CROWN PRINCE | LES MISÉRABLES

69.

Enjolras POV

My mother really came to visit. We had given her a room in our house and I spend a lot of time with her. I felt bad for neglecting Annelise and Timothy but I haven't seen her for years. Annelise said that she understood and that it was alright for her.

I missed Annelise, even though I saw her every day. It was like I missed a huge part of my life. I would wake up beside her and go to bed with her. But still, it wasn't enough. Today I had planned a huge surprise for both women.

A nice walk to the hill. It was the hill I had proposed at and my mother showed it to me many, many years ago. We would take Timothy to Courfeyrac because it was on the way. I told both of them to get ready.

Annelise was wearing a beautiful sage green dress, that matched her eyes perfectly. It was an off-shoulder dress and showed off her beautiful pale skin and that birthmark on her right shoulder.

"It is all of sudden getting hotter in here.", I said, walking towards her.

She chuckled.

"Don't say that in front of your mother."
"I hope Madame is going to cover those lovely shoulders as the cold will not hesitate to wrap around them.", I said.

"Of course. I will cover my shoulders."
"I do love your shoulders though."
"I know. Now keep it together. Your mother is coming."

"Madame, you look lovely and the choice of color suits you really well. Red would also be a great choice.", my mother said.

Annelise quickly curtsied and thanked her for her kind words. I helped both women into the carriage and lifted Timothy in. I got in and we took off, heading to the Café Musain.

From there, we would start our small walk.

***

"So, where do you plan to take us, Bastien?"
"To a special place, Mama. It is very special to me.", he said.

A special place. That could've been the place of his majestic barricade once upon a time or the hill, he loved so much.

"Paris has changed a lot since I last was here."
"How long has it been?", I asked.
"About 20 years.", she said.

"It was 22, mama.", Bastien said.

I could hear that sad tone in his voice. 22 years was a long time. I was 25 now, so she had not seen Bastien for almost all my life. I could not believe it. It has been ages since I last saw my mother. Last month was her 15th death anniversary. Bastien and I had gone to hers and Yvonne's grave and laid down some flowers.

"Are you alright, my love? You look so sad."
"I am just in deep thought. I miss my mother so much."
"But she's always with you. Right here.", he said, pressing his palm against my heart.

I am sure it was just an excuse to touch my breast. His words were so kind. I nodded. I knew she was everywhere I was. She would never leave my side. She was a part of me and is a small part of Timothy. I'm sure she would've loved him, just like me.

We walked for quite a bit when it got chillier.

"We're almost there.", he whispered.

And he was right. Not even 5 minutes later, we stood on top of the hill. It was snow-covered. An absolutely beautiful sight. This hill carried many memories and I couldn't wait to make more on here. We would take Timothy on here.

"You two are the perfect match. I am glad you met someone so sweet and caring. A wonderful soul, that will fight for her beloved. Thank you, Annelise. For loving my son and giving him all your love. It is not common for women to be so strong-minded. Thank you.", she said, smiling at me.