Part XXIX

He found Francine in the garden, she was working along with two other women and her eyes were really puffy. Her lips created a thin line and all her moves were a little bit frantic. She was pissed all right. Still he needed to talk to her. Joel knew her enough to be unsure about her reaction. She could make a spectacle and officially scream out loud that he was a man in disguise. That could make his plans problematic. Joel took a brave step forward.

"Francine, the head maid, is calling you to the kitchen." Francine raised her head noticing Joel, her expression was immediately changed into a gloomy one. Joel was hated. Not for the first time in his life but this time it was really inconvenient. She said nothing and followed him. Joel pulled her behind a corner as soon as they left the garden.

"Listen Francine, I know you are pissed but Gerd isn't worth it. Let's go back home, we will leave it all behind. I never cared about Gerd, I'm straight. - He almost bit his tongue- I only did that agreement with him to show you what an ass he was. He did it for money, I paid him. He was unworthy of your affection. I know people who truly love you. Your parents miss you dramatically." Joel grabbed her hands and put on a worried face mask. Her hands felt rough, the fingernails were dirty and broken she looked … dowdy. No one would tell from looking at her, that she was once a fine lady.

"I'll go." Her voice was flat.

"What?" Joel had to make sure he understood what she said.

"I'll go with you, back home."

Joel was startled, he hoped for a positive outcome but the easiness of it made him doubtful for a brief second.

"Really? That's good. We will leave tonight. Wait for me as soon as it gets dark here in the garden."

"OK, I will." She looked so lifeless.

"Francine, don't tell anybody about it." Joel hoped she would listen this time.

"I won't." She agreed and they parted.

The evening came and Joel was anxious. There was something about Francine that made him alert. Maybe it was just the stressful situation he has been in. He was back in his room. He took out one of the fine dresses made for him by Francine's mother as well as the men's clothes he had stolen. It was getting dark and Joel was already waiting in the garden. The night was a bit chilly, there was a slight wind and the lives were rustling. Joel kept watching the inner ward hoping to see Francine. A few guards passed by, one maid hurrying back to sleep and one servant who was pissing at the corner whistling some lively tunes. A dark figure appeared in front of Joel, it was Francine she didn't notice him and was looking around. Joel stood up and left his safe spot. Francine flinched first then calmed down noticing it was him.

"I'm here, let's go. We need to get to the gate house, I know the guards let me do the talking."

Joel moved quickly to the gate house pulling Francine right behind him. There was no resistance from her, she was following him obediently. They reached the spot where guards were standing and Joel pulled out a bottle of wine he has stolen from the kitchen.

"We would like to pass to the outer ward, our boyfriends are waiting for us, will be back before dawn." Joel tried really hard to look seductive while handing in the bottle. The taller guard took the gift without any second thoughts.

"What a waist." Joel heard him saying as they passed them by, the other made a loathsome comment about Joel's boyfriend and his cook size. Joel didn't care about it, they were through.

I need to change my clothes, the man here expects to meet with me as Joel." he explained it to Francine. He went to the bar and undressed quickly, taking out the only male clothes he had. It was a bit chilly. Joel was so focused on changing that it took him time to notice a man standing behind him. It was Brian.