My Boys of the Barricade {Les Miserables}

Chapter 6: A Walk in the Gardens

    Clara couldn't stand it.

  For the time they've been out walking in the gardens so far, neither of them had said a word. The tension was killing her. 

  "It's, umm... it's a lovely evening, isn't it, your grace." She finally blurted out, trying to start some sort of conversation. He grimaced at the title.

  "I guess it is, your highness." Enjolras replied stiffly. 

'This is awkward...' Clara thought. 

  They walked around the garden for a few more minutes in complete silence. 

  "I'm sorry." She said suddenly, turning to look at him. 

They both stopped walking and he looked at her with an unreadable expression. 

  "I bumped into you, get into all sorts of situations that you had to rescue me from. And right now, I just feel as if fate is playing jokes and tricks on me. I never expected to see you here in the palace, find out you're a lord, since you're a revolutionary and all, have you find out that I'm a princess and especially after I told you those opinions about my father." Clara vented out. 

   Enjolras remained silent as he studied her critically, his face neutral, even when he noticed she wore the colours of the French flag. Finally he spoke up, "Did you mean anything of what you said?" He asked, referring to her opinions. 

   "What?" Clara was confused.

  "What you told me, that day of the rally. Did you mean it? At all?" He looked at her with a calculating gaze.

   "Of course I did! Why wouldn't I?" Clara asked.

  "Oh I don't know, maybe because you're a princess and I'm a revolutionary." Enjolras shot back.

  "We may be on opposite sides of this coin, your grace,  but that doesn't mean I didn't mean it! I've seen how most of the people live here in Paris, and you know that. I meant every word I said." Clara said.

   Enjolras just breathed deeply and looked away, scowling.

 "I didn't tell anyone except AJ about the rally if that's what you're worried about. My parents would have a fit if they even knew I went out on multiple times." Clara said quietly.

    Enjolras looked back at her.

  "Look, if it makes you happy, I'll promise not to breathe a word about it! But know that I would never tell." Clara frowned slightly.

    "I'm sure you don't, your highness, but there is no harm in making sure. One word from you, and my friends and I will be executed!" Enjolras snapped, "And I would like to die fighting or on the barricades, not on a platform by an executioner." 

  "Well I assure you Lord Marcelin -" Clara started.

 "Enjolras." He cut her off sharply.

    "What?" Clara looked confused.

  "I hate being called by titles, and only my parents ever call me by my first name. Enjolras will do." He corrected her.

  "Fine! Then you will call Clara. I also hate titles." Clara snapped back.

  "Deal." Enjolras glared.

 "Well as I was saying, Enjolras, until you interrupted me, I assure you that I have no wish to tell anyone on you and the others about all this." Clara said.

  "Good. And I hope you keep your word." Enjolras said curtly, ignoring the comment about him interrupting her.

   "I'll have you know that I never get back on my word!" Clara's voice rose.