*~*Forbidden Lust*~*



*~*Prologue*~*



In the midst of the Victorian Era, France was a beautiful country. Civilized, cultured, and the fashion was to die for. Speaking of dying, a strange thing happened at an Opera one night. Shall we delve into the mysteries that shrouded that night? Or do you wish to leave? If you chose the latter, leave now or forever be held captive...By Andre.

The place is Paris, France. The date is June the 23rd, 1876. The time is 8:00 in the evening, and the entertainment is almost ready to begin...

The Opera had just finished and the curtain just fell when the Patron of the event, Beatrice LaVerre, stood from her seat to go greet her royal subjects. She had barely become an adult and yet she was poised, graceful, and all so elegant as to replace her mother in the future. She took a moment to adjust herself, and proceeded to walk out of the theatre.

Just outside the doors of the Opera House, under the large stone balcony that shielded guests from the rain, Beatrice waited for the actors and audience members to come to her and congratulate her on a wonderful birthday from the previous night. Not many did see her that night, however, because it had started to rain when the Opera ended. Beatrice, being polite, still stood waiting, hoping at least someone would say good night.

Sure enough, a man in a violet shirt, with lace spilling out of the collar and cuffs approached her, taking her hand like a gentleman and kissing it lightly as he began to speak. "Principessa, a joy it was to see you here tonight. I am Andre Fourret, and it is an honour to meet you. I was hoping that you could accompany me to my home, to celebrate your joyous birthday." He raised his head, and Beatrice was caught in a wave of awe. Andre's eyes were a shade of blue so electric that they could shame the very lightning that ecsaped the clouds above them. They gave an eerie glow, accentuating even more the paleness of Andre's face.

"My good sir, I am no Princess, and though I am flattered by your offer, there is no need for another celebration." She could feel her cheeks turn red. She studied his face deeply; the sharp angle of his jaw was offset by smooth features and high cheekbones. His prominent nose complimented his wide blue eyes, making him nicely proportionate.

"Oh, but sweet lady, I insist." He leaned in and kissed her hand again, looking up to her slyly. "I'm sure your parents wouldn't mind?" He motioned towards the carriage where Lady Charlotte and Lord Armand sat waiting. He took Beatrice's arm gently, and escorted her to the carriage side, whereupon Andre let go, and adressed Lord Armand with many a flourish in his bow.

"Milord, I request your consent to take your lovely daughter to my house, where I have prepared an honourable banquet for her joyous birthday. I assure you, she will be back safely." He smiled, kissing Charlotte's hand lightly. He looked at Armand, an all-too-eager expression creeping to his face.

Armand looked at Andre, studying his stature. Andre stood poised, very straight, looking the true nobleman. He smiled. "Very well. Just as long as you bring her back in one piece."

"Most definitely," Andre laughed, holding Beatrice's hand. "I promise nothing shall harm her, Milord." With that, the pair were off to Andre's mansion.

~_*~*_~

When they arrived, Beatrice saw a small crowd of people gathered in Andre's living room. He was holding a masquerade, and people seemed to have waited patiently for his return. Something was very strange about the crowd. They all seemed dazed, and somewhat tired to be attending a party. As she entered, people greeted her with awe.

The sea of brightly coloured feathers and sequins engulfed Beatrice, with almost every gentleman there greeting her and kissing her hand. She finally got to a nearby table to rest her head. The strong scent of eucalyptus made her dizzy. Just then, Andre approached her, holding out a hand. "If you are weary, princess, I will show you to a place where you can rest for a while."

"That would be nice, Andre." With that, Andre escorted her to his bedchamber. Little did Beatrice know, this was the night when her life would get turned upside down forever.



Back to Forbidden Lust
Forward to Andre's Bedroom