VIOLET EYES | LES MISÉRABLES

chapter ten

Alexandria did not put up a fight as she was carted away, although her eyes were frantic when she landed upon Enjolras. The officer sat behind her on the horse, his arms tight around her torso as he nudged the stallion into a gallop. Commuters flung themselves away from the creature, which barrelled through the alleyways in a need to escape.

Sonnet noticed Enjolras trying to dash forward, and quickly ran to put her hand on his shoulder. He flinched at her touch, and she was quick to back away.

"Enjolras, running after her will result in your arrest. It's no use." The words were heavy to admit, but she had to say it. She didn't think anyone could deal with both Alexandria's real identity and a prison sentence for Enjolras in one day.

The blond sighed loudly, nodding. His blue eyes were trained on the cobbles, and he abruptly turned and stormed off. Sonnet watched him leave with a frown, her heart heavy.

"Sonnet," She turned her head and attempted a wavering smile as Jehan stepped towards her. He threw his arms around her, pressing a kiss upon her temple. "Are you alright? That was a commotion."

"Alexandria.. she-she.." Sonnet stuttered. The situation was surreal to acknowledge once it had registered in her mind. She was stiff in Jehan's grasp, too rigid to respond to the affection.

Jehan was also shocked, but noticed Sonnet's trembling figure first instead of dealing with his own emotions. His hand ran up and down her back and he began to whisper soothing words into her ear.

"You're okay, I promise. I've got you." He murmured, holding her close and rocking her gently. Sonnet could not stop shaking, and struggled to even catch her breath. A burst of anxiety felt as though it was ripping her heart out of her chest, but the sensation subsided as Jehan comforted her. It was moments before reality struck, and she pulled harshly out of his embrace. Jehan's eyes widened at the alarming movement, his face contorting as though he had taken a harsh blow to the back.

"Sonnet?" He whispered, hurt plaguing his gentle tone. Sonnet cringed and felt her chest rise and fall quickly. Alexandria was right. She had to tell him.

"Jehan, I'm engaged to Sébastien. He proposed to me yesterday afternoon." She blurted, her violet eyes frantically focusing on anything but Jehan.

Silence ensued, a painful sound that bellowed in Sonnet's ears. It was like all noise from the cluster of people became irrelevant, and the world had its ears trained towards Jehan.

"Engaged?" Jehan managed to stutter after a moment. His face grew to a dark red, a shade that matched spilt blood or the richest wine.

"Yes," Sonnet forced herself to nod, thinking of the benefits that had plagued her mind. "Sébastien has promised me a secure, comfortable life where I can continue my family name."

"But you don't have a family name, or anything to continue," Jehan began, impulsively crossing a dangerous line. "You're adopted, for crying out loud!"

Sonnet staggered backwards as though she had been struck. Shock plastered her expression, tears almost instantly filling the surface of her eyes.

"Sonnet, I.." Jehan sought to apologise, feeling pricks behind his eyes. "I'm so sorry."

Sonnet's bottom lip trembled, and onlookers suddenly remembered that she was but a child. Hurt by the world more times than she deserved.

Enjolras had snapped out of his state of intense thought and walked to the pair, who stared at each other with a million emotions. "Is everything alright?"

Sonnet turned to glance at the older man, seeing marbled perfection that had experienced its first crack. She let in a shaky breath, and sunk into herself.