CROWN PRINCE | LES MISÉRABLES

16.

[eighteen twenty-nine]

After his apology, we found together. He explained the things he did without hesitation. It meant a lot to me. I was still angry with Delilah. Not as much as before but still. I guess I shouldn't be angry at her.

She did ruin my ball though. It was time to go home. I have worked in the Café for over a year now. As a 16-year-old I became more mature. I never sent letters back home. I was too busy to write letters. I had to work. I enjoyed it a lot.

"A letter has arrived for you.", Raphael said, handing me the letter.
"From who is it?"
"Your father."

I took the letter, opened and read it. The letter said how much he missed me and how quiet the house had become. My siblings missed me and wanted to know when I came back.

I had my things packed up already and I would leave in a matter of 24 hours.

"What does it say?"
"Oh, just how much he misses me."
"Well, you've been here for over a year now.
"I know."
"You can't be mad at Delilah forever."
"I know. But still."

"Well, you have the day off. Feel free to move around Paris. Just be careful and be back before sunset."
"Alright. Thank you."

He left me all by myself. I put on my corset and a blouse. I put a petticoat above and finished everything with a wide belt. I put my hair in a ponytail. I looked like a pirate in all those stories I loved to listen to when I was a child.

There was a knock on the door. I turned around and faced Bastien. A smile crept on my face and I jokingly took a curtsy.

"God, stop that. Although I think you look adorable doing that."
"I didn't know you were coming here."
"I missed your face, your voice. I missed you and couldn't wait to see you again."

"Really?"
"Of course. Who wouldn't?"

Then his face turned into a frown.

"What is wrong?", he asked.
"Nothing."
"No, I know something is going on. That letter in your hand, it's from your father, isn't it?"
"Yes. I will travel home tomorrow."

"So, I won't be able to see you again?"
"My house has a secret hallway, which is accessible from outside."
"Oh, so you're asking me to break in?"
"Of course not. I will come outside to see you."

"But your father will notice when I am on your property."
"You're right.", I said, as I sat down on the bed.

He kneeled in front of me. His face showed a hint of worry and concern but was still soft.

"I have an idea. I have a secret house, not even my father knows about it."
"Really?"
"Yes. For your father to not catch on, I will see you each week. It will be hard for me to not see you daily, but this is the best solution we have."

"You'd do that for me?"
"Of course. I'd do anything for you."

I hugged him. It was my first instinct. I was so thankful for him.

"Let's make your last day in Paris count. What do you want to do?"
"Can we take a walk?"

"A walk?"
"Yes. Show me Paris."
"Brilliant idea. But I will put a little twist on it: I will show you the secret parts of Paris."
"Well, what are you waiting for?"
"Don't you want to change?"

I looked down.

"No."

He then rushed to my side and walked with me to our horses. I got on mine as he got on his. We were on our way to the secret places in Paris. I had no idea where, but soon I would find out.

We then reached a hill, quite far away from Paris and its streets. He got off the horse and I mimicked his action.

"You can see all of Paris from here. My mother took me here when I was just a little boy. She loved coming up here. The air was fresher, it's less smelly than Paris. My mother said I should take someone I love up here.", he told me.

"I feel honored to be here."
"I know there's a 7-year-difference between us, but I feel like I could never love anyone as much as I love you. You make me feel alive. And like a human being.", he explained.

He sat down in the grass and held his hand outstretched for me. I took and sat down beside him. He wrapped his arms around my body. We just sat there, without saying anything.

I loved being in his presence. I loved him. And even if we separate tonight, my love for him will never die out.