CROWN PRINCE | LES MISÉRABLES

31.

A/N: thank you so much for reading and I hope you enjoy this book so far. If you enjoy this book, please consider voting or even leave a comment with some feedback for me. Thank you and let's go with this chapter.

Enjolras POV

After Annelise left, I was mad. Not at her, but myself for being such an idiot. I was afraid of losing her. Courf was mad at me for making his niece cry. I understand why.

"Have you calmed down now?", Joly asked.
"Yes."
"What was that about? Why did you make her cry?"
"I have lost my sanity. I cannot marry her and I don't want anyone, especially that man, to marry her.", I said.

"You're glad that she loves you, I was about to punch you in the face."

"Alright, let's start the meeting. Courfeyrac, you are up first."

"Raising the price for bread is an insult to all of the French population. We have to do something, right now.", Courfeyrac said.

"You're right."
"I don't think you know what this means to us. We cannot starve to death because of your father. It is time to act."

"Let's talk confidentially. Prince, I say it openly, words are edifying, but they don't bring and do not force what time
demands. You're far too optimistic!", Courfeyrac said.

"Let's talk honestly, our situation urges us even if it seems difficult, you must see and understand, that waiting won't get us anywhere. Be realistic!", Combeferre added.

"You have remained quiet so for so long. Aren't you born to do much more? If we do not rebel today, we will soon be lost.", Courfeyrac yelled.

"What do you expect me to do?", I asked.

They were right. But I had no say in anything. Hell, I couldn't even choose the wine for dinner.

"Join us, sign the constitution. Your signature...", Combeferre started.
"That would be treason! I can not possibly deceive my father to such an extent.", I interrupted.

Courfeyrac banged his head on the table.

"God, you don't understand! Do you prefer to betray your country? Think about it!"
"It is time to stand up and to determinedly go ahead. Time to look fate in the eye. Time to fight.", Combeferre stated.

"It is time to act, to begin and to realize, that your father won't accept. Make a statement!", the rest of the les Amis said.

They were all right. I felt helpless. I stood no chance.

"If you stand by your values, no path is ever too far.", Joly said.
"Isn't that our most sincere wish?", Pontmercy chimed in.
"Yes, it is only up to you.", Combeferre confirmed.

"If I sign this..."
"If? Make a decision, Bastien, but don't wait too long. The time of writing and dreaming is over.", Courfeyrac said, handing me the constitution.

If I signed this document, I would sign my death warrant. I would've committed high treason. I would risk the entire Robillards family life. I couldn't do it.

"Do you need something?", Grantaire asked.
"Yes, give me the brandy."

Grantaire took the bottle and gave it to me. He then left and fell down the stairs. In the end, he yelled that he was fine. I closed the door and sat back down.

"Whither leads my way? Is it right, is it wrong? Oh, wish I had certainty. The moment forces me... But it happened and there's no going back."

A storm is raging inside of me. Will the wind tear away all my fetters? Could I ever completely free myself from doubt? When will I be ready to be what I am? Unbound and free, I long for the strength. To just look ahead and stand for me.

Born for more, oh, if only it were possible. My destiny takes its course. Can I find the courage and strength for it?

Time demands a free spirit that shows the new direction and lays open the system! The burden of familiar tradition
It forces and warns the son not to look and stand still!

I summon the courage. To rely only on myself and to trust this strength to look ahead. Betraying my father? Will I accept that breach? Will I find the courage and strength for it? What will it cost me?

I was doubting. I had to do it. But if I did, I would betray my father, the one who had sheltered me and was an example once upon a time.

Would my mother be ashamed of my actions? I felt like a coward. How could I be a leader, if I was afraid of the unknown?