Series: « L'histoire française », 20 historical Francis Bonnefoy drabbles. Written for lj/hetachallenge. Find my table at lj/coeurgryffondor.
L'histoire française
Renewal
"Help me with this?" a sweet voice whispers. Francis, sitting, finishes releasing the lacings of his sister's corset. "Thank you Francis."
"It is nothing, my dear," he soothes as Camille makes her way behind her changing divider. She smiles once over the dark wood at him before disappearing for several minutes, the gentle rustling of fabric resonating throughout the room. Francis takes the time to remove himself of his clothing as well, changing for the night and pulling on the robe his sister had given him. When he's done he crawls into the large bed, making himself comfortable under the sheets.
They've always shared a bed, when Francis has come to visit. Camille is Francis's best-kept secret, his ever-loving little sister, and they're closer than most people realize, he knows, because he doesn't like to share the little Monegasque that he loves so much, doesn't make a big deal out of what they have. Everything for Francis has come and gone: his power, his allies, everything, everyone. At the end of the day, only Camille has always stayed by his side no matter what their countries or others have done.
"Did I tell you," Camille starts, making her way to the other side of the bed, "that we started construction on the casino?"
Francis smiles. "Did you now? Tell me more." In exchange for full sovereignty from France, Monaco had ceded two towns to the larger nation, leaving only five percent of its original land. In the process the economy had taken a major hit, leaving the royal family searching for a solution and his baby sister worrying. The casino that had been planned would hopefully change all of that, being a major tourist destination for many wealthy Europeans and more. It could change the entire fate of the small nation, completely surrounded by France, which was building railways out to make getting to the casino easier. It would breathe life back into the proud principality, renewing and strengthening the delicate country.
The casino had been Francis's idea.
"It is going to be beautiful Francis," Camille says dreamily, freeing her long, sleek hair from the day's braid. He watches her blue eyes, soft now that the day is over. In public she is proud, strong, intelligent, but also in many ways old and standoffish. In the private rooms, with her brother, the Camille from their youth comes back out to play. "It all depends on this, I think."
"The casino will succeed," he whispers, one hand reaching out to stroke his sister's cheek. She startles a little, blushing, before looking at him over her glasses with affectionate eyes. "And you will be so strong when it does my dear. I am so proud of you."
Camille watches him for several more minutes before murmuring, "I was afraid you would hate me."
A hand comes to the French chest in feigned hurt. "Moi? How could I ever hate you, my beautiful sister whom I love so much?"
The woman shrugs. "Well we said we wanted our independence. I know I may always depend on you, Francis, on your country and government, but I have to be free. I want to stand proud, beside you, Francis. I want to make you proud."
A lopsided grin crosses the Frenchman's face before he pulls his sister to his chest, tears beginning to roll down those pale cheeks. Her body shakes, her hands pulling at his shirt, as he whispers, "I am so proud of you Camille. You are a Bonnefoy and I will always love you. No matter what happens, no matter what our governments do, I will always be there for you. I love you."
"I love you too, Francis," she gasps. He kisses her forehead, holding her tight.
