Chapitre 12

I lost myself in the carnival, being submerged in the colour and life all around me was a blissful experience. However, I pitied that the Count wasn't here to be with me, but spending time alone with Mina was great. She and I bonded over discussions about fashion and the cute boys looking at her in the hotel bar. Being unfamiliar with male attention, she did nothing but giggle and blush.

At long last, it was the night of the opera, putting on my nice powder blue dress I adjusted my hair and headed downstairs towards the carriages, Mina next to me and looking beautiful in a simple silvery grey dress and a long grey shawl. Taking careful steps down to the carriages, the steps were slippery and slick with confetti and spilled drinks. My heart lurched as I felt my foot slip and I fell forward, letting out a yelp of surprise; hitting the person in front of me, preventing me from falling on my face.

"Oh! Pardon me Mademoiselle, are you alright?" I looked over, a boy my height was in my face. Younger than me but very handsome, with short brown hair and beautiful dark skin a tiny beauty spot under his eye, his cheeks turned red as his hands dropped from my hips where he caught me.

"Estelle are you alright?! Thank you for catching her Monsieur." Mina said, smiling at the boy. He smiled rubbed the back of his head, another boy with short blonde hair and brown eyes looked at us, smiling. His eyes were wide with the sight of me, my ivory skin and hair was quite rare amongst women who weren't albino.

"Well Albert, you actually do have a way with the ladies." He said chuckling. Albert turned red and punched him in the arm, but laughed as well; I couldn't help but giggle a little.

"May I have the honour of knowing your name Mademoiselle?" I smiled and covered the lower part of my face with my blue fan.

"Estelle, Estelle Cutter Monsieur." The darker boy kissed the top of my hand, followed by the blonde. "This is my maid and best friend, Mina Braque." She curtsied, they bowed.

"I'm Baron Franz d'Epinay; this is my best friend the Vicomte Albert de Morcerf." I smiled.

"I have heard many good things about your Father's chances in the upcoming election; when you see him tell him his supporters are still as strong as ever." I said politely, Albert smiled.

"So where are you two lovely ladies off to tonight?"

"To the opera, my mistress is meeting her companion there. Perhaps we shall see you there?" Mina said, wrapping her shawl tighter around her shoulders. Franz smiled, as did Albert.

"As a matter of fact, we are! Maybe we'll bump into each other afterwards." Albert said happily as he and Franz got into a carriage, I did the same with Mina.

After a short trip we arrived at the Opera House, looking over my shoulder I saw the two boys talking to a woman in an orange dress with black hair. Albert waved to me quietly, I returned the gesture. Sipping champagne in the waiting room, I looked around for the Count. My heart dropping as the bell for taking our seats went and there was still no sight of the Count. Mina gently touched my shoulder; her eyes were sympathetic and friendly.

"Let's go Estelle." We made our way to the private box that the Count booked, taking our seats as the curtain started to rise. I sighed and looked to the stage, trying to focus on the opera. Mina didn't say anything, never going to the opera before she was greatly drawn into the story. Clutching her shawl she didn't tear her eyes from the stage, a small smile on her lips.

'She looks so happy, I guess she doesn't have the time or the money to go to things like this as often as I do.' This in mind I tried harder to turn my attention back to the stage. I watched and listened carefully, the woman on stage holding a dagger and was bleeding, the tragic heroine. Her voice was light and pure; I felt a hand on my shoulder. Gasping I spun around and smiled as I saw a familiar face.

"Hope I'm not too late." I got up and he kissed me lightly on the cheek, feeling my face flush with pleasure. Behind him stood Haydee, the unpleasant feeling of jealousy rush over me. Not that I wasn't happy to see her, but I was hoping that it would be just me and him.

"Not at all, as long as you're here now… but I was starting to worry." He smiled and turned to the edge of the box, I noticed that he had a bouquet of blue roses. He threw the roses towards the stage, the crowd held their breath but she caught them and continued singing. I smiled and sat next to the Count, leaning over to his ear.

"You just couldn't resist could you?" I whispered to him, he chuckled and entwined his fingers with mine. He bowed to someone in the audience but I ignored it, feeling at ease now that the Count was there.

The curtain dropped at the end of the final act and we all got up, Haydee and Mina started to head off to the hotel rooms. I picked up my fan and turned to leave, but the Count stood in my way.

"There is one thing that I haven't done yet tonight my dear." He said huskily, flashing my favourite smirk at me.

"What's that?" I asked, he stepped forward and I took a step back. I felt the lush red velvet of the curtain of our box against my back. He placed a hand next to my head, pinning me in place.

"I haven't told you how breathtakingly lovely you look tonight." I felt my face burn and turned away shyly. He cupped my chin with his other hand, his lips less than an inch from mine.

"Don't be so shy Estelle; learn to take a compliment once in awhile." He purred, sealing the gap between us. His gloved hand cupped my jaw as he passionately kissed me, turning his head so it would fit mine better. My bare hands clutched at his beautiful coat, feeling the curl of his hair against my fingertips. He pressed me hard against the wall of our private box, my hand carefully ran over his gold earring and down his neck, he kissed the corner of my mouth and pulled away. He released me and stepped back, offering his arm to me. I locked my arm in his; my face still glowed with love. "Estelle-"

"Yes?" I said, turning to him.

"Would you go back to the hotel room by yourself, there's something I need to take care of while I'm in the Opera House. Go to our new room on the top floor of the hotel, all your things have been moved there. Mina and Haydee will be staying together, so don't worry about them." He said and handed me the key card, I nodded and took off. Taking a carriage to the Rospoli Hotel I opened the door to our room, expecting a room lavished with expense.

'He just can't help himself can he?' I said to myself, the room was decked with velvet draped walls and beautiful furniture. A huge ruby-like chandelier hung above me, I looked around and saw that there was only one bedroom. My face flushed at the sight of the massive red and brown bed, large enough for ten people. I placed my fan on my side of the bed and got into the polished white shower, scrubbing my body with apricot body wash. I finished my shower and wrapped a large towel around myself, running my hands through my long tresses. There was a knock at the bathroom door, I clutched my towel. "Yes?" I asked timidly, the steam clouded up the bathroom.

"Get changed into something nice, I've invited some guests up for dinner." The Count said, and then I heard him walking away.

'He could have given me some warning!' I thought, trying madly to dry my hair, pulling out a hairdryer and combing it quickly. When it was finally acceptable I clutched my towel and made a dash for the bedroom. Closing the door behind me, I walked over to the closet and finally decided on a nice cream coloured modern dress with lots of layers of lace. Slipping on some small white ankle boots I checked myself in the mirror before heading into the dining room.

Bertuccio smiled at me and opened the door, I heard the sound of familiar laughter and my eyes widened.

"Albert! Franz!" I said happily upon recognizing their faces. They put down their glasses and got up, equally surprised to see me.

"Mademoiselle Cutter, what a surprise!" Franz said, a large smile on his face. Baptistin pulled back my chair and I took my seat, the Count chuckled.

"You know her Baron?" The Count asked, an unfamiliar sharp edge to his voice; I took a sip of water.

"We bumped into each other on the way to the opera, I thought I saw you sitting with the Count but I wasn't sure." Albert said, smiling and the Count raised his glass. His tense attitude earlier seemed to have disappeared.

"A toast!" We all did the same, Bertuccio poured me some wine and I lifted my crystal glass.

"To the aristocracy and to good health-" He glanced at me, his piercing eyes striking mine. "-and of course to love." The Count purred, I blushed and drank. We all feasted on the finest foods that Luna had to offer, laughing and talking. Only during this I realized how young Albert and Franz were, only fifteen each! Their maturity surprised me; they were as sophisticated as many matured aristocrats are in their twenties.

'Even Lottie acts like a twelve year old at times.' I thought, taking another sip of wine. They made me seem old in comparison, but my youthful appearance misled many people, little did they suspect my real age was twenty four.

"Come now, this won't do. When a man has come all the way to Luna, he simply must try these dishes." The Count said, as I took another bite of the succulent aubrenyne fish from Eastern Space.

"We thank you for your kindness Sir, but we seem to be the only ones who are eating. You haven't touched a thing all through dinner, are you not feeling well?" Franz asked, I stopped and looked at the Count. He had been acting a little odd as of late.

"Please, you needn't concern yourselves about me." The Count said, he took out his small green box and took out one of his pills. "Just as journeys travelled alone are dull and unsatisfying, meals eaten alone have no flavour. For me, speaking with enchanting guests as I'm doing right now is really the greatest feast that I could wish for." He said, I smiled and went back to eating. "Please, help yourselves. By the way, I was wondering what you thought of the opera we attended?" The Count asked, I turned to Albert and Franz.

"Well Sir, I really don't go to see operas very often. But for some reason this time, I found myself drawn into the story." He said happily.

"Oh I see Albert, are you saying to us that there is someone in the world for whom you pine? Just as in the opera?" The Count said, I leant back with my glass in hand, swirling the alcohol in the glass.

"No Sir! Of course not!" Albert said.

"Come on Albert, you know that's not true." Franz said slyly.

"Are you talking about Eugenie? We were chosen for each other by our parents, I've never experienced the same kind of intense love like the main character in that opera." He seemed sad. "I want something more in my life, something that I can lose myself in, something to grab my heart and never let go. You see, I came on this journey to find that something." He said softly, Franz laughed.

"Really? Why are you trying to make it sound so noble? I thought your goal was more focused below your waist!" Franz said, Albert blushed.

"Franz! Cut it out!" Albert said, embarrassment flooding his face. The Count and I laughed; I smiled at the two of them.

"Don't worry Albert, someday you'll find the right one. Who knows? Maybe your relationship with that girl Eugenie may work out." I said, Albert smiled at me.

"Maybe you're right Estelle, only time will tell I guess." He said.

"This is marvellous; youth is such a wonderful thing. Endless possibilities, hopes and dreams, and passion unencumbered." The Count said, gesturing dramatically with his hands.

"Well it's clear of the love that you and Mademoiselle Estelle have for one another, how did the two of you meet anyway?" Albert asked, the curious child in him emerging.

"Albert! Don't be rude!" Franz said, killing Albert's buzz. I finished my glass of water.

"No, it's alright." I said, the Count placed his gloved hand atop mine on the table, I smiled.

"I first met the Count at the Lee's winter party, he found something of mine. We danced, but my step-mother and step-sister were highly against our potential love." I said, I felt the Count tense up.

"Why, what was so wrong about your relationship?" Franz asked, I sighed and rubbed my brow.

"You have to understand my step-mother is very easily angered by me and is very jealous of me. It enraged her with the thought of me becoming more popular socially than her. Once she found out about our secret meetings, she…" I pursed my lips.

"It doesn't matter what she did Estelle, all that matters is that you're safe." The Count said, his fingers linked with mine. Our eyes locked, he smiled at me over the soft candle light.

"Wow…" I turned around, Albert was looking at us; an awed expression on his face. "It sounds just like the plot of an opera, it's so romantic." He said.

"Estelle?" Franz asked, I turned to him.

"Yes?"

"Was your step-mother's name in the paper a few weeks ago?" He asked, I gasped but then nodded. "I'm so sorry." He said quickly, seeing that he had upset me.

"It's nothing; I just hope that her recovery is quick." I said.

"Bertuccio! Bring coffee for our guests." The Count said, turning to Bertuccio who stood in the corner, he went to the kitchens.

"Gentlemen, you honour us with your presence tonight." The Count said, bowing his head, I did the same out of courtesy.

"Not at all Sir, the honour is ours." Albert said. The Count got up from his seat and walked over to Albert.

"In that case, I want you to join us on our balcony for luncheon tomorrow, it'll be wonderful. Will you come?" He asked.

'Where did this come from?' I thought.

"Oh really Sir? We'd be honoured to-" Albert said, then gave a grunt of pain; looking sharply at Franz.

"We're sorry your Excellency, we appreciate your kind offer but we couldn't possibly accept." Franz said, a strange grin on his face.

"Luna's public executions are the highlight of carnival you know. The festivities reach their peak as the blood of heinous criminals washes away all the crowd's sins." He said, placing a hand over his chest. I choked on a sip of water, wiping my mouth quickly.

'Public executions?!' I thought, shivering at the thought of the sight.

"One has not experience Luna's carnival without having seen this, is that not so? Monsieur Albert?" The Count said, reaching out his hand to him.

"Yes! You're exactly right." Albert said, ignoring Franz's stare of disapproval. We all drank our coffee before the evening drew to a close, feeling very tired myself and ready to sleep.

"Very well then, we shall await you in this room again tomorrow." The Count said, removing one of his gloves as we walked Franz and Albert to the door. "Good evening." The Count said, Albert shook his ungloved hand. Franz merely bowed in respect. I curtsied to them both; they both left us alone in the hotel room.

"They seem really nice, very mature." I said, turning to the Count. I couldn't hold back a yawn, which made him chuckle. He held my hands in his, kissing the tips of my fingers.

"Go to bed, I will be with you shortly." He said, making me blush. I walked to our bedroom, blushing terribly.

'I'm not ready for this! I'll just pretend to be asleep, I'm so tired anyway.' I though.

I went behind the silk screen and changed into my usual nightdress; it fell to my knees and hugged my waist. Made from pearl grey satin and buttoned from top to bottom with pearl buttons. The straps were wide and decorated with grey lace; I carefully slipped between the silk sheets and turned to the side. After awhile I felt the Count's cold presence beside me, I closed my eyes and pretended to be asleep.

"Estelle? Are you awake?" He whispered, I felt his lips brush against my ear. He chuckled when I didn't respond. "Of course you aren't." He said to himself, I shivered as I felt the back of his hand rub gently against the side of my face. He moved closer to me, I could hear my own heart beating in my chest. His lips traced down to the curve of my jaw, I unintentionally trembled as his icy breath flashed at my hair covered neck. "So soft…" He purred, being unintentionally seductive. I shivered and he pulled back, his hand reached to my neck. I felt his sharp nails pull my hair away from my throat and neck; I couldn't help but sigh as his arm snaked around my body and held my waist. His lips rested on my partially exposed shoulder, I heard him inhale and his grip tightened around my waist. Placing tiny butterfly kisses along my shoulder, he held my body against his. My toes curled in happiness, it was only then that I felt exhausted. I drifted into sleep in the Count's icy embrace.