Mon Étoile

Chapter Seven

Three Years Ago

"Revolution is coming!" Enjolras shouted, standing in front of the crowd. I smiled warmly as I watched him address the crowd. "While the people of this city starve and fight for the right to be seen even as people, they stay in their mansions and palaces and scoff at the idea of fixing the very issues they have caused! Their gold and riches and very way of life are built on the backs of the hardworking and suffering of the French people! Who will stand with me and liberate the people of France?"

"Vive la France!" I called, my fist shooting in the air. After the rally, I approached him and said, "Great job, mon amour."

"I couldn't do it without you, mon chéri," he replied. I blushed, smiling wider as he took my small hand in his large, warm one.

"Je t'aime," I said, kissing his cheek.

"I love you too," he replied, giving me a soft smile. Gently, he pressed his lips to mine. I smiled into the kiss, but it was over quickly. Red fabrics swished around my feet as he turned me under his arm.

With a content sigh, I asked, "So, what are you up to for the rest of the day?"

"I have a speech to write, and then another meeting," he replied. "I could use some help."

"Of course, mon amour," I replied with a happy smile. "Café Musain?"

"Naturally," he replied. Once we got to the café, Hercule and I retreated up the staircase and took a seat at the desk.

"Okay, so I'm assuming this is for the rally tomorrow?" I guess. Hercule nodded, setting out a piece of parchment and carefully opening his inkpot. After filling his quill, he moved it to the top of the page where it hovered. Biting my lip, I thought.

"What about...painting a picture of a new future?" Hercule said.

"Well, when you speak and look around the crowd, what do you remember saying that really lit a fire in their eyes?" I asked. He thought a moment before beginning to write. I stood, moving to stand behind him as I watched his quill fly across the parchment. It was oddly calming to watch the quill scratch along the parchment, ink trailing along.

After I had read the first paragraph, he asked, "What do you think?"

Wrapping my arms around his shoulders, I kissed his cheek and said, "It's beautiful."

"Hm, reminds me of someone," he said, turning slightly to look at me.

My cheeks flaming, I retorted, "Stop."

"What?" he laughed. "You are."

Present Day

"I thought we were moving past this," Léo groaned, cutting across my retelling. I rolled my eyes. "Plus, you're probably lying. My brother doesn't talk like that."

Glaring at him, I snapped, "Shut up, Léo."

"Fine, geez," he sighed. "Proceed."

"Like I was saying," I said pointedly, "That year we spent most of our time at rallies and giving speeches." My eyes darkened as I said, "It was going fine, but...then it wasn't."

Two Years Ago

Facing the group, Enjolras said, "Remember, the police are really pressing down on these rallies. Marius, Joly, and Jean go to the third sector. Feuilly and Combeferre, fifth. The police presence is almost nonexistent there. Courfeyrac and Grantaire, you're with Nicolette and me in the Louvre. We're facing the worst of the police there. Everyone clear?"

Everyone nodded and soon we were off to our separate locations. Once we came to our spot, Hercule kissed my cheek and said softly, "Be careful, mon chéri."

"I should be telling you that, amour." He chuckled, gently kissing my forehead. His lips lingered slightly before we moved to stand before the crowd to speak.

Present Day

My expression was dark as I said, "We had barely been speaking for five minutes when the police swarmed us." Léo's brows were furrowed. This was the part I wasn't sure how to tell him, especially considering his history. Eventually, I decided to tell him every detail so he might understand.

Two Years Ago

"RUN! IT'S JAVERT!" I screamed, spotting the formidable police officer. Hercule attempted to get to me, but the crowds had begun streaking between all of us, and he was pushed back by the crowd along with the other members of our group. The next thing I knew, I was surrounded by a sea of black uniforms.

My instincts took over and I attempted to run, but I was caught by the bicep and held back as a man growled, "You're not going anywhere." The fear in my eyes melted away as I glared back at the man and held my chin high.

Snappishly, I spat, "Can I help you?"

"You are under arrest," he snapped, gesturing at two of the other officers. Both came towards me and I backed away slightly but was unable to move much. Once he considered me secure, I was marched off through the city. Fear filled my eyes as I looked back for Hercule. Just as I turned a corner, I spotted him rushing through the crowd, but it was too late.

The moment I was in the prison, I was flung into one of the cells and chained to the wall by my wrists and ankles.

Present Day

"I was there for a month," I admitted, refusing to look up at Léo. "They fed me three times while I was there and maybe water five or six times at most."

"No," Léo interrupted, sitting up slightly. "That can't be right. The prisons are supposed to give each prisoner at least one meal a day, if not more."

"Welcome to the true Paris, Léo," I said sadly. "During my time there I was beaten and harassed on top of being starved. Eventually, Marius was able to get me out, but I had gotten sick while I was in prison." Léo studied me carefully, looking as if he was trying to decide if he believed me or not. "When I got to see my friends again I was severely beaten and weak. In fact, I probably would have died if it wasn't for Hercule."