EXB 03 - Nightshade

Record 6:

Who...

Who is it ?

" You're alright, my dear ? "

I feel her warm hand by my cheek, snapping me out of the shock.

Maybe just an illusion.

I join hand with my dear wife. Together with Lucien, we step through the crowd. I see him gazing to a group of noble class women.

I don't realize what he is watching, until I catch sight of a waiter among the group, carrying a tray of wine glass.

" Sorry, mon ami. I heard about the liquor transported from Bordeaux for quite a while. I'll meet you later at the private dinner. "

And there he goes. " Le chevalier du Vin " is off like that.

Apparently, the French Court opens to visitors once a year for an occasion to see the interior of this glorious structure.

The attention to every single details in every single room is impeccable.

The palace isn't just a place to live. It's truly a masterpiece.

Speaking of the rooms, they aren't opened to all visitors.

They published four tiers of access for tickets, the special ones among which (also what we used) give access to the whole complex.

It has been so long since I had some time to go with my small newborn family. And now, some miracle lets us here, walking on red carpet inside the palace like true nobles.

For just one night, we are unleashed from all grieves and worries.

Just walk, take food and drinks from the waiters nearby, eat, drink, socialise,...

I see that we are heading to the main hall. It's still crowded after an hour.

Then, in the center of the hall is a real feast. A royal buffet.

We join the nobles gathering around the table. I get for myself a hot tea cup with a small plate. It's for enjoying the taste of the meal, not to fill up one's stomach, I suppose.

On one side of the buffet, a chef begins his speech on the dishes.

" Ah, oui oui. C'est filet d'aloyau braisé à la royale... Si, consommé à la Reine, monsieur... Et c'est Bouchées à la Reine... Oui, Bon Appétit. "

The dress code here is also... royal.

All women wears a type of hoop skirts, a piece of garment woven out of special fabric, with, probably metal parts to extend the size of the skirt.

And, according to some scholars, is a way to remind them not to sit in the presence of the royal family. Typically King Louis XV.

For the men, the predominant fashion tendency is (ridiculously and uncomfortably, as the females) waistcoat inside and tons upon tons of sub-garments (for a lack of a better term) overlapping each other. Then the torso is covered again by an outer coat.

The feet is not doing well either. Tight breeches on the legs, covering huge parts of the pants. And black, polished, elegant shoes.

" Elaborately embroidered ", as my tailor said.

Somehow, among the crowd, I spot a familiar figure.

" Mon Dieu. The big boss of the Departmental Gendarmerie. Who is he speaking to ? "

The chef then comes to the hallway on the left, announcing:

" S'il vous plait, monsieurs et madames. Those who are invited to the special private dinner, please come along with me. "

Following in line with a small group of nobles, I realize the boss and his guest coming up behind. Unfortunately, the noise of gossip from all around me makes it impossible to eavesdrop on their conversation.

My dear wife somehow caught up to me, walking by my side.

" Where's your friend, dear ? "

" Don't worry, maybe he'll come soon. "

We go through a hallway occupied by enormous limestone statue on the edges of the wall.

Then, the chef approach a large gate at the end of the corrridor.

Two guards inside open the gate.

The Royal Family welcomes us to the party, inviting the guests to take their seats.

Opposite the central long table is a platform for a private concert.

I hold my wife's hand as the King speaks.

Eventually, the opening ceremony comes to a close. And through the gate, servants of Versailles palace carry in trays of the main dishes.

Everything was fine and perfect.

We eat, we drink.

Laugh, talk, dance,...

The choir on stage brought alone their violins, cello and trumpets. And the music rises, calming down the atmosphere of the night.

Everything was fine and perfect...

Until,..

I saw him again.

He points at the direction opposite to me.

That's when I saw... Lucien.

He takes a small black berry. And chews it.

Then I hear screams. People running for their lives. Chaos.

I hear crying women, on one corner of the room.

I look to that side again.

There was no man.

The gate was opened, but no trace of him.

And I look in the front.

Lucien.

He steps on the table, starting to wreck everything.

And knock me out...