CROWN PRINCE | LES MISÉRABLES

72.

Christmas 1838

The Christmas tree stood high in our ballroom. Timothy had helped decorate it. Between all his drawings, he thankfully found the time to help us. He had developed his style and could draw faces very well.

He was a quick learner. Bastien had handmade some pencils with the help of Feuilly. They were absolutely beautiful and the perfect gift. I baked his favorite cake and got him an easel. We had a room for those things, where he could live his creativity.

I had a very special present for Bastien. I knew he'd love it. One of them was a stitched wedding present but I couldn't wait to give it to him. So I am making him a new one for the wedding. The second gift was something no one would expect.

I looked into the mirror and looked at my dress. We would go see my father before we'd open the presents at home. Timothy didn't want to wait. If he was in charge, Christmas would be all year round.

"Tim, please get dressed."
"Why?"
"We're going to see grandfather."
"Will great-uncle Raphael be there?", he asked.

"Yes, and Simone will be there too.", I said.
"And Natalie? And Alexandre?"
"Yes, they will all be there. And Natalie is excited to see you. Now if you don't hurry, Natalie will fall asleep.", I said.

I chuckled as the young boy raced into his bedroom.

"What did you tell him?"
"Natalie would fall asleep."
"You look beautiful. I cannot wait to give you my present.", he said, standing behind me.

"Neither can I. It's something very special."
"Stop teasing me."
"Well, you started.", I said, pushing the blame back to him.

"Get ready Madame. We shall be punctual."
"I am not the one that takes ages for his hair.", I mumbled, finishing up.

I walked down the stairs when I saw both my boys standing at the door, all handsome. Timothy walked forward and stretched his hand out for me.

"What a gentleman."
"I taught him well.", he said, with a cheeky grin on his face.

We got into the carriage and waited to arrive.

***

"Grandfather.", Timothy yelled, running toward my father.

My father picked him up and swung him around. The one reason he used to be so upset about, warmed his heart so much.

"Annelise, so nice to see you again."
"I am glad to be here, father."

I greeted my siblings. They had all grown up. Finley was still the youngest with his 19 years. Bastien, Raphael, and Combeferre were deep in conversation. I was talking with my grandmother, the one who compared fashion with war.

It was so good to see everyone again. The last couple of years have been hard. Many losses, many tears, tears of happiness even.

"Girls, boys, don't you want to sing for us? Just like every year?", my grandmother asked.

We got into our positions. Finley ran to grab a photo from Yvonne. She would never be forgotten.

"Silent night, holy night. All is calm and all is bright. Round yon virgin, mother and child. Holy infant, so tender and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace, ooh. Sleep, sleep in heaven, heavenly peace. Silent night, holy night. Shepherds quake at the sight. Glories streams from heaven afar. Heavenly hosts sing, alleluia. Christ the Savior is born, he's born. Christ the Savior is born. Round yon virgin, mother and child. Holy infant, so tender and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace, oh. Sleep in heavenly peace.", we sang in perfect harmony.

Throughout the song, Bastien, Raphael, and Combeferre had joined us. After the song ended, we stood in silence in front of the tree.

***

Timothy opened his presents at home. He loved all his presents. We put him to bed before midnight. He was asleep quickly. We walked into the bedroom. I walked on the balcony and took a few deep breaths.

"I am glad you enjoy your present."
"Of course I do.", I said.

"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I have one last present for you.", I said, turning to him.

"Another one?"
"Yes. I cannot even put it into words. It's something very special.", I said.
"What is it?"

"I am pregnant.", I whispered.

His eyes widened and a smile crept on his face. He stormed towards me and spun me around.

"Put me down.", I said laughing.

He embraced me into a tight hug. He was crying.

"Thank you so much. For everything."