Chapter 2. Ghost Stories

Over the next couple of weeks, Corinne found life as a palace maid wasn't as horrible as she'd anticipated. The work was fairly easy and the pay was decent; the chambers she and her fellow maids shared was spacious and had a lovely view, so she had little to complain about.

Corinne adored the other maids. The four of them had gotten off to a rocky start, but soon enough found themselves giggling over silly things like most girls would. Renée was strong and intelligent. If any of the girls needed advice, she was who they would turn to. Poised and a little sassy, Viveca had quite the eye for fashion. A tear in their uniforms would last no longer than a few hours under her supervision. Aramina had the grace of a prima ballerina and a romantic's soul. She often told of the stories and legends surrounding Paris and the ancient castle while they worked.

However, Corinne did not tell her friends about her dreams to be a musketeer out of fear of being scolded or ridiculed.

They were cleaning the ballroom for an event later that night.

"Corinne, have I told you the legend of the Palace Phantom?"

"Oh no," Renée groaned.

"Here we go again." Viveca shook her head.

Corinne looked up from her work. "The Palace Phantom?"

"Yes," Aramina said ignoring her complaining friends. "The legend tells of a mysterious being living beneath the palace. He walks in shadow and the catacombs are his dominion."

"But why is he called a phantom?"

"Because," Aramina's voice lowered, "no one has ever really seen him. And those who claim to have seen him, say he has two faces instead of one. Half the most handsome man you'll ever see."

"And the other half?"

"Like that of a corpse."

Corinne gasped. Renée rolled her eyes.

Aramina grinned. "He keeps it covered with a white mask. That's where the name phantom comes from. It is also said that he is responsible for the disappearance of Prince L-"

"Aramina, hold your tongue!" Madame Hélène, the elderly groundskeeper scolded. All four girls flinched; she had come out of nowhere. "You will find that prudent silence is wise."

"Yes, Mama. I am sorry."

"Good. Now all of you, please return to your work. Silently."

"Yes, Mama."

Moments later a sort of chill filled the room. Aramina's head snapped up.

"He has eyes everywhere," she whispered as if she was in a trance. "Always watching. Always listening." Her chin fell and she continued working.

"What the hell was that, Aramina?" Renée hissed.

"What do you mean?"

"That whole 'Phantom is watching you' business you just said."

"I did no such thing!"

"Oh, yes you did. We heard you."

Viveca nodded. "Oui."

"You did, Aramina." Corinne added.

"I did not!" Aramina protested, tears filling her eyes. "Mama told me to stop, so I did!"

"You're lying!"

"I am not!"

"Quiet! Someone's coming!"

Each girl diligently threw herself into her work.

Count Philippe strode into view, Monsieur Treville trailing at his heels. "…and as you know my dear uncle has never been the same since cousin Louis passed aw-" He ran straight into Corinne. "You! Watch where you're-" He stopped abruptly.

"I'm terribly sorry, Your Grace." She offered.

His eyes ran over the blonde maid. Corinne suppressed the urge to shudder. "Oh, no Mademoiselle. The fault is entirely mine. Pardon me." He continued walking.

Aramina giggled. "Is he not the dreamiest?"

"Count Philippe?" Viveca asked, visibly disgusted. "He's easily twice your age!"

The red-head sighed.

There came a great snap and the grand chandelier plummeted down, narrowly missing the Count. The man in the shadows cried out in frustration. Shards of glass flew in all directions and using her broom as a sword, Corinne beat back the pieces headed in towards her. He gasped at her skill. Maybe this attempt hadn't been a waste after all.

The musketeers rushed into the ball room.

"What happened?"

"We heard a crash."

"Are you blind?" The Count shouted. "That chandelier barely missed me! Where were you?"

The musketeers said nothing.

"As I thought," he growled. "You four," he gestured to Corinne and her friends, "clean this mess at once!"

Count Philippe stomped from the room, muttering something about ghosts.

...

I really love this chapter. Hope you all did too. See you next Friday!