The Princess & the Pauper (Les Mis)

Girl Like You

"There's nothing like fresh air to clear your mind." Marius stepped out the carriage and took an exaggerated deep breath. Cosette laughed as he helped her get out.
"If only it were that simple." She said, securing the blue hooded cape over her hair. She looked around in wonder, shocked by their surroundings.
"This is amazing. I haven't been out of the castle in ages. And nobody knows who I am!" She said gleefully. Her blue eyes turned to Marius and she smiled excitedly.
"So, where's your house?" She asked.
"Actually, I shared an apartment with a few friends. I couldn't afford a house after my grandfather kicked me out." Marius shrugged.
"Oh, I'm sorry," the princess cursed herself for being so inconsiderate.
"It's alright. Look, there's the café I told you about. My friends and I spent so much time there, drinking and pretending to study." His change of topic worked, putting the smile back on her face as she giggled.

Cosette looked around in amazement as they passed by different stalls. There were people selling food, clothing, flowers, and fabric at every corner.
"That smells delicious." She said as they passed a stall selling hot drinks.
"I'll be right back." Marius told her, walking back to the stall.
Cosette continued taking in the sights while she waited. Her eyes fell on a man boarding up a window before slouching away with a single bag. Her heart clenched, seeing how badly her people were living. She didn't realise it had gotten this bad.

"Like a bird that flies in the morning light
Or a butterfly in the spring
When your spirit rides on the winds of hope
You'll find your wings,"

Cosette looked around for the source of the beautiful music, her eyes landing on a girl dressed in rags who was singing nearby. A young, scrappy looking boy sat at her feet, holding out a tin for people to drop money into. The princess moved closer, entranced by the girl's voice.

"For you're always free to begin again
And you're always free to believe
When you find the place
That your heart belongs-"

The girl stopped as she spotted an angry looking woman storming towards her. She snatched the tin from the boy's hand, emptying the money into her own pockets. The girl whispered something to the little boy and he nodded before he ran off.

"Hey, I earned that!" The girl protested, reaching for her stolen money.
"And you owe us! Any thing you get goes straight to me, or your father will find out about this," the woman hissed. She threw the empty tin to the ground and walked away. By now the rest of the crowd had left, not wanting to get caught in the fight.
When the coast was clear, Cosette approached the girl and placed a coin into the tin as she was picking up. "What a beautiful song," she told the girl, smiling kindly.
"Thanks-" the girl looked up to thank her but stopped when their eyes met. The two girls then slowly rose their hands and simultaneously removed their hoods.

As their hoods dropped, they found themselves staring at each other in amazement. They looked very similar, the main difference being their hair. Cosette had rich gold curls while Eponine had dark matted hair.
"We could be sisters," Cosette said breathlessly.
"What's your name?" They asked at the same time, giggling when they realised.
"I'm Cosette," The blond smiled.
"Cosette? You have the same name as the princess."
"Well.." Cosette didn't know how to respond.
A look of realisation crossed the other girl's face, and she dropped into a curtesy.
"I'm Eponine, your highness." She stood up and tilted her head in confusion. "What are you doing outside the palace?"

Cosette sighed, twisting her hands together.
"I'm savoring my first and last
Taste of freedom before getting
Married next week, to a total stranger,"

"At least, you're not an
Indentured servant." Eponine laughed, trying to lighten the princess's mood.

"Indentured servant?" Cosette looked confused.