CROWN PRINCE | LES MISÉRABLES

68.

February 1838

It was a beautiful, snowy day in Paris. Bastien and I had slept in and Timothy was playing with his toys. I was just getting ready when a hectic Timothy rushed into the bedroom.

"Mama, there is a carriage and a beautiful woman."
"What?"
"Yes, there is a carriage with a beautiful woman outside.", he said.

"Go get your father. I will be downstairs in a second."

He nodded and ran to find Bastien. I put on my robe and rushed down the stairs. I was not properly dressed to invite guests in.

"Did you invite someone?", I asked.
"No. You?"
"Of course not. Not this early."

Bastien opened the door and walked outside. There was indeed a carriage and for Bastien a familiar one.

"Mama."
"Bastien. My goodness, you are so handsome.", the woman said, holding his face.

Bastien began to cry. This woman was his mother. I walked outside with Timothy. We inspected the woman and there was no doubt that she was his mother. She had so many expressions that Bastien also had.

"Who's this nice woman over there?", she asked all of sudden.
"Mama, may I introduce? Annelise Robillard, my soon-to-be wife, and our 5-year-old son Timothy."

We bowed. She was royal after all.

"Bonjour Mademoiselle. I am sorry for coming so early. I just couldn't wait to see your face. My, you have grown up. Such a fine man."
"And he's married."
"I've heard. I dislike her a lot. Princess Maria is just like her father.", she explained.

"Would you like to come inside?", I asked.
"That would be lovely."

Timothy guided her inside the house. Bastien and I stayed behind. He could see that I was worried. What if she didn't like me?

"Annelise, my love, I cannot express how happy I am at the moment.", he said, suppressing his tears.
"If you want to cry, it is okay. I won't judge you.", I said.
"I love you."
"I love you too."

We walked inside. Bastien learned to make some tea, so he made tea.

"Tell me something about you. I've heard so much about you already and I am glad to finally meet you."
"Oh, so am I. It's an honor meeting you."
"I hope you only heard good things."
"I have."

"I heard you're a singer.", she said.
"Yes, I am. My siblings and I are a choir. Unfortunately, we lost our youngest sister 5 years ago."
"Oh, I am sorry to hear that."
"Her suffering is over and she's now with my mother again. I am glad she is watching over me."

"Your mother would be proud of you. I've heard about her. A tragic death. Childbirth is very dangerous."
"I know. Which is why I was scared. But I made it. I am thankful.", I said.

We had a small conversation. When she asked me how Bastien and I had met, we began explaining the whole story. How he kissed me at my ball, the dance at his ball, how we had our own star. We left no detail out.

Timothy told her how much he loved his toys and how much he wanted to be a prince like his father.

She was just like he described. She was beautiful, her long hair was in a tight updo and she had a few gray hairs scattered around. She had a bit of a German accent but it was absolutely beautiful. Her smile shone brightly.

"She loves you.", Bastien whispered.

My heart swells with pride. I was glad she liked me. It was important for me to leave a good impression. I mean, I was going to marry her son that she had carried for 9 months.

"And I love you."