"Hold still, honey", I said to Claude. "Let me adjust your
collar. Mmm...you are one handsome man, Claude
Frollo."
I had spent the night with Claude, and offered
to accompany him at the Feast of Fools. He, of course,
protested how he detests the Festival with its "thieves and
cutpurses...all muddled together in a shallow, drunken
stupor."
Claude Frollo then smiled at me, saying,
"Well, this is ONE festival that has its bright spots." He
embraced and kissed me, then said, "And that's spending
time with you, my love. Not to mention that those gypsy
conspirators are finally out of our lives."
I knew exactly to
whom Claude was referring. When I met up with Fern a few days ago, she informed me of the final capture and
execution of a certain gypsy 'king' and his co-horts.
Claude held me close, then said that he had a special
meeting downstairs. "I shan't be long, darling. Meet me in my study after, let's say, a half-hour." Claude kissed me
then left his chambers. Oh boy! Hope I remember those
steps Jacki taught me...wonder if Anthony made it...this
oughta be a festival that Parisians will never
forget...
I practiced a dance routine that was to be part of the
entertainment; then, I suddenly thought of Quasi. Oh no!
What if Quasi gets cold feet...like he hasn't been out in the streets
before...no one's messing with my little buddy today...and THAT'S not going to happen this
year...We've made sure of that...
I finally got those steps down, then headed downstairs to
meet Claude. We were going to the Feast of Fools together.
The way it should've been...that year..if the weather had
cooperated....I would've been here..Claude wouldn't have gotten in that jam...and
everyone and everything would be cool...
I pushed those thoughts out of my mind. This was to be a
pleasant day, even if Claude had to pretend to enjoy
himself. Well...after our little stint, he won't have
to pretend...
I bounced into his study, all smiles and energy. I almost
didn't notice the elderly gentleman seated next to Claude.
"I'm ready to go, Claude. Oops! I forgot you had company."
I turned to the gentleman, who smiled at me pleasantly. He
then said to Claude, "Frollo, she's a vision of loveliness;
she's exactly as you described." Huh? Claude's blabbing
about me? Again? How much has he told this
man?
Claude stood up, walked over to me, then lead
me to the gentleman. "Your Majesty, may I
present..."
What?! This man is the...KING! I could kick
Claude for not telling me! I wouldn't have stormed in here
like I did...Oh, I hope His Majesty's not angry I breached
protocol...
To my surprise, the King warmly greeted me, saying, "My dear, I wish I had half your energy!' He laughed good-humoredly, adding, "I understand you are from the New World. I've heard fascinating stories about your country."
We conversed for what seemed like hours. When a
guard announced that it was time to depart for the
festival, the King said to Claude, "Frollo, after the festival, why don't you bring this young lady to the Royal Palace. I'm sure my court would find her extremely
delightful."
Claude looked at me with smiling, sparkling
eyes. "Well, dearest. Would you like to visit the King and
his court?" I couldn't say a thing, except, "That would be
very nice." I can't believe this! I'm going to sit with
the King at the FoF! Then Claude's taking me to the Royal
Palace...this is going be one unforgettable day...Oh no, I
hope His Majesty likes the little performance we have
planned...
As the King exited the Palace of Justice, I took Claude
Frollo aside and whispered to him, "Why didn't you tell me
you were meeting with the King? I could've shown a little
more respect." Claude softly chuckled, put his arm around
my waist, and said as he escorted me outside, "Well, no
matter." He kissed me, then said with a grin, "You know
him now."
"Real cute, Claude."
You just wait, Claude Frollo...When we do our little 'thang', well...this is one Festival that you'll love...
Copyright©1998 by FrolloFreak