Chapter 23: The Plan
Esmeralda was able to clandestinely return to bed, her absence unnoticed. Thankfully, her husband slept soundly that night, which allowed her to sleep well too.
The rest of the night was peaceful, but the morning was uncomfortable. The church bells announced that the day was beginning. It was a sound that made Frollo dismal. He should have been glad to wake up to the bells instead of being stirred by a nightmare, but he lacked hope after what had happened the last time the nightmares had seemingly ended. It was likely only a matter of time before the struggle continued, and therefore it was too soon for relief.
He rose with a sigh, getting dressed and striding over to the window. He watched as the sun began to light up the sky. Mornings in Paris were beautiful. But today, it felt like a cruel joke. Like Frollo was being made to look at a pleasant world while the world collapsed within him.
He heard Esmeralda get up and approach him, but he didn't look at her.
"How did you sleep?" She asked.
"Well enough." Frollo answered indifferently, continuing to stare out the window.
"Does that mean you'll join me for breakfast?" Esmeralda asked hopefully.
"I don't trust that it ended that quickly." Frollo replied.
He couldn't eat yet. Not until he was more confident that mercy had finally been granted.
Esmeralda hoped that this would change after her plan was carried out. She got dressed and started to leave, but was stopped.
"Can I ask you for one thing?" Frollo said unexpectedly.
He wasn't sure if he should be asking this. He was still angry with Esmeralda, but that didn't dull the depression he felt. And when emotions were difficult, she was the person he could rely on for comfort. Frollo liked that, although he wished that he didn't.
"What is it?" Esmeralda asked.
Frollo finally turned to look at her. Esmeralda was immediately worried by the sight of his face. He looked pale, weak, and miserable, the result of starvation and emotional turmoil.
He felt as bad as his face would indicate. And accordingly, Frollo wanted what he was beginning to automatically want at times of unease: Esmeralda's affection. He needed her. Just to make his day a little easier. He was too exhausted by everything that had come up in the last few weeks.
"A kiss." Frollo said weakly.
"Just a kiss?" Esmeralda asked.
"One kiss. Nothing more."
It was all he needed right now. Just something to make him feel like he was cared for. Being unloved was starting to weigh on him.
Esmeralda knew that, even if Frollo wouldn't say it. She thought of how her husband had said that no one had ever loved him. Her heart broke at the thought. The damage that such a cruel upbringing had done... Esmeralda only hoped that Frollo would realize it.
She walked over to him sadly, put her hands on his shoulders, and kissed him.
It was very different from the kisses they had previously shared. This one wasn't lustful or hateful, but rather chaste and soft. And somehow, it was better than the other kisses. Frollo savored it. For that moment, he felt loved.
"That basket looks quite full." Frollo commented.
He had just stepped into the church with Esmeralda, who carried a clearly loaded basket. The contents were barely covered by a cloth.
"I don't know what you mean." Esmeralda brushed off.
"I'm still not going to eat." Frollo insisted. "So if you're serving a feast, I hope you've invited guests."
"I promise I am quite prepared for this lunch." Esmeralda said mischievously.
Frollo was about to question her more when they came near the stairs to the belltower, but he was stopped.
"Good afternoon, Minister Frollo." The archdeacon greeted, stopping in front of the staircase.
Frollo was taken off guard.
"Good afternoon..." He said suspiciously.
"I must speak to you." The holy man informed. "Regarding some very important matters."
"What sort of important matters?" Frollo questioned.
"Why don't you come along and find out?" The archdeacon suggested.
This was Esmeralda's cue.
"I'll see you soon." She promised, beginning to march up the stairs.
When she was out of sight, she broke into a run, rushing to the top of the tower.
"Quasimodo!" She called.
The bell ringer met her with an alarmed expression.
"Is something wrong?" He asked. "Where's Frollo?"
"Downstairs." Esmeralda replied. "I need you to help me set things up."
"What's going on?" Quasimodo inquired.
"I'll explain while we get ready. Help me set the table."
A bit of a short one because the next chapter should be long! Thanks for sticking with me!