CROWN PRINCE | LES MISÉRABLES

58.

1836

We finally decided to give in to the King's wish. He would meet Timothy. But that was it. Nothing more, nothing less. We were on the train, close to France. We had developed a liking for English fashion, as it was more comfortable.

Timothy was not liking it. He rather wanted to stay with my father, as he had noticed that the King caused us pain.

"Do I have to meet him?"
"Yes. Timothy, he's your grandfather. Just like Annelise's Papa."
"But what if he don't like me?"
"Who doesn't love you?", he said.

I was sickly worried. I saw the King multiple times and talked to him. But Timothy? He was the heir that he always wanted. The line would be secured for the next 160 years, at the least. There was a slight problem though, Timothy was a Robillard. He has my last name. I don't even know Bastien's last name. The name I would carry to my grave.

"Mama, say something.", he begged.
"Timothy, it is your father's wish.", I said.
"That's not fair. Why does no one ask me?", he asked.

Timothy didn't like things that upset us.

"Timothy, Annelise, we will go back."
"Back to our house in the forest?", Timothy asked.
"Yes.", Bastien said, running his fingers through Timothys curl-mess-hair.

Timothy looked like a smaller version of Bastien. These blue eyes and expressions matched his father perfectly. There was no denying that he was the father.

***

We got out of the train and straight into the carriage. A bit more than two years ago, we left Paris. Now we're back and nothing has changed. The only thing that changed was the number of homeless women. It was mostly women with small children. To think that I could've ended up like this, sent shudders down my back.

Bastien took my hand and squeezed it. He whispered that everything would be alright, as Combeferre, Delilah, and Raphael would join us. We would not be alone. It did calm me down, knowing that we weren't all by ourselves.

"Trust me when I say this, we will keep Timothy. I had arranged it with him."
"Thank God. I am really worried."
"Don't be. I will fight for him. They have to kill me first."

We reached the palace and got out. We were announced and immediately sent inside. We kept Timothy in the middle, showing that we would never let go of him.

Timothy and I bowed.

"Father."
"Son."
"You wanted to see my son."
"Yes indeed. Mademoiselle Robillard, I have not expected you to be here. I've heard you traveled out of the country."

"You heard right, your majesty. Timothy and I were simply not happy in France anymore.", I said.
"Come here, young boy.", the King demanded.

Timothy hid behind Bastien. The King repeated himself, louder and more demanding. After Timothy still didn't step forward, the King went furious. He yelled at him to step forward.

Timothy started to cry. He was not used to be yelled at. He sounded threatening, which is why I took him in my arms.

"You will not yell at my son! Did you hear me?", I yelled back.

Both Bastien and the King looked at me stunned. The room was completely silent, except for the soft whimpers of Timothy.

"I will not tolerate you yelling at my son. He is a Robillard. He will not take the throne. If you thought you can claim as a grandson, you were wrong.", I said, this time calmer.
"My son is to be respected. If you cannot respect me, then you will definitely respect my wife and my son.", he said.

"Wife?"
"Yes, I will marry Annelise. And there is nothing you can do about it.", he said.

"Very well. Is that your final word?"
"Yes. I love Annelise and my son. I will give them a life they deserve and I do."