CROWN PRINCE | LES MISÉRABLES

05.

Instead of going to my room, I walked to the Papas' office. I could hear him talk to the stranger.

"That is a very flattering offer. But why me, us?"

It was all I understood. What did he mean?

"Annelise, move away. I want to hear something too.", Delilah said.

I scotched over to let her listen too. The stranger sounded very young, about 20 years old.

"I do not understand. How do you know about us?"
"A friend of mine has heard your children sing."

"He's talking about us.", I whispered.
"I know. But what about us?"
"I want to listen too.", little Yvonne said.

"I'm sure he will be delighted to hear your children sing in the palace. Thousands of people are attending. Your children will gain recognition. Don't you want that for your children?"
"No. I want them to have a good childhood, not having to worry about performing as you call it."

"My offer stands. I would be delighted to have your family perform on my 22nd birthday."

"He's turning 22."
"I know. He's so young."
"I'm sure he must be pretty.", Yvonne said.
"Do you want to find out?"

Yvonne nodded. She knocked on the door and opened the door.

"Yvonne, my dear, what is it?"
"I can't sleep."
"It's too early to sleep. Don't you think?"
"But I'm tired."

All of sudden a thunder was to be heard. Yvonne shrieked and ran to Papa.

"Is this your daughter?"
"One of my many daughters."
"How old are you?"
"I'm 5 years old.", Yvonne said.
"I don't like thunderstorms either. I always count. It helps me to tell how far away the thunder actually is.", he said.

"Does it really work?"
"Try it.", he said.

He was really nice. He smiled at Yvonne. Now I could catch a better view of the handsome man. He was about 6ft tall and had curly blonde hair.

"1..2..3.."

Thunder. Yvonne shrieked again.

"Keep counting."
"1..2..3..4.."

And another one. But this time Yvonne didn't shriek. She stayed calm and began counting again.

"See, it isn't that bad."

"Madame, can I help you?"
"Yes, I just wanted to tell you that Finley fell into the lake."
"Lake? Again. Is he okay?"
"Yes, but he's soaked to the bone and he asks for your presence.", she said.
"I will be right back."
"Of course. Don't worry.", the stranger said.

The stranger got up from his seat and looked at the pictures with our mother. A family portrait that was made shortly before she died. She looked pale and weak. But she pulled through with a smile on her lips.

"I'm sorry. My son is clumsy."
"Don't worry. Is this your wife?"
"She was. She died 5 years ago."
"I'm sorry for your loss. Are those all your children?"
"Yes. They are my everything. I just want to keep them happy and safe.", Papa said.

"I understand."
"Do you have children?"
"I had. The baby died."
"I'm sorry for your loss your majesty."
"It's alright."

"What are you girls doing here?"
"Nothing.", both Delilah and I said.
"Girls, don't you want to sing for your grandmother?"

We nodded and followed Madame Louisa downstairs to the living room.

Grandmother was sat down on the sofa.

"It is adorable that you want to sing for me. What are you guys singing for me?"
"Mamas favorite song.", Finley said.
"Please start."

I started stringing the guitar.

"The hills are alive with the sound of music. With songs, they have sung for a thousand years. The hills fill my heart with the sound of music. My heart wants to sing every song it hears. My heart wants to beat like the wings of the birds. That rise from the lake to the trees. My heart wants to sigh like a chime that flies. From a church on a breeze. To laugh like a brook when it trips and falls over. Stones on its way. To sing through the night like a lark who is learning to pray", we sang in almost perfect harmony.

Papa and the stranger were listening too. Grandmother started clapping.

"My grandchildren are geniuses. Clayton, your children are blessings."
"I know they are.", he said, walking towards us.
"I must thank you. Your mother would be so proud of you.", she said hugging us.

"Thank you for accepting my offer. The invitation will be sent here in a few days."
"Thank you."

***

"My children, Madame Louisa, Mother, I have news."
"What is the news Papa?", Caroline asked.
"We will be singing at the crown prince's birthday ball."

We all got excited.

"When is that ball?"
"In two weeks."
"But that is too soon.", Madame Louisa said.

We all looked at her and Papa.

"I'm sure you find good songs and can teach them to my children."
"Of course Baron.", she said, returning to dinner.
"Good. Of course, we can't let you perform in front of the king with your own clothes. In a few days, we will go to Paris and see what we can find."

"So he does exist? The crown prince?"
"Yes. Why do you ask?"
"Remember the last time we were in Paris? Delilah and I went on a walk and there were guards. People didn't know if he actually existed.", I explained.
"I do not know what you are talking about.", Papa answered.

"Nevermind. I just– can I be excused?"
"Of course. Aren't you feeling well?"
"No, not really. Good night Papa, Grandmother, Madame Louisa.", I said.

I left the dining hall as fast as possible and went to my room. I sat down on my bed. About 1000 thoughts were going through my mind, it gave me a headache.

I laid down in my bed and stared at the ceiling. I wondered who that stranger was and what the crown prince looked like. I closed my eyes and fell asleep.