CROWN PRINCE | LES MISÉRABLES

28.

I opened my eyes. I had slept on my table.

"Good morning. You seem in pain. Rough night?", Raphael asked.
"It could've been better.", I said.

I ushered him out of my room and began cleaning myself up. A bowl of water was placed on my table and fresh water was brought daily. I washed my face and my body. I put on a clean chemise and my petticoat with my corset.

I was almost ready when my father walked in.

"I am sorry for barging in. But you must know that you're meeting with Monsieur Tebun today."
"I am aware. That's why I'm getting dressed already."
"Perfect. I hope you're alright. You didn't seem happy last night.", he said, before closing the door on his way out.

As I finally finished up my corset, I realized I had forgotten to put on my stockings. It's kinda hard to do with a corset, but not impossible. I put them on and then I took my skirt. It was made out of wool and was a beautiful green color, just like the green from the trees.

The top part was a similar shade. It wasn't attached to the skirt so I had no trouble putting it on. I looked into the mirror and finished up with my jewelry. Then I looked at the box from the earrings. I wasn't sure if I should put them on, but decided to do so anyway.

I pulled the material in the right position and walked downstairs to breakfast. For once, all the siblings were at the same table.

"All my children are finally together. Thank God that I am allowed to live to see this day.", my father said.

"Augusta, I must thank you for your comforting shoulder last night.", I said.
"No worries. We're sisters and we stick together."

We ate in silence once more before our paths separated. Monsieur Tebun was already waiting outside for me. When I finished, I put on my coat and left with him. We sat in his lovely carriage, on our way to Paris.

"I must tell you, you look rather beautiful this morning."
"Thank you for your kind words.", I said.

Then silence. Who would've thought? I was not greatly interested in him, he seemed nice and I was thankful for what he had done that night. But now I sat in his carriage and we were going to the palace.

***

We reached the palace in no time. Monsieur Tebun helped me out of his carriage and we were announced.

"Your majesty, we are most happy to have your blessing.", he said.
"Girl, step closer."

I got up from my bow and walked closer.

"A pretty girl, slim, hope she can bear healthy boys."
"Oh she will, your majesty.", he said.
"What's your name, my dear?"
"Annelise Robillard."
"Oh. You must know my son then."

"I made the acquaintance at his birthday ball a few years ago."
"Oh right. His wife was jealous that he enjoyed dancing with you.", he said, laughing.

"Sorry, if I sound too forward, but where is the prince?", I asked.
"I do not know. I haven't seen him since he left last night.", the king said.
"He left? When?"
"I do not know. Duke of Tebun, it seems like that your young soon-to-be-wife has an interest in the prince.", he said.

A duke? A duke saved me? That was a funny joke. But why is none laughing? Oh my god, he's a duke. He tore me back my arm.

"I give you both my blessing for marriage."
"Thank you."

We left and as soon as we were outside I let out a deep breath.

"What was that? You should show interest in me, not the Crown Prince."
"I am sorry. I just remembered something. Could you maybe bring me to my grandmother's? She's the owner of Café Musain. I am not feeling well."
"Of course. We'll walk there."

We reached the Café quickly. I was thankful for my grandmother and Raphael, who immediately rushed to my side and helped me away from him.

Raphael helped me up.

"Are you alright?"
"Yes. I think so. I felt a bit dizzy."
"Do you need a glass of water?", he asked.
"That would be nice."

"Sure. Just a minute."

He kept turning around before leaving. He was overwhelmed with the situation. A strange man and his niece feeling awful, on the other hand, a full Café.

I laid down on the couch and closed my eyes. Just a few seconds later, Raphael appeared with a glass of water. I thanked him and drank it. I felt a bit better.

"Do you like this guy?"
"Nope. But I am engaged to him.", I said, sipping on my water.

"Well, he looks like a horse."
"That's what grandmother said too. But he saved me and took me home. I owe it to him now.", I sighed.

"I haven't seen Bastien yet. I hope he's okay."
"He left the palace last night."
"How do you know?"
"His father told me.", I said.

"He can be glad that he's a prince, otherwise I'd punch him in the face."
"Raphael, he's your best friend."
"Yes, but you're my family. Your mother would've wanted me to do so. Well, if she was alive, she would've done it in my place.", he said.

I got up and we walked down to the Café.

"Finally. Was about time."
"I am sorry. I was feeling unwell."
"Well, I will take you home."

I said goodbye to them and we went home. When I got home, I quickly rushed home and took off my corset. I changed into a more comfortable dress. Tomorrow night, my family was invited to go to the theater.