Past (english version)

chapter 6

Jean takes me to the festival, the music can already be heard even though we haven't arrived yet. It sounds cheerful. For all I know, when I arrive, I'm going to ruin everything, for all I know, they're going to reject me.

These thoughts make me slow down and Jean notices.

''What's going on?''

''What if they reject me over there because I'm noble?''

''Don't worry nobody will.''

Why not? Don't you hate nobles?''

''Yes, but you're different and the first one to say something will have to deal with me.''

(Rapunzel's Kingdom Dance)

I smile at him in thanks. He holds out his hand, I take it and we walk to the festival. People were dancing to the lively music, and a huge smile spread across my face, which made Jean laugh.

''Haven't you ever been to a festival among the nobles?''

Uh, to tell you the truth, I don't get out of the house much. I answer embarrassed.

He looks at me surprised before moving towards the middle of the dance floor.

We'll remedy that. Come and dance with me.''

I smile and follow him. He starts to take me by the arm, turning gently in time with the music. I begin to understand and we turn a little faster, clapping our hands.

Jean smiles proudly and I smile back. It's great fun.

When the music stops, we catch our breath and laugh. Only now do I notice that Jean has a nice physique. Anyway. I think the euphoria of the dance is going to my head a little too much to think that about someone I just met a few hours ago.

''So what did you think of that dance?''

She was magic. It was really fun!''

The sun was almost down, I'd better get back, the servants will be wondering. What about Louis? I can't even imagine what he must be thinking. I look at Jean, who's gone to get two glasses of I don't know what. I'd like to stay all night and have fun with him, but I'll have to go home and think of a way to get back to my world. When he returns with two glasses of what looks to me like rum, I smile sadly and explain that I've got to get home if I don't want my brother to cry kidnapping.

''I'll take you home if you like.'' he says, putting down the two glasses

OUT OF THE QUESTION.

''No thanks, that's very kind of you, but he'd kill me if he saw me in the company of a man he doesn't know.'' I answer instantly.

Jean looks disappointed. I can't leave without asking him for a way to contact you.

''How can I contact you?''

He looks at me expectantly and pulls a piece of paper out of his pocket with only his name on it. What can I do with that?

Too bad, I have no choice but to go home.

I kiss Jean on the cheek, thanking him for a fantastic evening, and run back to the palace.

********

''Princess, you're home!'' Marie exclaimed, running towards me.

''Yes, sorry to be back so late.''

''His majesty was very worried about you.''

I'm screwed.

''Really? Well, tell him I'm perfectly well and I'm off to bed.''

'' Okay, princess.''

I walk towards my room, then stop.

''Marie?''

''Yes princess?''

''What do we do with this?'' I ask, pointing to the piece of paper Jean has given me.

Oh, my God, have you met someone? I'm happy for you princess, to contact this person you have to write him a letter and give it to a messenger bird, he'll take care of the rest.''

''How?''

''By scent.'' Marie replies.

I'm still confused, but decide to get on with it. A bird that finds a person by scent. Normally, it's the dog that's supposed to do that.

I go to my room quietly and sit down at my desk.

I take out a sheet of paper and a quill pen and start writing with a smile plastered on my face.

'' And to think I'm supposed to be thinking of a way back into my world.'' I sigh.

'' Elisabeth!''

I jump and nearly drop the inkwell. I quickly hide the paper, then watch the man who is my brother in this world face me.

''What's going on?'' I ask.

"Do you have a lover?'' he asks hurriedly.

If I had a drink, I'd spit it out and choke on the surprise.

"A lover? Me? Why do you say that?''

''I heard from a maid that you've been corresponding with someone.''

''Yes, I met someone who helped me and so I asked him for a way to contact him.''

"You'd tell me if you had a lover, wouldn't you?"

''Don't worry, I don't.'' I reply, turning to my desk.

''Ah, I forgot to tell you that your court date is next week.''

Great. I can't wait. Gosh, that had slipped my mind. Louis comes out of my room, no doubt understanding that I wanted to be alone.

 ''Fuck off.''I murmur very low so that no one hears this rude term coming centuries later.

I take out the sheet of paper I'd started writing on and stare at it for a few moments, wondering whether I should start socializing to blend in, or just not give a damn and concentrate on getting home.

On the one hand, if I don't socialize, if there's a revolution, I won't have any support. But on the other hand, if I socialize, I run the risk of getting too attached and not wanting to go back.

I spend a few moments thinking about the piece of paper Jean had given me and the letter I was about to write before Louis enters the room.

Oh, what the hell! I'll write the damn letter. At least, if there's a Revolution, I'll have the support of a member of the Third Estate who seems to be sociable. And cute, too.

I began to write down how much fun I'd had at the festival and how I'd like to see him again. It's not manipulative, it's... Well, okay, it's manipulative, but it's for a good cause.

Once this letter was finished, I got up from my desk and left my room to look for an aviary in this palace. But I'd better cross paths with a maid, because if I don't, I'll still be looking tomorrow.