December 25th, 1804

We left the palace quietly and walked the streets quickly.

Edmund opened the door for us upon our arrival. Cosette flew at us in fury.

"Where were you?" she screamed. "Uncle and Auntie are gone!"

"I was summoned, Cosette," Henri said. "Don't speak to me in that way."

"I'll speak to you however I want," Cosette said. Henri stepped up to her.

"I am not in the mood for this argument, Cosette. Go to bed immediately. If you would like to discuss my whereabouts, I will do so when I feel it is appropriate. Need I remind you that you live in my house under my rule and I control your fate. You're still not married and how old are you? 25? Your marriage will be discussed within the next week. I won't have you in this house speaking to me in this manner," Henri snapped. Cosette was silent. She spun on her heel and went upstairs. I didn't see Gabriel in the shadows.

"You're going to marry her off?" Gabriel laughed. Henri stiffened.

"The same will be happening with you," Henri said.

"Then I wish all of us the best of luck," Gabriel snickered.

Henri moved quickly, slapping Gabriel across the face. A red mark appeared on the boy's pale face.

"You're insane!" Gabriel screamed. He ran up the stairs. Henri grabbed the nearest vase and slammed it on the ground.

I cried out in shock as the shards went flying. Henri turned around and remembered me. He ran into the study, slamming the door.

"Henri!" I yelled. I followed him into the room.

I heard the shattering of another fragile object as I opened the door.

"Henri! Stop!" I screamed.

He turned around. Rage was etched across his face.

"Stop," I said, as calmly as I could.

"I never wanted any of this!" Henri yelled.

"Henri, calm down," I begged.

"I didn't want the money or the house or the family name or my siblings or this stupid vase!" He had yet another one in his hand. It dropped and shattered. I ran forward and grabbed his hands before they could grab another vase.

"I know," I said. He didn't struggle. He allowed me to hold his hands. He slowed down his breaths.

"I'm sorry," he said.

"Let me take you to your room," I said. He nodded like a child. I lead him out of the study.

We passed Edmund on the way who was already sweeping up the pottery shards.

We climbed the stairs and made a right once on the second floor.

I opened the door to Henri's room. I hadn't been in it before. I let him go as soon as we passed under the threshold. I knew this was improper.

Henri went and sat on the edge of the bed, head in his hands, elbows on his knees.

Tapestries and weavings hung from the walls. They were beautiful.

"Who did these?" I asked, running my hand along them.

Henri didn't respond. I went and sat beside him.

"Henri?" I whispered. I pulled one of his hands hands away. It was wet with tears. "Henri."

He continued to ignore me.

"I'm tired," Henri said, sitting up suddenly. He didn't wipe the tears away; he didn't try to hide them.

"Henri-"

"You should go." He stood up and started walking towards a dresser.

"Must I?" He stopped and turned around, looking at me.

"Sophie, that's-"

"-scandalous and I know. However, I don't think you should be alone tonight," I said.

"This is a terrible idea," Henri said.

"Let me go change," I said. I left the room quietly. My stomach fluttered. I changed into a white nightgown and slipped back into Henri's room. He was changed into his night clothes as well.

"This is a terrible idea," he said again.

"I can't leave you alone," I said. He sat on the edge of his bed. I went and sat beside him, leaning my head against his shoulder.

"You're too good for me," Henri said.

"Hardly."

"Do you promise to stay with me?"

"I promise," I said. I looked up at him, keeping my cheek against his bare arms. He kissed me and my eyes fluttered shut in pleasure.

"I am tired," Henri said, after a moment. I crawled under the sheets. His blankets were even softer than my own. We lay side by side, my head resting on his pillow and on his shoulder.

I put a hand on his stomach to feel the rising and falling of his chest.

"Could you stay every night?" Henri asked, dreamily.

"No," I said. I couldn't allow this to be a habit. "It's not a good idea."

"I wish you could," he said.

"When we're married," I promised.

"Then I'll have to make that happen," he said.

"Please do," I said. I smiled. It had been a whirlwind of a day.

His fingers traced my lips.

"We should go to sleep," I said. I turned on my side to face him. He kissed me immediately. I took it all in. These were the moments I was working towards. Peaceful serenity.

Henri wrapped an arm around me and pulled me close. My head rested on his chest now too.

"Goodnight then, Sophie."

"Goodnight."