All Hallow’s Eve

After a week of preparations, the house looked Halloween-ey. Giselle was proud of her work.

Then came All Hallow's Eve.

Giselle and Louis were getting dressed in their room. She was putting the finishing touches on her makeup while he put on his wig. He looked her over.

"You were so secretive about who you were going to be. Do I get to know now?"

She smiled deviously. "Guess."

"Mmm, I don't think so," he said as he pulled her up. "Tell me."

Louis tickled her and she squirmed. "Fine, fine! Catherine de Medici!"

He stopped tickling her. "I should've figured. You were part of her flying squad."

Giselle smirked. "Says you, 'Mr. Adviser to King Louis XIV.' You chose the best French king to be."

"Indeed. But he was also a good ally."

"He didn't know, or did he?"

"He knew. Louis XIV was just able to keep it a secret."

"Come, it's time."

They left their room, her hand lightly on his escorting arm. As they made their way to the foyer, Louis whispered in her ear, "Don't speak to the boss unless spoken to."

She was confused but agreed.

They heard voices as they neared the party. Then, at the overhead walk, they were announced.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, our gracious hosts for the evening: Louis Montpierre and Giselle Marchant."

People in attendance began to murmur amongst themselves.

"I've heard that she's just his bed warmer, that he doesn't actually love her."

"Louis Montpierre? But he's so cruel and cold. How could such a sweet woman be with him?"

"Why would she stay with him? She doesn't actually love him, does she?"

Giselle heard all of these accusations. Louis squeezed her hand in comfort.

Don't pay them any mind, he told her telepathically. They don't know what they're talking about.

The two hosts descended down into the party. Soon, a finely dressed man who appeared to be in his early thirties walked up to them.

"Louis, what a fine job you've done with this party. I must say, I'm impressed."

"Thank you, sir."

"I organised the decorations," Giselle said.

The boss smiled deviously at her. She froze as Louis squeezed her wrist, hard. Giselle nearly cried out in pain.

"And you are?" the man asked.

"Giselle Marchant. I thought that was obvious," she chuckled.

The man just smiled at her. He gave her the creeps and she gave an involuntary shiver.

"Excuse us, sir. But we have to check on supper real quick."

"Of course. Don't let me keep you."

Louis pulled her into a side hallway and rounded on her. They didn't see nor hear Adelene and René who were just about to come around the corner. But the Noirs stopped before the made the turn. Louis struck Giselle and sent her to the floor.

She cried out when she hit the stone floor. But Louis ignored it.

"I thought I told you to stay quiet!" he hissed. "Can't you listen to a simple request?"

"I didn't know he was your boss!"

"When he congratulated me, I thought it was 'pretty obvious.' Apparently you didn't."

"I'm sorry, Louis. I won't say another word, promise."

"Good."

Then he turned and stalked back towards the party. Giselle began to quiet cry. Adelene rushed over to her friend and helped her up. René stood a couple feet back.

"I can't believe his nerve!" Adelene admonished. "What's he think we live in? The Middle Ages?"

Giselle gave a sad smile. "Don't worry about it, mon amie."

"Giselle, he hit you across the face. That's not right," René said.

"It doesn't matter. I didn't listen to him. It's my fault, really."

René said, "Don't chase him, Giselle. If he can't respect you, then don't keep following him around like a little puppy. Branch out and leave him in the past."

"I don't understand why you just don't leave him," Adelene said.

Giselle visibly winced. "You're right. You don't understand. I owe Louis so many things. I can't just turn my back on that and the sacrifices he's made for me. Plus, I love him."

"What do you owe him that you accept his poor treatment of you?"

"I deserved it. And I can't tell you. Now, I'd be a rude host if I don't get back to the gala. Dinner will be served too."

She walked past the Noirs and returned to the party.