CROWN PRINCE | LES MISÉRABLES

73.

A/N: hello everyone, it's crazy that this book is almost finished. Let's go with a few bangs and tears into the last chapters, shall we? A huge thank you to everyone who commented, voted, and read this story. I appreciate everything and I am so glad you've made it this far.

New Year's Eve 1838

The endless days before we say goodbye to the last year. We've been engaged for quite some time - almost 5 years - and we enjoyed every second of it. Maria has been officially divorced, which caused controversy in the palace. Bastien was now a dangerous person to the state.

Once we were married, we would settle in England, far away from here. I would miss my family, yes, but I was with the man I loved. Bastien would've given up everything for me and I would do the same for him. My family will always be important but so is he.

Many attempts were made on his life. Once even in attendance of Timothy, who was now scared of loud noises. It would only be a matter of days now before we were to wed.

"Mama, will they be loud?"
"The fireworks? I fear, but I will protect you. They cannot harm you."
"And Papa?"
"They won't harm him either. They are colorful. Many beautiful colors, red, green, golden.", I explained.

"But they're loud."
"I know. But they are harmless. Fireworks a pretty."
"Can I see one?"
"Of course. If you manage to stay awake for it."

"I will try."

Bastien and I had invited our families for the last night of the year. Our families were coming together and finally met for the first time. We could not think of anything better than this. A new year's eve ball seemed like the perfect idea.

I had a newly tailored dress. It was silk and gave a great shine in the light. I kept it Red. Bastien's favorite color.

***

I rushed to the door. My family had arrived.

"I'm so glad you're here. Just come inside. I just quickly wake Timothy. He wants to stay awake for the fireworks."
"Ah, I remember when you were his age. You also wanted to see the fireworks. You were afraid of loud noises but you loved them.", my father said.

Bastien walked down with a still sleepy Timothy.

"Oh hello, did you sleep well?"

He nodded.

"Still a little tired. I understand. So am I.", Bastien said.

The knock on the door tore us out of our conversation. Bastien went to open the door when both his mother and grandmother arrived. Raphael was not so far away from the door either.

I went to dress Timothy in the meanwhile in his bedroom. He looked like a smaller version of his father. His blonde curly hair and blue eyes just looked so familiar.

"You're beautiful.", Timothy said.
"Thank you. So are you."

We went back down and to the ballroom. It was nighttime. But for us, the night had just begun. We were dancing the night away, drank champagne and wine. We laughed and told stories. But the night was not even near to be over.

Timothy was laughing the entire night.

"Tim, soon the fireworks will start. Papa and I will be here to protect you.", I said.
"I am excited to see them."

We danced for longer before the pianist stopped. He told us the new year would start soon.

We readied ourselves for the fireworks. We counted down until we were surprised by the fireworks. Timothy hid behind Bastien but quickly came back to us.

Just like me, he seemed to love them. Bastien kissed me and I kissed my little boy on his forehead.

"Happy New Year, my loves. May it bring us all the luck we need.", Bastien said.