CROWN PRINCE | LES MISÉRABLES

11.

It was late at night and the moon was shining above Paris. It was truly a beautiful view. The fresh air helped me thinking. I was almost at the age of marriage. I was probably going to be married off to some rich man.

I was young and wanted to travel. I wanted to live an unrestricted life.

"I assume you can't sleep.", the prince said.
"No, I just needed to think."
"About?"
"My life. My future."
"Tell me about it.", he said.

"I know it sounds weird but I want to stay alone for a few more years. Without a husband. I want to travel."
"I understand. Sort of. Before I got married, I wanted to travel everywhere as well. I never got the chance to see the world and explore myself. It doesn't sound weird at all.", he said.

"But can't you go where you want to go?"
"No. I have to stay here, in case something happens to my father."
"Oh. That sounds awful."
"It is. But I like France. It has its rough edges but overall— I can't complain."

I could tell that there was so much more he wanted to say but didn't dare.

"I don't mind living in France either. We live very secludedly from the city. At least two hours away with a carriage. It's a small paradise.", I dreamt.
"I can imagine. It does look very pretty."
"I don't think I could ever survive in Paris."
"Why not? Paris has so much to offer."
"I prefer a simpler life. Away from thousands of eyes, judging my every step I take.", I said.

"You'll get used to it."
"Do you think so?"
"Yes. I have lived here my whole life. It would be kinda crazy to say something like that."
"I miss home."
"Me too."

I looked at him in disbelief. He was at home.

"Don't look so surprised.", he said laughing.
"I'm sorry. I am just a bit curious."
"My mother was my home. Unfortunately, she was divorced by my father for some woman that I have never met. She was my mother's lady-in-waiting.", he explained.

He stared at the beautiful sight in front of us.

"Oh. I had no idea. I'm sorry."
"Don't be. You don't have a mother at all."
"How do you know?", I asked.
"Your father told me. And we have a book that has all deaths documented in it.
"Oh. I didn't know."
"You can't know that. I wasn't supposed to tell you anyway."

"Well, I think I should go to bed. I need to leave very early in the morning.", I said.
"That's sad, I wish you could've stayed just a little longer. Talking to you feels normal like I've never done anything else before.", he admitted.
"Maybe sometime we will have the opportunity to talk again. Good night your majesty.", I said, before returning to my bed.

Delilah was wide awake, probably waiting for me. But I didn't care. Something seemed wrong. Everyone at the party said he was cruel and a horrible man, but he was kind and gentle with me. And he was extraordinarily beautiful. Those golden locks, those ocean blue eyes that I started to get lost in.... no, hold on.

Annelise, he is married. You can't like him. Especially with a baby on its way.

"Annie, where were you?"
"At the balcony, getting some fresh air."
"For almost an hour?"
"Yes. And now go to bed.", I said, before retiring to bed myself.

***

I couldn't stop thinking about him. But I had to stop. We were almost home and I was excited, but something just didn't seem right. Maybe it was that Papa hasn't gone with us, but stayed in the palace for a matter he didn't want to tell us.

"Cheer up, Annelise. Soon we will see Cécile and Lucile.", Madame Louisa tried.

I was happy to see my dogs again. But my mind was still stuck on the handsome crown prince.

"She's in her own little world, I believe.", Caroline said.

The carriage came to a hold. The door was opened and sibling after sibling got out. I walked into our house and straight to my room. I could feel the stares on my back, but I just wanted to be left alone.

I opened the door to my room and closed it again. I leaned against the door, taking a deep breath. I picked out my favorite dress and got out of the tight one, including the corset. I felt much better.

The door opened once again and Madame Louisa came inside. She sat down on my bed and looked at me.

"What is going on in your head?", she asked softly.
"I'm thinking about Mama.", I lied.

Well, it was only partly a lie because I did think of her.

"Can I go outside?", I asked.
"Of course. Annelise, when you need someone to talk, I will be here."
"Thank you.", I said, basically fleeing my house.

***

"Annelise, come in here. I noticed that you are different.", Papa said as I entered his room.
"I am feeling fine. Just a bit tired I guess."
"I understand. Maybe you should go to bed earlier today."
"I think you're right.", I agreed.

"Is it possible if I just went to bed now? It's 7 already and I'm not very hungry."
"Of course. Good night. Get some rest.", he said, kissing my forehead.

I walked to my room and changed into my nightclothes. I laid down. My eyes felt heavy, so I closed them. My last thoughts were about the prince and what he told me. What was he doing now?

(a/n: I'm terribly sorry for not updating but I kinda lost track of time and I was kinda busy. I graduated high school so yay!)