CROWN PRINCE | LES MISÉRABLES

74.

The wedding 1839

The day was here. Our families have gathered together to witness our vows and union. Timothy and Natalie were both playing a very important role for the day. Timothy would carry the rings and Natalie would throw the flowers. Bastien wanted me to wear a lavish gown.

He wanted the perfect wedding. All he had missed during his first wedding was now taking place in ours. The bouquet was full of red roses. Each rose would be handed to me on my way to the altar.

My father would take my mother's place but I am sure she is watching over me, crying out of happiness.

I slept in my old room. It was a tradition that the woman and man were separated on their wedding day to avoid any fights.

"Annelise, you must get out of bed. We must get you ready.", Madame Louisa said.

I got out of bed and washed. Madame Louisa helped me get dressed. She put the dress on me and finished off by tying my dress up. She placed the veil on my head. We kept my hair loose, as the veil would ruin any hairdo.

I heard Caroline from downstairs yell that I should make haste. I thanked her and finished my wedding dress with the pearl necklace of my mother. I rushed down the stairs and accidentally stepped on my dress. My father caught me, just like in the old days.

"My little girl is growing up. I am happy you are. Your mother would be incredibly proud of you.", he said, crying.

I hugged him while trying to suppress my tears.

"No matter where I go, I will always be close."

My father offered his hand and we walked to the carriage. My family was here and they would follow me until I said yes. Was I nervous? Absolutely.

I got into the carriage. We took off and I spied some familiar faces from afar. One Grantaire, One Feuilly, one Jehan. They were cheering. Grantaire looked sober. Thank god I live to see this day.

We reached the church. Timothy was waving. Raphael helped me out of the carriage.

"I cannot believe you're marrying my best friend."
"He's also my best friend."
"Yeah, but he was mine first."

I chuckled. My father guided me to the final prayer. I prayed for a happy and long life. I prayed for Yvonne and Mama to be here and see me smiling. My babies were both here.

"Mama, you look beautiful.", Timothy said.
"Thank you, my dear. How would you feel when I told you you're going to be a big brother?", I asked.

"Mama has a new baby?"
"Yes, Mama has a new baby."
"Is it a girl?", he asked.

I shrugged.

"Does Papa know?"
"Yes. He knows already. We just wanted to wait for the perfect occasion to tell you."

He ran up to me and embraced me in a tight hug. My little boy has grown up. Time was fleeing so fast. Maybe one day he would grow taller than me.

"It is time my child."
"I love you, Papa."
"I love you too, Annelise Mathilde Robillard. You will always be a Robillard at heart. Don't forget that."
"I will never.", I said.

The doors opened. Bastien stood at the end of the altar, right next to him, Raphael and Combeferre. All the attendees handed me a rose, adding up to my red bouquet.

Delilah, Caroline, and Martin stood at the front, waiting for me.

"Mama is beautiful, don't you think?", Timothy yelled.

The attendees laughed and agreed. Bastien let out a laugh. What sunshine both men were. I reached the altar and my father had a sad expression on his face.

"Once a Robillard, always a Robillard.", I whispered.

He smiled and sat down.

***

We were pronounced husband and wife. Timothy gave us the rings. I was now Annelise Mathilde Allard. Yes, Allard was Bastien's last name. He never used it because he was known by everyone. And as his alias, Enjolras, that was a tongue twister for sure.

"I finally have a daughter-in-law that I actually like.", his mother said quite loudly.

We returned to our house, where everyone was invited. We were dancing our first dance as newlyweds.

"It is now official, Madame Allard.", he said.
"Madame Allard, I have to get used to it."
"Of course. It is quite a name. Not as beautiful as Robillard. Although Annelise Allard does have a nice ring to it.", he said.

"Bastien, I am just glad to be your wife now. At least one baby is now not a bastard."
"Timothy was never a bastard."
"I know. I would never say so. But society calls him this. He's no longer one now.", I said.

"Annelise, I promise to keep you all safe. From anyone and anything. Even if it kills me."