Genesis Chronicorum β1: Hellfire

Chapter 13: Match

It must've been a week since Maria and Claude saw each other. Chores piled up as the days went by that he had forgotten about taking time for himself. Watching over his mother was getting tougher for she would attempt to escape the Palace of Justice, struggle against their servants and avoid eating. It is as if she wanted all her life to go away. Jacque slept in another room that week, he couldn't stand being beside her and sometimes Jehan would hear him insult her. Hearing so little about it for he didn't want trouble. Claude took the burden to take care of her 24/7 while studying around her.

Jacque was getting out of control with the whole gypsy situation in Notre Dame, blaming every gypsy he would find in the streets, sending them to the dungeons of the Palace as punishment for they couldn't find the one responsible for Laverne's state. The brother prayed every night, hoping for their mother's health to improve, all in vain for she was physically changing into an old lady. The disease was eating her. All that pain and stress in one week after she was attacked. Finally Claude could breathe for a night when Jehan had the courage to watch over his mother, seeing Claude exhausted and stressed, as if he was going to get sick soon.

A drink or two is what I need, Claude thought. He headed to the same pub he met Maria. No one was there but him and two workers. He drank to his heart's content, not enough to be drunk so his father could notice and be cross. It was about an hour when Jehan saw him passed out on a table, he shook him gently as to not scare him. Claude looked at his brother with a big hangover, dizzy, nauseous, but able to stand up and join his brother on a stroll. The brothers headed home, the lights from candles were almost out, it seemed their servants were sent home or they were careless. 

Going to their room they heard mumbling, voices coming from Jacque's study, his own and...a female one. The voices were getting close, it looks like they were leaving the study. The door opens for the brothers to see a young woman, in an elegant dress, smiling her way out. The smile became a neutral look after looking at the boys. Jacque behind her greets his sons and tells them to go rest, for they have another busy day. Claude, however, wanted to know who the young woman was. "Lady Fleur-de-Lys de Gondelaurier, she's a friend of mine. Here to help us three." Jacque said, breaking the silence. Claude wasn't convinced Lady Fleur wasn't there for them. "You are sure she is not here for your pleasure? I think both of us and the maids know how to take care of mother. " said Claude, a mad Jacque started staring and listening to his son's words. Knowing Claude was not a fool and his lessons took effect. 

Claude: Why so much anger for mother? Why hate her? Why do you treat her like she is nothing?! You are living in sin Father! You are leaving the woman who gave you children!

Claude was silenced when Jacque crossed his hand across his face. It made Claude give a hateful look to Jacque "I hate you so, I curse the day you became our father. " he said before leaving to his room. He felt sweaty and as if he was burning. He felt like a fire was lighting up inside, he had to leave the Palace, but didn't have the courage to leave his mother alone. Jacque knew Claude's words were true. He started living in their sin, cheating on his wife and leaving her with other people instead of being a lovable, supportive husband. Once in their mother's room, Claude held Laverne's hand, who was sleeping and muttering some words, in which Claude felt the need to know more why Jacque didn't feel anything for his wife. 

"Should've killed him...fulfill their wish...Please forgive me mother, no more pain. I deserve it, kill me"

It sent chills up his spine. Who was suppose to die? What did she deserve? So many thoughts left him sleepless and drown in a wine bottle he found. "I will do everything possible to keep you alive mum. I won't let anything stop you from living." He whispered nothings into the dark of the night.