Chapter 29-New Year's Night

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-Josie-

New Year's Eve arrives without much event. Such a party back home, would have called for a transformation of the palace, along with the decision of what sort of a dress to wear. But here, this party is more than just a celebration. For the rebels, the year will usher in a new direction for France to head in. But they have no clue about the plan that is about to hatch in their midst.

The morning of the party I'm woken up by someone dragging a table down our hallway. I look across the room at the other bed to find Kaden asleep. I didn't see him at dinner last night because he was kept away to translate various meetings that were held before the party.

His face looks peaceful as I watch him sleep. Quietly I gather the things that I'll need for a shower and slip out of the room. When I return, Kaden isn't in the room but he left a note saying that he's taking a shower.

Two weeks ago, when we were given this room, I searched the chest of drawers and cupboards to realize that the room must have been shared by two girls. And it's their clothes that I have been using since one girl is exactly my size. In my search I found a dress that I decided to wear to tonight's party.

I open the cupboard in the room and pull out the hanger with the emerald green dress.

"Is that what you're wearing tonight?" I jump at Kaden's voice.

I find him smiling when I turn around to look at him.

"Yes. Do you like it?" I ask, holding it up against me so that he can see.

He just smiles as he saunters over to where I'm standing and pushes a hand into my damp hair.

"You look beautiful in everything." He says before kissing me.

I lean into his embrace as he deepens the kiss.


Evening finds me putting on a pair of black heels to complement the dress. The makeup and hair products I used are also the girls' belongings and I make a mental note of hunting them down and thanking them once this conflict is resolved. That is, if the girls survived the Parisian attacks.

"Wow." Kaden's voice makes me jump, the second time in one day as I look away from the mirror.

My own lips part when I take in Kaden. He's dressed in the insurgent men's attire. Blanks pants and a jacket with a white shirt peeking out from under the jacket's collar.

"Wow yourself." I smile once I find my voice.

Kaden gives me a careful kiss so that he doesn't ruin my makeup before he takes my hand and twirls me, making me laugh as he laughs with me.

Suddenly he stops and takes my hands in his, "Josie, in case something happens tonight, I just want to say thank you."

I raise an eyebrow so he adds, "For sticking with me through all of this."

I sigh looking at the man I love as I say, "Kaden, you gave me everything I ever wanted. Being a princess minus the actual responsibilities."

This makes us both laugh but Kaden says, "It's no ordinary bravery to put yourself in danger, the way you have."

"Well, I'm honored that I got to do it with you." I smile as he leans in and kisses me again.

A loud knock sounds on the door. Kaden pulls away from me and opens the door to find the first piece of our plan standing outside the door.

"A meeting has been called in an hour. Come with me." Luca commands in French.

Kaden steps out of the room immediately but not before looking back at me. I give him an encouraging nod and then he walks away with Luca.


Sorry for the inconsistent updates :(

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