Chapter 1: PROLOGUE/TEASER
Chapter Text
PROLOGUE/TEASER
(Please be informed that this scene will happen later in the story/later chapters.)
Year 2017 - 21st Century - Present time
It's five minutes to midnight and Belle Villeneuve is being mildly hysterical. She cannot think straight. Tears were falling from her eyes. All she wanted to do was to see him right now. She was pacing back and forth in the apartment-hotel she's currently staying in. It's an 8-minute walk away from the Chateau de Verrzailles and she wanted to get there right now, as soon as possible. She peeked outside her bedroom and she can see Plumette fast asleep on the couch while the Smart TV is still on. Belle hurriedly grab her leather trenchcoat, sunglasses/shades, bag and the car keys. She went to the parking lot and started to drive her car.
Year 1767 - 18th Century
It's five minutes to midnight and Adam, Comte de Beaumont, just finished talking to the King secretly about some proposal concerning the renovation of the Palace and about some latest controversies that the King must know.
Supposedly, the King must be fast asleep by now in his daily schedule with his going-to-bed/retiring ceremony at 11:30 in the evening. However, Adam caught His Majesty sneaking out of his private bedchamber to go secretly to one of the apartments of his Mistresses using the secret staircase and hidden passage. They had a quick conversation then he was dismissed.
Adam walked towards the Royal Stables and fetch his horse, Philippe. It was dark and all workers were currently sleeping. He was all alone in the area then he exited the stable.
Suddenly, an unknown masked henchman or assassin attempted to stab a dagger at him. Adam, due to his fast reflexes, caught his arm quickly and punch him, but the assassin is quite strong and attempted again to stab him. Adam began to kick his groin and jab at his throat, punch him on the upper abdomen then encircled his arm around the perpetrator's neck.
"Who ordered you to kill me?!" Adam asked angrily.
The henchman only smirked and shook his head at him. Adam lost his patience and knocked him out, making the assassin temporarily unconscious. Adam began to mount on Philippe and ride his way to escape towards the forest.
As he rode, he closed his eyes and he clutched the pocket in his waistcoat containing the Rose. Suddenly, he and Philippe vanished into thin air.
Year 2017 - Present time
It's few minutes after midnight and Belle was driving and nearing towards the Chateau de Verrzailles, specifically, in the Avenue de Saint-Claoude wherein there were currently no vehicles and people around. She suddenly look at the side-view mirror and noticed a white horse galloping forward. She stopped the car, and opened her driver-side window, and she saw that the horse halted adjacent to her car. She looked upwards and saw him. Time stands still, literally. Tears of joy welled up from her eyes, she gasped and began to smile. The man from the horse turned his head and glanced at her, then began to smile back charmingly. She opened her car door and went outside to approach him while he went down from his horse saddle and drew closer to her until they were standing only inches apart.
"Belle..." Adam looked into her eyes and smiled at her lovingly.
"Adam!" Belle said and suddenly hug him tight.
"Adam..You're alive..."Belle said tearfully, her hands holding both side of his shoulders.
"Of course, I'm alive. I wouldn't be here right now, if I wasn't." Adam chuckled and Belle frowned and playfully slapped his arm.
"I was worried, I researched and read that...that...you..you.." Belle stuttered and began to cry.
"Well, that's true, I had a near-death experience awhile ago, but thankfully, God and luck were on my side, I guess." He smirked playfully and Belle slapped his arm again and whined.
"Shhh..Don't cry now, I'm here already." Adam grinned and cupped her cheeks while both of his thumb wiped her tears away. They both stared and smiled at each other then suddenly, his lips met hers.
They began to kissed each other passionately...
Chapter 2: CHAPTER 1
Notes:
Hi! It's been days and I really can't get this idea off my mind, the Time Travel AU, so I'm updating the first chapter now. :D
Thank you for the Hits and the Kudos on the Prologue/Teaser! You inspired me to post this first chapter quickly. Hehehe! I'm really happy, thank you! :D
So here's Chapter 1!
WARNING!
Again, this is a pure fiction story, with a fictional setting, with a fictional King, Queen, Mistresses and other French Nobility/Courtier in a Fictional France, so it will not be historically accurate, it will be a mixture of all of their traits and all the events to fit this story and I also change the names/spellings of characters and places because of the same reason that this is fiction. I repeat, This is purely FICTION. Don't question or compare it with the real history of France and real places and reality today, because this is purely FICTION and not accurate.
As a start, I'm sorry to all French readers and History lovers out there, because this will not be historically accurate and with a lack of authenticity, so if you're offended by this, kindly stop reading, don't read this anymore.
THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION.
All Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the product of the writer's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to an actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
CHAPTER 1
2017 - 21st Century - Present time
It's a sunny day and Belle Villeneuve woke up in her bed with a smile on her face. Today is the day that she's been waiting for. The announcement of the official cast for the movie "Life in the Verrzailles". It's been two months since she auditioned for any role in that movie since it's a period drama film, the history in 18th Century about the lives of the King, Queen and his official Mistresses.
Personally, she wanted to be one of the mistresses or the servants or one of the lady courtiers, or any minor role, because she's not that confident enough. She's just a freelance newbie actress and doesn't have a talent manager because she cannot afford one. Sometimes, she is relying on some Acting Agencies but other times, she just went all by herself in auditions. Of course, many times, she got rejected due to lack of connections and lack of acting experience but other times, she's accepted. She did minor roles, cameos and bit players for movies, television series and some theatrical plays. After all, she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Drama and Performing Arts. Actually, a double degree, since after that, she also got a degree in Literature, Language and Creative Writing. It's difficult to study for 10 years but she persevered enough and got it all that makes her happy, her passion in life: Literature (Reading), Writing and Acting.
However, she needed growth recently, so she's hoping for a challenging role, a major debut role that will make some progress in her acting career, a breakthrough. Hence, she's hoping for a supporting role in this new movie. However, it's not that easy, she went into casting interviews and auditions all by herself, taking the long process, and there were many actors like her too, vying to bag some role into this movie as it will be shown internationally. Finally, it was announced that the Casting will be revealed in the official website of the Film Production Company and it's today. If she will be lucky, it will be her first big project as an actress.
She did her morning routines first and went outside her bedroom and saw Plumette sleeping on the couch, the Smart TV still on. She wakes her up.
"Plumette, wake up! This is the day!" Belle squealed excitedly. Plumette just stirred and yawned.
"Oh my! Wake up, Girl! You binge-watch again last night about some medical drama series, huh? You frustrated doctor! Just take that damn licensure exam already and start being a professional surgeon and physician! C'mon, Live the dream!" Belle whined.
"You know that I can't. It's not for me, Belle. It's not my passion, my parents just forced me. You knew I like performing arts better, like you do. I wished I didn't shift to med school when we were still on our first year, but I can't do anything about it." Plumette yawned.
"You're being in denial! I know that you like -- no, scratch that, YOU LOVE Medicine! You wouldn't watch those medical series, docus, and movies all day and all night for nothing. You're just scared! Believe in yourself! You can do it!" Belle cheered and patted her shoulder but Plumette just shook her head and shrugged.
"I don't know! I'm really stressed and pressured right now, I'm burned out, so I took a break and rest. I like it here with you, it's like I got my own time and life for myself. Thank you for letting me stay here. I'm really lucky that you're my Best Friend." Plumette said while preparing cereals and milk for breakfast.
"You're welcome, BFF! but please...just rest but don't quit, okay? I believe in you, I will always support you. And you know that I will always want you here, you knew that I'm all alone, all my life. You're my sister now." Belle said and smiled encouragingly and gratefully.
Plumette already graduated in Medicine but did not took the licensure exam to become an official and licensed physician and surgeon. Instead, she took a break, her parents were greatly disappointed in her setback. As punishment, she was thrown out of their home. As her best friend, Belle welcomed her here in her rented apartment and supported her in her decision.
Belle, on the other hand, is living alone since her father remarried when her mother died. He has now a new family, and she felt like she doesn't belong so she moved out when she turned 20 and supported herself all the way but still, her father sent her some financial support and visits her sometimes. However, now that she's grown up, it has stopped, and she thought that maybe his priority now is her half-siblings, they are still young and studying, and she understood him.
"Oh my god! We're being dramatic again! That's what I like about you, drama is really your forte!" Plumette teased. Belle just chuckled.
"Okay, let's stop this drama and speak of the other drama. Today is the day that they will announced the casting for the movie! I'm nervous! I'm scared! Maybe I will not be chosen." Belle said as she paced back and forth.
"No! You'll definitely have it, Belle! You're great in acting, you will get that role, you'll see! Anyway, let's start eating breakfast so that we can prepare for the announcement." Plumette said while preparing Belle's own bowl of cereals.
"Okay, I guess. Let's eat---but really, any role from that movie will be enough for me, but if not, I'll just audition again for any other projects and movies available out there." Belle said.
"That's my girl!" Plumette smiled and patted her back and they high-fived each other, then they began to eat.
After eating, they went on to the laptop to access the official website of the Film Production Company. They both got nervous.
"It's not yet loading. Let's refresh." Plumette said while Belle paced back and forth, can't afford to look.
"Oh! Here it is!.... Good day! The wait is over! We've chosen, Finally! Here are the official cast of "Life in the Verrzailles", a working title,..." Plumette read continously and she suddenly screamed.
"BELLE!!!! OMG! OMG! OMG!!! You got the Role!! YOU'RE QUEEN MARIE SUZANNE!!!" Plumette shouted.
"What?! Are you sure? Impossible! Let me see..." Belle said and look at the laptop screen.
"Belle Villenueve as Queen Marie Suzanne. Oh my god! Oh my god! Is this really true?! Refresh the page." Belle said and click the Refresh Icon and the same webpage did not change anything.
"Oh my gosh! Plumette! It's true! My goodness!! IT'S TRUE!!! I'm really the Queen! AHHHHH! I'm so happy!!! Plumette!!!" Belle screamed triumphantly with tears in her eyes, with overwhelmed emotions, and hug her tight.
"I'M SO PROUD OF YOU BELLE! I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU! OH MY GOSH! BELLE!!! HER MAJESTY! YOUR HIGHNESS!! OMG!!! I LOVE IT!!!" Plumette screamed, putting her hands up and down in the air in a worshiping motion and they both jump repeatedly and screamed like they've won the lottery.
"But wait! There's a problem." Plumette said. Belle looked at her in confusion.
"Gaston Leroy as King Jean XV. Pauline Archambeau as Madame de Vompadoure. Your ex and his new girlfriend!" Plumette pointed at the laptop. Belle read it again and confirmed.
"Oh no! This can't be! This is bad! The role itself is challenging, but working with THAT JERK, makes it more difficult!" Belle frowned and sighed worriedly. Plumette hugged her.
"What now? Are you going to back out?" Plumette asked worriedly
"No! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity in my acting career and I will definitely grab it! This will be my biggest break and I'll show that jerk that I've totally moved on!" Belle said in determination. Plumette nodded understandingly. They both hugged each other and continued screaming happily.
1767 - 18th Century
It's a sunny day and Henri Alexandre Pierre Adam Etienne Jacques-Francois de Beaumont, Comte de Beaumont, woke up in his bed with a scowl on his face. Today is the day that he's been dreading for. Today is the day that the King, His Majesty, summoned him and wanted him back in the Chateau de Verrzailles.
It's been five years since he isolated himself here in Chateau de Beaumont. Years ago, he was an active courtier, a count, with a remarkable attendance in Chateau de Verrzailles. However, when his wife died five years ago during childbirth and the infant was stillborn, he ceased going to the Palace and grieved and mourned their death, sulking here in his own little chateau.
Besides, the King wanted him back. He is His Majesty's secret and most trusted loyal confidant and he needs his pieces of advice in managing the court and some tasks to be accomplished.
Adam doesn't want his life revolving around the Palace anymore. He wanted it here, life in this little village is more peaceful and tranquil compared to the toxicity of the Palace and its inhabitants there. If not only for His Majesty, he will not go back there anymore. His Majesty is a close friend, he treated him already as a brother, even if they were distant cousins. Aside from that, no one can contradict the order of the King, strict adherence must be practiced at all times or else a person will be punished, or worst, beheaded. He is already fortunate enough that the King allowed him five years of non-appearance in the Palace, other courtiers are only given a week or a month in maximum.
He tried to stand up and Lumiere, his personal valet and footman is already inside his bedroom, preparing his morning routines and will help him to get dressed while also preparing his luggages.
"Good morning, Master! Today is the day of your comeback in the Palace! The carriage is being prepared outside and your things are already in the luggages. Only taking a bath, getting dressed and eating breakfast is what you needed to do and we are ready to go." Lumiere said enthusiastically. Adam only sighed and scowled more.
"You do not look happy, Master?" Lumiere asked worriedly.
"I...I preferred it to be here. I don't want to go there anymore." Adam said truthfully. Lumiere is his most trusted servant and confidant.
"I know Master, but His Majesty summoned you, and besides, you must be happy that you will get your life back. It's time to move forward and be productive again in the Palace." Lumiere said encouragingly. Adam sighed and nodded.
"Alright, I will bring you and Babette as my valet and chambermaid there. My apartment must be dusty and dirty for five years. You know what to do." Adam commanded.
"Yes, Master. Don't worry about it, me and my wife can manage the apartment while you reconnect with His Majesty and other courtiers out there." Lumiere gently smiled.
Adam went on his morning routines with Lumiere's help and they went outside, to the Dining Room to eat breakfast. The other servants bowed and greeted him. He just nodded.
"Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, I'll leave to you the management and maintenance of this Chateau. Please don't let anyone in, even if he's a nobility or even a peasant. If there's anything wrong or something you want to say, write a letter and addressed it to me on the Palace" Adam spoke to his Majordomo and Head Housekeeper.
"Yes, Master. Please take care of yourself there. Safe travels." The Majordomo and the Head Housekeeper said in chorused and bowed.
He finished eating breakfast and began to walk and looked around the Chateau, memorizing every parts of it.
"Master, it's time to go." Lumiere said while looking on the mantel clock beside him.
They walked out the huge door and the Carriage was already there waiting for them. Adam glanced at the Chateau de Beaumont once more, its grandeur and outside appearance. For him, this chateau is better, even if it's not as huge or as luxurious as the Palace of Verrzailles, but he needed to go there, for his duty as a comte and to maintain and secure his power and status.
Adam went inside the carriage. Lumiere and Babette followed. It's definitely going to be a long ride to the Palace.
"Let's go." Adam uttered and Lumiere signalled the Coachman outside to begin.
Notes:
Okay, so the BATB characters here are so Out of Character especially Belle and Plumette because they are living in the Modern Era, 21st Century and also Adam, he is a gentleman here, an aristocrat/noble, specifically, a count/comte, not a Beast, but I'll try to maintain his beastly side if needed for the scene~ Hahaha! (By the way, Chateau=Palace/Castle)
Stay tuned and Thank you for the support in both of my two stories, "The Alpha's Rose" and "The Queen's Man".
Hoping for your continuous support because I'm having self-doubts everyday. Thus, Kudos, Comments, Hits, Bookmarks and Subscriptions are highly appreciated. Thank you very much!
Chapter 3: CHAPTER 2
Notes:
Hi! It's been awhile!!!
So CHAPTER 2 is Up! Here we go!
Thank you for the Kudos and Hits, Readers! You inspire me to continue writing this!
WARNING: This Story's Setting is a FICTIONAL FRANCE and with FICTIONAL CHARACTERS AND PLACES. THUS, THIS IS NOT 100% HISTORICALLY ACCURATE AND NOT EVEN MODERN REALITY ACCURATE as I changed some things to fit for this story, and the Language would be a Simple Conversational English because I am not fluent enough to deepen the words to make it look more ancient/formal.
Also, there would be plotholes/loopholes for sure, as I am a newbie writer, and my first time to write a Time Travel AU. However, I will do my best to write and finish this story, for myself and for you, readers! Thank you!
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THE THINGS THAT I DO NOT OWN, HAHAHA! (Too long to type, see the previous chap's disclaimer for reference)
Again, Thank you and hope you enjoy this Chapter 2!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
CHAPTER 2
2017 - 21st Century - Present time
It's been a week after Belle was confirmed to play as Queen Marie Suzanne. After the announcement was made, she also received a follow-up email and a call from the director.
She thanked them for choosing her, and promised them that she will do her best in portraying the Queen. In fact, this week, she focused on researching more about the Queen on the Internet and some books in the Public Library.
The director also told her that their shooting location would be within the Palace of Verrzailles in order to make the movie more accurate, and she was required to have an apartment near the Palace for 2 months, so that she will always be available on the shooting set. The production will shoulder her rental fee for the designated apartment just like the other actors and actresses and the whole production team, and Since Plumette is still on a break, she will be tagging along as her personal assistant.
Therefore, she and Plumette are now packing their clothes and other belongings. This apartment that she rented is fully furnished, so they don't need to bring more things. They will leave it as vacant as they can't leave it in idle for 2 months and still pay for it. They don't have much enough money to rent it while they are there in Verrzailles.
"Plumette, are you done packing?" Belle asked excitedly.
"Yes, just checking if I left something else. How about you?" Plumette replied
"Done! I'm just so excited, it feels like a new adventure and a new beginning. This would be both our first time living in the Town of Verrzailles and it's for free! Can you imagine that?" Belle said with sparkling eyes.
"Belle, I know you're so happy, but need I remind you, that the purpose of getting there is still for your work." Plumette giggled.
"I know! But we can still rest and hang out or maybe tour while we are there. It's still a once in a lifetime opportunity!" Belle smiled.
"Of course! Again, I just would like to thank you that you are tagging me along, I will be more than happy to be your personal assistant while we're still there. It's a vacation and an escape for me! Thank you, Belle! Love you!" Plumette hugged her.
"Oh, it's nothing, I really wanted to bring you, too! It might be lonely there if I'm all alone. I'm still nervous with my co-actors, I hope I'll get along well with them, except for Gaston." Belle said worriedly.
"Argh! Forget your ex. That's already five years ago. There are many actors there that you can get along with, you only need to be with him in front of the camera, in taking the scenes, then after that, it's over." Plumette replied.
"You're right. Well, I'm still not comfortable with it, but I can manage. I just hope he already changed for the better and won't bother me personally, just professionally." Belle cringed at the memories of her ex and the hardships she encountered in dating him five years ago.
"I'm done, let's go!" Plumette said excitedly while holding her luggage.
"Okay, Let's go!" Belle smiled.
They left the apartment, bid the landlady goodbye, and drive the car. Belle is also renting this car as she cannot afford yet to avail one. The cost of living in Paris is high and she will be financially-challenged if she will not focus on the budget and distinguish the things she needs and wants. After an hour drive, since there is no heavy traffic, they reached the town of Verrzailles. They can already saw some parts of the Palace in the background as they drive.
They were both in awe, even if it's not their first time here. Countless of times that they toured the Palace since childhood but still, today, they were still mesmerized by its grandeur, especially now that Belle is there for a movie project. They drived and arrived at the designated apartment-hotel that were assigned to them by the production team. The building was a mid-rise condominium-like. They talked to the receptionist in the Concierge area and she gave them the keys. They rode an elevator going to the fifth floor and arrived at their apartment. It was a white modern minimalistic one, with 2 bedrooms and 2 Comfort Rooms, a mini Kitchen and a mini Dining Table and also a Couch with a Flat Screen Smart TV. It was also fully furnished with things and appliances just like their previous apartment, but even more beautiful and cozy. Plumette excitedly jumped at the bed upon reaching the bedroom. Belle laughed at her then jumped too.
"It's so soft and fluffy!" Plumette exclaimed while continuing to jump at the bed and Belle just grinned.
"Let's unpack first so we can settle and rest afterwards." Belle chuckled.
"Okay!" Plumette left the bedroom and fetch her belongings to settle to the other bedroom across.
Belle also started to fetched her luggage and unpacked her clothes. She looked around the room for a moment, studying the walls, windows, the bed and the wardrobe closet.
"Finally, in my 28 years of existence, this is a new adventure, the one that I wanted, more than I can tell!" Belle thought and smiled to herself.
1767 - 18th Century
It's been a week since Adam arrived at the Palace of Verrzailles. It was a long ride with the carriage, and it took a whole day from the Chateau de Beaumont to the Palace. It was already late in the evening when they arrived.
Of course, he can still remember how the courtiers looked at him when he arrived last week. Some were glad while some raised their eyebrows and sneered or smirked at him. The ladies are gossiping in discreet with their fans on their faces and the gentlemen are whispering to each other's ears. Still, even though they are in their hushed tones, he can clearly hear what they are saying. They are calling him names and titles to try to ridicule and mock him.
"Ohh, The Widower is back, it's been five years already, isn't it?"
"It's really unexpected, he is the Caged Beast, am I right?"
"...The Locked-up Beast, indeed!"
"That "Hermit Count" seeking shelter at his own little Chateau on the East..."
"Why would the Isolated Comte be here? I thought he's gone for good..."
"...I thought The Beast already preferred solitude?"
"He is a failure husband, I heard that his wife, the Madame Comtesse de Beaumont, had a stillborn child, before she died during childbirth"
"...and it was not his."
"...She was having an affair behind his back, that's what my cousin said."
"Maybe he can't satisfy her in the marital bed..."
"...Poor wife, she suffered too much."
"He did not treat her well enough..."
"He has taken her for granted. Thus, she bear him a bastard who died eventually. No legitimate heirs for him though..."
"Maybe he's here to find another wife, or a mistress or a lover?"
"...to have some heir to his Title. It would be a waste if his lineage will be broken. His rank and status will be diminished."
"...maybe expecting someone here to love him, as his wife didn't even."
"Ohh, Who could ever learn to love The Beast?"
When he was still an active courtier, five years ago, he was known as "The Beast" in a remarkable positive way, because he was strong-willed, fierce and can manage the daily intrigues and issues of the Court. He is full of wit, and a formidable adversary in verbal sparring. He is considered as a force to be reckoned with. But now, after five years, "The Beast" title is put on the negative side, when he suddenly left the Court after his wife died. It became a form of mockery to him.
The Palace of Verzailles is a beautiful but toxic place that is full of people ready to mock, ridicule and overthrow one another. The King kept the nobles here as he likes to watch them and bankrupt them and everyone lived every day just the same as before. There are more than 5000 courtiers living here, majority are nobles. Hence, intrigues, gossips, and issues are everywhere, and usually it is either "having an affair with someone" or "had a fight with someone." There is a lot of gambling, mind games and posturing like who's on the up-and-up and favored by the King and getting close to His Majesty, and who's on the way out of the Palace by a humiliating departure. Living in the Palace of Verrzailles is an expensive lifestyle enjoyed by the aristocrats who love to maintain their honor, high reputation and extravagance. When he was an active courtier, he enjoys these things, too, but when he settled down, and his wife died and he mourned by living in his own Chateau for five years, he began to realize that this way of living in the court is corrupt and hollow. After all, the Palace is mostly known for its decadence and debauchery.
Adam just continued walking sternly, ignoring all the gossips and whispers, as he arrived in the Apollo Room or the Royal Throne Room for his own presentation to give his courtesy to His Majesty. He kissed the King's Ring on His Majesty's right hand and continued to bow.
"A pleasant evening to you, Your Majesty." Adam greeted.
"Oh, Comte de Beaumont, what a refreshing sight to see your face again here in our Luxurious Palace! However, it's quite late, the dinner was already finished and in a few minutes, my going-to-bed ceremony will be conducted. However, I expect your further courtesy in the next days in my office by preparing an audience with me." King Jean XV said, smirking as he rise to the throne, ready to retire.
"It would be my honor, Your Majesty." Adam nodded, bowed, and proceeded to go unto the corner at the side with other courtiers.
They all watched as the King retreated the Apollo Room while they were still bowing. They began to follow him as their next destination would be in the King's Royal Bedchamber as the King prepares for his "coucher" or going-to-bed ceremony which is performed in public.
Along the way, he was tapped on the shoulder by another courtier, who grinned at him.
"It's been a long time, Monsieur le Comte de Beaumont! I thought you won't be back!" It's the Monsieur Marquis de Rocheau who whispered.
The Marqui is a long-time friend of him since childhood, as he was the same age as him. No, just an acquaintance perhaps, as the number one rule would be "Trust no one." here in the Palace. The courtiers are all deceiving and cunning, you don't know who will betray who, who will turn you down, bring you down or even kill you, in the most unexpected time. Apparently, everyday is a battle of shrewdness and wisdom to all of them. Therefore, he treated no one as a friend, just an acquaintance.
The hierarchy within the French nobility was initially based on seniority. Adam, a count whose family had been noble since the 14th century was higher-ranked than Marquis de Rocheau whose title only dated to the 15th century. Precedence at the royal court was based on the family's ancienneté, its alliances (marriages), its hommages (dignities and offices held) and, lastly, its illustrations (record of deeds and achievements). Therefore, even if Adam is a Comte and the title "Marquis" is usually a higher ranking than a "Comte", Still, the Marquis de Rocheau is below him, and it's all thanks to Adam's grandfather and own father, who worked hard in order to secure this title to be inherited by him, but his father is still cruel and all he cares is the title and gaining the King's favor to become a more powerful nobleman. He trained him for this, that is the reason why he was an active courtier since his childhood, and currently, as a 35 year-old nobleman, and due to his five-year solitude, he is matured enough to realized that a tranquil life in his little chateau is better compared to being a busy courtier here in the Palace.
"Yes, it is good to be back. With five years in the East, I can still see familiar faces here but the others are quite unknown." Adam replied in a whisper.
"Oh, of course, there are other new nobles presented here in the last five years. Don't worry, you will reconnect and meet them all in the coming days." The Marquis de Rocheau replied in a whisper.
The Marquis was right, although membership in the noble class was mainly inherited, it was not a fully closed order. New individuals were appointed to the nobility by the monarchy, or they could purchase rights and titles, or join by marriage. Thus, there are new faces here.
The Going-to-Bed ceremony went well and the courtiers were dismissed after the King lie down on his Bed. Adam and Marquis de Rocheau continued walking along the corridors of the Palace, back to their own apartments. The courtiers are still staring at him, whispering, but he tried to looked unaffected. After all, one has to be fearless and shameless, if you want to survive the daily life with the wolves here in Palace de Verrzailles.
"Monsieur Marqui, as I was not around for five years, would you please enlighten me, what happened in those years that I was gone?" Adam asked in a commanding tone, rather than a request. The Marquis smirked.
"Monsieur Comte de Beaumont, nothing much happened here, the same as usual. The King and the courtiers still love having gatherings and formal events, especially the balls. Then the wars are still on-going. Ohh, there are more intrigues and issues everywhere, However, the latest significant one would be this current year, as the King began to entertain mistresses. Apparently, the Queen refused to bed him, after 13 years of marriage. Her Majesty is now pious and hoping to have an ample time of rest after conceiving continuous heirs, 10 to be exact. She now likes to rest in her apartments more, rather than attending formal gatherings. The King was upset with this, and some libertine courtiers advised him to bed mistresses to satisfy himself. Right now, the four De Meaille Sisters are his unofficial dalliances, but they are now being requested to leave the Palace and have them thrown in the Metz or even in the convent, as the King was perhaps not satisfied with their performances in the bed, in short, he got tired of them. However, what I recently discovered was, the King has a new favorite, it's the Madame Louisse de La Valerrie, the Duchess, but he is having a second thoughts in making her an Official Mistress, since he has another favorite, the Madame Marquise de Montezpanne. Well, they were quite a beauty indeed, and you know, His Majesty is quite insatiable, as he was now influenced by libertinism and debauchery by our other fellow friends and cousins. That's all for now, old friend! Let's call it a night." The Marquis de Rocheau narrated, and afterwards, they went in their separate ways, off to their own apartments.
Adam still thought about what he has heard and was still in shock. There are many things that happened while he was gone, but the latest was, the King has changed. He thought His and Her Majesty were very much in love before he left the Court five years ago, but now, everything has changed. Adam wondered if he still can trust and treat His Majesty like a brother, as he was now closer to the other courtiers who were known for libertinism and lustfulness. Adam shook his head.
He opened the door to his own apartment and there was Lumiere and Babette, waiting on him by the fireplace, with a food on the table.
"Master, welcome back, I sneaked around the Royal Kitchen to fetch some dinner for you." Lumiere bowed and offered, Adam nodded and thank him.
"How about you two? Have you eaten?"Adam asked.
With his five year solitude in his own Chateau, he became closer to the servants as they became a companion and never leave him on those times of torment. He began to develop a care for them and treat them well, just like what his Mother did, and unlike what his father has taught him.
"Yes, Master, there were some food left on the Kitchen for the servants, we are lucky to acquire some." Lumiere grinned. Adam dined with the cold food on the table.
Afterwards, Lumiere assisted him in changing clothes for the night, getting dressed in a nightshirt and with his dressing robe, while Babette stoked the fireplace and prepare his bed. After that, he bid them goodnight and they told him to not to hesitate to ring for them if he needed something. That was what happened a week ago on their first night in the Palace.
In the present time, he is sitting on one of the chairs at the lounge outside the King's Office. As what the King told him that first night, he needed to extend his courtesy by having an appointment with him in His Office. However, it was a difficult task, having an appointment with the King, as he was always busy and productive.
His Majesty has his own schedule for the whole day, that starts with the "Lever" or waking-up ceremony at 8:30 in the morning, which is publicly viewed by the courtiers. Then he ate his breakfast, which is also publicly viewed. He will then go to the Throne Room to receive some courtesy to those courtiers and guests who arrived in the morning. At 10 am, he attends the Daily Mass at the Royal Chapel, then after that, he will instruct his council, followed by the Lunch at 1pm, wherein the King will ate alone at the table but again, in public. The afternoon was spent in hunting and walking with the other noble gentlemen, and afterwards, he will entertain those courtiers who set an audience or appointment with him in his Office. Then at 10pm, he will eat dinner with the company of the Royal Family or if there is an evening formal gathering like a Ball, it will start earlier than 10pm, the other appointments will be cancelled earlier, and all the courtiers will dine with him during the Ball. After his Dinner, he will again proceed to the Throne Room for receiving courtesy from those who arrived in the Palace in the evening. Then he will be having a going-to-bed ceremony that is called "coucher" in his Royal Bedroom at 11:30pm, which is again performed in public. Then another day has passed which will be the same as before.
Due to this fact, the appointments are getting delayed and passed over on to the next day, as the King will only choose a limited amount of courtiers to entertain, based on priorities and based to his own liking. The courtiers are just outside his Office the whole late afternoon, falling in line, waiting to be called, just like what he does now. The door to the Office opened and the assistant announced the list of those who are qualified to have an audience with His Majesty and Adam's name and title was not called. Hence, he will again wait here the next day until he is called. This is the reason why the nobles are getting bored each day, staying at the court, and will resort to gambling, playing games and partying while waiting for an audience with the King.
As Adam left the Office of His Majesty, he walked towards the Orangerie and the Royal Gardens to have some fresh air and to rest. He sat at a nearby bench when he heard a commotion behind him. There were three teenage nobles who are maltreating a middle-aged woman whom he assumed as one of the gardeners. They began to kick the helpless woman whose body was already in a fetal position and getting weaker on the ground. Adam approached them and cleared his throat.
"Let her go! Leave her alone!" Adam ordered.
"Oh, the so called Beast is here!" One of the teenage boys uttered and the two laughed with him.
Adam glared at him intensely, and began to grabbed the teenage boy's waistcoat.
"I.. am..not...a...Beast!" Adam said sternly and slowly to indicate emphasis while glaring at the boy. The teenage noble boy was intimidated and terrified at him, the two companions also suddenly ran away, quite frightened, leaving their friend behind.
"I promise, you are not getting away with this! My father is a new Baron! He is getting close with the King! You'll pay for this!" The teenage boy glared back at him.
"Go ahead, tell your Baron of a Father that you had shown disrespect to a Comte, and let's see who will beg for forgiveness. Now, Go!" Adam sneered and the teenage boy, wide-eyed, as he realized that a Comte is higher in ranking than a Baron, he ran away to follow his two friends.
Adam sighed when he lost sight of them. He remembered the old woman behind him and helped her to stand up and settled on to the bench. The woman was weary and bruises can be shown in her face and arms, outside her working clothes.
"Are you alright? Madame--?" Adam asked worriedly.
"It's Agathe, Monsieur le Comte de Beaumont. Thank you for helping me. I'm fine now." Madame Agathe bowed.
"You know me?" Adam was slightly surprised.
"Of course, Monsieur Comte, you are back after five years, everyone is speaking about you." Madame Agathe smiled gently. There is something about her that Adam can't fathom. She is quite mysterious.
"Ohh, right." Adam sighed.
"Again, thank you for helping me, even if I'm just a mere gardener." Madame Agathe muttered.
"Oh, it's nothing, those teenage boys deserve to learn a lesson before they can be considered as noble gentlemen." Adam replied with a frown. The teenage boys remind him of his life as a teenage boy too, wherein his father taught him to be cruel and have a sense of entitlement to everyone around, but now, he has changed for the better.
"You're a kind noble gentleman. There were only a few courtiers left here who is as kind as you, and I can count them on my hands." Madame Agathe smiled and Adam snorted.
"You don't know me too well, Madame. I can also be as vicious as the other courtiers here. However, you needed help at the moment and those boys need to learn their lesson as well." Adam explained. They fell into a short silence as Madame Agathe started talking again.
"Well, Monsieur de la Comte, I should be going as I don't want to bother you no more. However, as the symbol of my gratitude, take this with you." Madame Agathe took something from her pocket and give it to him.
"A Rose?" Adam stared at the Rose, it is only a mere Red Rose, only the flower part with no leaves, stem, or thorns. It looks sturdy like it cannot be easily crumpled nor crushed, it is like a soft small cushion.
"It is a protective charm, like an amulet. Ask for it and it will be given. Just picture it on your mind and feel it in your heart. Then, it will keep your life safe." Madame Agathe replied.
Adam snorted and shook his head as he said, "I am not that foolish to risk my life on a charm. Besides, it is still a form of sorcery, of a witchcraft, Madame."
"But you do know that even the other Lady Courtiers believe in such amulets, witchcraft and other occult practices, aren't they?" Madame Agathe persisted and her hand holding the small flower reached for him, wishing him to take it immediately, and Adam, hoping not to make her upset and not to be rude, as he was also getting annoyed, just took and accepted the Rose.
"You're right, Madame. Fine, I will take this. Thank you for this gift." Adam stared at the Red Rose, it is so irresistible to watch, like it was attracting him to gaze at it, all the time.
"You're welcome." Madame Agathe whispered.
"So, How will I use...this---" Adam was shocked and was taken aback when there was no one around. The gardener suddenly disappeared and he was left there in the bench, alone.
Adam sighed and shook his head, he put the Rose inside his waistcoat pocket and began to head back inside the Palace to retire to his apartment for awhile, maybe taking a nap first before dinner will make him more relaxed. He continued to walk, ignoring the whispers and stares of other courtiers as he passed by, and the Rose was left protectively in his pocket, quickly forgotten, as his mind drifted to some other thoughts.
Notes:
So, I just realized that this story is more Fast-Paced compared to my other story, The Alpha's Rose (BATB in Werewolf AU) Hahaha! Well, I'm just too excited to have an "Adam & Belle encounter" already so stay tuned for the next chappie!
And also, Belle's Age here is 28 years old, and Adam's already 35 years old, a 7-year gap, and I based this on Emma Watson's and Dan Stevens' age gap in reality, as they are my human characters representation in this story, just like in the BATB 2017 Movie.
Again, Kudos/Hits/Comments etc. will be highly appreciated as my motivation to continue this~ Thank you!
And as a BATB Fan, I would like to promote Dan Stevens' new movie called "I'm your Man" which will be showing in the US Theaters this Sept. 24, 2021! If you love his portrayal as the Beast in BATB 2017, I'm sure, he is also excellent as a Robot Man, as his new lead role in this movie. Watch the Trailer! Hence, Let's support our Monsieur de la Comte! Alright? (Although, I'm not from the US so I cannot watch the Movie, *cries*, so please watch for me/on my behalf, instead!) Thank you!
Chapter 4: CHAPTER 3
Notes:
Hi everyone, it's been awhile, oh yes, it's 3 weeks already since I've updated this! Apologies~
Anyway here's Chapter 3, with 8,800+ words, because it's as good as 2 chapters already.
However, because it's Dan Stevens' Birthday today, here's a treat! A whole long chapter!Yeah, October 10 is Dan Stevens' Birthday!!! (and my Mom's birthday too, and I'm so envious of her because she is sharing this day with him! Hahaha!) Anyway, please greet him a Happy Birthday in his official Instagram &Twitter accounts: @thatdanstevens
(I don't know about you and your time zones in your place, but here, it's already Oct.10 so, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAN STEVENS! )Speaking of, his new Movie, "I'm your Man" is still showing in some theaters/cinemas and will be having its Digital Release on October 12, so please support him~ Therefore, it's Dan Stevens' Days (Oct.10-Birthday ; Oct.12-I'm Your Man Digital Release)
And so, here's Chapter 3!
Warning: Contains mild Sexual scene, and a lot of Obscene/swearing/cursing language.
Again, this story is purely fictional and fantasy, not historically accurate and not realistic accurate! (As I've never been to Versailles Palace and France and also only a little knowledge about Filming, I'll edit this someday to make it more accurate. Moreover, to fit the story/plot, I changed a lot of historical events, names, places, etc.)Disclaimer: I do not own Disney's Beauty and the Beast 1991/2017, La Belle y La Bete and Queen In-hyun's Man, France and Versailles' History and Dan Stevens (sadly, hahaha!) I'm just here to create a BATB AU Fanfic for the benefit of the whole BATB Fandom.
Thank you very much for the Hits, Kudos, Comments, Subscriptions, Bookmarks, etc. and I will continue to greatly appreciate it, if you would~ Thank you~
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
CHAPTER 3
2017 - 21st Century - Present time
Another week has passed, and those days have been spent for the general assembly of the whole cast and the production team. It's the start of the Formal and Official Pre-Production Phase for them, since during the two-month audition for the casting, the partial pre-Production phase has already began for the other teams, such as the Costume Design, Make-up design, and Production Set Design, and others.
That past week, there is a 5-day acting workshop for all the actors and actresses and also getting-to-know-each-other activities. The two days were allocated to the contract-signing of all involved and to discuss the movie plot and the characterization and it turns out that even if Belle is going to portray Queen Marie Suzanne, she is still a minor character since the movie will focus more on the personal life of the King and his romantic relationships with his Mistresses, other than the politics and wars.
After all, King Jean XV's reign is known for decadence and debauchery and at that time, the Palace of Verrzailles is known as the Palace of Pleasure and Libertinism. Queen Marie Suzanne, on the other hand, is a neglected Queen after she began to deny His Majesty the wifely duties in the marital bed. She became a pious woman and refused to conceive more heirs after having ten already. She became a wallflower and ignores the intrigues, issues, gossips and scandals about her own shortcomings and the appointment of the mistresses to satisfy the King. Her Majesty endures all of this until her sudden death.
Due to this fact, Belle's role will be minimally significant in the film, and will only have seven scenes unlike the actresses that will play the Official Mistresses and other extras and bit players who will be the minor dalliances. Belle is still thankful for this opportunity, even if she is a minor supporting character, being The Queen still sounds more like an independent and distinguished major character, unlike being one of the mistresses. This role is really a breakthrough for her.
This whole day is the first day of the 3-day exclusive tour of the Palace. The whole cast, ensembles and the whole production team will be having a History Refresher Seminar and an exclusive 3-day tour on the whole Palace of Verrzailles, in order to gain knowledge on the History and to fully understand the events and the characters that they are going to portray. The movie director wanted this movie to become more historically accurate as possible, in order to avoid and prevent having controversies and arguments from critiques and historians after the premiere of the movie. Therefore, it is essential to tour the whole Palace of Verrzailles and to study the historical events, the scenes and the characters.
Belle and the other actors and actresses and the whole production team were assisted by the historians-slash-tour guides of the Palace. They walked through the majestic Hall of Mirrors and other Rooms such as the Apollo Room known as the Throne Room, The Room of Abundance, The Room of War, The Room of Peace, The Mars Room, The Diana Room, The Venus Room, the Mercury Room, The Hercules Room, the Royal Apartments and Private BedChambers of the King and of the Queen and the Apartments of the Mistresses, the secret passages wherein the King has the only access to, and all other significant parts of the Palace, while the history tour guides explained to them simultaneously, the purpose, uses and important events that happened to each place.
There was a break time for lunch, and after Belle has finished eating, Gaston suddenly approached her for the first time while she was currently alone, walking in the hallways.
"Well, it's been ages, hello there, Babe!" Gaston greeted her using their endearment and smirked.
"Mr. Leroy, What do you want? and please don't call me that." Belle said stoically.
"Ohh but we used to call each other by our first names and some sweet endearments, if I remember correctly. What happened?" Gaston raised his eyebrow and smirked again teasingly.
"You knew too well what happened and that's in the past already. Let's just be civil and be professionally acquainted and nothing more. Now, is there anything else I can help you with?" Belle replied coldly.
"Belle, Belle, Belle. I'm afraid, that will not happen. You're so rude to me now, huh? Can't you remember who I am in your life? I'm your boyfriend--" Gaston smiled widely
"EX-BOYFRIEND. And that's five years ago, and we're definitely over. Now, if you'll excuse me." Belle cut him off with emphasis and began to turn her back to walk away.
"You're so full of yourself now, huh? Just because you got the role of the Queen? Hahaha! Didn't you know that I am the one who told the directors to make you my Queen?" Gaston smirked and Belle stopped.
"What? What are you saying?" Belle asked.
"I am the one who chose you to be my Queen. You know, connections...and I was casted as the King automatically because of my name, meaning, no auditions for me. You know how famous I am now, my dear Belle. I got the role without a sweat, and I also has the say who will become my Mistresses and especially my Queen. Who do you think you are, Belle? You're still a newbie to this industry, still a no-name actress! Did you honestly think that you will be chosen over hundreds of actresses vying for the roles in that audition? Nuh-uh! You should thank me atleast, because of your connection to me, I had thoughts of our relationship together and I decided to help you reach your dreams and here you are now, My Queen!" Gaston explained and smirked evilly. Belle's eyes widened in shock.
"That couldn't be! You're kidding, right?"
"No, my dear Belle, I'm serious as hell. So, if I were you, be extra nice to me instead, I'm doing you a big favor. Thank me, you owe me bigtime." Gaston laughed wickedly.
"Well, if that's the case, I'll just quit!" Belle said.
"Oh my poor Belle, you already signed the contract and if you quit, how do you think will the directors, production managers and the whole production team will react? You will be sued for the breach of contract, you will be called unprofessional and it will ruin your name, giving you no more projects in the future, leaving you penniless!" Gaston smirked and Belle gritted her teeth.
"Why are you doing this to me?!" Belle asked
"Simple, I want you back." Gaston said
"What?! You want me back? Hahaha! That's really hilarious! You have a girlfriend now, Pauline! So, don't make me a third party in your relationship." Belle laughed.
"Well, Pauline and I, we're just a pairing on-cam, but Belle, we two, can secretly date off-cam, I'll broke up with her, then I'll make you famous, I'll give you more projects through my connections. Then we can get rid of her and start being the onscreen partners instead." Gaston proposed. Belle cringed and laughed again then shook her head repeatedly.
"No. Never again, Gaston. I'm sorry. Just stay with Pauline. You two really look good together. Don't break her heart like what you did to me. Anyway, I must thank you for the role, but I really don't want to be indebted to your voluntary favor which I didn't even ask for. As a return, I will just give you 50% of the professional fee that I will receive after this movie. It must be an enough payment." Belle said nonchantly.
"But---"
"Gaston? Gaston? Oh You're here, honey! What are you doing here? God, I've been looking for you everywhere! Ohhh... you're...Belle, right?" Pauline approached them and kissed Gaston on his lips before turning to look at Belle.
"Yes. and oh, It's nothing really, we just had a small talk about the roles. You know, the usual, Queen, King, and of course you, Madame Beloved Mistress, but his Queen in real life, it's nice to meet you again." Belle replied quickly and jokingly before Gaston might say anything. Pauline smiled at her, flattered at what she said.
"Oh, don't mention that, I'm glad to work with you. Anyway, Gaston, Let's go, the director is looking for us, something important to say, I guess? If you'll excuse us, Belle. We really need to go." Pauline said.
"Yeah, yeah...sure, no prob! See you later at the continuation of the Tour." Belle smiled and nodded and the two walked away hand in hand, but Gaston looked back at her and slightly glared. Belle glared back and smirked. When she was already alone, Belle sighed harshly and whispered some curses, losing her patience and calmness.
"Fuck that Gaston! Fuck you! Fuck you! Fuck you! Damn you! We're already done, five years ago! I've had enough of your manipulation and now, you're still doing it again! You, Gaslighter! Narcissistic Dumbass, Jerk, Asshole, Predator, Groomer, Son of a fucking bitch! Dammit! I swear, I'll never let you manipulate me again! Not this time! No, Sir, not me, I guarantee it! I will not give you the satisfaction!" Belle whispered her cursed softly and inaudibly, while alternating between stamping her foot on the floor and kicking it in the air.
How she wanted badly to scream her anger here in the walls of the Palace of Verrzailles but that would be losing her manners, and it would be embarrassing. She will definitely have haters and bashers, specifically, his lovestruck crazy fans. After all, Gaston is one of the heartthrob leading men and most-sought actors in the entertainment industry. He rose to fame after he was paired with Pauline in a TV Series and in a few Movies with a Romance or Romantic Comedy Genre, making them a constant on-screen partners on a great demand and they became more famous when they declared that they were now officially dating in real life. Of course, they have a lot of supporters, fans, fanclubs and fandoms, adoring their "From Reel-to-Real" love story and relationship. No wonder, if what Gaston said was really true, it is no doubt that they were easily casted automatically because of their names. They are already marketable, bankable leading stars and the movie will surely be a hit. Belle sighed frustratingly and she thought about what Gaston has said, that she only got the role because of him, making her suddenly insecure of her acting abilities and having some self-doubts.
"That man! Still not failing to make me doubt myself and my acting skills, even my self-worth! No! No! No! I must be strong to overcome this! Damn, I already signed the contract. No choice but to continue this and not quit! Argh! Alright, I'll just do my best and act professionally, complete those few scenes of the Queen, pay him half of my paycheck, then it's done! It's easy, Belle, come on, you can do it! After that, I don't have to see him anymore, ever again! Goodbye and Good Riddance, Madame Gaston!!!" Belle thought angrily then chuckled at the mocking of his name at the end.
1767 - 18th Century
It's already afternoon and Adam walked towards the lounge of the Royal Office of the King to wait again if he will finally be summoned inside the King's Office. It's been a week of patiently waiting, but still, he was not yet called to have an audience with His Majesty. There are a lot of gentlemen courtiers already waiting at the lounge when he arrived. He took a vacant seat, observing his surroundings, when finally the King's assistant went out of that door to announced the list of Courtiers that are qualified for today.
"Bonjour, Ladies and Gentlemen! The first one would be, Comte Henri Alexandre Pierre Adam Etienne Jacques-Francois de Beaumont, Comte de Beaumont. Please come inside." The King's Assistant uttered and the courtiers began to stared at him in envy.
"Finally!" Adam thought. He slightly nodded at the King's assistant and followed him inside.
"Ahhh! Mm...mmm Ahhh! Yes, yes..please! ahhh! Right there, Your Majesty!" a woman sitting in the table with her legs spread wide, moaned loudly while His Majesty is licking her breasts through her ripped bodice and thrusting his hips inside her petticoats.
"Merde!" Adam cursed in shock, scandalized at what he saw. "Apologies! Forgive me, Your Majesty and Madame de la Valerrie." He quickly averted his eyes, bowed, and turned his back on them for respect. The woman shrieked and put her arms over her breasts in an attempt to cover herself.
"Ohh, there you are, Comte de Beaumont! Give us a minute...And oh, it's Duchess already, I have given her that Title a few months ago before you've returned." The King said to him then turned towards his lover, "My dear Louisse, please leave us for awhile, then we'll continue this later, I promise." King Jean XV chuckled seductively. The Duchess giggled and gave him one final kiss on the lips then fixed her clothing and exited through the other secret door, not in the main door which is connected to the Lounge outside that were full of waiting aristocrats.
"Comte de Beaumont, please have a seat." The King smirked while still fixing the buttons of his Breeches. Adam took his seat, scowling, his eyes were scrutinizing the King, secretly annoyed.
"Now that we are alone, we can drop the formalities! Goodness, Adam! I've missed you! It's been five years! Welcome back in Verrzailles! In case you're doubting, it's still me, the same Jean you know, your best friend and playmate ever since childhood!" The King grinned and hugged him playfully and he dodged it.
"Except for being so libertine enough that you would fuck a lady's cunt in your desk while expecting an audience from one of your courtiers." Adam added in an "as a matter of fact" tone. His Majesty laughed loudly.
"Ohhh! Come on! We all know that Fucking is very much pleasing to one's flesh, I can do it all day! Goodness Adam, the rumors might be true, you've really changed! How? Where is the Adam that I knew who fucked some lady courtiers before getting married, a libertine as well, but became a loyal and faithful husband after? Ohh! Don't tell me that you're still practicing celibacy after your wife, the late Comtesse, passed away? Goodness gracious, that's five years ago! You're missing all the fun in here! Why did you even think of isolating yourself in that little Chateau of yours? You should've returned immediately, Verrzailles is where you really belong!" The King laughed teasingly.
"Sire, I believe, that's none of your business, Your Majesty." Adam said sternly and narrowed his eyes at him.
"Oh Adam! Don't be such a grumpy old man, you Widower! Stop the grief, Addy might be sad in Heaven if she sees that you're still mourning for her! You're still young, having the same age as mine. You should still be enjoying life, enjoying the fucking! Well, How about I gave you one of my mistresses to spend the night? or even assigning some lady courtier for your remarriage? A new wife, perhaps! Oh, I'm so brilliant!" King Jean proposed.
"Jean, Sacrebleu! For the love of God, please don't! You knew too well what happened between me and Adeline in our arranged marriage. I don't want to experience that anymore. Let me be as I am. I'm satisfied with my life now, and in the future, if I'll remarry, I'll make it right this time and marry for love instead." Adam said seriously, but it's just an excuse, so that the King will not arranged a marriage for him, because even Adam, doesn't believe in love anymore, not after what happened to him. The King laughed mockingly.
"Love? Hahaha! What is Love if it doesn't really exist? Libertinism, rather, is the art of love and seduction right now! Love? It will fade away, just like what my Queen and I are currently experiencing. I guess you've already heard the intrigues? She rejected me in the marital bed, refusing to give me heirs! Well, I don't mind, I have more ladies to choose from, I'll just have my pick! She's nothing!" The King said boastfully but Adam knew him too well, His Majesty said it with a hint of bitterness.
"You still love her. I can see it, you're hurting." Adam said.
"What?! No way! Why would I?" The King replied defensively.
"Before I left, you two were very much in love, yours is an arranged marriage but a successful one, because you both fell in love at first sight. What happened while I was away? Is it true that you're having Mistresses and planning in making them official? How about Suzy? How would she feel about this?" Adam asked.
"Why are you even defending her? Are you in love with her?" The King asked him suspiciously.
"Goodness, Jean! Have you heard yourself? Mon Dieu! Of course not! I'm just defending her because she is still your wife, which means she's also my friend, and she's also my late wife's best friend. I value our friendship deeply, the four of us, especially during our marriage years." Adam retorted.
"Ohh, I must agree that those years are full of blissful memories, especially our friendship! However, that was the past and now, is the present. We should move forward." King Jean tapped Adam's shoulder.
"Then, if we must, we should begin talking about the reason on why you had summoned me here, Sire." Adam said in serious manner.
"Well, as you can see, five years have gone so fast, and those years that you're not around, I've gained some new close friends." The King sighed and sat on his own chair.
"As I've heard, and those friends of yours influenced you about being an extreme libertine." Adam added and King Jean shrugged.
"Most of them, yes. You know the system well, everyone exerts a lot of effort to be closer to me, just to gain my favor. However, I realized in those five years, that they might not be true to me. This Palace is full of lies and schemes. Old and new nobles, they were all the same, everyone can betray me easily without me knowing. I'm afraid that the mind games and the conspiracies against me are becoming more apparent these days, and so I thought, who could I still trust? Of course, the one who is not present here! My mind, as brilliant as I am, was reminded of your existence! Still, no one can supersede your excellent performance here in the Court. For me, you are still my best courtier, my most trustworthy and loyal secret confidant. That, I hope. I trust you more than my own brothers, sisters, and cousins just as I've treated you more like a brother than a distant cousin of mine. Of all the courtiers here, you're the only one who doesn't care and hasn't made a fool of yourself, just to be closer to me and gain my favor, you're just only here to be a true friend to me, and because of that, you've gain my respect. Therefore, if I may ask, are you with me, Adam? Are you still with me?" The King asked with trepidation, but still hoping for a positive feedback from him.
"I am wondering, Your Majesty, shouldn't I be the one to ask you that? Are you still with me, Sire? With your new libertine friends and dalliances, it appears to me, that you've changed somehow. I am afraid that you may trust them more than me, five years is long enough to build a strong rapport, and without me, being here, I might have already lose to them." Comte Adam retorted.
"Of course not! That's the exact reason why I summoned you here. Just like the old times, ever since I was proclaimed as a young King, I always needed you, your expertise, your intelligence, your aid in managing the Court in discreet. God and you are my own witnesses, I've never wanted this, but here I am now. Years have passed and I still need to put up this facade, everyone's expectations of me to surpass or to equally matched the glorious reign of my predecessors to the throne, my grandfather and my father. The pressure is still eating me up until now." The King covered his face with his hands, distressed.
"But you have your own council, how about them?" Adam asked.
"I don't trust them enough, it seems that they are also conspiring against me, their pieces of advice are too confusing and complicated! I don't know if I should believe them in their guidance in some of my planning and decision-making activities." King Jean revealed.
"That might be true. Your position as the King is difficult, everyone is either a viper or a vulture patiently waiting and ready to devour you." Adam advised.
"Exactly. Hence, are you with me, Adam?" The King asked again.
"Despite my wants to remain in my Chateau on the East, I am already here again. Do I look like I have any other options?" Adam responded sarcastically. The King grinned triumphantly.
"Marvelous! Goodness Adam, my sincere and deepest gratitude, old friend!" King Jean exclaimed and hugged him and Adam just rolled his eyes at him being overly dramatic and childish.
"So, what do you want me to do?" Adam asked.
"Well, I just want you again to be my secret confidant, and help me discreetly in managing the Court and other important matters of the State. Moreover, try to investigate the traitors or the threats that are planning to overthrow me, my Queen and my children, especially the Dauphin, my successor to the throne. Furthermore, tell me about everything that is suspicious like the intrigues, issues, gossips, scandals, and conspiracies that I need to be enlightened with."
"Are you saying that you wanted me to be your secret espionage as well?" Adam frowned.
"Absolutely! You're really clever!" The King grinned.
"No! It's too dangerous, and the courtiers might be able to notice and detect it as soon as possible." Adam shook his head.
"Then, we should keep this secret safe, just between the two of us. Suzy will not know any of this or even my new Mistresses, even if I'm in love with them, and of course, most especially my council and my siblings and other friends. I'll cover you and protect you if you needed aid, and also I'll treat you as if you're no longer a close friend of mine in front of everyone, so that they will not be suspicious of you. Please Adam, do me a favor, my old friend." The King pleaded.
"You're lucky that you're my friend, be thankful that you're also the King, that I cannot refuse you." Adam sighed and slightly glared and the King laughed.
"Of course, I will compensate you for this whole mission, an ample amount of livres and Jean d' Ores, for your expenditures and resources in gathering informations and additional efforts, and for your role as my secret confidant and manager of the Court as well." The King assured.
"You'd better be." Adam sighed, the King smiled.
"Anyway, I shall dismissed you now as I will attend to other nobles who requested to have an audience with me, and don't forget to be at the masked ball later, many ladies might wish to be debauched by you, I mean, to DANCE WITH YOU, rather!" King Jean said teasingly, the emphasis and the tone make it easier to understand that it is a sexual innuendo. Adam glared and groaned.
"Tch! You and your libertinism again." Adam muttered in annoyance and irritation, and the King just chuckled.
Adam left the Royal Office of His Majesty and walked back to his own apartment to have a rest. He thought about the new job entrusted to him by the King, it would be a life-threatening task once the enemies found out. He's not afraid anymore, well, there's nothing else to lose, especially now that he's a widower and alone in life, he thought that he just might maybe make the most out of it, and he will be rewarded in Heaven in the afterlife.
He also thought about the King's attitude. King Jean XV is still the same, back in the days and until now, when it's just the two of them, His Majesty will always reveal his true personality, a carefree, childish, free-spirited man, far from his "King" facade which is a domineering and intimidating one. Adam is glad to know that although he always shows his annoyance and coldness towards His Majesty, they deeply knew and understand each other. He is delighted by the fact that their deep friendship and brotherhood remained intact and still sturdy enough even if five years have gone with them being apart.
"Oh Master, you have returned!" Lumiere greeted him when he arrived at his apartment.
"Lumiere, I need to rest for awhile, but prepare a suit for me, I need to attend the Ball later." Adam ordered and took a seat in the Sitting Room of his suite.
"Yes, Master. Babette already prepared your bed earlier. You may rest there for awhile." Lumiere replied as he took off his Master's Coat and Waistcoat and folded it neatly for the Laundry.
Adam went to the bed to took a nap. Three hours later, Lumiere woke him up to prepare for the said Ball. Lumiere brought him five pairs of complete suit, five Wigs, and five pairs of Shoes to choose from. He chose an all-Dark Green Suit, which is already near the shade of Midnight Black, it was embellished with Gold linings, small jewels and some intricate design. The courtiers' impression of him is a Beast-Widower, then so be it, wearing a darker color like this one, will probably complement him. Lumiere helped him get dressed, from his dark stockings to his dress-shirt, waistcoat, and drawers, breeches and white neck cravat. He also choose the shiny leather black shoes with a golden buckle.
Meanwhile, Babette is in charged of his wig and his face paint. He selected the ivory-colored powdered Wig with Curls at the sides, to make him look more old, so that the ladies will be repulsed to dance with him. Babette approached him to paint his face. This is a masquerade ball, after all. Using a brush, Babette painted his face with a white line, and with tracings of gold feathering and Blue accents around his eyes, and with a dusting of rouge that sharpened his already striking cheekbones. She painted his lips with a crimson shade. The face paint formed an illusion of a half-mask that covers the upper half of his face, underneath it, his blue eyes shone coolly. Matching the latest fashion, she painted two beauty marks--one, above his upper lip, and the other, beneath his right eye. After that, she instructed him to close his eyes, and pouf a powder on his face for some finishing touches. Finished, Babette pulled back her hand and cocked her head to the side as she took in her work. It was exquisite and the Comte was satisfied. Babette, then, put the ivory wig upon his head and handed him a mask, as Lumiere began to blow and puff the powder on his wig, while Babette sprinkled a perfume, all around his coat and breeches. After that, Lumiere began to help him put on his Dark Green Knee-length Coat and a Tricorn Hat in his head to complete the look. He requested for a full-Length Mirror and a Candelabra and examined himself. They made him look more handsome and attractive, not like a repulsive older man that he expected, not that he complains though, but how will he avoid the ladies who will swoon over him and introduce themselves to have a dance with him? Adam sighed.
"How is it, Master? Are you not satisfied? We can start all over again, we can fix this." Lumiere asked.
"No, it's just the way I wanted. Thank you for your utmost efforts." Adam thanked them both.
"Of course, Master! We wanted you to be the most handsome gentleman in the ball tonight, even if it's a masquerade one. Now, to complete the full look, give us your dashing, debonair smile! Come, come, show us the smile?" Lumiere requested.
Adam sighed but complied. He smiled at them through the Mirror.
"Perfect!" Lumiere and Babette chorused and clapped their hands.
A few minutes after, Adam prepared to leave the apartment, but then Babette run up to him.
"Master! Wait!" Babette took something on her pocket.
"Here. I forgot to give you this. I saw this Rose cushion on the pocket of your Coat last week when I am about to do the Laundry. I think this is important to you." Babette handed him the Rose.
"Ohh, it was given to me by an old lady gardener in the Orangerie as a token of her gratitude. She said that it's like a charm or an amulet to keep me safe. Well, I don't believe her." Adam shrugged.
"Oh, you should, Master. Amulets, Charms and Talismans are believed to protect someone's life from danger. You should take this Master, just in case, for your safety. There is nothing to lose, if you will." Babette pleaded.
"Master, it can also be worn as boutonnière on your Coat since it's a Rose. I can attach it, if you would like?" Lumiere suggested.
"I'll think about it, if I'll attached it later or not. For now, I'll keep this in my pocket instead. I have to go now." Adam said and took the Rose inside his coat's pocket and the servants nodded and bid him goodbye and wished him luck.
Adam arrived early at the Galerie des Glaces where the Masked Ball will be held. There were only a few aristocrats present and those are mostly gentlemen. Of course, the ladies will took more time to prepare and they were always late. They somehow like the attention they get when they arrived late with their grand entrance. However, His Majesty will arrived more late than ever. As for Her Majesty, according to the rumors, nowadays, she preferred solitude and refused to attend evening gatherings like this. He wondered if she will be present tonight with the King, and he hoped that they will fix their marriage as soon as possible. However, if this ball is a masquerade one, its purpose, of course, looks like the King is scheming to pretend and disguised himself in the crowd, in order to meet his mistresses freely and avoid scandalous intrigues. Adam sighed and shook his head. He went to the "The Salon of Abundance", to get some refreshment, usually, during Evening Gatherings, that room is where refreshments are served.
When he got there, he was all alone and he wondered why there is only one candelabra that was lit. Then suddenly, an unknown masked man was behind him, he looked back and sensed that he has a dagger. He fought back with his arms, attempting to punch him, but the mysterious man, dodged it. The Candelabra was pushed by the unknown man to the floor, putting the sole source of light off and suddenly it was pitch black, the pale moonlight outside the window is giving only a minimal light. Maybe the assassin planned this probably to hide his identity and to disguised Adam's dead body in the dark once he succeeded in killing him. The masked man straddled Adam on the floor. He punched him and kicked him, but the assassin was strong enough to straddle him again. The assassin began to grab another dagger in his own waistcoat and attempted to plunged it on Adam's chest, but Adam quickly shield himself with a small tray for the wineglasses that fell on the floor because of this unexpected combat. The assassin exerted an effort to push the dagger and Adam is still shielding himself using the tray. The dagger began to pushed through the Tray and went nearer and nearer to his chest. Adam began to pray for someone to come barging on to the door, someone to help him, but thought that it's impossible now, since a few seconds left, the dagger might be plunged into his chest as he was already losing strength to exert a force and defend himself using the tray. He began to pray to his mother in Heaven.
"Maman, if it's already my time, then so be it, finally, we will be together again, but if not, please save me..." Adam closed his eyes in fear, not noticing a pale glow in his pocket and that he already vanished into thin air.
2017 - 21st Century - Present time
It's 7:30 in the evening and Belle is walking around the Hall of Mirrors. The tour is already finished and they are already dismissed but the tour guides said that they can still walk around and tour some of their favorite spots in the Palace until its closing time. Of course, the other actors and production team/crewmembers already went home due to exhaustion but Belle is still interested to continue the tour all by herself. She is somehow fascinated with the beauty of the Hall of Mirrors or also known as the Galerie des Glaces or Grande Galerie in the ancient times. This is where the Balls are usually held, especially the masquerade balls. Its design is so intricate and the 357 mirrors are lustrous and beaming, opposite of it were alcoves and 17 large Windows and the ceiling above, where a lot of candlelight chandeliers were hanged, is decorated with exquisite paintings depicting different detailed scenes. Ever since childhood, she is already in love with this place, it's her favorite part of the Palace, and she appreciates it more, now that she's doing this project. She took her phone in her pocket and began to call Plumette to fetch her and told her that she will wait for her inside the Hall of Mirrors, as she wanted Plumette to join her in some sight-seeing. She began to take some photos and selfies, apparently, her OOTD makes her look like a simple tourist on a visit, not a glam actress, as she only wore a black long sleeved-turtleneck bodycon dress with a caramel-brown biker boots and a beige cross-body bag on her shoulder, and she has a light make-up on her photo-ready face.
Meanwhile, in the "Room of Abundance", Adam laid on the floor, eyes still closed. He waited for a minute or two but there is no dagger plunged on his chest. Puzzled by this, he opened his eyes and saw that the room is empty, literally, bare and spacious. The assassin is nowhere to be found. He was perplexed by this. He began to stand up, and walked around the Room to find the assassin, but due to it being bare, there was no way that the assassin could hide. He is still holding the tray he used as a shield, the dagger left a small sliced opening on the middle part of it. He suddenly thought of going back to Galerie des Glaces to ask for some help, to report an attempt on his life, and to check if the Ball has already started and if it is already full of courtiers. He left the tray there. He arrived at the Galerie des Glaces and found it to be empty as well, he was already alarmed by this.
"Where is everyone?!" Adam thought, already in panic.He walked backwards when suddenly he bumped into something.
"Ouch! Watch where you're going." A woman's voice, he identified. He looked back and saw her. She is quite different, wearing somehow a long sleeved black clothing, something like a thin chemise, only up to her knees, and without neckerchief, corset or stays, and stockings underneath, without an apron, without layers of petticoats and with a gentlemen's leather boots, her legs showing, and her brunette hair is shorter and untied without a cap, letting it down until her shoulders. She has a big pocket tied around her shoulder instead, not on the waist.
"What is happening? Is this lady, a servant? Why isn't she properly dressed? Her clothes were not the usual ones. She looks nearly naked, only in her undergarments. Why is the Grande Galerie so empty? Did the Ball already ended or was cancelled, perhaps?" Adam thought in his mind.
"Hello? Earth to you, Mister?" Belle asked the man that bumped into her. He is suddenly in daze. She noticed his attire, he was clothed in an 18th Century men's complete suit -- a coat, cravat, waistcoat, and breeches, with a powdered wig and a tricorn hat, with a masquerade make-up on his face and those ancient leather shoes with a golden buckle. He was really in-character.
"Ohh, Nice outfit you have there! It looks accurate! Are you a Tourist? or perhaps a Cosplayer?! Wow! You're here for a Photoshoot, right?! Can I take a Selfie with you?" Belle complimented and requested excitedly and smiled widely. However, the man was staring at her, as if she was an alien or a ghost.
"Are you alright?" Belle continued to ask, but the man looks so shocked.
"Well, as you can see, I'm fascinated by your costume! It's due to the fact that I will be doing a period movie, and I play the Queen! Shhh! Don't tell anyone, it's still a secret. We're going to shoot our film here, too! I'm already excited! I hope you'll watch it. Promise, I'll do my best to portray my role accurately!" Belle giggled and raised her right hand as if taking an oath.
"What is she saying?! I barely understood her! However, she mentioned the Queen, and something about shooting. Does this mean she's a threat? Is she the assassin earlier? But she looks weak, the assassin seemed like a strong man, not this feeble lady, but looks can still be deceiving. Suzy might be in danger!" Adam thought and glared at her and grabbed her by the shoulders.
"Apologies! But aren't you the assassin I encountered earlier? What do you want? What do you want from Her Majesty?! Do you want to kill her, to shoot her?!" Adam asked intimidatingly.
"What are you saying?! Of course not! Are you insane?! Hey, let go of me! Why are you suddenly in-character? Well, I know Cosplayers tend to roleplay, as it is a "Costume-Roleplay", but don't be in a Roleplaying Mode right now, it's really unnecessary! But I must commend your acting! You really internalized your role!" Belle shook her head and grinned then began to clap. Adam let go of her and gave her a confused look.
"What is she saying? What role? That I am a Comte?" Adam thought.
"Of course, I am not acting, I really am a Comte! Why are you here? Where is everyone?!" Adam asked sternly.
"Ohh, Calm down! Yes, you are! A Comte, indeed! Cool! Amazing! Wow! Anyway, everyone already left, it's near closing time. You should also go home." Belle replied.
"I don't seem to understand you. May I ask you a question instead?" Adam gave her a pleading but confused look.
"Sure! What is it?" Belle was also giving him a confused look in return.
"Am I dreaming or dead?" Adam asked.
"What? Is that really your question? Seriously?" Belle snorted.
"Yes, please answer me. Am I dreaming or already dead?" Adam said in a serious manner.
"Huh? Uhmm, No. You're not, you're still breathing and talking, still alive! uhmm, you're just a bit out of your mind, I guess? Hahaha! oh, I'm just kidding, but okay, seriously, you're not really dreaming or dead. That's it!" Belle giggled. Adam frowned.
"Belle? Belle? Belle?" Another female voice was heard and Belle turned around to looked back while Adam quickly went away to hide himself behind an alcove near the windows, still listening to them, without looking. If he popped out his head, he will be caught in his hiding place. This women can't be trusted.
"Plumette, there you are! Over here! Hurry! I'd like you to meet Mr.Cosplayer! Huh? Where is he?" Belle asked worriedly when she turned back and saw nothing. The man was nowhere to be found.
"Who is he? I didn't see someone with you." Plumette asked.
"There is this man, he was wearing an 18th century costume, saying that he's a Comte! He is a cosplayer! He's so in-character! Cool right?! I'm talking to him awhile ago before you came, but he suddenly disappeared. Maybe he already left?" Belle frowned.
"Or maybe he's a ghost! Whoooo!!" Plumette suddenly scare her, Belle shrieked, too startled. She's not really into horror, paranormal and supernatural stuff.
"Arghh! Don't scare me like that! Gosh, you're so annoying sometimes." Belle glared at her. Plumette laughed and raised her hand and two fingers formed a V-sign.
"Alright! I'm sorry, hehe Peace! Anyway, Let's go! I left the car in the parking. Let's have some dinner first before we head home." Plumette hold her arm then began walking.
"Sure, Let's go." Belle replied then turned her head to looked back, still trying to find the missing Cosplayer.
"What's with him?! He suddenly disappeared! He's so weird! Maybe cosplayers are really too in-character to the point that they already look like a weirdo sometimes? Well, No, no, no, Not like that, maybe he's just as enthusiastic and passionate in his craft, as I am into Acting. That's it! Right!" Belle thought, analyzing the situation, she shook her head and smiled to herself.
When he felt that the women left the Galerie des Glaces, Adam went out of the Alcove where he hid himself. The Grande Galerie is still empty, bare. He wondered about those women, the second one's voice seems familiar to him but he cannot think of someone right now, but the other lady he saw and talked to, she looks like a servant or some peasant or a harlot who sneaked inside and isn't properly dressed, in a state of undress, maybe hoping to attract some gentlemen for some pieces of Jean d'Ores or livres in exchange for a night of pleasure.
"A putain, a courtesan?" Adam thought. "However, she said something about shooting, acting, and the Queen. Is she a hired killer who is tasked to act or pretend, in order to shoot the Queen? But she doesn't looked like one. I need to investigate further about this, I need to warn Jean about this! The Royal Family might be in danger, but I am the target of the assassin earlier, thus, I am at risk as well." Adam thought worriedly. He walked back to the Salon of Abundance which is still empty, the small Tray still lying on the floor, he picked it up.
"This can be a proof. Where is everyone else?! Why is it that this feels like an abandoned place?! If this is a dream, I need to wake up immediately. Please let me go back to the way that it is." Adam closed his eyes and prayed in his mind, he pictured the Masked Ball at the Galerie des Glaces and the refreshments at the Salon of Abundance. He vanished again, not noticing the pale light glow of the Rose amulet in his pocket.
1767 - 18th Century
Adam opened his eyes then he was back in the Salon of Abundance just like before, it was full of food and beverages for refreshments. There were servants who seemed to be cleaning the mess that he and the assassin did earlier during the fight, but they looked like still portraits, they are not moving, as if Time has stopped. He was confused. He went out first, waited for a minute or two, then opened the door again and they are now moving. He frowned in confusion.
"Good evening, Monsieur, apologies for the inconvenience, something happened here and we are here to prepare the refreshments again. Please give us a minute." One of the servants stated when they saw him and the frown on his face.
"What happened here?" Adam asked feigning innocence. He hid the small tray behind his back.
"We don't know either, Monsieur. We arrived here too late, and it was dark, it seems that the lights were put out. Then we saw that the refreshments on the tables had been ransacked." The servant replied.
"Alright, I'll just leave." Adam walked towards the door in a backward motion, to conceal the tray from the servants' view. He closed the door and walked quickly. He hid the tray in some alcove, hoping that it will not be seen by anyone, since he will retrieve it later.
He walked towards the Grande Galerie and noticed that the Ball already started, ladies and gentlemen are already dancing in the middle, while some are having conversations among themselves and drinking some wine or champagne.
"It's full of people! The ball has not yet ended nor postponed, then why is it that it seemed empty earlier? Is it really a dream? How about that uncanny lady?" Adam thought, still perplexed.
"Fifty thousand livres for your thoughts, Comte de Beaumont?" A masked man whispered through his ear and chortled. He recognized the voice, it was His Majesty, but he was disguised and wore a plain blue gentleman suit, suited for a mere lowly Baron or a Vicomte, not fitted for a King.
"Your Majesty? How did you recognized me?" Adam asked in a whisper.
"Of course, I knew you since childhood. I can easily tell. Besides, you're wearing a face painted mask, not a real one, and your suit tonight looks like a Widower, indeed. Goodness Adam, is that your latest fashion sense? Sacrebleu, it is so outdated!" The King replied and cringed at him.
"Sire, there's something I need to tell you right now. I was in danger earlier! Someone attempted to kill me using a dagger. Maybe it is connected to the task you have given me earlier, probably it was detected easily by your secret adversaries." Adam whispered back.
"What? !Are you certain about that? Are you alright?" King Jean XV asked worriedly in a whisper.
"Yes, I'm fine. I'm not quite certain. However, I have a proof of the tray that I used as a shield. Jean, you might be in danger, too, and maybe Suzy and the Dauphin as well." Adam replied and warned.
"Have an appointment with me in my office tomorrow, show it to me then." The King ordered.
"What? An appointment with you tomorrow is difficult to attain, I might last a week waiting for it to happen." Adam complained and King Jean chuckled.
"Don't worry, because of your task, I will grant you an access to my other secret door and I will make you a priority in my appointments." The King assured.
"The others might become suspicious." Adam retorted.
"I'll take care of it... Argh! Don't bother me with that right now, let's enjoy the ball! As you can see, I am in a disguise right now. I'll be meeting with my lover. See that beautiful lady over there? I'll spend the night with her, so passionately." King Jean whispered back and smirked lecherously.
"Is that the Madame Marquise de Montezpanne?" Adam asked, when he saw a beautiful lady across them, dressed in a glamorous Scarlet gown with a mask covering her upper face and a fan covering her lips. The King nodded.
"What a libertine, you are! How about Her Majesty? and the Duchess earlier? It will soon become another intrigue, issue, and gossip again." Adam sighed and the King just shrugged and laughed it off.
"Well, I like this lovely one for tonight. If you'll excuse me, I need to go to her now. Enjoy the Ball, Widower! Find another wife tonight, alright?" The King teased and tapped his back, then made his way to approach the Marquise and once he was there, kissed her hand and asked his lover for a dance. Adam was left there and just groaned at the corner. Other gentlemen aristocrats approached him for some idle conversation and exchanging of pleasantries and the ladies were staring at him subtly, whispering to each other behind their fans, hoping for him to ask them for a dance. He just ignored them.
Adam got bored with the Ball, he is not really into it right now, especially when he was nearly killed and dreamt of something strange. He decided to retire to his apartment instead. He first went to the hidden alcove to retrieved the tray, the proof. Fortunately, it was still there. He took it, and walked towards the exit, unbeknownst to him, a mysterious figure is hiding among the pillars, it was his assassin earlier.
"You've escaped death earlier. I promise, not anymore, next time." The assassin whispered and glared at him, still can't believe how he had escaped his grasp when he had been straddled. It was dark, and he cannot see how it happened. He kicked the pillar in so much disappointment.
Adam walked towards his apartment. He opened the door. Lumiere and Babette are sitting on the floor near the fireplace.
"Master, you have returned early! Is everything alright?"
"I'm tired, something happened. I need some rest. Have you eaten dinner?" Adam said while walking towards the Sitting Room then took a seat.
"Not yet, Master. I am on my way to the Kitchen before you arrived. Would you like me to fetch you something to eat?"Lumiere offered.
"Yes, please. I haven't eaten on the Ball, and please always lock the door when you leave or arrived." Adam ordered and Lumiere nodded and went on his way, while Babette took off his wig and coat and offered him a footstool for his feet to rest, and took off his shoes. She bowed and left him alone to fetch some water basin for his face paint removal. Adam is still holding the tray, and examined it, recalling what happened earlier and of course, the dream that looks realistic.
After a few minutes, Lumiere came back with their food. They ate silently then Babette helped him removed the face paint on his face. Adam went to his Bedroom and Lumiere helped him get dressed for the night, with his banyan and white linen nightshirt and drawers. When finished, Adam sat on the bed, still thinking about earlier events while Lumiere stoked the fire in the Hearth.
"Lumiere, can I trust you? That, I mean, is something you should kept a secret, even from your wife, and other servants, to Everyone." Adam asked.
"Of course, Master. What is it?" Lumiere nodded and approached him.
Adam narrated what happened earlier, from the part where he went to the "Salon of Abundance" and encountered an assassin to the part where he closed his eyes, believing to have became unconscious and dreamt of the Palace in an empty state, wherein he met an uncanny lady at the empty Galerie des Glaces, then become awake with the servants cleaning the mess on the Salon of Abundance where everything went back to the way it seemed.
"Master, that's quite scary, the part where you were nearly killed! You should always keep safe, Master. Would you like me to accompany you starting tomorrow?" Lumiere said worriedly.
"No, it will be suspicious. I'm still fine. Thank you and be safe too, always lock the door." Adam replied.
"However, Master, how about the lady you met in your dream?"Lumiere asked
"What about it? I assure you, it feels like I wasn't sleeping but it looks like I'm dreaming." Adam frowned in confusion.
"Maybe you were really unconscious or asleep, Master, but in that dream, it just looks too real. It happens sometimes. However, you maybe have dreamt of Heaven, and you met one of Almighty God's beautiful angels there." Lumiere interpreted.
"What?! That lady is an angel?! No, no, she's..she's hideous, perhaps, a spawn of the devil! Maybe it was a depiction of Hell, rather. What a gruesome dream." Adam scowled as he remembered the woman earlier, her brunette hair, her chocolate brown orbs, her face, her clothes, her voice and her attitude towards him.
"Oh Really, Master? Maybe she's your future wife?" Lumiere said teasingly and raised his eyebrow, smirking.
"Nonsense! That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!" Adam glowered at him.
"I'm just joking, Master! Hahaha!" Lumiere grinned and cleared his throat.
"Anyway, I'm tired. Let's get rest and call it a night." Adam uttered and positioned himself to lie down on the bed and reached for the duvet.
"Alright, Goodnight, Master. Ring for us if you need anything." Lumiere blew the chamberstick's candlelight off, picked his own candelabra and bid him goodnight, and Adam just nodded, and the former closed the door.
Adam prayed to God and to his Maman in Heaven, expressing his deepest gratitude in saving his life, he escaped death. After praying, Adam thought again about the Girl in the dream, he remembered the second female's voice addressed her as "Belle", a word which means Beautiful.
"What?! That Lady is beautiful? A Beauty?! Impossible! That Belle?!" Adam scoffed and shook his head mockingly in disbelief. He closed his eyes as he drifted off to sleep.
Notes:
So that's it! Their First Encounter! Belle with her self-doubts and pain from the past, and Adam becoming a Spy for the King and being nearly-killed! Let's see what will happen next chapter! See you! I hope you like this story. Oh, if you're wondering about Adam's ball attire/suit here, it's the same as what he was wearing in the 2017 BATB Intro/Prologue scene. So just imagine if the Modern Belle meet him like that and him looking at Belle's dress like she's only in her underwears~ Hahaha!
Disclaimer again: I don't have anything against Cosplayers, (in fact, I'm dreaming to be one, since I like some anime/period drama series, and I would love to cosplay Belle too if given the chance, it's really cool but the costumes are costly, so I can't right now.) and also Belle was just confused because he looks like one, well, who would've thought about an 18th century man time travelling in the 21st Century, right? I hope you understand! And I really changed the French History, the King Jean here is a mixture of the personality/traits/events/hobbies/interests of the 3 Real Kings in Chateau de Versailles, namely King Louis XIV, XV and XVI, and I added a bit of a playful character for him. Same with the Queens and the Mistresses, it will also be a mixture turned into one character. That's why it's not historically accurate! Lastly, Adam and Belle and other BATB characters, I really hope, will not be too much of an Out of Character(OOC) for you. I'm very sorry if it is, will try my best to work with the characterization.Thanks for reading and let me know your thoughts, Thank you for the Hits, Kudos, Comments, etc. and I will continue to greatly appreciate it, if you would~ Thank you~
Again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAN STEVENS!!!
Don't forget to Greet our Monsieur le Comte on his official Twitter/Instagram accounts: @thatdanstevens Thank you!!
Chapter 5: CHAPTER 4
Notes:
Hi! Yes, I know, it's been two months! Apologies for the super duper delay! It's just that, time flies so fast, then I woke up, and oh! It's December, already?! Having a busy life and need a lot of Rest~
Disney's BATB 1991 Movie celebrated its 30 years last November 22nd, so here's a late treat!
Again, please understand that this is not Historically Accurate and has a Fictional France setting/characters.
Thank you for the Kudos/Comments/Subs/Bookmarks and Hits~ I greatly appreciate it, Merci!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
CHAPTER 4
1767 - 18th Century
"No! No! I can't leave! Please let me stay! Your Majesty! Please! Angelique! Sister! You'll pay for this!" A woman named Comtesse Julie de Meaille yelled while she is struggling while being dragged down the exit of the Palace.
Comte Adam de Beaumont and the other courtiers stared and watched her departure. The courtiers are whispering and mocking her in her humiliation. Comtesse Julie, was one of the four De Meaille Sisters, known for their dalliances with the King. She is the eldest of the four Sisters. However, when it was announced earlier that her Sister, Angelique, Duchess de Chartreuoux was pregnant with His Majesty's child, she requested the King that her sisters be thrown out of the Palace because they are causing her great distress, and it will affect the infant on her womb. She also said that they were plotting against her, planning a forced abortion so she will lose the babe. After knowing this, the King was enraged, and ordered the two Sisters to be thrown to the Metz, to a convent there, sparing their youngest sister, Adelaide, since she was loyal to Angelique. Comtesse Julie de Meaille protested, while their second sister, Marquise Felinette de Meaille-Vintville, eventually committed suicide by jumping out of the windows of her suite before she suffered the humiliation of being thrown outside the Palace. Now, Comtesse Julie is the sole recipient of this embarrassing moment.
"Angelique! Please let me stay! I trusted you, I helped you to secure a position here in this palace but you betrayed me! You, traitor of a sister! I swear to Almighty God, you will also experience what you did to me! Beware of Adelaide!" Julie screamed and constantly struggled when the guards pushed her on the carriage. Marie-Angelique and her sister, Dianne-Adelaide, just smirked at her, and joined the other nobles in mocking and laughing at her. Then all the courtiers went inside the Palace after the carriage carrying the expelled Comtesse Julie already left. The show is over.
Adam just shooked his head, the prize of being closer to the King has made everyone ambitious, competitive and vicious to the extent that it will even wreck the relationships among siblings, friends and families. The de Meaille Sisters are one of the best examples of this.
Adam left the scene and walked towards the Royal Office with the Tray on his hand. It's been three days since the Masked Ball happened and he still cannot get an appointment with His Majesty. The King must have forgotten about what they had conversed during the ball. However, on his way to the Royal Office Lounge, he unexpectedly met Her Royal Highness on the corridors.
"Your Majesty, A pleasant morning." Adam bowed. The Queen signalled her lady servants to leave them alone.
"Drop the formalities, Adam. Please, Suzy will suffice. Why are you here?" Queen Marie Suzanne smiled gently.
"I need to talk to Jean about something urgent. However, I cannot cut in line on the Royal Office Lounge." Adam replied frustratingly.
"Ohh, then you should come with me, I am also going there through the secret access." The Queen offered.
"It's a pleasant offer that I appreciate, Suzy. However, I don't want any intrigues. I wanted to protect your reputation." Adam said hesistantly. Queen Suzanne just laughed and shook her head.
"Nonsense! You silly man, don't mind the intrigues, it's an ordinary occurence here, as if you're not used to it. Five years ago, if I recall correctly, you're the impressive and formidable courtier, "The Beast", the one who doesn't give a damn about anything. Now, If you really need to talk to my husband urgently, then accompany me, my old friend." The Queen hold his arm and gently ushered him towards the secret access.
Adam silently prayed on his mind that no one will be a witness to this, they might put a malice unto it. It's true that he doesn't give a damn about what people think of him but he also wouldn't want to tarnish Her Majesty's dignity. Now that the King has enough scandals, issues and intrigues with his mistresses, and still counting, Adam wouldn't want to be accused of being the Queen's Man, her own lover. It would be a disaster to both of their reputation and it's also considered treasonous. While walking to the corridor of the secret access, Her Royal Highness and the Comte had a little conversation.
"It's been five years, Adam, we've missed you. I thought that you will not return here anymore? How are you?" Queen Suzy inquired.
"I'm fine, in fact, I'm enjoying a tranquil life in my little Chateau on the East, until your husband summoned me here." Adam replied with a tone of annoyance and sarcasm, Her Majesty just giggled.
"Oh, you knew Jean! He likes to keep everyone here in Verrzailles, especially his best friends. However, I do envy you for being there in your own Chateau for five years, how I missed my own home, too. I hope I can go back there once in a while. You knew how toxic this place can be." The Queen whispered the last part and laughed. Adam just smiled and nodded.
"It's a good thing that I can stay in my Hamlet if I am getting bored inside my own apartments. Anyway, I was there earlier, and picked this wonderful fully-bloomed Roses and harvested some ripe fruits, fresh milk and eggs to offer to my Husband. I'd like to surprise him today in his Office, that's why I'm here. It's our Wedding Anniversary today, 14 years of Marriage is quite tough but blissful enough." Queen Suzy excitedly shared while raising her Basket containing Roses, Fruits, Eggs and a bottle of Fresh Milk.
The Queen's Hamlet or Hameau de la Reine is a private retreat, built for Her Majesty to function as a little farm village exclusive for Her Royal Highness, His Majesty, and their children and closest friends or anyone who will be invited. It includes a farmhouse, (the farm was to produce milk and eggs for the queen), a dairy, a dovecote, a boudoir, a barn, a mill and a tower in the form of a lighthouse, and some cottages, each decorated with a garden, an orchard or a flower garden.
"Congratulations on your 14 years of Marriage, Your Majesty. However, I should carry those, it might be too heavy for you, Suzy." Adam offered.
"No, thank you. I'd like to do this, myself. I'm a Queen, yes, but I still have my own hands and strength to use." The Queen refused.
"You still love him, Jean, I mean." Adam stated. The Queen just smiled in silence.
"Oh, you've heard of the intrigues. Of course, I still do. Nothing has changed." Suzy admitted after sometime.
"I am sorry if this is quite personal, but it has come to my attention that you've rejected him? Why is it, if you really love him?" Adam inquired.
"I love him to the point that I wanted to stay closer to him and be right by his side forever, if that's possible. You knew the risk of pregnancy and labor, Adam. Ever since Jean and I were married at the age of 21, I am always going to bed, always pregnant, always giving birth. After bearing ten heirs for him successfully, I had a difficult experience with my last one though, which made me realized that I am afraid for my life, I am afraid of death, especially during childbirth. I wanted to watch over him and our children longer. That is why, I've decided that I will refuse him to prevent another pregnancy, another risk. That way, I can live longer with him. I knew you will understand this, Adam, because of what happened to Addy. Oh, I'm sorry for mentioning her just to prove my point." The Queen explained but the sadness in her eyes are visible.
"It's alright. I fully understand, and even my late wife will understand you, if she hears you now. However, are you alright with this arrangement with him, having an affair with mistresses and lovers all around?" Adam asked.
"Of course not. I'm still experiencing pangs of jealousy. It is why I don't attend the formal evening gatherings anymore. I don't want to witness him flirting with other women, but I don't have a choice, if that's what will make him happy, then so be it. I wanted him to be happy, despite my own shortcomings. However, I still believe that no woman would ever want her husband to be taken away by other women." The Queen replied teary-eyed, hurting yet smiling.
"Well, except there's one. Addy." Adam smiled bitterly. The Queen was taken aback at first, but nodded understandingly.
"Adam, you still haven't forgiven Adeline, have you? It's her death anniversary three days from now, maybe you should pay a visit on her grave?" Queen Suzy asked
"I've forgiven her, a long time ago. She's still a friend of mine, a cousin even, before she became my wife. However, when I do remember, it would still hurt sometimes. I guess, memories, whether good or bad, are like scars, it will stay forever with you, and of course, I'll pay her a visit if I have the time." Adam smiled sadly. The Queen patted his shoulder gently.
"Maybe it's fate that we have met today. Ever since I was informed of your arrival, I wanted to talk to you, to give you this. I've always had this in my pocket since you've arrived. I have kept this with me, as you have requested it for safekeeping, five years ago. Now, I'm giving this back to you."The Queen handed him a small box from her pocket. He opened it, and it was revealed to be Adeline's Wedding Ring.
"Oh, I've nearly forgotten about this." Adam uttered, staring at it.
"Does that mean, you have moved on? Is there another lady out there who is worthy of this ring?" The Queen giggled teasingly. Adam sighed.
"You and your husband were really alike. He keeps on teasing me about having another wife. Wishing for me to consider remarriage." Adam frowned and the Queen laughed.
"Oh you should, it's not yet too late to enjoy another marriage. Who knows, she will be the one who will finally love you with her whole heart, mind and soul. She deserves this Ring more than Addy. Need I remind you that Addy returned this ring to you, for the same reason and purpose." Queen Suzy said sincerely.
"I don't know. I don't have anyone in mind. I just wanted to be a widower for the rest of my life." Adam said truthfully while shoving the ring box inside his pocket.
"Don't say that, she will eventually come, Adam. She's just out there." Her Majesty assured him and Adam just shrugged. As they have arrived on the Royal Office, Adam turned the door knob and their jaw dropped at what they saw.
The King is kissing Duchess Angelique, while carressing her not yet obvious baby bump. Adam cleared his throat loudly. The two were shocked and pulled away.
"I'll see you later?" Duchess Angelique whispered and bowed to His and Her Majesty and gave a curtsy confidently like she didn't offend anyone with the deed and began to turn towards the exit.
"Congratulations. I've heard you were expecting." The Queen greeted with gracefulness.
"Why, thank you, Your Majesty." The Duchess de Chartreuoux replied nervously, shocked by Her Majesty's kindness and began to hurriedly exit the Royal Office.
"What brings you here? And why are you two together?" King Jean raised his eyebrow at them, slightly narrowing his eyes, annoyed with the sudden disturbance.
"Well, here's Adam, I met him coincidentally on my way here. He said he needs to talk to you urgently and privately about something, thus, I offered to bring him here through the secret access." Queen Marie Suzanne replied
"Sire, about what I've said to you on the ball. Here's the proof. The dagger was pushed through this tray and it created a deep slice in the middle." Adam said and handed the tray to His Majesty.
"Very well, I'd like to know who's behind this. I am thinking that the Gendarmerie might help with the investigation. For now, I shall have this tray for Safekeeping, hand it over to my Secretary for the recording and safekeeping in the Cabinet for Evidences." The King sighed and handed back the Tray to him.
"What is that?" The Queen asked curiously.
"Nothing you should worry of, my dear Suzy. Oh, You look good today. What do I owe the pleasure?" The King replied.
"I would just like to ask, if you are available this whole afternoon and evening. I was thinking if you would want to come over to my Hamlet?" Queen Suzy offered.
"Ohh, I'm afraid not. You already know, the Duchess de Chartreuoux is having my child and she was distressed by losing both of her two sisters in one day, she needs some comforting from me, her condition is delicate." The King apologized and turned down the invitation.
"Ohh, I understand. Then you should go to her instead. She needs you more than me. Pregnancy is quite difficult most of the time." The Queen replied, disappointment was slightly evident in her voice but she managed to hide it.
"Are you upset that I'm going to her later?" King Jean asked. Her Majesty became silent for a second.
"I probably am...if so, Will you not go?" The Queen asked sternly but then continued, "I'm just joking! You should be there for her, I'm glad that you're having another child, that you've been blessed with another bundle of happiness." The Queen smiled and laughed.
"Here!" The Queen began to grab her basket out and put it on the King's desk.
"What's this?" The King asked curiously.
"Some Roses, Fruits, Eggs and Fresh Milk. Well, don't get the wrong idea, it's not for you. It's for your Mistress. She should have this, for her distress to be vanished." The Queen uttered.
"Oh, thank you, what a thoughtful wife I have." King Jean smiled gratefully.
Adam cannot believe this, that he is here to witness this scene before his eyes. Her Majesty looks pained but his foolish best friend, also known as His Majesty, is so dense that he cannot read the meanings between her lines, and would even prefer to be with his mistress over his wife. Adam would like to punch him and kick his groin repeatedly if only possible, just to teach him a lesson. Moreover, the fact that Her Majesty lied about the Basket and would offer to give it to that putein Mistress instead, even if she's hurting inside. Adam groaned internally, losing his patience.
"What on earth?! Sacrebleu, Jean! What an idiot and a salaud, you really are! Merde! I need to do something!" Adam thought then an idea came to his mind. He quickly grabbed the little calendar on His Majesty's desk.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty, for this interruption. However, I would like to suggest that you should go to the Hamlet with Her Royal Highness instead. Sire, while looking at this Calendar of yours, if I had remembered correctly, it appears to me, that today, it is your Anniversaire de Mariage, and oh, if I didn't miscalculate it, it would be your 14th wedding anniversary. Am I right? Tch...Tch..How I really envy you two, imagine, reaching 14 years of Marriage, unlike me and Addy! Well, Congratulations then! Perhaps an intimate celebration would be appropriate on this special day of yours?" Adam uttered and finished it while giving King Jean that look, a look that he quickly understood how he messed up.
"Ohhh, Right! Right! It's our 14th Wedding Anniversary today, my darling Queen! It's the reason why I am contemplating to throw a Luxurious Ball tonight!" King Jean quickly pecked on her lips.
"You have forgotten, haven't you? Don't worry, I have forgotten, too. It's quite a blessing that Comte Adam had remembered it. We should be thankful to him." The Queen lied again and just giggled teasingly. Adam cringed. He cannot fathom how Her Majesty is managing this gracefully, and the more he wanted to punch His Majesty for it.
"Ohhh then should I throw a ball for us, tonight?" King Jean asked, and Queen Marie Suzanne shook her head.
"No. I would rather like a private celebration in the Hamlet with you and our children. If it is alright with you?" Queen Suzy replied.
"Then so be it. I would free my schedule right now, so we can spend the whole day and night at the Hamlet." King Jean decided, and Adam swore he saw Her Majesty's eyes sparkle with joy.
"That would be great, my King." The Queen Suzanne smiled happily.
"Goodness! You should go now, I don't like seeing a lovey-dovey couple in front of me! It's an insult, you know." Adam said bitterly with a tone of annoyance, but just feigning it, and the couple just laughed at him.
"Adam, you're just envious! Oh You, Widower-Beast! I told you to remarry as soon as possible." King Jean teased, Queen Suzy grinned and Adam just rolled his eyes.
"Then we should go now. Adam, we'll go ahead of you. Just tell my secretary that I will cancel all of my appointments for today and please have your evidence be recorded for safekeeping." King Jean said while grabbing the basket and putting his arm on the Queen's waist to guide her through the Secret Access.
However, the Queen looked back one last time and smiled at Adam, her face full of sincere gratitude for him. He just nodded and gave a small smile in return.
Now, Adam is left inside the King's Office alone. He went outside the door, and meet with His Majesty's Secretary for the recording and safekeeping of the Tray and to tell him that His Majesty wanted all his appointments to be cancelled and is on the way to the Hamlet together with the Queen. He left the Royal Office Lounge, while the other nobles were staring at him, wondering how he got inside the office ahead of them. He just walked away, ignoring them all.
Adam was walking on the Palace Gardens. He just finished eating his lunch and would like to have some fresh air, to stroll and to stare at the different varieties of Trees, full of fruits, ready for harvest. The Garden seems to be peaceful and quiet today, the aristocrats and servants are still inside the Palace, were probably not yet finished with the festive lunch served.
He thought about what happened earlier, how he helped Her Majesty won over her husband by him, feigning annoyance and being teased and insulted at his own expense, and he's fine with it. He symphatized and emphatized with the Queen Suzanne. He thought about the King and Queen's relationship as it is already falling apart. The more that His Majesty will be influenced by his new libertine friends, the more that he will hurt Her Majesty's feelings and the more he will fell out of love and become polygamous. He suddenly felt pity on Her Majesty and her children, if this will keep going, they will have a failed marriage, just like what he had. This is why he doesn't want to consider remarriage. He knows that love does not exist for a lifetime, especially in fixed marriages. He witnessed all of the nobles committing the same mistakes especially adultery. He would rather be alone and be a widower until the end.
He was deep in his thoughts when suddenly, out of nowhere, a masked man appeared in front of him, ready to attack him with a sword. It's a good thing that Adam has brought his own sword since Lumiere insisted that it was not safe outside without one.
The masked man attacked him aggresively and he fought with all his might. He wanted to call for help, if there are guardsmen present in the nearby area but the assassin seemed to know that he is all alone and the timing was perfect to perish him.
When given a chance, he punched him without hesitation and immediately ran to hide. Adam thought that if he will die today, he will make sure that the assassin will not kill him easily, he will die with a fight. He thought that the running and hiding strategy will delay the moment and hope that there's a slight possible chance to survive this.
He ran towards the orange trees and other bushes and topiaries. His Majesty loved Botany very much and there are many trees and plants in this part of the Palace Gardens. Apparently, there's one thick bush where he can hide temporarily. He began to pray for the last moments of his life, he remembered his mother in Heaven.
"Maman, Is this already my time? Three days ago, I was in this same situation. Please protect me, if I still deserve to live." He closed his eyes, he knew that the assassin's footsteps is nearing towards the bush he is in. Only a few steps more and he will be caught. He didn't notice the pale light glow on his coat's pocket. He vanished into thin air.
2017 - 21st Century - Present Time
Belle just finished having lunch. Today's agenda has been tough. The Three days were spent for an exclusive whole tour in the Palace and some Brief History of the 18th Century. Today is their Table Reading of the Script for the Movie. The Directors and the Writers would like them to understand the characterization and the events that they will act. Therefore, all the cast were present and gathered in this Table Reading Activity since it is an important part in the Pre-Production Phase before the Shooting begins.
A table read or also known as read-through is a gathering of the cast, writers, and directors, wherein everyone gets to hear the story or script out loud, take notes, and can circle up after to make revisions and give feedbacks.
It was held in one of the big vacant rooms in the Palace, and was recorded, to be included if they will make a promotional video or an exclusive documentary about "Life in Verrzailles: The Making of the Movie".
Since Belle is portraying Queen Marie Suzanne, Gaston suggested and insisted that they should sit beside each other in the long table. The Directors agreed with this, since she will appear during the first scenes of the movie. Gaston smirked triumphantly and Belle was quite uncomfortable and annoyed with it. However, she didn't have a choice, she needs to keep calm and maintain professionalism. She scanned the script and much to her dismay, she will do some kissing scenes and a love scene with him, since the first scenes will focus on the King and Queen's arranged marriage and wedding ceremony, and of course, the developing romance between them, and the other scenes will focus on her childbirth and then the parts wherein the mistresses will be introduced and eventually her sudden death. Then that would be the end for her shooting days and work. The other next scenes will now focus on the mistresses and until his most Beloved Mistress, Madame de Vompadour which will be played by Gaston's main female lead, Pauline, his own girlfriend. Belle just wished that she will survive this and hoped that Gaston will maintain some professionalism and work ethics, especially in those intimate scenes. She really hoped that that scenes will be filmed later and not too soon, it would be awkward and it's making her uncomfortable knowing Gaston's personality, especially his lewdness and shrewdness
After sometime during the table read, the directors wanted some break since it's already near lunch. Belle decided to keep her distance away from Gaston as much as possible. She didn't want to be alone with him, she knows that he will again tease and manipulate her. Thanks to Pauline, she never lets him get the chance to be away from her and mingled with other actresses. She seemed like a jealous, possessive and territorial kind of girlfriend, only letting him near other male actors such as Lewis Foueux and Stanley Loizon, who will play the King's bisexual brother, Duc Philippe de Aurleans, and his lover, Chevalier de Loreigne, respectively.
Meanwhile, Belle enjoyed the company of the other actresses which will play the Mistresses and make friends with them while they were eating lunch. They were all cheerful, friendly and approachable in real life even if some of them got the villain roles. Eventually after eating, Belle decided to stroll the Palace since it's still break time. She decided that she needs fresh air because she's feeling quite suffocated during the table reading, there were too many people on that designated room. She went towards the Palace Gardens.
It's a sunny day and warm outside so she took off her denim jacket, and she's only wearing a white square neck tank top tucked inside her A-line Animal Printed Midi Skirt and a pair of black Stilletos. She strolled the gardens and suddenly stopped at the Latona Fountain. She was mesmerized by it. It was a fountain dedicated in honor of Apollo's mother. On the center of the fountain lies Latona, together with her children with Zeus, the twins, the god Apollo and goddess Diana. Latona is depicted there as a caring mother who cursed the people to be frogs in order to protect the twins from the wrath and jealousy of the Goddess Juno, wife of Zeus, and the people who worships her.
For Belle, it is quite sweet and astounding, the Legend of Latona, it reminds her of her late mother. She died when she was mugged by unknown dangerous robbers and it happened during Belle's teenage years. Belle suddenly remembers all the memories with her when she was still alive. It's easy to remember yet harder to moved on, especially on how kind, brave, and protective her mother was, during her childhood days where other kids would always bully her because she's the odd and funny little girl, and her mother was always there to rescue her, just like Latona. Belle continued to stare at the breathtaking fountain, yearning for her mother's love and presence, she misses her so much.
Meanwhile, Adam waited for the assassin to attack him behind the bush. He anticipated the sword to be plunged at him but nothing came. Adam opened his eyes and looked around. The area was quiet, the assassin was long gone. Adam was confused about this, he was certain that he heard the footsteps were fast approaching, but now, it seems that he was already alone. He began to escape and walked fast.
As he was nearing the center of the Palace Gardens, he saw the Bassin de Latone or the Latona Fountain, a symbol of a Mother's Love. He was quite fascinated and began to approach it in daze as he remembered his own mother. Again, she saved him this time and just like three days ago, he escaped death. He remembered how loving and caring his mother was, how she would take care of him when he was sickly and wouldn't let him be harmed during his childhood especially on his days in the Sun. He was quite sheltered as a child. Sadly, she died of a chronic illness when he was still nine years old. After she died, he was exposed to the cruelty of his father and was brought to this Palace to train on becoming a well-respected aristocrat and courtier as he is the future Comte de Beaumont and the rest was history.
Approaching the Fountain, he can fully see the depiction of Latona and her unconditional motherly love. Latona saved her twins from the dangers of the wrath of the Goddess Juno and her people by cursing them to become frogs. Latona protected and saved her children just like how his mother had saved him twice from a recent near death experience. Adam began to become teary-eyed and as he stared at the fountain, he prayed silently and murmured his thanks, he missed his Maman very much, and longed to be with her again, but it looks like his mother wanted him to be alive.
Belle stopped staring at the fountain when she felt and noticed a presence nearby. As she looked on her side, she saw a man. He was also staring deeply in the fountain and becoming teary-eyed but what made him eye-catching was what he was wearing. He was donned with an 18th Century Complete Suit, a tricorn hat, a 3-piece Cerulean Blue Suit: A coat, a waistcoat, and breeches; a light brown wig with curls on the side tied in a blue ribbon, a light make-up on his face, a neck cravat, stockings and a silver-buckled blue shoes and with a sword in a sword sheath on his side. It's a complete 18th century cosplay costume just like the what the Mr.Cosplayer wore whom she met three days ago on the Hall of Mirrors.
"Another Mr. Cosplayer? Amazing!" Belle thought as she approached him.
"It's beautiful, isn't it? The Latona fountain, I mean." Belle said, smiling at him. "just like your attire today. Would you mind if I take a selfie with you?"
Adam looked on his side when he heard a feminine voice and was shocked to see her. It's the same lady he saw three days ago at the Galerie des Glaces. The one who was called Belle by her companion. He was certain that it was her, he remembered her face clearly, except for what she looks right now, he was scandalized by it. Still, her hair was not tied nor capped, she lets her hair down up to her exposed shoulders, and she was wearing a thin corset only and nothing at all, no chemise inside and no stomacher or gown outside. Her petticoat is only one layered, and it was a leopard fur, and wearing a women's shoes that the heels was too high, too thin and too pointed, like a stick. He was confused and alarmed again by her state of undress.
"Why is this woman always looks nearly naked when I see her? Is she a putain? Wait, Is that a Leopard's Fur? It's quite expensive! Only nobles can afford to buy that type of textile, but she wore it like a one-layered short petticoat, and not as a shawl, cape, cloak or a gown. Her shoes, it's too high, the heels looks like pointed sticks, how on earth can she keep her balance on her feet without tripping? That pointed heels, it could be quite dangerous, it can be considered as a weapon, a sort of an improvised dagger! Just who exactly is this lady? Is she another courtesan here or a kept woman of another noble gentleman staying here in the Palace? Why is she always in her undergarments? Is she seducing me?" Adam thought as he scanned her exposed body parts.
"Hello? Earth to you? Ohh, it's alright, no need to be star-struck, I'm not really that famous yet, although I assume based on your reaction that you knew me since I played some minor roles in some projects." Belle said jokingly, and Adam averted his gaze on the side, out of respect at her nearly naked form and still confused.
"It's you again. Why do I always keep on seeing you? Last time, it was at the Galerie des Glaces and now, here in Bassin de Latone. Why are you here?" Adam glared suspiciously, while Belle recognized his voice.
"That voice... Oh I remember you! You're that masked Man with a white Wig in the Hall of Mirrors three days ago! The same person as before! But you look different today, Ohhh I guess, another cosplay costume again. Well, it looks authentic and expensive! What a huge effort for maintaining accuracy in Cosplaying! Are you here again for another photoshoot? Anyway, Nice to meet you again, Mr.Cosplayer, just in case you don't know, My name is Belle Villeneuve. Where have you been last time? You've suddenly disappeared!" Belle uttered with a smile while offering her right hand for a handshake. Adam just stared at her and gave her a confused look as he didn't understand what she said and what she is currently doing.
"What is she doing? Is she flirting with me? Or offering herself to me? She's supposed to give a curtsy. Only gentlemen shake their hands in introducing themselves or in greeting, and as for a lady, it is different. I need to..." Adam thought in confusion.
"Pleased to meet you, too, Madame Belle Villeneuve. I'm Comte de Beaumont." Adam said as he took her hand, bowed down and kissed the back of her hand then released it gently. Belle was taken aback at what he did. It was kind of an awkward situation, it's so ancient and chivalrous of him that it's making her slightly nervous and she was not used to it. She blushed as she thought about the idea of her under a huge fountain with a guy kissing her hand which looks like a romantic movie scene. She thought it was absurd!
"Ohhh. it's Mademoiselle, I'm not yet married, still Single, Uhhh You're... you're really quite in-character, aren't you? No need to do that, a handshake is enough. What a very chivalrous act, huh?" Belle laughed awkwardly and Adam was perplexed by this. It was just an ordinary greeting and etiquette being practiced at the court when meeting a lady but she looks too shy about it.
"Why is she acting ashamed? It looks like she is a putain, so why is she acting like a shy virgin? How ironic! As if I wanted to kissed her hand knowing that she is a whore of some libertine noble here. I just did it out of respect as she was already initiating the first move. This woman is too brazen. And what does she mean by chivalrous? Like a Chevalier? a Knight? But I'm a Comte, far too high than a knight! Is she insulting me and my title?" Adam thought in disgust and annoyance. They are giving each other confused looks when suddenly a woman approached them.
"Miss Belle! Miss Belle! The break time is over! The directors wanted you inside now!" The woman shouted from the distance, it was one of the crewmembers.
"Ohh, I have to go. Nice meeting you again, uhh Comte?..Mr.Cosplayer, of course! Well, I guess, I'll see you around." She smiled at him then left.
Adam watched her as she walked and after sometime, he decided to follow that girl inside. Even that woman who approached them was clothed in an odd way, wearing a short chemise and breeches. He thought that they were really a pair of putain. He watched them and began to follow them more and he was again shocked to see the Palace in a bare and abandoned state. There were few people who were clothed in an odd state or in a state of undress just like the woman and Belle were. They are looking at him as well, especially eyeing on his attire, some were amazed, some were confused and some doesn't give a damn. He looked back at them with a frown and they averted their gaze. He ignores them and walked in confidence but deep inside, he is really uncomfortable.
"What on Earth?! What is happening?! Where are the others? Where is everyone?! The Palace looks abandoned and old again. The courtiers are dressed in a strange way! Is this a dream again?! An illusion? A hallucination? Am I dreaming?! Or Is this the afterlife?" Adam wondered as he was agitated and began to hide in an alcove.
"If this is a dream or a nightmare, I need to wake up!" Adam felt alarmed and closed his eyes for a deep concentration as he tried to wake himself from what he believed a horrible nightmare. He didn't notice that the light glow on his pocket as he vanished again.
When he opened his eyes, he was still in the hidden alcove, he took a peek and saw well-dressed courtiers this time but as he examined, they looked like statues, they aren't moving, like Time has stopped again. He blinked twice then the courtiers become lively and continued to converse, laugh and whisper to one another, others resumed walking, eating, or flirting, like nothing happened. Adam's brows furrowed as he still couldn't believe what he saw. He thought he has gone insane but shook his head as he feared the thought that he will be brought to an asylum because of this phenomenon. He hurriedly ran back to his apartments ignoring everyone on his way.
His valet and chambermaid, Lumiere and Babette, were kissing passionately when he barged inside. They were surprised and pulled away, ashamed that the Master caught them in such compromising situation.
"Oh, Master, apologies for what you have witnessed."Lumiere bowed down and Babette hide behind him shyly. Both have redness tinted on their cheeks.
"No need for an apology, I'm the one who interrupted you." Adam closed the door, breathing heavily.
"Are you alright, Master?"
"Lumiere, I need to talk to you about something. Follow me." Adam uttered as he reached for the doors to his bedroom.
Once inside, Lumiere assisted him in taking off his coat, waist coat, breeches and shoes and in changing with a new linen dress shirt and breeches. Adam began to narrate what happened to him, from the assassin who attacked him on the Gardens in broad daylight and to the bizarre encounter he had again with the lady called Belle and the other people he saw clad in a strange type of clothing or in a state of undress.
"Master! Your life is really in danger, this occurence happened twice already, we should alert the gendarmerie! Are you alright?" Lumiere suggested worriedly.
"No, I cannot bear the courtiers talking about my life in danger, especially the nobles, they will just make a mockery and intrigue out of it, and something's telling me that the real enemy is hiding inside the halls of this Palace. I need to be vigilant, and of course, you too. We should keep this as a secret for awhile and investigate. Promise me that you won't tell a soul about it, no matter the circumstances." Adam said as he narrowed his eyes in lividness, he is no longer liking the turn of events, someone is eager to dispatch him. Lumiere nodded.
"What about the part of the mademoiselle, Master?" Lumiere asked.
"Especially that one. It is still inexplicable and full of vagueness as well. I would also look into it. It still feels like I'm dreaming but I know that I'm in a state of consciousness, it's quite mystic." Adam frowned.
"Master, as I've said before, maybe that is really what Heaven looks like, still like what we can witnessed in this Earth, just like this Palace. I've overheard from some Philosophy-enthusiast noble gentlemen that there is a particular principle saying, "As above, so below; as below, so above." and maybe that woman is one of the Angels there, guarding it. Maybe you're really dreaming about the Afterlife since you thought that you would've been killed. Apologies for the directness." Lumiere interpreted and Adam just shrugged.
"It is not important if I'm dreaming or not, what I need to know are the answers to my own questions, and that, I shall find out." Adam gritted his teeth in frustration and covered his face with his hands.
"Master, are you still going outside later for a dinner with other nobles?" Lumiere asked.
"No, I would like to take a respite for the rest of the day. I still cannot bear the thought of being nearly-killed, I'm in a state of lethargy right now." Adam shook his head as he rested his head on the headboard.
"Then I shall bring your dinner later here and have an early request for it at the Royal Kitchens." Lumiere concluded.
"Thank you, Lumiere. Aside from that, please fetch me a book to read for the night in the Royal Bibliotheque, borrow it under my name. You know my preference."
"Of course, Master. Ring for us if you still need anything." Lumiere smiled and bowed gently before closing the door.
Adam closed his eyes and sighed as he reminisced again what happened earlier: about the fragile relationship of his two friends, Jean and Suzanne, about the assassin and the attempted murder, about his mother saving him again and correlating it with the Latona Fountain, and lastly, about that mysterious and peculiar brunette mademoiselle, that Belle, whom he met anew under that Fountain.
Notes:
So there it goes, their 2nd encounter! See you next chapter~ :D
This story has a fictional monarchy setting and is based on the mixture of traits, events, interests, hobbies, characterizations and behaviors of all the Kings, Queens, Mistresses and all nobilities who lived in Versailles Palace, but this story is not historically accurate.
To fully understand the Titles/Rankings/Class Status, here's the order (From Highest to Lowest - Male/Female - English Equivalent)
Le Roi/La Reine - King/Queen
Dauphin/Dauphine - Prince/Princess (Heir to the Throne)
Prince/Princesse - Prince/Princess
Duc/Duchesse - Duke/Duchess
Marquis/Marquise - Marquess/Marchioness
Comte/Comtesse - Count/Countess (Earl)
Vicomte/Vicomtesse - Viscount/Viscountess
Baron/Baronne - Baron/Baroness
Chevalier - Knight
Ecuyer - Escuire
Seigneur or Sieur - Lord
Gentilhomme - Gentlemen
Thanks for reading and let me know your thoughts, Thank you for the Hits, Kudos, Bookmarks/Subs, Comments, etc. and I will continue to greatly appreciate it, if you would~ Thank you~
StephN on Chapter 4 Wed 13 Oct 2021 04:33PM UTC
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LaineS80 on Chapter 4 Thu 09 Dec 2021 02:03PM UTC
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PhanTrekker (Guest) on Chapter 5 Mon 25 Apr 2022 02:30AM UTC
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