The Lady and the Gypsy (Clopin x OC romance)

Arguments and Promises

Madeleine was quick to run home and change clothes and briefly inform Henri about what happened.

Now she made her way towards the graveyard entrance to the Court of Miracles, constantly checking that she wasn't being followed.

Finally she reached the graveyard and with some difficulty pushed aside the top of the monument revealing a set of stairs. Madeleine climbed down and pulled the top shut behind her.

She then took out a box of matches and a candle out of her cloak and lit it recalling how dark the catacombs could be. Slowly she made her way through the wet tunnels waiting for the moment the guards would appear.

Madeleine had been walking for about ten minutes when her candle went out and she felt a blade against her throat. She froze.

"Well, well, what do we have here? A little mouse come to play," said an unfamiliar sinister voice. Suddenly the lights came on in the cavern revealing the many gypsies in skeleton costumes.

Suddenly one of the skeleton's scoffed and pulled off his mask. To her relief Madeleine recognized Orfeus.

"Let her go Harlan you moron. That's not a spy it's our king's fiancee," she felt the blade retract from her throat quickly.

"My apologies. Harlan is rather new," said Orfeus.

"Perfectly understandable given recent events," said Madeleine calmly brushing it aside. "Could one of you take me the rest of the way to the Court?"

"I'll do it," said Orfeus and he led her deeper down the passageway. "I have to admit I'm glad you're here. Clopin's been very anxious. Esmerelda isn't back yet."

"Oh dear, I hope she's alright. She seems to have really angered Frollo."

"I know," replied Orfeus. They reached the Court with it's many tents. "You know the way to his tent?" he asked. Madeleine nodded.

"Thank you Orfeus." The gyspy nodded and headed back down the tunnel. Madeleine quickly made her way to a large red and gold tent she knew to be Clopin's. She pushed aside the entrance flap and found Clopin pacing anxiously. He looked up as she came in and relief flooded his face. He ran to her and pulled her into his arms.

"Thank heavens you're safe," he said. After a moment they pulled apart.

"Well, I'm not exactly his prime target. Speaking of which Orfeus said Esmerelda isn't back yet," said Madeleine in concern. Clopin sighed and began his pacing again.

"No, she hasn't returned. The last I heard she claimed sanctuary in Notre Dame but I know she won't stay there. Gypsies don't do well inside stone walls and Frollo will have posted guards at every entrance."

"Esmerelda's a smart girl. She can take care of herself," Madeleine said in an attempt to comfort him.

"She should never have teased Frollo and then openly defied him. She's practically declared war!"

"She thought she was doing the right thing." 

"I know but..." Clopin was cut off as Esmerelda entered the tent. Clopin put his hands on his hips.

"Well, well, well, look who decided to turn up."

"I know you're angry Clopin but..." began Esmerelda apologetically but Clopin cut her off.

"I hope you're satisfied. Your little stunt has just put the entire Court in danger!"

"Frollo was going after us before I stood up to him!" argued Esmerelda.

"Yes, but you have simply exacerbated that now that he has a specific target! You just had to interfere didn't you!?" shouted Clopin.

"I was doing the right thing! That poor boy didn't deserve such foul treatment! How are we any better than Frollo if we don't help others who are in a similar position?"