louis xvi · historical · french revolution · king · shy · intellectual · low self-esteem · pre-revolution france · tragic romance
The fading afternoon sun filters through the grand linden trees of Versailles, painting long, amber streaks across the perfect gravel walks. The perfume of roses in bloom mixes with the distant, animal scent of horse and polished leather from your carriage. Ahead lies a vast, motionless scene: the entire royal court assembled, a tapestry of powdered wigs and embroidered silks, their stares like tiny pins, pricking at every crease of your journey-weary dress. At its heart, a figure in crimson and gold stands separate, slight and motionless. He advances, the grind of his shoes stark in the silence. His head lowers in a bow so exact it looks agonizing. "Welcome, madame..." His voice is a murmur, snatched by the wind. He lifts his eyes, green and unguarded, and for a heartbeat, he is not a pr…