Heart of the Sun

Chapter 17: Be Our Guest

Francis' point of view:
Her steps were careful as she boarded the Monseigneur. Careful but determined. She seem to have some sort of faith in me.
Or perhaps she just believed she choose the better option.
I turned smiling, hoping to ease the tension. It's not like I've had my run with women. No. My uncertainly coming with the fact she'll most likely be different. Her mother was a breed of her own and her brother's abilities were infinite. Surely this woman will not be as easily swayed as the rest.

She only gave me an obstinate mask.

No, I don't what to sway her. I want her to trust me. And I was ready to give my true loyalties to her if she could prove to be all that I thought of her.
I offer my arm my arm out to her.

"If you will please."

I lead her to my private quarters, offering her a chair once inside. Her eyes hold a look of suspicion. I only smile more.

"Well Bonjour Mademoiselle! I am Monsieur Francis Bonnefoy, at your service. And are you the famous Mademoiselle Isabel Fernandez I've heard so much about?"

My smile grows even bigger as her mask completely cracks with pure shock, the emotions easily washing over her face.
She finally spoke up, her voice surprisingly strong.

"Famous Monsieur? I believe you may be mistaken on that part."
"Oh non Mademoiselle, I must say you are quite too important to not be."
"What does that mean? Better yet who are you and what do you want?"

A mean glare is shone my way. She seems to be taking a defensive stance. Quite understandable, and quite smart. She know that she knows not of my abilities. Perhaps this edge to her is what made her so popular. She was smart.

"It means you are beloved and adored by many. And I am a friend, that's all you'll need to know about me."
"And what do you intend to do with me?"
"I-"
"And are you one of the notorious members of the "Bad Touch Trio"?"

The question took me out of my element . She'll definitely sharp. The surprise must have shone on my face because she continued.

"Because I know that cross has only two others like it. Also they were specially given to Antonio's closest friends and allies."
"But do you know what they look like? It could be stolen."
"While my brother never allowed me to see them, I know them to have the reputation to be very hard to kill or swindle.

She tried to repress a smile.

"Well I've also heard that both can be careless if they're not being serious."

I did a better job and didn't laugh at all thought I wanted to very much.

"But that's still not enough fact to be sure what you say is true."

She snapped her fingers.

"I also remembered their names."
"So you've know all this time? Why ask if I'm a member if you know?"
"Because I remember just a few moments also."
"Mademoiselle! How could you ever forget a name like mine!"

She smiled sheepishly.

"Well I recognized the cross immediately, but it wasn't till i thought about more did I realize I knew a Francis Bonnefoy."