In Paris 1723

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𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗲: 𝗣𝗿𝗲-𝗧𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁
𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁: 𝗭𝗲𝗿𝗼
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝘄𝗼: 𝗡𝗶𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘀

______________________

*Genevieve*

After a few more days of being dragged around by my mother, I had finally gotten her to agree to let me go out with my friends. It had taken plenty of back and forth, along with some gentle pushing from my father, but she had eventually given in to my wishes, sending me out with a strict curfew that I was to abide by. My father had given me some money to take myself and a few friends out to watch the ballet, which was still up and coming to Paris at the time. I already had a passion for the arts, but it was mainly through paintings, never actually watching them in real life. I'd much rather imagine it than see it, despite how strange my friends would say my thoughts were. 

Emeric and I had been engaged for almost two weeks, and our families were busy planning our wedding. According to the local gossip, the event was going to be the event of the decade, with two of the most influential families joining and creating a powerhouse.

Since it was revealed that we were engaged, I quickly made more 'friends', obviously wanting to cement their friendship with me before I got married to the richest man in Paris.

I still had Eléonore, who quickly became my best friend, not having just become friends with me just due to my status. We had instantly become thick as thieves, trusting only each other, knowing that we wouldn't ever turn on each other, we were family and you don't turn on family.

"Oh, Geneviève! Redis-nous ce que ton père t'a acheté pour ton anniversaire!" Aimée, one of my new 'friends', begged, flashing me her famous smile. A smile which, according to the local gossip, helped her charm her way into an engagement with the local banker's boy, ensuring that she- and her lavishly expensive lifestyle- would be fully funded. [Oh, Genevieve! Do tell us again what your father bought you for your birthday!]

I forced out a little chuckle and nodded my head, much to the delight of those who surrounded me.

"Quelques Livres et quelques bijoux. Oh! Ainsi qu'une nouvelle robe!" I happily retold them, and they all nodded their heads and blissfully smiled for me. [A few books and some jewelry. Oh as well as a new gown!]

Aimée quickly changed the subject to the latest gossip that she had overheard about the new king. I blissfully tuned them out as I looked around at the impressive architecture.

After a few more minutes of walking, we all split up. Aimée, along with almost everyone else, turned and went down the opposite road, heading to their respective homes. We all quickly said our goodbyes and promised to see each other soon, before turning and going our separate ways.

At this point, the sun had set and the lamps along the street were being lit up. I cheerfully walked along the street, the sound of laughter and carriage wheels slowly quieting. Looking at the lamps, I paused, still intrigued by the new inventions. The small flame was kept within a box, making sure that it wouldn't go out with a gust of wind.

"De belles choses, n'est-ce pas?" A voice whispered into my ear. I jumped slightly, whipping my head around and furrowing my eyebrows together in confusion. [Beautiful things aren't they?]

"Oui, je suppose qu'ils sont ... nous ne nous sommes pas rencontrés, n'est-ce pas?" I asked, my heart still beating quickly in my chest. [Yes, I suppose they are...we haven't met have we?]