Chapter 19: Butterfly out of cocoon
As Anastasia and Marianne started to walk away, a part of Anastasia wanted to cross the pillar gates of the palace and leave behind the tall walls enclosing the towns of Versailles.
But she knew Marianne needed her as much as she needed her elder sister, and leaving her behind was not an option. She didn't judge her sister's life and knew she was forced to do something she had grown comfortable with.
When Marianne's footsteps slowed, Anastasia stopped walking and asked, "What's the matter, Mary?"
"I wanted to apologise to you... I am sorry," Marianne's expression looked guilty, and it didn't sit well with Anastasia.
Anastasia raised her hand and bonked it on Marianne's head. She said, "You have nothing to apologise for, not to me."
She knew things were different for her elder sister, even though she didn't say what she had to experience when her courtesan life began. She also understood that the people of the palace and its atmosphere had affected her sister, as it did to others. By nature, Marianne was softer, more obedient, and out of the two of them, Anastasia knew that Marianne was more naive than her.
Taking hold of Marianne's hand, Anastasia said, "You have protected me, and I shall protect you. Isn't that how it goes?" She offered a smile at the end.
Marianne's eyes moistened, and she nodded, saying, "Because we are sisters, and you are my other half in blood," repeating what Anastasia often told her.
"That's right," Anastasia smiled, squeezing Marianne's hands.
"It feels like you are the elder sister, Anna," Marianne stated, and she finally smiled. She didn't know what she would have done without her younger sister's presence in her life. Then, as if thinking of an idea, she said, "Come with me."
"Where?" Anastasia asked, with a question in her eyes.