CROWN PRINCE | LES MISÉRABLES

85.

A/N: hello, this book literally ends soon (we have like 5 chapters left) please check out my newest les mis fanfic "Caroline". I also thought about writing a sequel (Elizas perspective). let me know what you think.

October 1839

Bastiens birthday was passing by. October 21st. He would've been 33 years old. He could've done so much more if he only had time.

"Mama, today's Papa's birthday. Can I go to his grave with Eliza?", Timothy asked.
"No. We will go together."

I walked towards Eliza and nursed her. She has been crying for the last hour but she didn't want to sleep after being fed.

"Can I help you, Mama?"
"No. Go play a bit until your great uncle Raphael comes. I heard he has a present for you."
"A present for me?", Timothy.
"Yes, big boy. Now go and play."

Timothy smiled and ran upstairs.

"Your brother and you are my greatest joy. I do not know where I'd be without you both.", I whispered.

***

Right when I finished nursing Eliza, the familiar knock came. It was Raphael.

I went to open the door and the smiling face of Raphael greeted me.

"Bonjour Madame."
"Raph, glad to see you. How are you doing?"
"Great. How are you?"
"It's a bit busy. Come in.", I said, walking to the living room.

He took Eliza while I walked up to find Timothy. I first looked into his room but he was not in there. Then I walked to his painting room. I slowly opened the door to find him inside, his back facing me.

In front of him, a painting of his father. It was beautiful and he was very talented. He shrieked as he turned around.

"I am sorry for startling you.", I said, walking towards him.

"It is beautiful.", I added.
"I have been working on it for weeks now. I am glad you like it.", he said.

"You look so much like your father. This blonde, curly hair and those blue eyes, it's almost like he never left. He continues to live through you and your work. He would be immensely proud of you.", I said, kissing his forehead.

"Is great-uncle Raphael here yet?"

I nodded.

He squealed out of happiness and rushed out of the room. I stayed behind to stare at the portrait of Bastien. It looked too real. It was almost like he really looked at me, although it was impossible.

I walked out of the room, looking over the living room. Timothy wore a red jacket, one that looked so familiar. The one in the closet that I hadn't taken out since he passed. He asked to be buried with it but his father refused to grant this last wish and buried him in his prince's uniform.

I walked down the stairs.

"Mama, look. I have the same jacket as Papa.", Timothy said.

He ran towards me, hugging me tightly.

I grabbed Eliza while Raphael helped to cover my shoulder. We began our walk to the graveyard. It wasn't far away, so my older self could come to visit, even if I couldn't properly walk anymore.

I walked towards his grave and sat down. Eliza made gurgling noises, common for her. Timothy sat down beside me and began telling Bastien's headstone how proud he was that he now owned a jacket that was similar to his.

It wasn't long until Raphael told him to put his hands in his pockets. Timothy did and pulled out two rosettes, those of his Revolution.

"I had some stored in a box. These were his first tries. There's another one waiting at home for Eliza. But I figured she was too young to own one.", Raphael said.
"Thank you."