All That I Ever Loved

The Court of Miracles

You were whisked away to the bonfire on a throne of shoulders. It was exhilarating to be so high above the ground, have everyone cheering and clapping for you, just for you. It made you feel more than special. It made you feel like a queen, you were the first thing on everyone's minds, and it felt like heaven. The two men whose shoulders you were seated upon set you on a long wooden bench next to a raging fire pit. You could feel the heat from the fire singe your eyebrows. The people of the crowd slowly dissipated to set up the party, leaving room for your Bibi to sit next to you on the long bench. Your Aunt let out a satisfied groan as she stretched out her legs. "Quite the adventure you've had, hmm?" She jested.

You scoffed. "Quite. I've had enough of 'adventuring' I just want to be at home now," A somber look crossed your face as you looked down to the ground. Everyone in the Court of Miracles had to work to earn their keep, but you don't think you could bring yourself to do it... You didn't want to leave the Court of Miracles ever again. You especially didn't want to go anywhere near Notre Dame.

Paquette looked at you with soft eyes. "You don't have to do anything, for now, dear. All you have to do is be safe at home-" Your Aunt grasped your hand and planted a kiss on it. "With your family,"

You sighed in relief at her words, smiling at your beloved Bibi Paquette. You talked by the fire with her for what seemed like hours—talking about fun memories and little things she did when you were younger. Bibi Paquette kept the conversation free of any mention of what happened when you were gone so as not to upset you, and for that, you were grateful. Paquette talked to you with an amount of love you have never experienced before. She looked at you as if you were her sun and stars, full of pride. She looked at you as if you were Esmeralda. Is this what it felt like to be Esmeralda? To be adored by everyone, to be showered with affection and admiration? No wonder your sister was so positive. This is amazing!

You and Bibi Paquette watched intently as your welcome party got set up. Watching as people strung ropes of flags between poles, a tiny stage was set up, and finally, a large area in front of the stage was cleared for dancing. You were incredibly excited about the dancing. While you weren't as good as your sister, you loved to dance. Paquette seemed to catch on to your excitement. "Want to go dancing, do you?"

You were taken aback by your Aunts words. Damn, you thought you were being stealthy about your excitement! You rubbed the back of your neck sheepishly. "Was it that obvious?" you said with a shy tone.

Bibi Paquette let out a hearty laugh. "Yes, now go enjoy a dance. It's your party, after all," Paquette gave you a sweet smile, and you gave her one last hug before running to the dance floor.

When you arrived, a band had just begun to play their first song. The dance floor was starting to slowly fill with people ready to dance their worries away. You smiled as you began to dance, holding your arms above your head and snapping along to the upbeat music. You let your feet carry you as the band played faster, moving you along to a circle of dancers that had formed. The people welcomed you with a cheer, surrounding you as you swished your skirts to the song. You danced in the middle of the circle of your fellow dancers, spinning around to make the illusion of your dress flying off the ground. You laughed and danced all night. Switching from partner to partner and turning around until you got dizzy. You only stopped when your feet hurt, walking over to the wooden bench and sitting down to rest your weary legs. You tried to catch your breath as you sat, closing your eyes and listening to the music.

"Cherie, we need to talk," You were startled out of your relaxation by the voice of your Godfather, who was standing beside you with a serious expression.

"What is it, Uncle Clopin?" You asked as you flattened your dress.

Your Godfather looked around at the large party and grimaced. "Not here. Come," Clopin held out his hand for you to take. You raised yourself from your seat and took his hand, letting him lead you from the party. Clopin led to a large ornate tent near the party area. The cloth of the tent was covered in paintings of vines and blossoms, making it look like a bouquet of silken flowers. It was draped colorfully with blues and purples, drowning the home in a menagerie of beautiful colors. Outside, the tent was mainly bare save for a tiny lantern sitting on a stool next to the entrance. Clopin grabbed the lantern from the seat before lifting the opening curtain for you to follow him inside. It was dark inside the tent, but you could tell it was full of fancy fabrics and furniture, even in the darkness. A large wooden table surrounded by candles sat next to the left wall, papers and money scattered across it. Oversized Persian rugs covered the floor, letting you press your sore feet into the plush carpet. Your Godfather let go of your hand and went over to the table, setting down the lamp to allow the soft glow to fill the tent. Clopin bent down and gripped the table's edge, sighing heavily before looking over his shoulder at you. "You know our rules about outsiders, Cherie."