CROWN PRINCE | LES MISÉRABLES

17.

We said our goodbyes in the moonlight. I was in a carriage and he stood in the dark streets. The carriage took off and I couldn't help myself but look back at him until I couldn't see him anymore.

I felt my heart break. Tears escaped my eyes, rolling down my cheeks and into my dress. I was going home. Home to my family. I was going to see him in a week, but that seemed so far away. I would write to him daily and hope for a reply.

He was a wonderful man. But he could never be mine because he was still married to Princess Maria. I looked outside and the stars were visible tonight. But one, in particular, seemed to stand out. Bastien called it our star just a few nights ago. A small smile crept on my face.

He was a prince. But different. He was gentle, not scary at all. All the princes in my books were terrible and used their women for their gain.

"How much longer?"
"Just an hour, Mademoiselle."

***

I reached my home. I've missed it. A lot. I opened the door and all my siblings ran towards me, all except for Delilah, as she wasn't present.

"We missed you.", Carrie said.
"I missed you all too. My, have you all grown up."

"Annie."
"Father.", I whispered and ran up to hug him.

He held me tight in his embrace, rocking from left to right.

"My, you have changed. You have become a mature woman.", he said, looking me up and down.
"I missed you."
"So did I. So tell us, tell us all about your year in Paris."

We all went to the fireplace and sat down on the carpet. I began to tell the story of my arrival and my work. I told them funny stories that happened to me and how much the customers loved me. I left out all the details about Bastien and me. I couldn't tell them. Especially not if he didn't know.

"Have you met a man?"
"Yes. He's quite special."
"What's his name?"
"Oh his name is Enjolras.", I said.

It was his alias. He used it for the house he bought and for everything he signed.

"Is he French?"
"Oui. He is."
"Well, what's he like?"
"A charming young man, capable of being terrible. But a gentle man, who treats me with respect."
"I'd like to meet him."
"What?", I asked.

"You seem to be very conflicted with that man. I want to meet him."
"He-He studies in England. So he will be gone for a year.", I stuttered.

Shit, how do I talk myself out of this? Do I just say: hello, it's the crown prince himself, or do I say nothing anymore and just shut up? Yeah, the second option sounds the best in my opinion.

"Oh. That's unfortunate. I am sure you are tired. Are you hungry?"
"No, I'm just going to bed. Good night."
"Good night Annie. Sleep tight."

I walked up the stairs to my room. I had all my luggage to unpack but it had to wait. I sat down at my table and began writing.

The door opened and I threw the paper away, hiding it from whoever just came in.

"Annelise, it is good to see you."
"Thank you, Madame Louise. I'm really glad to be back as well.", I said.

"Good night."
"Good night."

I grabbed the paper and kept writing. I need to explain this to Bastien. I would send this to my grandmother, the only one who knows what's going on between him and me. She would give it to him.

I finished and got into some more comfortable. I got in bed and before I closed my eyes, I saw Bastien. His words didn't leave my mind.

'I love you.'