CROWN PRINCE | LES MISÉRABLES

56.

August 1835

Timothy longed for his father. I had tried everything. I had no idea where he could be. His father was a bastard. He tore him away from his family and he didn't even care about the mental well-being of his grandson.

There was just one thing I hadn't checked. England. The home of his grandmother. She adored Timothy. Well, she was the only one, from his side of the family, that knew him. I packed our things and we left for England.

I had grown to be a more independent woman and a more determined one. I would not give up on him. We have been through so much and this was nothing compared to anything we've been through. They say the true love of a woman could heal broken hearts. They could heal from the biggest distance, filling their hearts with love and warmth.

Timothy was fast asleep as it was only 3 in the morning. We'd go to see his grandmother, maybe she knew where he was.

"Mama, where are we?"
"In a train. Visiting great-grandmother."
"Which one?"
"Your father's grandmother."

He nodded sleepily. Then he was back to being fast asleep.

***

We arrived in England. I told him I'd travel across the world, just to be with him. And I kept my promise. Timothy had woken up during the train ride. He was too excited. Her house was close and I was sure she'd be excited to see us.

We were on the right path. Timothy ran ahead. When he stopped a few meters away and began to cry, my heart broke. It either was my brother Martin or it was Bastien. Whoever that person was, he ran towards them.

I was in great surprised when Bastien came around with his little son in his arms. He smiled. That goddamn smile. I gasped and let our bag fall. I ran towards him while he put down Timothy.

I ran into his arms and he spun me around.

"My love, I cannot believe it. You're here."
"We can't believe it either. We were looking for you for the last month."
"I am sorry."
"Don't apologize.", I whispered, cutting him off.

He kissed me. I missed him.

"Nothing will separate us now.", I said.
"You're right. Nothing and no one will. Let's go inside, shall we?", he asked.

I went back to grab the bag I had dropped earlier. We went inside and were welcomed by his grandmother.

"It was my birthday this year."
"I know. I am sorry I could not be there. But I have a present for you.", he said, giving him the present.

It was a guitar, similar to the one that he always borrowed from Bastien.

"Thank you."
"Of course. I'd never forgotten your birthday. I am terribly sorry I could not be there. I had no chance of leaving England. In fact, I am actually struck forbidden to leave England until January 1836.", he explained.

"Why?"
"Because my father got mad. He wanted to see Timothy and the last time I saw him, was when I left you. I regret yelling at you. You were not at fault. At all. It was all mine."

"It is all forgiven. Of course, we had no clue where you were."
"I had sent a letter."
"We left France the day you left me.", I said.

"Where were you then?"
"The Kingdom of the Netherlands. A wonderful place. Not only in winter but all year round. Timothy has made a friend and his name is Alfie."
"He's french Papa."

"He is? Did you speak with him in French?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"I wanted to tell him that you are a prince.", he said.

"People are gossipers. I am already known as the french whore in the high society of France. I had no intention of getting the same fate there."

"I understand. Don't worry about it. But you're not a whore. You're something much better. My soon to be wife.", he said

And in times like these, I was truly happy, once again.