CROWN PRINCE | LES MISÉRABLES

33.

Drama, drama, drama. My household with too many siblings and a father in command. Delilah and Combeferre were now engaged, much to my father's dismay. He claims that it was too fast, as they had only met like two or three
weeks ago.

On the other hand, he loved Combeferre. He was a medical student and he had good grades. His parents provided him with enough money but he already made enough with his job in the hospital. And the discussion now: they want to marry in February.

"Delilah, no. Annelise was first, and she shall marry before you."
"But I am older than her. I should've been married for years now and have at least two children."
"That is your very own fault, Delilah Robillard. I will not allow you to marry before Annelise."

"Why not? I wouldn't mind. It would make me happy if they could say their vows before I do. To see what I am supposed to do."
"What?", Delilah questioned.
"What, I'm trying to help you.", I said.

"Annelise, no. Delilah, absolutely not. Everything is arranged now. This is my final say.", he said, stomping away.

"God, it's always like that."
"I'm sorry about it."
"Don't be. You tried at least. Then Combeferre and I will marry in secret."
"What? You both want to elope?", I asked, whispering the last part.

"And I want you there. And Raphael and Bastien. Just the 5 of us and a pastor.", she said.
"When?"
"This weekend. We found a pastor who'd do it."
"That's so soon."
"I know. But I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with him. I love him so much. From that first moment on I knew, he'd be the one I'd marry.", she dreamed.

I nodded. I grabbed a book from the table and went on the terrace. We had a beautiful view of the forest. This particular day was beautiful. The sun stood high, although it was very cold, typical for the end of January.

I was dressed warmly for this season, with lots of wool. Marriage, what an odd thing. A woman and a man standing in front of the altar, promising to love each other for all eternity. Some lie before god, promising endless love to let them drop down on the hard ground of the devastating truth.

I would lie before God, promising to cherish that young man that had taken care of me after my riding accident. But in reality, I didn't like him. Delilah would stand in front of that altar, promising to love the man in front of her, Combeferre. And it wouldn't even be a lie.

"You look deep in thought.", Caroline said.
"I am. Just so much going on that I don't even know what to do during quiet times like this."

"Delilah will be most happy. And so will you. He will love you till the end of time.", she said.
"Another man already does. I do not believe that I will be happy after the wedding day. I fear that I will feel worse."

"What do you mean with another man already does? Is he the mysterious stranger you meet up with?", she asked laughing.

I turned my head in her direction.

"How do you know?"
"I saw you sneak out. Why don't you marry him instead? Is he poor?"
"No, Caroline. He's already married."
"What?"
"You cannot tell Papa. Take it to the grave with you."
"That's a long time."
"Promise."
"Alright, I promise."

Great, now Caroline knew about it too. At least, she doesn't know that he's the crown prince and soon King of France. I don't know if she could keep her mouth shut if I told her that.