among the dense fur of Snowball's mane.

Puzzled, Frollo carefully removed the parchment, and opened it. Inside, written with what seemed to be carbon, there was a single instruction: "Meet me here after the party".

He didn't need a signature to recognize Esmeralda's handwriting.