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The next day was like a dream. No, it was like a fantasy. It felt all but real and I loved it. It was one of those rare days that you wake up and look around, suddenly realizing how grateful you are for everything you have. So grateful, in fact, that it doesn't seem real, that it's…unreal.
Despite our little…psh, I should say mind blowing huge fight last night, we were calm and…in love. Claude had shouted at me relentlessly last night, calling me all sorts of wicked cruel names. It was the first time in my life that his coldness and rage had been directed towards me!
I had managed to sob out after his shouting ceased that I was faithful, grateful and loved him. Right now in the morning, I still feel so embarrassed that I just sat there and cried. Although he tried to hide his humor when he said this, he claimed that my eyes were like 'waterfalls'.
To make up for the stupid fight that was misheard from his 'most faithful soldier' and my 'least favorite friend', I slept in his bed. We did nothing but sleep, his arms wrapped around my waist in a possessive yet caring manner. Although I fell asleep first, I can't help but wonder if he had stayed up and just…watched me. That would explain the shadows under his eyes.
By the afternoon, we had eaten a small meal of fruit and decided to go out to the market. Of course he had Phoebus and several other guards there, making sure Clopin did not speak or even see me. While this annoyed and angered me, I let him. The last thing I wanted was another replay of last night.
Phoebus had tried talking to me as I rode Frollo's horse with him. I ignored him, casting my gaze clear in front of me. When we stopped, I jumped off the black animal and whispered furiously to the blond man, "If you don't stop talking to me, I will tell Claude about your gazing and drooling of the gypsy Esmeralda! You told on me, I'm tempted to tell on you."
With that, I left the stunned man there. It was cold to do such a thing to such a long time friend, but he deserved it. Chances are, I'd allow him to attend the wedding and I'd start talking to him but…just not right now. Was he even my true friend? Claude had, after all, just assigned him to watch over me. Perhaps friendship was an unexpected bonus.
Claude dragged me happily through the market. Several merchants were coming up to us, talking about their products. Some sold food, some sold cloth, some sold jewelry, some sold 'fun'.
Smiling, I grabbed Claude's hand and stated, "It would appear that the town knows of our marriage!" He grinned slightly, walking over to the fabric cart.
I could tell that the man next to me was wishing he had brought along a maid or at least some other woman. Overwhelmed by the fabrics, he turned to me and hesitated, "Lavender, can you…pick out your dress without my help?"
Snickering, I poked fun at him, "I could do it even with your help!"
Frollo grasped my chin and placed his lips on my forehead before leaving to make the food arrangements. I chuckled softly, feeling my cheeks warm up. Turning to the cart, I felt just as overwhelmed as Claude had. It would seem that he didn't get confused just because he was a guy; he just saw too many colors.
Gulping down my nervousness, I looked at the silk ones. Running my finger tips over them, I grinned weakly. The purple looked pretty but it was daring and cold, for tradition called for a white dress. I hated that; a white dress meant pure, virgin. I was pure but I wanted something other than white!
Suddenly a voice next to me rang out, "I'd pick the cotton cloth for the bottom of the gown and the silk for waist up."
Turning to look, I blinked in surprise. It was the gypsy! The one that had danced in front of Phoebus to distract him, the one who danced at the Feast of Fools, the one who was Clopin's friend. Her hair was wavy and held behind with a pink ribbon, a smile gracing her dark face.
"Esmeralda…" I whispered, amazed that the woman was even speaking to me.
"Lavender." She stated my name, showing that we knew of each other; that we heard of each other.
"What are you doing here?" My voice held surprise and I did not bother hiding it. "Where's Clopin?" If she was near by and not distracting the soldiers…that was weird. Perhaps Clopin was distracting the soldiers while she talked to me. But that made no sense; why wouldn't Clopin just talk to me himself?
"He is back at the Court of Miracles, sulking about." She answered calmly. "Ever since early yesterday, he has been snapping at even the smallest of children. His puppet lay on the dirt covered damp ground, just where he threw it. He's snarling and making the whole Court go silent with fear. In short, our King is pouting."
The color in my face drained away. "H-He's…pouting? Why?" It was a stupid question, yes, but I had to ask. I knew it was because of me and the way her piercing green eyes looked at me only confirmed it.
"He's heartbroken, Lady Lavender." She referred to me as my respectful title, considering I was just a little higher than her, social speaking. I hated that though. I was part Gypsy from my mother's side and yet she treated me as though I was pure royalty, nobility.
"I-I didn't mean to hurt him! I thought…I mean…I just don't…" She grabbed my shoulder, calming me down instantly. The warmth in her eyes reminded me of my mothers.
"Lavender…" Her voice was gentle, "I understand. You do not love him like you love the Judge. And while I may not understand your love towards the cruel man, I understand none the less. He will get over this hurt and you two will be friends once more."
Those words of comfort worked wonders. Suddenly she smiled and the warmth in her eyes were gone, only to be replaced by a twinkle of amusement, "Come now, I will help you pick out your dress!"
"But…what if Claude sees you?" I blinked, grateful for her help.
She grinned, "I'll just…disappear, then." She winked, making me wonder just what she meant. Ignoring it for now though, I listened and let study me, study the fabric. She felt like an older sister despite the fact that this was the first time we actually talked.
Next chapter: Clopin is spying on Lavender from a distance and Esmeralda talks to Lav about her mother and about the few times she saw Lavender roam. In other words, we see what Esmeralda thinks. Plus, Lav taunts her about Phoebus. Will Frollo see them?! Review please
