CROWN PRINCE | LES MISÉRABLES

38.

A/N: the revolution is coming closer and closer. Are you ready for it?

[NIGHTMARE AHEAD, skip to paragraph after the ***]

I woke up. Annelise wasn't next to me anymore but Prime Minister Leonardo stood at the end of my bed.

His face showed no sign of mercy, only evil.

And there she was.

"Annelise.", I called out, but she ignored me.

She almost traced like. A rope was around her neck.

"See the prosperity in the realm, That brings the land blessings. Our golden future lets all of
Paris shine in light. It is our duty to preserve this state of affairs.
With that considered, it is time. For a little subservience. Look at them, these men. How they are devoted."

Condemned people, who were already executed, started to show up. Their faces were hidden behind a shadow.

"Yes, we are gladly at his command, when the lord determines it."

"As much as the anger or resentment gathers in the people,
I hold... the strings in my hand!"

Now even Count Wilson decided to add something.

"Great discontent reigns in some estates. They are restless, they defy"

"...Oh, that's only childishness."

"Quick action will protect us from the threatening danger...", Count Wilson added.

"Everything remains as it is!", Prime minister Leonardo stated.

"...and as it always was. One can't look into the future.", my father chimed in.

This was a nightmare. This couldn't be real.

"And we must simply build upon the plan of the lord!", my father and the prime minister agreed.

Annelise was still frozen and didn't move. When the prime minister walked closer to her, she didn't back away. And the dance had begun.

"Come and dance, come and sing, As life requires it.
If they tell us we should laugh, We will be cheerful and lively. Friendly, we await Yes, we do what pleases him,
He holds... the strings in his hand! He is clever, he is strong."

"He is always a fair man! His skill at leading the people.
Always casts a spell on us! What he says is the law,
He's seduced the entire world... He holds... the strings in his hand! He holds... the reigns in his hand! He holds... dominion in his hand!"

The nightmare ended with Annelise being strangled by the prime minister.

I screamed her name but nothing happened.

***

I woke up to Bastien screaming. I softly shook his shoulders and when he startled up, he buried his head in my neck. He began to cry.

"Everything's alright. I'm here."
"I had a nightmare. They want to kill me."
"Who wants to kill you?"
"My family.", he said out of breath.

"I'm not gonna let that happen."
"I love you, Annelise."

My heart beat faster than ever before.

"I love you too.", I said.

He looked up with his tear-stained eyes and kissed me.

It was a slow and passionate kiss. It sent butterflies flying around my stomach.

We broke apart when we couldn't breathe anymore.

"I am scared."
"You don't need to be scared. You have started something big and I will be there when you achieve it.", I said.

"You need to promise me something."
"Of course."
"Once this Revolution starts, you need to leave France. Until it is over."

"I cannot promise that."
"My grandmother is living in England. You need to go to her, while I am here. She already agreed to it.", he said.

"Please, do it for me.", he begged.

I nodded.

"I am in danger and I cannot risk your life."
"I will go to your grandmother if you ask me to."
"Thank you."