Chapitre 20
I clutched the cloak that Count had given me, it was very cold outside so I welcomed the comfort. Haydee was sitting silently in the carriage, playing with a curl of hair between her fingers. My eyes flickered to the window, where we were just starting to arrive outside the opera house. Hundreds of people were chatting outside, women wearing the height of fashion and the men whose names alone were worth millions. The carriage came to a halt and I braced myself, digging my nails into the cloak.
"Shall we go?" The Count asked to Haydee and me. I nodded and we all got out of the carriage, the Count held Haydee and I close to him. Feeling safe in his embrace as I saw the crowd that surrounded us move in for a closer look. Now that the Count had hit the tabloids, his popularity in Paris had gone up tenfold. The opera was to start shortly, so everyone was starting to follow us inside.
We went inside the opera house, some gentlemen moved towards us. They took the Count's hat, cane and coat... then they moved to Haydee and I. She gave me a little nervous look, but she followed my example and allowed them to remove the cloaks. The crowd looked on as our slender, delicate bodies were revealed by our dresses. Glancing over at Haydee's dress, it was very similar to mine but it was white, which complimented her dark hair. The Count gently took our hands, leading us through the crowd towards our private box. The crowd parted and we walked through, the other aristocrats sighed at us and a small part within me adored the attention. We reached the Count's box and we all went inside.
The curtains opened dramatically, the opera house was filled with people and all of their attention was on us. I looked at the crowd through half-closed eyes, a dreamy expression on my face. The Count's fingers were entwined with mine as we all looked out at the rest of the audience for tonight's opera.
'It's almost as though we've become the show tonight.' I thought. I saw the Count wave a little, my eyes turned to Albert and I smiled at him. Even from this high up, I could tell he was blushing. The Count's hand suddenly clenched mine, I looked up at him and my lips parted in surprise. "Excellency?" I whispered. His eyes were fixed on something, I followed his gaze. His gaze was on the lovely Mercedes Morcerf, she was looking up at him in a similar surprised expression. Haydee looked to the Morcerf's box as well, here eyes turned from soft and whimsical to...
Terrified.
"Oh my... that's the man..." She whispered. Her body was trembling and her eyes were wide with panic.
'Is she having some kind of panic attack?' I thought, moving towards her a little. "Haydee?" I whispered, the Count and I looked at her shaking frame.
"Haydee... what is wrong?" The Count muttered. She didn't answer... or was unable to. Her finger was pointed sharply at someone in the crowd; she was leaning too far forward over the box!
"That's the man who-" I let out a cry, her eyes rolled back. Falling like a feather in the breeze, her glittering dress started to fall apart.
"Haydee!" I cried and we rushed to help her. The Count got there first, seizing her around the waist to save her. My heart pounded as Baptistin and Ali rushed forwards and we all pulled her back, she fell back into the Count's arms. He cupped her white cheek, looking at her carefully... almost lovingly.
"Estelle." I looked up at him, his eyes were on me.
"Y-Yes Count?"
"We will take Haydee home; Bertuccio will stay here with you." He said. Scooping Haydee's limp body carefully in his arms, Ali wrapped his cloak around his shoulders.
"Alright..." I whispered, moving closer to Haydee. I ran my hand over her trembling cheek; her skin was damp with sweat. "Make sure she recovers."
"Of course my dear, I bid you goodnight." The Count said. I sat back down, the curtains rose and the opera commenced.
I looked over my shoulder as the Count disappeared with Haydee, Ali and Baptistin. Clapping as the singer started his performance, my eyes washed over to where the Morcerf's were sitting. Mercedes was looking up at me, I shrugged a little and she gave a little half-smile back to me. I felt a hand on my shoulder, looking around to see Bertuccio.
"Don't worry Estelle, Haydee will be fine." He said. I turned my eyes down and looked at the stage.
"I know. I'm just thinking..."
"About what?"
"What did she see that brought upon such a look of terror?" He turned his eyes away.
"I don't know." I sighed. "However, there is one thing I do know..." He smiled at me.
"What is it?"
"That dress looks really beautiful on you." I smiled and blushed a little; the room was dark so my cheeks were hidden.
"Thank you."
Together we watched the opera, I thoroughly enjoyed it and I think Bertuccio did as well. As everyone started to file out Bertuccio handed me my cloak.
"Thank you Bertuccio."
"I have sent for a carriage to take us back to the mansion." I sealed the clasp on the cloak, leaving my head and shoulders revealed under the violet velvet.
"Good, I want to check to see if Haydee's alright." I said. The curtains of the box were pulled back and we made our way out to the foyer.
My eyes widened and I froze, at the bottom of the stairs were photographers and journalists... a LOT of photographers and journalists.
"HEY! There she is!" Someone shouted, Bertuccio took my arm. Bulbs started flashing and I shielded my eyes, we went down the stairs and through the crowds. I looked at surprise at all of them, strangers taking hundreds of photos of me! We rushed through the foyer and down the steps of the opera house; Bertuccio supported me so I wouldn't trip.
"Why'd your lady friend take a tumble?"
"Swooning over the Count above the audience?"
"Who are you wearing?"
"What-"
"Why-"
"How-" We pushed through them, Bertuccio acting like a shield to protect me.
"Back off! Leave the girl alone!" He shouted, opening the door of the carriage. I stumbled inside, looking out at all of them. From every gossip magazine in Paris... to see me?
'Why would they want to chase after me? I'm the daughter of a man who owns a gold mining company!' I thought, the carriage sped off the second Bertuccio was seated next to me. I removed my opal headband and ran my fingers through my white blonde curls.
"Are you alright mademoiselle?" He asked. I nodded and looked out at the fading opera house, still packed with people and glowing with hundreds of beautiful lights.
"Why would they come after me? I'm no celebrity!" I muttered. Bertuccio chuckled; I looked at him, surprised. "What is it?"
"You're being courted by the richest, most mysterious and handsome gentleman in all of Paris. It's a perfect story in their eyes." I blinked.
"Funny, I never thought about us becoming anything more than just an ordinary couple. Now we're front page eye-candy." Bertuccio smiled.
"Don't worry Estelle, whenever you go out at least one of us will be with you to make sure you are safe." He said. I smiled at the reassuring comment, listening to the thundering horses hooves.
I moved swiftly to Haydee's room, my long dress flying behind me as I turned the corner.
"Haydee?" I muttered, tapping gently on her door. She didn't answer, so I stuck my head in and looked at her bed. My eyes widened as I saw the Count crouched by her side, the single light on her nightstand illuminated his lips on her forehead. My cheeks turned pink and I stepped back from the doorway, starting to disappear to my room-
"She is fine." I looked at him as he stood up and turned towards me.
"Was it anything serious?" I asked. He shook his head, still advancing towards me.
"She just had a little scare, that's all. Haydee was a little... overstimulated by so many people at one time." He said, I moved to the side so he could leave Haydee's chambers. "Tomorrow I have business to attend to; Miss Braque will escort you to the Galerie la Fayette where you may do whatever you desire. Buy a new dress for an upcoming gathering and enjoy yourself." The Count walked past me, disappearing down the dark hallway. I remained by Haydee's door for a few minutes, before going inside.
Haydee was paler than usual, a little sickly-looking but just needed a lot of rest. Her eyes were closed and she was dressed in a rainbow coloured nightdress, I moved over to her nightstand. I poured some water for her and placed the crystal glass by her bed-
"Estelle?" I jumped and looked at her. Slowly she opened her eyes, I smiled.
"I'm sorry, did I wake you?" I said. She shook her head and reached for the water, I kneeled on the floor by her bed.
"How was the opera? I'm sorry that I couldn't stay." She said, turning on her side so she could look at me.
"It was good. The next time we go, I'll make sure that nothing spooks you!" I laughed half-heartedly. She smiled a little but her eyes were still downcast, she looked at me under her long eyelashes. "I'm going to sleep now, it's very late..." I got up and headed to the door.
"Goodnight Estelle." Haydee muttered. I paused a few steps from her bed, turning my head to the side so I could see her out of the corner of my eye.
"Haydee... I'm not going to ask you what you saw." I muttered. "Just know that if you want to talk about it, then I'm here for you." I let her sleep on it.
It was about two in the afternoon when I left the Count's mansion with Mina. Just outside his house, the Count's hands were wrapped around mine.
"Spoil yourself Estelle. The bill will be sent to me and I'll take care of it, you and Mina need this time alone." He said. I jumped up and kissed him gently, resting my hands on his shoulders.
"I hope all goes well with you Count. Take care of yourself!" I said before jumping into the carriage with Mina. Mina smiled and the two of us rode to the Galerie la Fayette, excited to have some time with just us girls. The Count had taken the courtesy of letting them know that I would be coming so a security guard could make sure I was alright at all times.
We stepped out of the carriage and looked up at the beautiful shopping gallery, a man in black with a security pass came up to us.
"Are you Mademoiselles Estelle and Mina?" He asked.
"Yes, we are."
"Follow me please." We did as he said, entering the beautiful building. Mina stared up at the huge domed ceiling, intricately constructed with coloured glass which rained down upon us like a shower of stars. The Galerie la Fayette was busy with people, both upper class and middle. I looked around, seeing people trying on designer shoes and being sprayed with the most intoxicating of perfumes. The security guard led us to an elevator, plated with silver with a small sign on it 'To the Private Gallery'. "This way ladies..." He said, the elevator doors opened and we stepped inside. Mina looked a little unsteady as the elevator took off, going higher and higher. Towering above all of the other shoppers, making them seem so small compared to us.
"What is the 'Private Gallery'?" Mina asked. The security guard glanced at her and then looked back to the elevator controls.
"The Count of Monte Cristo has booked a private chamber, all your needs will be taken care of." He said. I smiled as we almost reached the spectacular domed glass roof, the elevator stopped at the top balcony. Slowly the doors opened and revealed a frustrating sight, photographers were waiting eagerly for Mina and I. Bulbs flashed as the security guard kept them away from us, Mina started to squirm as the guard led us past them all. The guard led us to a door plated with gold, opening the door for us.
"Thank you Monsieur." I said. Mina and I went inside; the guard closed the door behind us.
"Wow..." She muttered. I dropped my bag. The room was very large, colourful mannequins wearing the latest fashions encircled two gold and magenta lounges. In the centre of the room was a large table where tea, hot chocolate and cakes were set out before us. On shelves were accessories, perfumes and beauty counters.
"It's beautiful!" I said, twirling around the room. Walking over to a large window I looked out, we were just under the dome and looking down on all the other shoppers.
"It has to be." We turned around. A beautiful woman with long, black hair in a black suit entered the room. Her badge said her name was Neika. "This room is for people who enjoy a little more seclusion when shopping here, it is used for royalty, celebrities and public officials." She said. I smiled as she moved closer to me; Mina sat down on one of the lounges and poured tea for the three of us. "So you're Mademoiselle Estelle Cutter... oh I'm going to have a lot of fun with you!" She said sweetly. From her pocket she drew a remote, clicking a button on it. A wall opened, revealing seven mirrors and a red velvet pedestal. Another wall opened and hundreds of rolls of fabric appeared, she smiled at me. "Shall we get to it Mademoiselle?" She asked.
"Yes please!" I said, stepping onto the pedestal. I only hoped the man I loved was having almost as much fun as I was.
Count's View-
Villefort Mansion, Greenhouse-
My hand clasped Madame Villefort's shoulder; the greenhouse was hot and full of layered fragrances.
"One more thing..." I said, she gasped. "There is a beauty to those who have been captivated by poison's charms." Her hand gently touched mine, unsure of how to react to my advances. Gently I pulled her into an embrace, her heart fluttered so wildly against her chest it was almost hypnotic. I stepped away from her, slipping my hand into my pocket. Drawing from it the tool of Villefort's demise, a gift for his lovely wife. "This trinket is commonly referred to as a Borgia Ring." The purple stone glistened as Héloïse took it from me, her eyes were drawing everything in. "Come. Press on the stone and see what happens." The deadly spike appeared. "It is said that Lucrezia Borgia used these to dispatch countless people." I looked over at her, she was completely entranced. 'This is far too easy, it's almost dull.' I thought. "And among her victims was her own husband..." I turned to her. "That ring belongs to you, Madame." I said softly to her. Gently wrapping my arms around her, she put up no resistance... no woman could.
"I'm so happy..." She sighed.
"It is nothing, a mere getting-acquainted gift from a new friend..." I purred in her ear. I trailed my lips down her neck, sending chills down her spine and setting her nerves aflame. She moaned softly as my hand reached her soft chest, caressing the fabric of her dress.
'La belle âme!(The beautiful soul!)' Gankutsuou cried in my head, I turned and grinned. My eyes locked with his through the binoculars, Albert fell backwards then sprinted off; fleeing like the little boy he was.
I turned my attention back to Madame Villefort. Her eyelashes fluttered and her cheeks were aflame with lust, gently I ran my hand down her throat. The lightest touch made her tremble, she was so wonderfully sensitive. My hand slip back up to her scarlet face, tracing the curve of her parted lips.
"Are you alright Madame?" I whispered. She nodded and I felt her tongue glide over my finger, my teeth nipped at the exposed skin of her neck. 'I wonder if that bastard Villefort has ever touched her like this...?' I thought. Her hands took mine and pressed them to her collarbone, I could feel her racing heart. Her desperate, fearful, corruptible heart...
"E-Excellency?" She stuttered. My lips brushed a lock of hair by her ear.
"What is it my beauty?"
"T-That girl in the papers, with the white-blonde hair..." I paused, closing my eyes. "...she is your lover, isn't she?"
Gentle, alabaster arms wrapped around my waist and her eyes shimmered with tears. My frozen heart clenched...
"Why Count?" Estelle whispered, her grip tightening as tears rolled down her cheeks. Héloïse's blonde hair whitened and Estelle was now in my arms, giving me all the love and loyalty she had to offer... and my arms were around someone else.
I released Héloïse and she spun around to look at me, pressing her body to mine. Her heart still pounded and her eyes were just as lustful, on her finger was the Borgia ring.
"Well... Excellency?" She purred, she caressed my face with her ringed hand. Slowly she leaned in to kiss me-
"She is. I am sorry Madame; I should not have made such... advances on you." I said. Her lips still were half-pouted but she slid back down, making sure her breasts were pressed against me.
"Oh?" She asked. Héloïse smiled up at me, I let her delicate fingertip trace my lips. "Then why are you in a greenhouse with a married woman?" I closed my eyes, cupping her face between my hands. The warmth of her cheeks radiated through my gloves, I brought my face close to hers.
"Your loveliness drew me in like a bee to honey. I hope you can forgive me... Héloïse." I whispered, opening one eye. Imagining her face was not Héloïse's but instead were....hers. I brushed my lips against her soft, pink, married lips. She froze for a few seconds and then melted under me. 'That'll shut her up!' I thought. Tilting her head so our kiss was deeper, her fingers toyed with my hair like a child. Slowly I released her; she sighed and looked up at me.
"Excellency." She muttered. I stepped back from her and I knew that everything was going according to my plan. "Feel free to stop by to visit... anytime." Héloïse purred, desiring more and more of my touch.
"I will keep that in mind, but for now... I must bid you good afternoon." I said, brushing her knuckles against my lips. We left the greenhouse together, leaving our dirty little secret behind in that room of glass and poison. Ali was waiting for me in the carriage, ready to leave at a moment's notice.
"To the Galerie la Fayette, I will pick up Estelle and mademoiselle Braque on the way." I said. The carriage pulled away from the Villefort mansion, I heard a crackle over my earpiece.
"Benedetto has been successfully retrieved." I smiled and looked out the window. The sun was low and it was time to take the two ladies back home... I hoped that Estelle had found something in red. Red like the blush all over her shy body, red like the burning thirst in my heart... red like blood.
Estelle's View-
Galerie la Fayette-
I slowly turned around, fixing my hair into a bun as Neika tugged at the dress I was wearing.
'I hope the Count likes it...' I thought. The dress was a deep, dark red and strapless. It flowed behind me like a shimmering bloody waterfall but hugged my small chest, made with a corset to tighten my waist.
"Estelle you look so yummy in that!" Mina said, taking a mouthful of cake. Neika nodded, since she was holding some pins in her mouth and fixing my hem. Around us were a few bags of clothes, accessories and perfumes that Mina and I had chosen to purchase. I picked up a glass of champagne and looked out the window at the other shoppers, keeping an eye out for a gentleman with blue waves and a top hat.
"Did the Count say when he would be picking us up?" I asked Neika. Removing the pins from her mouth she turned to us.
"I cannot say, but it's getting late so he should be arriving soon." She said. Her bright eyes gleamed up at me in delight, finally finishing the splendid dress. Neika took the champagne glass from me and looked at Mina.
"Miss Braque?"
"Yes?'
"In the jewellery department, there are some long earrings made of twisted gold glass. Could you get them for me, I want to see if they'll look good with this dress." Mina finished her tea and excused herself. Neika started to pack up her sewing kit while I looked at the dress from every angle.
'The Count was right... red suits me...' I thought, blushing at the memory of that evening.
"You look even prettier in black..." A voice said. I looked around to see a strange smile on Neika's face.
"E-Excuse me?" She looked up at me and her liquid green eyes flashed.
"Forgive me my dear; I was talking to myself-"
"Will Miss Neika please come to the information desk...?" We looked up. "Miss Neika to the information desk, please?" She bowed at me.
"Please excuse me mademoiselle." I nodded and she closed the door behind her. I stepped down from the plush pedestal, slowly turning around and wrapping my arms around myself. I closed my eyes and smiled.
'Count... you're so good to me... so kind... so generous...' I looked at myself in the mirror, a figure was behind me.
I spun around, my eyes widened.
"Este..." He muttered, a smirk on his face.
"You!" I cried, stepping back in surprise. Drake was a few meters away from me; he cocked his head to the side.
"Nice to see you Estelle." I didn't move, he walked over to me very slowly. I held my hands close to my chest and looked at him, he wasn't looking at me the way he used to. There was no lust in his eyes... but something deeper. He gently took my hand and kissed it, my back was almost touching one of the mirrors.
"Wh-What are you doing here?" I asked, stepping away from him quickly. My hand slipped from his and he looked at me darkly, but he straightened up and his eyes softened.
"I am sorry my love, but this was the only way that I could get to see you alone." I crossed my arms.
"How did you find me?"
"I waited outside the Count's home for you to go somewhere and then I followed you, waited in a cafe until it got late then called for the assistant that was attending to you." I shivered.
'I knew he wanted me... but this is too much.' I looked away and went to the table, where sweets and cold cups of tea were set out. "It's late Drake, you should go home. The Count will be here soon to pick me up." I said, lazily picking up a glace apricot and eating it.
"The Count..." I looked over at him. He was glaring at the floor, clenching a piece of paper in his fist.
"Drake?"
"IT'S THAT BASTARD COUNT THAT STARTED ALL OF THIS!" His eyes were blazing.
"What are you talking about?" He threw down the paper he had in his hand, revealing a familiar article. Beauchamp's inside scoop on the Count's underground palace.
"Is that what he does? Sends out his toys to get pretty new dresses..." My cheeks turned scarlet. "... just so he can tear them off? What a selfish pig!" He sneered.
"How DARE you!" I shrieked. "The whole time that I have been with the Count he has been a kind and gentle lover, he has never..." I froze. My mind raced...
'"Estelle...I want to love you...and yet I want to break you apart." He pinned my hands above my head, and all I could do was look at him like a frightened deer.
*THUMP*
"Excellency?"
*THUMP*
"Estelle, forgive me but I can't hold back anymore-" He slowly began fumbling with his pants.
*THUMP*
"Excellency? Please-"'
*THUMP*
"EDMOND!"
*BANG!*
I snapped back to reality, clutching my head.
"Never what?" Drake cried, I moved away from him as fast as I could within the confines of this damn dress! It suddenly seemed very, very tight, my chest heaved for breath. I yelped as I felt him grab my shoulders and spin me around, looking at me dead in the eyes.
"He's never said that he loves you..." I gasped. "I'm right... aren't I, Este?" I looked away, shivering as his hand was warm. Not what I was used to...
"You have no business in my affairs Drake... please leave..." I whispered. He sighed and I looked back at him, his face was just a little too close to mine.
"He's not good for you Estelle. You can be so naive; can't you see what he's really like?" I was surprised as I saw his eyes grow moist. "He keeps you in that underground palace, cut off from your family and he takes you out to parade you around like some kind of trophy!"
"Why do you even care Drake? All you have ever wanted from me is my body! I love him and nothing will ever change that!" I cried. His nails dug into my bare shoulders.
"I'M THE ONE WHO LOVES YOU!"
Time seemed to stop.
All I could hear was the beating of our hearts.
"I-I'm supposed to be the knight in shining armour who saves the princess from the tower." He said, gritting his teeth. "Satine chooses the penniless writer at the end of 'Moulin Rouge!'... not the Duke...not the Duke..." He fell to his knees, hugging me around the waist. Pressing his face into my corseted stomach, I gasped for air. "...not the Duke..." I stepped back and he looked up at me, eyes burning at me with a feeling I couldn't read. I bit my lip.
"Drake." He smiled at me hopefully. "If you really loved me, then you would be happy in the knowledge that I have found the one for me." His face crumbled. "I honestly hope that you will find the one for you. Life isn't like the plot of some vintage film... I hope you can understand that." I knotted my fingers together and closed my eyes.
Suddenly he lunged at me, wrapping his arms around me and I started to scream.
"Please Estelle! I can see it in his eyes! He's evil! He cannot love!" I struggled in his arms, walking backwards in my very tight dress.
"Let me go! You're scaring me Drake!" I shuddered.
"We could live in a mansion by the sea; I have more than enough money for you to be happy! Please Estelle! Let me save you from him!" He shouted. I tried to hit him so he would release me, we kept moving backwards.
"I don't need saving-!" My ankle hit something, we both yelped and fell. I hit the floor hard, my brain rattled in my skull and my eyes rolled back.
"Estelle?" My mind drifted and everything faded to black.
Drake's View-
"Estelle?" She didn't respond. Carefully I brushed away the hair that had fallen in her face, her eyes were closed. "Estelle..." I sighed, my hand cupped her cheek. She was so close to me, I could feel the fabric of her dress against my shirt, her small, perfect breasts against my chest... the smooth skin of her neck gleamed under me. I leant in close; her breath was as sweet as the glace apricot she had just eaten. Slowly I brushed my thumb against her bottom lip, dipping a little further. I felt the tip of her tongue and my nail ran over her teeth. I lowered my face to hers, tilting my head so it fitted hers just right...
I felt something cold and hard slip underneath my jaw, tilting my head up and away from the girl of my fantasies. I glanced down and froze, it was a golden staff topped with a bright, shield-shaped gem.
"If you value your life... get...off...her." I didn't move. I may never get this close to her ever again! "Right... now." Very slowly I stood up, releasing Estelle and leaving her on the floor.
Count's View-
Monsieur Lee moved to the wall, looking over his shoulder as Ali picked up Estelle and wrapped her in her coat, carrying her carefully.
"Listen to my words boy..." I said softly. "If you ever come near her again, you will feel a wrath that will make the demons of hell envy me." A shiver ran down his spine. "Do I make myself clear?" He nodded and I looked at Estelle in Ali's arms, catching a glance at the red of her dress. I smirked a little and we turned to leave, Miss Braque was waiting by the door. Suddenly she gasped and I felt something hit me in the back; I looked over at Monsieur Lee. A black leather glove was lying on the floor; his eyes were blazing at me.
"I challenge you!" He cried.
"If I may ask, what exactly are you challenging me for?" I asked.
"For her!" I couldn't help but smile.
"I think you know as well as I, that she has made her choice and it would be a pointless duel."
"Then you are not defending your honour?" I raised an eyebrow.
"It is my honour so I have every right to defend it."
"Then in my eyes, you are a coward!" I narrowed my gaze. He had gone too far.
"Excuse me?"
"Hiding behind Estelle, face me like a man so I may prove my love for her!" I sighed.
'He will continue to pester me like an insect until I give in...' Glancing at the unconscious Estelle for a few seconds, then I turned to Monsieur Lee. "Very well, what is the weapon of choice?"
"Rapiers. I will see you tomorrow at 10:00 am. In the fields to the south of the city." He growled. I nodded and we all turned to leave, a huge security guard stepped into the room. Walking over to Monsieur Lee, ready to throw him out.
'This duel will be all too easy. Estelle should come to see his fall, then he shall know that his honour can never be redeemed in her eyes.' The paparazzi parted for us as we went into my carriage, Estelle's head on my lap as we went back to my underground palace. Curling her hair around my fingertip, Miss Braque was looking at her intensely.
"He won't give up easily." I looked up at her.
"What makes you say that?" Her mouth twitched.
"I know more about her then you could ever hope to, I know that Drake is completely in love with her... deep, heart-wrenching love is difficult to destroy." She said, before looking out the window at the crowd. I looked back down at her, still knocked out but I knew she would revive by this evening.
'There is so much I do not know about her. Her past, her family... I only pray that she will be at my side when my true intentions are revealed.' My mind was heavy with revenge and anger... my lips still tasted like Madame Villefort's...