Clopin's Queen

Chapter 2

Upon reaching the group of vibrant tents, they started asking around for Esmeralda, but no one had seen her since this morning. However, they needn't have searched for much longer for Esmeralda came rushing towards them, Djali right behind her. Annemaria sighed in exasperation.

"Esmeralda..."

"Annemaria, you need to stop worrying about me. Ferka and I were just playing and dancing in the corner, earning a bit of money, when the guards just came and accused us. You know how they are whenever gypsies are involved. A man helped distract them, allowing us to run away. He even returned the money I had lost."

Annemaria's red eyes looked at Esmeralda's vibrant green before sighing again, this time in acceptance.

"You are fortunate that the man was so kindhearted, but I apologize Esmeralda nonetheless. You're my closest and dearest friend and I would just hate to see anything happen to you."

Esmeralda smiled at the pale woman.

Clopin, seeing that the near-argument was resolved, interrupted and asked about Esmeralda's dance. She instantly lit up, causing the other woman to become joyful again. Clopin and Esmeralda were discussing the dance and the Topsy Turvy celebration in more detail, when Annemaria gasped.

"Vadoma has your gown finished but I forgot to bring it to your tent. I must retrieve it from her," she said.

She kissed Clopin on the cheek and hurried through the crowd in search of the gypsy dressmaker. The mass was already alive, with people playing music and twirling gaily. They had already started to sing. She swiftly slipped into a purple tent and greeted the woman with a hug and kisses. She asked for Esmeralda's dress and was shown a gorgeous bright red garb. Annemaria stared open mouthed at the intricacy and beauty of it.

"Vadoma, you have outdone yourself. It is beautiful."

The older woman smiled at the red-eyed female.

"It matches the color of your eyes. Despite the fact that Esmeralda will be wearing it, I can only imagine what Clopin reaction would be if you were dressed in it."

Needless to say, Annemaria left the tent with a pretty blush staining her cheeks. She dashed hurriedly towards Esmeralda's tent. She nearly knocked into a stout man covered in a blue clock.

"Pardon, monsieur," she excused herself and entered the tent. "Esmeralda, here is your gown. You will be an exquisite sight to behold."

"Thank you Annemaria."

Annemaria smiled one last time at the ravenette before slipping into the crowd. She had to push through the crowd to catch a glimpse of the flamboyant singing man. She spotted his blue and purple outfit in the middle of the crowd. Just out of the corner of her eye, she saw Judge Frollo walking up to his private tent. She gulped at the sight of the hypocritical and evil man. She watched Clopin taunt the man and let out a huge laugh at the disgruntled face.

"See the finest girl in France make an entrance to entrance, Dance la Esmeralda, dance!" Clopin sang. After his last note, he threw down red powder and "vanished." In his place was Esmeralda. Annemaria had been right; she was downright seductive dancing in the red dress. It hugged her curves just right and the colors complimented her complexion. Annemaria walked closer to the stage, watching in awe and admiration as her friend showed no hesitation at performing the sultry moves.

"Mon cherie, are you ready?" a voice in her ear sounded, drawing her attention away from the stage. She quickly turned her head and met the mask covering Clopin's face. She smiled at him as he went up on the stage where gold coins were raining down on the two. However, her smile became more strained. Annemaria had never personally liked the crowning of the King of the Fools, feeling that it ostracized and called out people unfairly. They started unmasking people until they got to a stout one in a green shirt at the end. When Esmeralda tried to pull of his "mask," she couldn't. Annemaria's eyes widened. It's the bellringer, she thought to herself. Her generous heart went out to them as she could feel his panic, fear, and embarrassment. However, Clopin saved the day by continuing on the celebration, making Quasimodo feel appreciated instead of objectified. That is why I love him.