CROWN PRINCE | LES MISÉRABLES

19.

We spend some time in his hidden house. It was lovely and just the two of us. No duties came to separate us. A full 48 hours just for us. We danced in the rain and laughed while watching the sunrise. I enjoyed every second I had with him.

He was laughing, free, like a different person. His eyes sparkled in the moonlight and he looked more alive. But then the sad end: the 48 hours were up and we had to separate again.

"I don't want to go. Let's just stay here forever.", I proposed.
"I wish I could. But I'm powerless in this case."

"Don't forget to write me.", I said, as he helped me up on my horse.
"I would never. I love you, Annelise, how could I forget to write you?"

"I know. Still."
"I will never forget. And now, go home. Before your father suspects anything.", he said.

"Alright. See you soon."
"Of course.", he said, getting on his horse.

None of us wanted to leave first. Then he blew me a kiss and rode away. I gave my horse the signal to move, so it did. I had to be home fast before my father suspected anything.

It wasn't far away from where I lived, only like 10 minutes away. But I enjoyed every single minute I sat on my horse. It calmed me down. I had to think about what happened. I felt sorry for him. He was so strong. Men needed to cry too.

I admired him. He had this facade of the strong and independent, happy crown prince, but in reality, he was fragile, in need of a break. He wanted to live a normal life.

I got off my horse.

"Had a lovely weekend?", the stable boy asked.
"Yes. Paris is lovely."
"Oh, I bet it is. I haven't been there for years.", he said.

"Would you like to accompany me next time? So you can see Paris?"
"I can't. But thank you for your kind offer, Mademoiselle."

He opened the door for me and I pulled the pins out of my hair. I took my hat down and placed it on a small table by the door.

"Annie, so great to see you again. Did you enjoy your time in Paris?"
"Yes, I did. It was lovely. But much colder than here.", I said chuckling.

"Of course. We have a performance next Saturday. The King has asked us to perform."
"For whom?"
"The Crown Prince's little cousin.", he said.

"Oh, will he be there?"
"No, I don't think so. Why?"
"Just curious.", I said.

I walked up the stairs and to my room. I shut the door behind me and took a deep breath. The weekends were the days where we could meet at the hidden house and have some time together. But now that couldn't happen.

I sat down at my table and began to write. I had to tell him that I couldn't be there on Saturday. But then something popped into my mind: I could tell him myself. I grabbed my hat and walked back down the stairs.

"Where are you going?"
"I forgot something in Paris. It is urgent."
"Can't it wait?"
"No, it is Mama's necklace. And I want it close to me.", I explained.

He nodded.

"Alright, but when will you be back?"
"I try to be back by dinner time.", I said.
"Very well. Be careful."

I nodded and got out of the door. I looked around and saw my horse. I got on my horse and quickly gave it commands to go faster.