The Princess & the Pauper (Les Mis)

The Arrival

It was early morning when a grand carriage pulled up to the castle gates. Two men sat inside, dressed in formal suits which clearly portrayed their wealth.
"I am Combeferre, ambassador to the king. We were invited by the queen to discuss wedding arrangements." The first man said to the guard.
The guard bowed and signaled for the gate to be opened.

"Are you sure about this Enjolras?" Combeferre questioned his companion.
"I am, Ferre. I told you, I need to see what she's really like." The blond man beside him said, pulling his hat to match his pageboy uniform.

——

Cosette sat at her desk, reading through a book Marius had given her on rocks and gemstones. A knock at the door started her and she called for the person to enter.
"Marius!" She greeted her friend excitedly. She turned in her seat and pointed to the page she was reading. "I just got to the chapter on crystals,"
"Nice job, your highness." The boy smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes.
"Your highness? Why so formal all of a sudden? It's just me," Cosette frowned, standing from her desk and holding the book anxiously.
"I just wanted to inform you that the ambassador has arrived." He told her. Her face fell, and she placed a bookmark in the book and sighed. She knew this was going to happen, but now that they were here it suddenly felt more real.
"He's here already?"
Marius nodded sympathetically. Cosette knew that her mother may want her there, but she preferred to stay in her quarters, claiming that she did not look presentable enough to greet their guests. The message was relayed to the queen, who still felt terrible about the arranged marriage and let her daughter sit out.

——

"On behalf of king, I present a gift." Enjolras bowed to the queen, presenting a wrapped box. Fantine opened it to reveal an expensive diamond necklace.
"Oh, thank you! I'm sure princess will love it!"

"Have you decided on a wedding date, your majesty?" Combeferre asked politely.
"Will a week from today suit you?" Fantine asked. Javert let out a shocked gasp, causing everyone to turn to look at him.
"What an excellent plan, your majesty." He covered up, laughing awkwardly.
"Great! I will um... send for King Enjolras right away!" Combeferre shared a look with Enjloras, who nodded back.
"Wonderful! Oh, Cosette will be delighted!" The queen clasped her hands together in excitement, already preparing the wedding in her head.

——

"What do you think the king will be like?" Cosette asked. She and Marius stood on her balcony, watching the clouds float by.
"Suitable, I'm sure." He smirked. Cosette elbowed him in the side playfully. But then her smile disappeared and she looked down.
"I know I agreed to marry him, but sometimes I wish.. well," she trailed off.
"I've heard he is very passionate about politics." Marius told her, hoping to cheer her up slightly.
Cosette stayed silent. He sighed, taking a moment to think before putting a hand on her shoulder.
"Cosette you're going to need your cloak."
She looked up in confusion, meeting his smile.
"Why?"
Marius only smiled.
"Meet me outside when you're ready!" And he ran off. Cosette smiled fondly, heading back to her room to find her cloak as instructed.