Thanks to Mercy, Clopins-Gyspy-Dancer, 2AddersFanged, Sweet Valentine, Becky Belle, and Lillebule for reviewing! Y'all rule!
I awoke to see my breath in a cloud in front of me. That was the bad thing about living underground; when it was cold outside, it was freezing down here. Last night was a blur but I remember kissing Clopin and going straight to bed afterwards…Speaking of that devil man, where was he?
Putting on my light purple dress, I looked at the black flowers that covered the skirt of it, the thin material called sleeves were nothing but spider webs in a way. Grabbing a scarf to wrap around my waist against the bitter wind, I met up with Esmeralda and set out to the market.
There was a small breeze traveling through the alleys and buildings, making me wish I had worn thicker sleeves. Ignoring it for now, I inhaled the fresh winter air and shuddered in hunger, smelling the sign of the baker's first hour at work.
"Where's Clopin?" I asked as casually as I could.
A mischievous smirk played on her lips, "He said something about the puppet show. So…how was it?"
Raising an eyebrow, I asked with a voice thick of suspicion, "How was what?" For a moment I thought she knew of my meeting with Frollo.
Letting out a creepy squeal, she whispered, "The kiss! I saw you and Clopin kiss and make up yesterday!" Feeling my face heat up, I tried to sound cold and enraged but…I sounded embarrassed.
"Have you no shame woman?! Spying on me like that?!" Despite the fact that I was caught, I smiled.
She snickered, "Not when it comes to my best friend's first kiss!" Making a kissy face, she barely dodged my tambourine which missed her head by an inch.
Laughing softly as I walked backwards out of the alley to get my instrument, I replied, "A true lady never kisses and goes into detail."
Esmeralda snorted at this, crossing her arms under her bosom, "Yes but you're a Gypsy and gypsies spill everything to their friend!" I felt guilt for not telling her about my father and the meetings…but I would tonight for sure!
Just before I could respond to that in a smug manner, I crashed into somebody. Turning around, I snapped, "Watch where you're going you piece of- Judge Frollo?!" My cheeks went aflame as I stared up at the man who held my tambourine. Feeling Esmeralda walk closer to me, just in case of trouble, I smiled as weakly as I could, "My apologizes, I wasn't paying attention."
His attempt to glare at me failed as he handed back my possession, "Don't let it happen again…Lavender." As he turned to walk away, I noticed he motioned me to follow. Blushing, I looked at my friend and smiled.
"You go ahead and dance, I'm gonna find Clopin." As I left, I heard her whistle and laugh. Walking around the church twice, I frowned and wondered where the Judge was. Had he motioned me to follow or was it just my imagination?
Once again I felt a hand cover my mouth and wrap around my waist, pulling me into a high tower of the church. Glancing at the hand, I saw two huge rings; Yup, it was Frollo. "Must you scare me every time we meet?" I asked using a light sarcastic tone.
He raised an eyebrow and grabbed my hands, watching me blush. "Did you think about my offer?" In all truth I hadn't thought about him since I kissed Clopin.
Shrugging, I looked away and saw Quasimodo's wooden village. Acting like a child, I gasped and ran over, looking over each figure in amazement. Frollo watched me like an owl watches a mouse. With a smug grin at the sound of my empty stomach, he motioned to a small basket on a table for me. Cautiously, I opened it and felt my mouth water at the aroma of bread. He obviously saw how careful I was to exam it before tearing it into pieces, munching on it.
My body grew tense as I felt him stand behind me. His body was close enough to where I felt the folds of his robes wrap around my legs, one hand rested on my waist which was covered by my unused scarf. His hot breath traveled down my neck, making me shiver. I heard him sniff my hair and was unable to hide a grin at this. The scent of lavender, spices, and honey would haunt his dreams now.
With his free hand, he grabbed a piece of torn bread and whispered darkly in my ear, "The food isn't poisoned, Lavender." As if proving his point, he tossed the fluffy piece of food in his mouth. Feeling slightly foolish, I grabbed an apple and bit into it, relaxing as he wrapped his arm all the way around my waist. Even though there were two or three layers of cloth between us, I felt like my skin was on fire!
Glancing at him, I smirked as I bit into the delicious fruit again. His gaze was fixed on my lips as I licked the juice off them. I knew I was driving him crazy by being such a tease but it was so much fun! "Claude, I don't have much time here. Esmeralda will be searching for me soon." It was the truth. Soon she would find Clopin and question him where I was and they'd worry. Hopefully that wouldn't happen for a long…long…time.
Clearing his throat, he pulled away from me and sat down. "About my offer…I've prepared a room for you." I thought long and hard about this. When I finished the fruit, I walked over to him and sat down; not bothering to pull my over sized dress up to cover myself. His gaze traveled down to the teasing cleavage.
"I fear this isn't the right time. My families…mother is sick and I don't have the heart to leave them alone." My voice was light with regret and worry. The judge nodded but did not dismissed the subject.
"You said you lived on a farm…Where exactly?" Noticing an unrecognized emotion in his voice, I felt alarmed at such a question.
Placing a smile on my lips, I answered, "On the outskirts of town, Claude." Before he could speak, I sat on his lap and watched his eyes widen with embarrassment. Repeating my actions from the Feast of Fools, I leaned forward and smirked as his breathing sped up ever so slightly.
This time I didn't slam his hat into his face, however. He pulled away and tried to compose himself, "I wish to ask you something then. You claim to live on a farm yet I have checked all over, there is no farm that has gypsies. That leads me to one conclusion; you live in the Court of Miracles. Where is it?"
I felt buckets of ice water wash over my skin as I stood up. For a moment, I couldn't breathe; I didn't know what to say. Frowning, I gathered my most annoyed voice and questioned, "Is that why you brought me here? To try and find out where it is? Because I don't know where it is, I stay with a family on the outskirts of town."
Claude chuckled darkly and grabbed my wrist while standing. I tried to pull away but he yanked me closer. Our legs entwined together, my leg resting between his. I felt a bulge against my thigh, my face lit pink. Grinning, he caressed my cheek and murmured, "I'm not using you…I'm simply wondering where you live and how safe it is."
Feeling myself shake, I looked away and answered, "I'm fine where I am Claude, don't worry. Release me." There was a small trace of fear in my voice; he knew it and I knew it. Deciding to take control of the situation, I yanked the scarf off my waist and wrapped it around his neck.
Immediately Frollo froze and stared at me. Smirking, I pulled him closer and wrapped a leg around him. Red stained his high cheeks; I knew he was wishing we'd melt together.
As I was going to move back, he gripped my black hair and crashed our lips together in a bruising fashion. Surprised at first, I kissed back, his tongue licking my purple lips, asking for permission. Just as I was about to grant, footsteps echoed near us.
I pulled away and looked down the stairs to see…nothing. Frowning, I looked back at Frollo and knew he didn't have the courage or nerve to try a thing like that again. Planning to let him have my flower covered scarf, I sighed, "I suppose I should leave…Esmeralda will get worried."
As I started to leave, he grabbed my arm and kissed my cheek while handing me a basket. Blushing, I muttered a good-bye and left. As I walked out onto the streets, I took a peek inside. A slice of chocolate cake sat there, calling to me. Giggling, I thought of ways to thank Claude for such a present.
A few moments later I spotted Clopin telling a story about Cinderella. I smiled at how he managed to make the kids laugh; he was so good with children it made me wonder why he didn't have any of his own. Oh right…he hadn't met anyone special yet.
I was so deep in thought that I jumped when Clopin rested his head on my shoulder, looking at the basket on my arm. "What's that?" He asked with a curiosity of a four year old.
Turning around, I lifted the cloth to show a delicious looking chocolate cake. "This of course! We'll share it when we get back to the Court."
Clopin raised an eyebrow, scooping some icing on his finger and licked it. "Where'd you get it?"
Blushing, I replied, "From the bakery of course." Such an easy lie, he saw right through it.
He said in a light tone, "Esmeralda said you came looking for me but I never saw you. A trip to the bakery doesn't take that long." We were in a staring challenge when a scream of anger interrupted us.
Looking around, I saw two guards trying to capture a fighting girl. She looked to be sixteen, perhaps seventeen. The girl was putting up one hell of a fight. Clopin, I noticed, chuckled at this before looking at me, "Shall we help?" With a nod, I threw a dagger at one soldier while he threw his at the other.
Both pierced their shoulders and pinned them to the wall. The teenager had fallen to the ground, not expecting them to let go of their pulling tactics. Her long brown, almost fluffy, hair covered her face completely. Clopin and I helped her up and as we ran, I asked, "What's your name?"
Dodging an arrow, she replied, "Kara. Shall I get to know the names of my saviors?" Clopin, sadly, chose that moment to take us both onto a down ward hill. We all stumbled and rolled until we hit the bottom.
Groaning as I sat up, I shot a death glare at the puppet master. "I'm Lavender. Tell us, what did you do to make them get so mad?"
Before she could reply, the man who had just tackled us helped her up and kissed the back of her hand. "I am Clopin. Kara…such a beautiful name to fit such a beautiful girl." Taking a moment to look at her, I saw she had light brown hair that wildly lay on her shoulders. It shined brightly in what rays of the sun rested on it. Her eyes, I realized, were dark brown with sparkles of blood red. Now that I had seen her up-close, she looked to be eighteen.
An arrow zoomed past out heads. "Runy now, flirty later!" I snapped as we sprinted off. An hour passed until we felt like we were safe. Falling to the ground in an alley, I looked at the girl resting in front of me. The crisp cold air had messed her hair up more but it made her look…prettier. Her cheeks were stained with pink from inhaling the winter air non stop.
"So, you gonna tell us what you did?" I questioned. Of course I knew I sounded harsh but we literally just risked our necks out there!
Looking up, she replied with sarcasm, "Get straight the point, eh?" While she stood, I noticed she wore boy's shorts and a shirt, both black. "Not that it's any of your business but I was looking for my sister. The only way to get information in this damn town is to be a man. Those soldiers noticed my hair slip from my hat and tried to arrest me for impersonating a guard…which was a lie."
She turned to Clopin and smiled, showing off her dazzling pearl teeth, "I'm in your debt, Clopin. Thank you, really." He bowed slightly with his hat tilted off.
"It was my pleasure." He smirked, watching her closely. I felt a twinge of jealousy and pushed it away. Clopin wasn't mine, I had no claim over him…and yet the voice in my mind yelled that I've known him longer and that he was, in fact, mine.
Looking up to see the sun falling, I tugged at Clopin's tights on his leg. "We gotta get back to the Court of Miracles…think she can keep a secret?" He nodded while helping me up, the basket still on my arm.
It took a while but when we reached the graveyard, I looked at the girl and said, "Kara, if we let you live here you must swear that you won't breathe a word to anyone about this place, alright?"
Nodding, she responded, "I swear on my sisterr's health."
When we walked in to see colorful clothes of tents, she gasped and gaped. While Clopin showed her the tent she would stay in, I went to mine and collapsed on my bed. The piece of dessert that had earlier called to me seemed dull. This girl had a history and I intended to find out. What had she said earlier? Oh right, she had a missing sister. That must mean she didn't have parents anymore. I stared at the ceiling and thought about it for a while. Was she really trust worthy? Clopin seemed to trust her…then again he was taken with her appearance so…oh well.
My thoughts went back to the Judge. My purple glossed lips curled into a shy smile as I remembered the kiss. I could almost feel his lips on mine…Such passion and intense….
Frollo had asked me about this place thought. I knew he wasn't using me but that didn't stop the fact that he wanted to know the location. The kiss I shared with Clopin, my very first kiss, still made me blush. I loved him…it was that simple and yet so complicated. I also loved Claude.
"Oomph!" I cried out to see Clopin fall on me. Glaring, I sat up and pushed him off, "What's wrong with you, you buffoon of a King?!" He gave me such an innocent grin.
"I tripped. Now where's that cake?" He looked around and spotted the basket. Rolling my eyes, I sat against a trunk and watched him. I watched his long fingers wrap around a clean knife and cut it in half.
As I slowly ate it, savoring the sugary goodness, I watched him carefully. "Do you like her, that Kara?" I asked simply. He stopped shoving food down his throat and studied me. I tried my best to hide any jealousy that glittered in my violet eyes. Even if I had succeeded he would have seen right through me.
Putting his half eaten cake on the ground next to him, he beckoned me to come closer. He grabbed my wrists and pulled me to sit on his lap. Pulling me into a soft embrace, he stroked my raven hair and muttered gently, "Lavender, Kara will never take your place. She's…unique but I wouldn't say I love her. Don't give me that look, young lady, I knew what you meant by 'like'. As I was saying…Clopin will always love you little one…" His face went dark red at these words. We both thought the other love, the kind where you lust after that person. I giggled at this and remembered how he acted when I was thirteen.
Just to mess with him, I fed him the rest of the cake. By the time it was devoured he pushed me onto my blankets and dropped my pillow on my face. "Hey!" I exclaimed, looking at him through the locks of messy hair.
He gave me an innocent look, a grin, and lay in his bed. Turning over, he fell into a dead slumber. Just as I felt sleep take over me, I felt like I was getting poked. Looking up, I saw Kara there and jumped. "Damn you, you idiot girl, you scared the hell out of me!" I cried out in a hushed tone.
She frowned at me and placed her finger on her lips, telling me to be silent. We walked out of the King's tent. "Let's walk." She stated as she dragged me through the paths. The candle light shined on her, giving her appearance a demonic look. Her pink full lips were tied into a small grin, her eyes half closed in deep thought.
"What'd you wanna talk about?" I asked in a quiet tone, hoping no one was listening.
Kara replied calmly, "I know you're suspicious of me, I could tell that from the start." My cheeks flamed with shame. "So I came to tell you that I'd be more than willing to explain myself to you and Clopin tomorrow night. But I do, however, want to know why I saw you and that Judge in the tower together."
At this sudden statement, I tripped over myself and went flying to the ground. How did she see? Sitting up, I frowned as she walked past me, unfazed. Stumbling to my feet, I followed and felt rather young.
"Not that it's any of your business," I mocked her, "But I was finding stuff out about my parents." Here I was telling a stranger something that my best friend didn't know!
She nodded thoughtfully before saying, "Finding stuff out about your parents, eh? I find it difficult to do with your lips locked with Frollo." Once again I tripped and slammed into a wall. I glared, wondering if she enjoyed that.
"What are you playing at?" I questioned with suspicion, staying on the ground.
Kara gave me a soft smile and answered, "Nothing…I just want you to help me look for my sister tomorrow."
Raising an eyebrow, I asked, "How?"
Maybe it was the candle lighting, or lack of it anyway, that gave her a sinister look or maybe it was my imagination, "By traveling into the dungeons of the Palace of Justice."
Okay, next chapter: Lav and Kara go into the dungeons. If her sister is/was there, what abuse do you think she went through? After narrowly escaping, Lav gets grabbed by Frollo himself while her new friend watches. She hears things that Lavender has tried to hide. When they get back, we learn more about Kara. Romance between Clopin and Kara. Review please!