𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑷𝑹𝑶𝑷𝑯𝑬𝑪𝒀 || 𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐥𝐫𝐚𝐬

04. 𝑻𝒖 𝑬𝒔 𝑻𝒐𝒖𝒕

Chapter 4.

✎ᝰ

May 26, 1832.

THE SEASON WAS changing, like a silent tide sweeping across Paris, and Elizabeth could feel it in every bone of her body.

The warmth of the sun filtered through the open balcony door, inviting the light to dance in their small apartment.

It filled the room with a gentle golden hue, weaving into the corners and highlighting the portraits scattered on the walls, remnants of a past life she could barely recall.

The horizon promised the heat of summer, and each day felt a little longer, a little more suffused with the sweetness of potential.

Their afternoons had become a cocoon of stolen moments.

The cramped balcony, with its crumbling stone railing and fragrant flowers, had morphed into their sanctuary, like the cafe used to be.

As it could only fit one chair, she was forced to sit on Enjolras's lap (although she was sure he could fit another lounge chair if he really put his mind to it, he just didn't want to). His hand, firm and warm on her waist, caused an unrelenting flutter in her chest.

The weight of the world outside their haven seemed to dissolve, leaving only the comfort of sharing this moment.

Every kiss, every gentle touch were unprecedented, frightening, and intoxicating.

"Do you think we'll ever tire of this?" she mused one sunny afternoon, her head tilted back against his shoulder, eyes closed as the sun caressed her face.

"Never," he replied.

The days flew by in a haze of tentative joys, but the specter of the revolution loomed larger as night fell.

When the world became shrouded in darkness, their discussions would turn from sweet surrender to fiery debates.

It was a strange switch, like flipping a coin and watching as it landed undeniably on both its sides.

✎ᝰ

They entered the café where their friends awaited, the air hummed with playful energy. Courfeyrac, stood by the door, a cap perched jauntily on his head. All the revolutionaries were ready to go.

He greeted them with exaggerated flair, "Ah! The star-crossed lovers arrive!"

Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh, rolling her eyes good-naturedly as she snatched the cap from his head and neatly placed it on her own.

"I'll wear it better," she declared with mock seriousness, cheekily grinning.

"It does suit you, I must admit," Enjolras chimed in, his voice smooth while he gently tugged her hand to bring her back into stride with him.

With that, the group ventured down the cobblestoned streets. They were on an escapade to a river.

Courfeyrac led, regaling them with absurd tales from the last few days, as others joined in with laughter and jests.

The alleyways, with their aging façades and street lamps flickering to life, whispered secrets that only the night could understand.

When they reached the riverbank, the sight was tranquil yet captivating.

A stretch of water glittered like diamonds beneath the setting sun, and the air was perfumed with the earthy scent of summer.

The mood shifted instantly; shoes were tossed aside as all of them waddled toward the water, excitement ballooning in their chests.