Chapter 6. What the River Knows
In the quiet hours of morning, before the dew has settled and the sun could rise, two lone figures stood on the mist clouded banks of the Seine. At their feet lay several large crates filled with various foods, fabrics, and a decent supply of parchment and ink.
"Surely Louis, you can think of better things to do with your time than terrorize my maids and felling chandeliers on unsuspecting, albeit deserving Counts," the smaller of the two figures said, tone scolding.
Louis chucked. "Indeed, Hélène. You may rest easy, however. My newest projects have been quite demanding." Already his mind drifted towards the cavern where his designs were. His fingers itched to test out the durability and weight of the new fabrics she had brought him.
"I see," Hélène's eyes narrowed. "And which of these projects include my daughter and her friend Corinne?"
Louis blinked in surprise.
"You thought I wouldn't notice, did you?" Hélène shook her head. "You of all people should know otherwise. I know everything that goes on in that castle. Now tell me, what you are doing that involves them."
"I thought you knew everything that goes on in that castle," Louis teased. The older woman glared at him. "All right. Your daughter is of use by simply spreading the stories. No one dares to explore the castle grounds because of her. Miss D'Artagnan, on the other hand, has indicated she wishes to join the ranks of the musketeers. I am merely providing her with the necessary skills to do so."
"Is that all?"
"Of course. I would never lie to you, Hélène."
"Is that so? Than perhaps you can tell me exactly how Corinne acquired those bruises?"
Louis cursed. Damn her perceptiveness!
"I swear Louis, if you are hurting either of them in any way-"
"Enough!" He shouted. "It was simply a… misunderstanding. We've already made our peace with it."
Hélène's arms crossed. "You still haven't answered my question."
"She removed my mask," Louis said through clenched teeth. "I lost my temper. By the time I realized what I was doing, it was already done."
"I see."
"I'm not proud of it, Hélène. I've hurt men far worse for far less. However, I promise you that no harm will befall our little Corinne while I am teaching her. Or any of your maids for that matter, whether it be by my hand or not."
"Our Corinne, is it?" Hélène smirked. "Do you have feelings for the girl?"
Louis snorted. "Is a teacher not allowed to care for the well-being of his pupil?"
"If that's what you prefer to call it," Hélène nodded. "Very well then. I believe I've a castle to tend to, if that's all."
"Right. Same time next week?"
"Of course, Monsieur Rousseau."
The two figures and their spoils disappeared into the mist. Above the river, the sun began to rise.
...
Note: I have recently made a change to this story I regards to Hélène and Aramina being mother and daughter. So, yes you've read that right. Previous chapters have been edited to reflect this change (really, only chapter 2 at this point.) The idea just kind of jumped out at me while I was writing chapter 7 and I liked it enough to keep it. Sorry for any confusion I may have caused. That being said, what do you think with new development? Is Hélène right? Is Louis totally avoiding the obvious here? I know the answer, but what do you think?