CROWN PRINCE | LES MISÉRABLES

21.

I woke up with throbbing headaches. My eyes still had to adjust to the brightness. I was in my room. I wonder how I got there. My door opened and the voice of my father rang in my ears.

"Annelise, Annie, what happened?"
"A shot rang out and I fell off my horse."
"She can't perform on Saturday.", Delilah said.

Delilah, my sister, the one I haven't seen for over a year.

"How did I get here?"
"It was a young man. He found you, you were already unconscious.", my father explained.

All the events from last night came back to mind. I had to hold back tears but Delilah knew everything.

"Father, may you please go? Annelise and I have so much to catch up on."
"Of course.", he said, leaving.

"What happened?"
"Like I said. A shot rang out and my horse got scared.", I said.
"You know that I know you. There's more than that."
"I-I can't.", I said, letting my tears roll.

Delilah looked concerned.

"Is it about a boy?"
"I cannot tell you.", I said.
"Annelise, you have to tell me."

I got out of bed and looked at her.

"I don't have to tell you anything. I just can't. Please accept my decision.", I asked.
"If that's what you want, then I will accept your decision."

"I want to meet this young man who had taken me home. I want to thank him."
"Of course, I'll tell father about it."
"Thanks.", I said.

I was alone with my thoughts. Was it Bastien? Did he ride after me and took me home? But they would've said so, wouldn't they?

I was now bound to my room. With my head injury, I wasn't able to see properly. I saw black dots whenever the light hit my face ever so lightly. My father said it was normal, as this has happened to him several times already.

I got up and looked into my mirror. I was a woman, hardly a child. I was quite tall. My eggshell-colored dress almost made me look like an adult. My hair was straight and went down my back. It is crazy how fast time flies. Just a few years ago, I was singing at the Crown Prince's birthday.

And now, I knew him. Like personally. I was loved by him and the feelings were mutual. I was afraid though. He was married and I, as the young woman of the rank, wasn't. I would probably marry some rich man and I would never get to see him again.

Nothing would ever be the same. I would look at him and all the memories would flood my mind and fill my heart with a sad feeling and an ache. But the thought made me realize how privileged I was. I was living in a house and had a warm bed every night.

The people on the streets were starving, had no roof above their heads, and the worst, not enough warmth. If I could, I would give back. But what would he think? Would he let me fall and become even sadder than he already was?

I touched my cheek. I had invisible scars of chickenpox. No one could see them but they made me feel insecure. My skin was uneven and I was pale like I hadn't been outside in forever. I had rosy cheeks. My nose wasn't perfect either.

I realized that I was so much more than my outer appearance. I was beautiful inside. I may not have the best temper but I want to do good. I spend my childhood saving little animals and take care of hurt ones. That was worth so much more than what people saw.

Appearance fades away, but a heart of gold will never cease.