The Princess & the Pauper (Les Mis)

Freedom

Fantine stood in the throne room, staring at Cosette's royal portrait on the wall.

"Your majesty, just who I was looking for," Javert approached her, smiling wickedly.
"Oh Javert, what is it?" She sighed.
"I'm here to offer my help,"
"You can't bring my daughter back." She said tearfully.
"That's true, but I can provide you with the answer to save the kingdom." The royal advisor smirked at her. She looked at him in confusion.

"A business venture of mine was very successful. I'm as wealthy as the king," he proclaimed. When she didn't know what to say, he smirked, knowing he had won.

"Well your good luck has departed
And your people soon will starve
Au revoir to your foie gras and cheese fondues!
But because I'm so good hearted
Half my fortune I will carve!
I feel your pain so
How could I refuse?"

Fantine moved away, ignoring him as he followed her around the throne room.

"But to give me some incentive
There's just one thing I require
And it's something that you'd never even use
And it's nothing that inventive
Just the one thing I desire:
This simple crown yes
How could I refuse?"

Javert stopped, putting his hand to the glass of the cabinet which contained the crown of the deceased king.

"Oh don't let your spirits falter
I've a ring box in my hand!
And I've booked a band so grab your dancing shoes!
And come with me to the altar
Save the kingdom as you planned!
Yes, marry me, for
How could you refuse?
How can you refuse?"

He kneeled before her and presented a diamond ring. Fantine's face fell into despair as she looked away, holding her hand out to him. Javert put the ring on her finger and laughed evilly.

——

"Ep! Hey!"

Eponine stirred at the noise, waking from her restless sleep. She opened her eyes and saw her brother kneeling by the barred window at the top of her cell.

"Ponine, what happened? Are you okay?" He asked worriedly. She sighed.
"They found me out, Gav. They said the princess is dead,"
"What?"
Before she could explain, The sound of fast approaching footsteps startled the boy. He barely had time to stand back up before two men rounded the corner.

"Hey kid, do you know where the king is?" One of them asked, spotting him immediately.

"What's is to you?" Gavroche asked warily.
"We need his help to save the princess,"

"What? The princess is dead!" Eponine cried, and only then did the men notice her. The dark haired one kneeled down to look through the bars.

"Hey, you're the double!" He laughed.
"What do you mean you need to save the princess? Where is she?" She demanded. The other man knelt down as well.

"She's trapped in the mines with her tutor, it's caving in,"
"I know the mines! I used to hide out in there! I can help!" Gavroche jumped in, eager to help however he was able to.

Eponine sighed before addressing the two men."Who are you and how do you know all of this?"

"I'm Courfeyrac and this is Grantaire. We were paid by Javert to take the princess, but we never wanted her to get hurt. Please, we need help the save them," the man pleaded.

"Gavroche can help you, but he better come out in one piece." She threatened.
"But what 'bout you?" Her brother asked.
"I'll find my own way out. Go, now!"

Just as the three turned to leave, Eponine called out to the brother. "Wait! Gav!" The little boy turned back to her.

"Be careful, the mine can be dangerous," she warned.