CROWN PRINCE | LES MISÉRABLES

12.

[eighteen twenty-eight
three weeks later]

"Today my children is the big day. Our own party at this very house. I want you all to show off your best behavior tonight."
"Papa, can I stay at the party afterward?"
"No. Of course not. You're a child.", Papa denied.

"But Annelise is old enough.", Delilah said.
"No is no. I'm sorry Annelise. But my answer is no.", he said.

That was so annoying. I was 15 years old and I knew how to dance. I mean, I danced with the crown prince. And he was pretty impressed by my dancing.

The butlers already prepared the entrance hall for the party.

"Can I be of any help?"
"No, but thank you."

I shrugged and walked away. I got up the stairs and walked past my father's office. I could hear him talking to Madame Louisa about me. Apparently, he wanted to find possible suitors for me. But that was not going to happen. I was going to find love on my own.

I continued walking to my room. I wandered around, wondering what I was going to do next. Should I just stay nice and show him how bad of a match I was or my worst side, making him want to leave the house immediately?

A knock on the door is what tore me from my thoughts. Either it was my father or Madame Louisa. The door opened and my father stood in the doorway.

"Are you alright?"
"Yeah. I'm fine."
"So, this party is for you. I want to find a good suitor for your hand in marriage."
"I'm 15, father."
"I know. I started very early for Delilah too."

"I don't want to marry. I want to see so much before I give up my life forever."
"I know. I know."
"So why won't you just let me?", I asked on the verge of tears.
"I want the best life for you. When I am gone, I cannot protect you anymore. I want you to live your life to the fullest.", he explained.

But I didn't want to hear it. Call it unfair, I don't care. I wanted to live. I was not a prize.

"I know you are not happy about it. I just ask you to look extra pretty tonight. I love you, Annelise.", he said, before opening the door and leaving me alone.

I was a terrible daughter. How could he love me when all I did was cause problems?

"Annie, let me help you for tonight.", Delilah said.
"Did you meet the one at the party?"
"Well, I met someone I really liked. Papa had someone else in mind. But yes, I did.", she remembered.
"Are you still in contact with him?"
"We occasionally send each other letters. But that's all.", she said.

"I don't want to do this."
"I know. But Papa only means well. What color do you feel like wearing tonight?"
"Black."
"I think red suits you well.", she said, pulling out a red dress.

I saved that dress for special occasions, like my sister's engagement. It was a simple one with ruffles.

"Don't worry. Everything will be alright. You don't have to marry him by the end of the night.", she said.
"Can you give me some advice for tonight?"
"Of course. Be careful. Those men look for a beautiful, young wife. They will try to force themselves on you, to make you look bad."
"What why?"

"No one wants a girl who's not a virgin.", she explained.
"So they think I belong to them."
"Yes. Unfortunately. I wish I could give you better advice."
"You gave me the best advice I could ask for.", I said, getting up and hugging her.

"We should get you ready now!"