Genesis Chronicorum β1: Hellfire

Chapter 5: Mixed emotions

It was half an hour Claude spent time in his chambers, not a single knock on his door from his mother or Jehan; he didn't want anything from his father. He just looked out the window, into the dark, where men and women strolled and talked with each other in harmony. Why can't his parents be like that, he wondered.

Will he ever have a good wife? If he had one he wouldn't treat her or his children so cold.  That is if Jacque doesn't interfere on that path. "psst" heard Claude, someone was calling  him, but who? Claude looked around the area until he saw a hooded figure right under his nose.

"Who goes there?" He demanded, the figure removed the hood. It was the gypsy girl he met at the festival. Claude's eyes grew big, his emotions mixed, fear and happiness. "what are you doing here? How did you find me? " He asked, stuttering. The girl managed to climb to his window, she smiled at the boy with confidence "Aren't you going to greet me first?" She asked.

Claude gulped and inhaled trying to relax. "Good evening Miss. It's nice to see you again." The girl giggled at that, and sat near Claude. "You left without saying goodbye. Did you like it at least? " Her eyes locked to his, sparkling. Claude nodded "I did. My apologies. I just had...problems with my father. Would you like to talk some more? I know a great place we could spend the lovely evening together. Let me make it up to you for leaving so quickly." He said.

The girl climbed down the window and waited outside, in the shadows, so no soldier could spot her. Claude changed his clothes as quick as possible. Fear let him take over as he sneaked around to leave, anything could be heard in such a big place, especially at night. He was afraid for his father, for he barely sleeps, paranoid if gypsies would invade their home.

It was about 5 minutes Claude met with the girl. She took his arm quickly  as he was surprised and shocked, for he never done that before. He looped his arm and led her to a tavern he would go when everyone was not paying attention to him. "Forgive me if I stood long. My father is usually a guard dog" Claude said, the girl's left eyebrow rose, as she looked at him. "Judge Frollo? Wait, you're the son of Jacque Frollo?" She asked, Claude would sometimes refused to look at her, she was beautiful, Raven hair, Aqua green eyes. For him it was love at first sight, when he didn't even know her that well, maybe some gypsies are trustworthy and she was one of them.

Claude: Forgive me, I am not like him, that is why I was so quiet. I had an argument with him.

Gypsy: And hit you.

Claude: !!! How did you know??

Gypsy: Gypsy knows everything. We can know certain things.

Claude cleared his throat, and gave a chuckle. It wasn't long until they reached the tavern. They sat on a table until the tender asked them for anything. "the usual, thank you and for...what's your name miss?"

The gypsy girl smiled as she looked at him, charmed to see a good heart like Claude cared. Her name will be memorized by Claude forever.

"Maria..."