Tu Vas Me Detruire-Part 10

                                                                   Tu Vas Me Détruire-Part 10  




Esmeralda: Esmeralda had continued to make her way along the rooftops of the shocked city, listening intently to the direction of sound, which Phantom was riding with Frollo on his back...but then all went quiet. There was no way that Frollo would have stopped hunting her since she was basically his ticket back to the life he had in Paris...so why was there no more sound of the chase? Oh God...he was walking, or running now...

Fear gripped Esmeralda by the shoulders as she stopped and ducked behind a chimney, listening for any sound of his feet on the roof...but there was nothing. This had become a game of the hunter and the hunted...

Placing a hand over her mouth to block out the sound of her breathing, Esmeralda would have to move quickly along the roofs to get away from the insane Minster of Justice. As the gypsy began to move along the rooftops, she slid down and kicked open a window, sliding into the house before they screamed in alarm. Damn it all! Telling them hurriedly to stay silent, Esmeralda moved within the house down to the lower levels, and threw open the door before taking back into the streets, the feeling of being watched forever on her back. Esmeralda bumped into several people, but continued to keep running as she saw Marie with Persephone; without a word, she hopped onto the horse and kicked her beast into a running gallop out of the village and headed towards Paris.

The wind whipped against her cheeks, stinging them and causing them to go numb as she knew the flight to Paris would be a do or die situation...Frollo was a strong man despite his age and fleeing him was going to take all of her effort as Esmeralda continued to urge Persephone to run as fast as she could possibly take her. Looking behind her, Esmeralda did not see Frollo and breathed a sigh of relief before turning into the trees for more closure and protection on her journey alone. She was not going to make it to Paris before dark, and as she felt the cold breeze of night coming upon her, it was then that Esmeralda could relax. An entire day she had spent dodging and running from her husband; like she was back in Paris when they first met. There was no need to make a fire tonight...she would go without.

Sliding off of Persephone, she sank heavily into the ground, all her energy drained from the day as she allowed her horse to eat the grass and flowers, which had already begun to close. Her sides were sore, and her lungs raw from exertion...but she had escaped Frollo. Esmeralda's dressed had been torn from the struggle and from the house she had broken into, and tearing off some pieces to clean her bloody fingernails from HIS blood, Esmeralda relaxed feeling the cool welcoming breeze on her exposed legs and hardly covered chest. Yes, tomorrow she would make her way back to the Court of Miracles and ask Clopin for money, which would take her out of Paris for good. Damn Frollo and damn whatever his position meant; it was all nothing to her. Laying down on the grass behind her, Esmeralda closed her eyes and dreamed of tomorrow...all her nightmares would end.
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Frollo: The sound of screaming immediately pricked at his ear, making the Judge spin around. It was clear from the sound she had already passed this house and was now somewhere rather close by. Frollo immediately ran forward in the direction of the scream. It was there he saw her, now back down on ground level. Damn that girl! The Judge was completely livid over this whole nonsense. Running back to the one house he climbed down, sliding in to the window and then continued running down, back to the ground level. Getting his bearings he headed forward, down the street, trying to find her.

Phantom was milling about, just waiting patiently for his master. Frollo moved quickly towards him and mounted him. Urging him back to the main street he made his way back towards where he left Marie. It was there he saw Marie standing around, looking quite upset, but she was alone.....no Persephone.

"Oh, master Frollo, Esmeralda came up behind me and took off on the horse. I could not stop her."

Frollo looked off in the direction out of the village, the direction to Paris. Continuing to chase her down was proving futile, but he was far from finished with her, for now that is. Knowing her she would not stay to the main road, the sneaky, ungrateful.....Swallowing back the rage within him, Frollo said nothing to Marie as he slid off his horse and moved towards one of the booths. He scooped up a few French rolls, tossed money at the merchant and then headed back for his horse. The money he threw down cost more than the price of the rolls, but the people of this village could put it to use for any damage his insane wife caused. Turning to Marie he gave her the rolls and then helped her up on to Phantom.

"Wha....what are you going to do, Minister? If you show up at the Palace without Esmeralda it will be hard to clear both of your names."

Marie was completely perplexed by this strange calmness that overcame him. It usually was the calm before the wicked, violent storm. It could be possible to return to the Palace without his bride if absolutely necessary. A story could be made up that she was visiting family or some such nonsense. He had all the proof needed on his person that he was indeed marry now. The news was also being spread at this very moment to the King as well. Still though, it would come across as very strange if supposedly happy newlyweds did not return home together. Suspicion would most definitely arise, hurting both their chances for freedom.

"We are not heading to the Palace just yet, Marie. I have something else in mind."

Even his voice purred out in a calm, cool manner as well, a tone through which Marie knew not to push any further. With that Frollo kicked at Phantom's side sending the nightmarish steed galloping across the country-side. He planned to keep riding till he reached Paris, having a good idea where Esmeralda was eventually heading. If she thinks her gypsy brother would be proud by her foolish actions then she is not as smart as he originally thought. Acting like this will never gain her access in to Paris ever again. There was no way Clopin could agree with this. Whatever both he and the gypsy king thought of each other before, they had come to a strange sort of understanding, knowing what had to be done to secure her freedom. Frollo was doing everything to make that possible and he refused to let her throw it all away now!

Marie remained silent, nibbling on the rolls offered to her and holding on for dear life. Frollo streaked across the road like a madman, urging Phantom on ever faster. By this point he was going on sheer adrenaline to reach Paris without stopping once. Brief thoughts of Esmeralda swam in to view, trying to piece together why she suddenly acted this way. She knew what would be expected of her. Everything they had planned to secure both their freedoms was no surprise. She was acting like some petulant child, which annoyed him greatly to no end. Somehow he knew this all stemmed towards that infernal blond fool Phoebus. The womanizing cur! Just the very thought of how he wanted to have Esmeralda and then turn around and marry another sickened him deeply. Whatever the dancer may think of him and his past he had always been loyal to her since knowing her. There was never another woman in his eyes, nor would he ever want anyone else. Everything he did was all for her. These thoughts fueled the fire further as he continued galloping faster along the road.

Night had already fallen as the Minister approached the city of Paris. Slowing Phantom down a little he paused at the gates with some apprehension. From what he could see all still seemed the same since the night that they fled. Urging his horse on towards the cemetery he had pulled the hood up on his cloak to avoid being recognized by soldiers....his own soldiers. It was on his way he took notice of a small group of gypsies walking ahead, one being that of Clopin. The closer he approached, they all immediately turned, looking primed and ready for an attack. Frollo immediately called out to the gypsy king, which caused a surprise look to appear. The harlequin asked why he was sneaking around still like some fugitive. His questioning stopped when he noticed Frollo only had his maid with him. It became clear something was wrong.

With a deep sigh, Frollo looked to Clopin,

"We need to talk....it is about Esmeralda."
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Esmeralda: It was her lovely vivid imagination which had been playing tricks on her the entire night, fearing that Frollo was in the trees waiting to attack her. Finally the dancer had enough of all this and awoke her sleepy horse back to her awake state, before urging the beast with haste to make it back to Paris that very night. It was demanding she knew, and later when she had made it back into the Court of Miracles, Esmeralda would be sure to treat Persephone with apples and carrots for her hard work. The night air was chilling the dancer to the bone as she soon found the familiar sights of Paris within view, and the bells of Notre Dame ringing, as if welcoming her back. Tears welled in the emerald pools as she hurried as fast as she could back to the gates of her home, but then she was struck with a terrible thought about all of this...she was still wanted within her own streets. And she had no hood.

So, she was going to have to do this a gypsy way. Making it close to the gates, Esmeralda trotted along the drawbridge as she knew that the guards would not see her if only the horse came in. Jumping off of Persephone's back and onto the high wall, her horse walked into Paris with odd looks in her every direction, while Esmeralda ran across the slightly slippery stones, before calling to her horse softly, and obediently, she came down to where her master was. Esmeralda threw her legs over the side as she made it back onto her loyal steed, and made her way to the Court of Miracles; the sewer way so that Persephone was able to come with her through the wet, damp, and skeleton lit catacombs.

Esmeralda was soon greeted by the familiar sounds, smells, and people of her Court, and she was welcomed with open arms as Esmeralda leaped down from Persephone s back and into the gathering crowd, happy to have their queen safe and sound, back where she belonged. It was a bittersweet moment for the gypsy dancer, since her title was Queen of the Gypsies, but marriage it would make Frollo a second King. It did not sit right with Esmeralda that their second king should be the man who wanted to wipe them out from existence. Why her brother found a new attachment to the Judge was beyond her, since Clopin despised Frollo as much as she did!  There were so many things that the dancer did not understand. It was not until her brother came up behind her and embraced her warmly that Esmeralda relaxed. Orders were given for her people to make ready the feast, take Persephone to the stalls, and that she and her brother would be having a moment.

Creeping into Clopin's caravan, he handed her a robe since her current attire was nothing close to being decent, and as she changed out of the skimpy shift, Esmeralda went behind the small screen and tied the belt around the teal robe before coming back out to see her brother...and although he was pleased to see her, something was not right in the way he looked at her.

Sitting down on the same bed, Esmeralda told him everything that happened after the wedding, including the night she had with Frollo...she spoke of his hands, and the pain, but not in detail. Clopin listened to everything as Esmeralda continued, "I can't stay with someone I don't love. How can I fool soldiers, this other Judge and for heavens sake a KING. when I cannot even fool myself to even act like it?" His hand was upon her shoulder as Esmeralda sighed heavily, "I know what he has done for me, and I know that I am deep down grateful...but marrying someone I do not love, and being forced to fool the very King of France is something I don't think I can do." Above all things, Esmeralda believed in love...her marriage with Frollo was nothing but built upon lies and lust, at least from his side. Esmeralda listened to Clopin advise her just to lay down for the night and take a nap, since he was heading out with the rest of the gypsies to gather food for the dinner they would all share together.

Esmeralda could not disagree as she hugged Clopin once more, before sliding all the way onto the cot, which Clopin slept, and pulling the thin material of a blanket over herself, Esmeralda allowed her body to relax knowing that she was safe and drifted off to sleep. Frollo would not find her here.

((Suuure he won't. Man is like a bloodhound))
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Frollo: It was all explained what happened after Clopin, Quasimodo and a few other gypsies left the cathedral in Rouen. Frollo appeared to be confused by it all, seeking advice from the gypsy king, of all people. If anyone was watching the two converse they would think they were dreaming, as it all seemed so far-fetched. Clopin explained how his gypsy sister was quite head-strong. When she gets an idea in that head of hers there's no stopping her. Frollo stood still, listening, trying to point out everything he did was for her so that she may return to Paris a free woman.

"I even promised her that once all was settled and both our names were cleared I would have the marriage annulled. Why does she have to be so darn stubborn?!"

Even Clopin frowned at that last statement, knowing how the Minister felt about her. Of course there was truth to his words, it was obvious in his whole demeanor, but there still was no denying that he loved this arrangement. Perhaps loved it a little too much maybe. No doubt Esmeralda saw it as well. Saw right through the little facade they both were playing and could see the Judge's true feelings. Clopin had found himself at an impasse with the whole situation. He was not able to ever completely be friends with Frollo, but he understood, to some degree, why he was doing all this.

The gypsy king had seen many men fall under the spell of his beautiful little sister. It never was a pretty sight. The majority were just a bunch of fools whom he did not care one way or another what happened to them. Seeing someone as powerful as Frollo fall hard was extremely amusing. Still though, with all that he has done recently for Esmeralda Clopin felt that she did owe him something, an explanation at least. Asking her to do that was something he could not bring himself to do. The gypsy was realizing it best to just listen to the both of them instead; stay neutral.

With a wee bit of reluctance, Clopin allowed Frollo and Marie down to the Court of Miracles, seeing as they had no place to go. It was not like the Minister did not know the way down here already. They were placed in one of the unused caravans for the time being. It was best to keep his presence hidden for now, telling his gypsy brothers that were standing with him to keep quiet on the subject. The other gypsies knew of course things were different in the city because of the changes the Judge went through. Still though, seeing him down in their home would not be a good idea. Clopin told them both to stay in the caravan and not to come out until he came for them. The harlequin shook his head with a sigh, unable to believe he had Frollo down here. It was then, not too long after Esmeralda made her presence known, she had returned as well. Oh, just wonderful, thought Clopin.

After talking with her for a little while and getting her to rest in his own caravan he was planning to head out to gather for dinner. Stopping once more at the unused caravan, he informed Frollo and Marie to continue to lay low. He also would bring them food very soon. If either one of them knew how close the other was to each other they would end up being upset with him. Clopin just sighed and then headed out with a few of his gypsy brothers. Somehow, some way those two would need to work things out eventually.

Frollo began pacing in the caravan like a mad thing, not liking the idea of being cooped up like this. Marie on the other hand was enjoying the fact there was a comfortable place to sleep. As she eased herself down on the cot, preparing herself for a little nap, Frollo continued walking up and down the floor. Occasionally he would peer out of the caravan. The very idea of being amongst the gypsies like this was so strange. He knew eventually Esmeralda would be heading down here as well. If she was here he wanted to see her. Time moved by so slowly and still nothing from Clopin. Peeking out again, there did not seem much movement going on. Where the devil did everyone disappear to?! Growing deeply annoyed with waiting, he grabbed his cloak, pulled up the hood and then slipped out carefully. Marie had drifted of to sleep, not realizing he was heading out.

Carefully Frollo moved about the Court, staying more to the shadows, observing everything. Various caravans were parked, a few gypsies here and there mingled about. Seeing Persephone mill about made his heart beat fast: she was here, she just had to be! The question of course now was, where? The white horse was standing near one caravan, but he wondered if that meant she was actually inside. Darting across, he continued slinking along, making his way to the caravan. Quietly and carefully, he reached for the door and then slipped inside. As he moved slowly about he came upon the sleeping form of his bride, causing him to stop in his tracks. Even with all the madness she had put him through she still looked so beautiful lying there.

Crouching down, he moved closer to her, his face now mere inches from her own. His lips lightly brushed over hers as he then moved up to her ear to speak softly.

"You can run, but you cannot hide from me, my love."

His hands immediately clutched her tightly, keeping her pressed down to the cot.

"You may not care to become a free woman in your own city, but I certainly do. I did everything to ensure your freedom and you will not throw it away so easily!"


((((Hehe, Clopin has become the marriage counselor!)))
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Esmeralda: Sleep had been blissful! Esmeralda loved the familiar feeling of the cot under her body, and the musky smell of Clopin's own manly scent, as her breathing remained even and slow; the dancer was at peace, dreaming...and defenseless. In her sleep was the only time that she ever let her guard down, and even then she had been a light sleeper, awakening to any sound which would catch her sensitive ears; always on the guard for Frollo and his men. But the poor girl was so drained from the marriage union, the chase and game of hide and seek in the small village, and then making her way back to Paris, slipping into the streets, and finally coming across her home...it was more then one person could surely handle!

Her body was sunken deep into the cot, the robe covering her barely as she sheet slipped from her body from her movements in sleep, but all that time she believed that she would be safe from the very man she now feared more then ever before; her husband...Frollo.

In her dark slumber, Esmeralda had not heard the door to Clopin's caravan open, nor the sound of the wooden boards beneath the intruders feet, before they stopped near her cot...and lips pressed against hers while a voice spoke softly to her in her ear, as Esmeralda began to stir from her sleep, curiosity in her mind..who was here?

It was the sudden and rather harsh feeling of two cold hands pin her to the cot that made her snap her emerald eyes open to see none other then Frollo. Esmeralda's eyes looked up at him with wide eyes, glimmering with fear for a moment, but then anger as she arched against the cot, trying to shove him away from her. How dare he! How had he gotten into the Court of Miracles without being hanged!? She struggled against his iron hands pressing painfully into her arms as she stopped fighting, finding it was useless in her half asleep state. Breathing slightly heavily as she looked him over, she asked of her new husband, "And live like you? With you? I have done all I can, but I cannot lie about my feelings like you can! I cannot trick a judge and another king in believing I love you! I have given my word and married you, and even went through with the wedding night! What the hell do you want from me!?" she demanded hotly, pushing up close to his face as she spoke, the only movement she was allowed since his arms had not budged.
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Frollo: Being this close to her while keeping her arms pinned down sent that familiar shuddering feeling all through him. Desperately he wanted to kiss her, to feel her again, but he had to remain strong and stay focused.

"You have been wronged, Esmeralda. A little stretch of the truth must happen to set things right again. Minister Lacroix will not be fair to your people, that I can assure you of. He is just as ruthless, if not worse. At least if I got my title back I will continue to keep my promise to you. There really is not much choice here. If you can actually sit here and tell me you prefer to remain a fugitive forever, that you enjoy never being able to roam freely in Paris again, then so be it!"

With that, Frollo released his tight grasp on her, stepping away immediately. He glared down on her briefly and then glanced away, folding his arms.

"I had promised I would release you once your name was cleared. I still will keep my word if that is what you truly wish."

His voice came out a little softer now as his back was to her. This part of the bargain he knew he would have to honor....even if it killed him.
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Esmeralda: Esmeralda breathed in heavily as she felt his hands release her now sore skin, and sitting up slowly as she listened to him, the dancer rubbed the place where he had harmed her and slid her legs under her body as if to hide all that she could from him. He would never let her go...his words were empty promises since Esmeralda knew that if they were to be bound by this loveless marriage, then there would be regular check-ups on them both to see if this was not a sham. Emerald eyes slipped closed as she leaned her head against the wooden wall of the caravan behind her, all the while feeling her heart slowly break and turn in on itself. She had thought by escaping and running from him she would be free of his grasp on her...to live her life the way she wanted before all this had happened!

A heavy gulp went down her throat as she opened her wet eyes to look at his back, just realizing that she had begun to tear up. Esmeralda would never be free. Frollo would always have the keys to her cell and he would hold them in his cold hand until the day he slipped from existence, or if she died before him.

Sinking into the corner the most that she could without her robe prying open, Esmeralda wiped away the wetness from her cheeks and took in a silent breath as she stood to her feet and walked to stand behind him, but did not touch her husband as she said, "I'm not returning tonight. I'm staying here in the Court of Miracles until tomorrow afternoon. You are free to do as you desire." With that said, she turned away from him and sat down on the edge of the bed, all feeling in her legs had gone.
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Frollo: A shiver went through him when he felt her close behind him, but he still did not turn around. Her words slightly surprised him, as he expected her to flat out tell him she no longer cared if she was ever free again in her own city. It was late, showing up at the Palace at this hour would probably not be a wise decision anyway. It made him wonder if she planned to return with him tomorrow afternoon, but he chose not to question it. Free to do as he desired eh? What he desired was to make love to his wife again, but he knew there was no way that would happen. By rights as a husband he did have the authority to demand such things, pointing it out as being one of her wifely duties, but it would all be pointless. If she would not come to him of her own free will it meant nothing to him. This was how he knew he had changed drastically. Before he would just take what he wanted and not even give it a second thought of how it affected others.

Turning slowly around he saw she had moved to sit back down on the bed, her back to him.

"It is quite late anyway, it would be safer to stay here tonight. Clopin was kind enough to offer Marie and I with a place to sleep, as we have no where to go. It is good to know not everyone is feeling animosity."

Without even saying good night or anything else of the sort, he then headed for the door. Just as he opened it, Clopin was about to reach for the handle. His eyes widened at seeing Frollo standing there. The Judge just waved it off before the gypsy king could say anything.

"Nothing happened and thank you again for your hospitality."

He shot Esmeralda back a glare and then stepped out of the caravan, passing a dumbfounded Clopin.
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Esmeralda: CLOPIN!? Clopin had allowed Frollo into their home?! Esmeralda felt like she had just been slapped so hard across her face that she forgot to breathe. Clopin knew better then to bring of all people to the Court of Miracles was Frollo, and to even offer him a place to stay!? What the hell was he thinking? Clopin KNEW full well that she did not want to marry or have anything to do with Frollo, and here he was throwing her back to the wolves! Esmeralda hardly heard Frollo leave as she looked up to see Clopin standing there looking down at her. "Are you out of your mind!? Bringing Frollo here of all places and letting him stay here? Who's side are you on, brother?" she asked of him angrily as she stood up and got into his face. There were many times that Clopin had done something stupid, but this was BEYOND anything that she would have ever thought he would do!

Clopin in turn looked very angry at his sister as he told her that Frollo was by means now part of the family, and even though there was bad blood between them, he would honor to some degree what their marriage entailed. "You know damn well this is not by my doing or wanting for that matter! I do not love him and in our eyes that does not count for a damn thing!" Esmeralda said while Clopin seemed to try and calm her down, but she was more than angry with how things turned out tonight. She drew open the door and slammed it behind her, leaving Clopin alone in his caravan as she tried to swallow the bitter taste of betrayal that lingered in her mouth as she made her way back to her own caravan, and upon opening the doors she was greeted by Djali, and embracing him to her chest, Esmeralda remained on the floor with her best friend for some time. How could this have all happened? Why did Clopin have to betray her to Frollo? Did he not care for her like he used to all those years ago?

Questions went through her mind, and it did not help that she knew Frollo was in her place of sanctuary...what had she done to deserve all this? Tomorrow she would be taken back to the Palace of Justice where she was to fool everyone that Frollo was the love of her life. In the end, Esmeralda was beginning to see that Frollo would be the end of her...
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Frollo: As he stormed out of the caravan he started heading for the one Marie was occupying, but then stopped. With all that has happened he should be exhausted, but the idea of sleeping right now was the furthest thing from his mind. Looking behind him he saw Persephone nuzzling Phantom, which sickened him. Their horses could get along so pleasantly, it was the owners on the other hand who had some issues. Why couldn't Esmeralda think the way her horse did? Just accept him as is and end this foolishness. That of course only occurs in a perfect world and nothing is perfect, he learned that at a very young age.

Still though, thoughts of how things were going seemingly well between them came to mind. A sigh formed at the little moments, holding her slender body close against him, how she actually allowed him to do so. How she seemed to becoming comfortable with him. It all led to that fateful moment in the garden when he over-stepped his bounds. The mask had been stripped away and she saw him for what he truly was, some love-sick monster who could not control himself. Any chance that may have been blooming within her was destroyed in one forceful move. How was he ever going to win her back or was that all he would ever have? A few blissful, sweet moments? Another thought began to occur, which only pained him deeply. Perhaps it was only just an act on her part. The whole time, even when she appeared comfortable. She may have been just biding her time until the day she is free. A mixture of anger and despair filled him, wishing he could mount his horse and just ride to clear his mind. That of course could not happen, it was not safe for him to roam about in his own city!

Finding comfort in the shadows, Frollo sat down, half observing the gypsies moving about, preparing a meal. With head in his hands he just sat in silence, unsure of what to do at this point.
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Esmeralda:  It had not been long before Esmeralda awoke from the light slumber, which had finally taken her only an hour before. She was now staring at the wooden roof to her caravan, while the steady breathing of Djali at her feet had become the only comforting thing which kept the dancer calm herself. She could not sleep anymore. Throwing over carefully the blanket, which had kept her warm onto the sleeping beast of her goat, Esmeralda threw back on her robe and decided to head out to find some water and perhaps that would be the answer to her sleeping problem.

Making her way through the brightly colored tents and passageways before the only dark piece of fabric that was there, was none other then her husband. Esmeralda wanted to turn on her bare heel and walk away from him, but she stopped, sighed and turned back to face him, before Esmeralda slipped into a sitting position in front of him, her back facing him, but her head was close to his hands. Fighting back the urge to scream and yell at the man, she decided to try a different tactic as she sighed and leaned her head a little back, so that the long curls touched his hands. "They are a little messy. Mind helping me?" she asked of him, offering him the rare chance to touch her with her own permission.

Esmeralda closed her eyes and thought about what she should say to him, but for a moment there was nothing that she could possibly think of other then; I hate you, you disgust me, I want to kill you...everything that she could not say without having another fight, and at this point she was far too tired to even fight with Frollo anymore this night. "When are you leaving tomorrow?" For she would have to follow.
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Frollo: How long had he been sitting here? Unsure of what to do or where to go Frollo had found solace within the shadows. Occasionally he would look up to notice the dinner was ready, even Marie had ventured out to partake in the feast. Knowing he should eat something he instead just continued to stay where he was. His mind zoned out to where he did not even realize Esmeralda had found him and was now sitting rather close in front of him. It was the tickling sensation of her silken strands that first pulled him from his deep thoughts. Looking up a little at the tangled raven jungle in front of him as she asked him to help her comb it out. His eyes narrowed slightly, a bit of anger filling within him, annoyed that she would tease him like this. Damnation! It was so hard to stay completely angry at her for long.

His slender hands moved gently through her hair, loosening the few tangled knots from where she slept on them. Why was she doing this to him? The first day of being married she escapes from him, makes him chase her down, being so difficult and now she comes to him and allows him to touch her? Women will forever confuse him! For a moment there was nothing but silence as his fingers trailed through her hair. Pushing some strands aside, he leaned closed and lightly brushed his lips against the nape of her neck, reveling at the softness there. It was in that same moment she broke the silence and asked when he was leaving tomorrow. Pulling back a little while his fingers lazily twirled her strands lightly he let out a soft sigh.

"You had mentioned the afternoon so I suppose we will head to the Palace some time then."

Frollo said nothing more than that. There really was not much else to say that was not already said before.
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Esmeralda: She allowed him to tangle his fingers within her hair as she sat there like a child at his feet, watching people come and go, but none of them seemed to realize that both she and Frollo were there. Esmeralda shivered upon feeling his lips kiss the nape of her neck, for it brought back memories of the previous night when they made their union of marriage complete. However, she sat there stiller then she ever had before, just as he answered her question with hardly any sound of care in his voice. Tomorrow she would be sleeping beside him once more, dressing in the same room, and required to show that she loved him. If this was punishment for her dance at the festival, Esmeralda was going to be sure that she was never dancing like that for any old public official again! And then there was the issue of when all of this was over...Frollo would not let her go and she knew that if he did, he would die soon after. Perhaps that was a blessing in disguise, but it would be a long time before he did, and the dancer sighed to herself as she leaned her head back into his lap. Well, might as well start pretending now so that it was perfect by tomorrow night when they would see Frollo's 'friend'.

Her eyes remained looking up at him as she felt her curls mingle within his spider like fingers as the beating heart within his chest could be felt even from the top of her head, which was pressed only slightly against his waist. It amused her that she could cause his heart to beat like this! Esmeralda closed her eyes once more and reached behind her as she stretched, but gently allowed her hand to graze over his cheek, before sitting back up and swiveled around to face him face to face. "Do you know when the King will be arriving?" That was her greatest fear...meeting the King of France, and convincing him that she and her husband were happily married.
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Frollo:   As if having her allow him to run his fingers through her hair was torture enough, he then felt her move to sit in his lap. Frollo stiffened a little at the suddenness of having her so close to him. He sat very still as she leaned her head against him, stretching her hand up to touch his cheek. Before he could completely react to her soft caress she turned in his lap to face him. His breath hitched slightly at having those emerald eyes gaze at him deeply. Briefly his mind blanked, only half hearing her question as he would prefer to just kiss her instead.

"The King? Oh...well, since the message was sent out this early morning I dare say it would take perhaps a day or maybe two at the most for his messengers to arrive. As for if the King himself will show up as well....normally he would not. He would just let his servants do the job for him, but since I am a public official he may very well show up anyway. If he does it will be a surprise visit. Regardless, his messengers will definitely be here to investigate."

Frollo paused briefly to lightly brush back a few locks of her hair aside.

"I am sure whatever happens we will pull through just fine....we just have to."

At that last statement he stared back at her closely. Letting his hands fall to his side as he gathered the corners of the cloak and lightly pulled it around both himself and Esmeralda. A small smirk tugged at his lips as he did so. Leaning in a little he rested his head on her shoulder, letting a soft sigh form. For the moment he did not want to think about what all would be expected of them in the days to follow. It would only stress him out further. Sitting there blissfully with Esmeralda in his lap helped ease some of his worries. Even though he still found it strange she was allowing him to do this he learned it was best, and pointless, not to question such things.
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Esmeralda: She allowed Frollo to wrap his cloak around her and lean his head on her bare shoulder.  As he did so her body was numb to what he was doing. The only reason she was allowing him such room was because Esmeralda was trying to get used to the idea that Frollo would be openly touching her like this when the King would arrive. Perhaps not as lovingly but a touch of his hand on hers would be enough to make Esmeralda sick if she did not practice now. Her emerald eyes remained fixed ahead of her as Frollo's breath chilled her shoulder to the bone, but her own breathing remained calm as she pretended that it was Phoebus in front of her and not Frollo. Perhaps that was the trick she was going to have to use! Pretending that Frollo was Phoebus...treating her husband the way she was going to treat Phoebus as her own. It was cruel to think of such a thing to do to a man whom she knew loved her, but this was not her choice in the least and if she had to break his heart in order to be free or at least feel like she was happy, then she would break Frollo's heart into a thousand pieces.

Esmeralda breathed in heavily as she closed her eyes and leaned back into him since she was becoming tired and rather exhausted from all of this. Opening them once more and staring ahead as to make sure she would not meet his eyes, Esmeralda stood to her feet as Frollo's cape billowed around her for a moment before she said, "I think its time for bed. Where are you staying?" Not that she was going to join him, but just to know where he was.
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Frollo: For a moment they both sat still, her soft skin against him was quite comforting....distracting as well. His thoughts became a bit unclear, but then it was not long before Esmeralda stood up slowly from his embrace. Frollo looked up to watch the cloak slide off from her and back down to his sides in a soft whisper. It was strangely mesmerizing as the dark fabric moved in a fluid motion off her body.

His pulse quickened briefly when she mentioned it being time for bed and also where he was staying. Of course he knew better to think that meant she would be joining him. If she chose to though of her own free will.....all the better. Then again she is amongst her people, he highly doubted it. Especially since she would have to after tonight once back in the Palace. So, no, he would not force her or appear too eager. Rising slowly, he dusted himself off and nodded towards her.

"Yes, I agree, it is growing quite late. Marie and I were placed in an unused caravan."

Glancing out from the shadows from where they stood he could see Marie still mingling about and finishing up her meal.

"I can see at the moment she still is enjoying herself with the gypsies."

A small smirk formed as he observed, but it was short-lived as he turned back to Esmeralda.

"I will bid you good night then, my dear. Sleep well, I will see you in the morning."

Wanting so much to kiss her he instead held back, turning to leave to head for the caravan he was offered for the night.
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Esmeralda: Esmeralda looked over to where Frollo had mentioned, and indeed Marie was having a good time among her people, but if they had known that Frollo was her friend, she had a sinking suspicion that it would have ended in a hanging. Emerald eyes cast downward as her husband rose to his feet and bid her a goodnight. Yes, it would be her last night alone within the safe walls of her Court of Miracles, and even though it was a bitter thought, Esmeralda was looking slightly forward to toying with Frollo some more in public now that it was required of her to do so. If she was going to live with the very man she despised, the dancer was more than looking forward to ruining his life just as he had ruined hers.

Watching his black cloaked form leave, Esmeralda too decided that she had enough of staying out late and headed back to Clopin's caravan where she slept in a dreamless sleep for the entire night. It was when the morning light cast through the high cracks in the wall of the stones above them that Esmeralda knew that it was time to get up and start the end of the beginning of her freedom and dreams. Though, at least she would be doing it with some sort of purpose!

Walking out of the caravan and say goodbye to Clopin, Esmeralda made her way to Persephone and Phantom as she fed them both with some carrots and sugar that she had saved for them last night. Stroking each of their heads tenderly, it was not until Esmeralda's hand traveled down Persephone's side that she felt it was largely bigger. A smile drew to the dancers face as she looked into her horses wide and sparkly eyes.

"Persephone....you're pregnant!" Esmeralda said happily as she embraced her friend's neck and felt Phantom nudge her as if wanting the attention for a job well done! Esmeralda rubbed the black horse's neck and congratulated him as well since there was no other horse which could have done this to her Persephone. It was an odd thought that their horses could be so much in love and with a colt on the way, and yet she and Frollo could hardly have one day together without something going wrong or angering her. At least there was a miracle on the way, and for some reason, Esmeralda was more then excited to tell Frollo when he would meet her.
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Frollo: This whole day had seemed to have stretched on forever. How very strange to wake up from the wedding night and then chase down his new wife all over some village. In the moment of his hot pursuit he wondered if he would ever see her again. Part of him had a feeling she would make her way to the Court of Miracles, but there was that other part that he feared she would just flee the country completely. The thought of never seeing her again shook his very soul. Even with all these thoughts floating through his mind as he walked in to the caravan and got settled in, he was able to fall asleep quite easily. It partly surprised him, but at the same he so welcomed the blissful slumber. The last thought before completely slipping in to unconsciousness was of course on Esmeralda and how the night before had been so seemingly pleasant. Not even his most vivid fantasies could completely prepare him for the real moment. A soft sigh escaped from him as he allowed sleep to completely envelop him.


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Stirring from his sleep hours later, Frollo realized it was morning. Looking up just in time to see Marie heading for the door. She smiled warmly to him, wished him a good morning and then stepped out. Slowly he pulled himself to a sitting position and then rose from the cot to get himself ready. It was mentioned they would make their way for the Palace by early afternoon. The smell of food wafting in through the windows informed him the gypsies were preparing breakfast. Once completely dressed, the Judge emerged from the caravan and looked around the area. In the distance he could see Esmeralda was already awake as well and standing near their horses. A small smile formed the moment he saw her. Breakfast could wait, he wanted to go greet her first. The closer he moved towards her he detected a sense of happiness surrounding her. Far different than her mood yesterday. That pleased him, hopefully that meant the day would be a pleasant one.

"Good morning, Esmeralda. I hope you slept well."

Frollo came to stand behind her, lightly running his hand down her back and then stood to the side of her. The need to kiss her was of course there, like always, but he held back, trying his best to take things slow and not send her off in to one of her moods. His horse moved towards him, nuzzling his snout into his hands.
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Esmeralda: Esmeralda was smiling more then she could remember, as she felt Frollo's hand slide along the curve of her back, and turning to greet him, Esmeralda grabbed his hand excitedly and said, "Good morning Claude. I have some wonderful news!" she said as if she were the mother! But she was so excited for her beloved Persephone to be with a colt, that there was no way that she would be able to hold back her excitement! Even Phantom seemed more then pleased with the news which Esmeralda just found out.

Looking at Persephone and walking close to her side, keeping her hand locked with Frollo's bony one, Esmeralda placed his hand with hers on the under belly of the beasts belly.

"Persephone is pregnant." Happy tears were present in the gypsies eyes as she squeezed his hand and then embraced him, "Isn't this exciting!? Amazing!?" she asked of her husband and wondered what he could be feeling about all this. There was no way that she and Frollo would EVER have children together and she was going to make sure of that, but she still could have happiness in knowing that her horse was going to be a mother soon, and that a new baby colt would be kicking around the Palace of Justice stables within a few weeks.

Birth was always an exciting and time for rejoicing. Hopefully Frollo would be just as excited and thrilled as she was, for the new babe that was on the way.
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Frollo: As he pet his horse's nose he was happy to hear the cheerful tone of Esmeralda as she greeted him back. She also was smiling....and quite widely he noted. She announced she had good news for him, which perplexed him. Allowing his wife to take his hand in hers she brought him over to her horse, bringing his hand to rest on the white mare's under belly. It was obviously far more swollen than before. Growing up with horses he knew exactly what that meant. Looking wide-eyed at Esmeralda he saw her literally beaming with joy as she exclaimed what he could already feel. Her horse was pregnant. The father of course was his own horse. His eyes glanced over to Phantom, who, if possible, would give give him a smug look as he seemed quite proud of his efforts. The sly devil, his own horse was fairing better than he was! Was this also some strange premonition of things to come? Esmeralda's horse has become pregnant by his own horse....did that mean she herself may eventually become pregnant at some point as well?

A shudder went through him in that brief moment. Never had he thought to father a child; perhaps only once all those many years ago, but the novelty of it died when his fiancé was murdered. There was of course Quasimodo, his adopted son, but that was a different situation. The feeling had left him numb, as he did not really want to think about it, not now actually. He gave Esmeralda a wide grin, as he was genuinely happy for their horses. It also did indeed please him to see his wife so happy.

"Yes, this is definitely exciting news! I find it amusing as well."

Frollo gave a small chuckle as he pet Persephone. He also assured the dancer he would make sure Persephone would be well cared for by his stable hands up till she gave birth and of course after as well. They were skilled with delivering colts, as he had dealt with such blessed events before.