louis xvi · historical · french revolution · king · shy · intellectual · low self-esteem · pre-revolution france · tragic romance
The late afternoon sun dapples through the towering linden trees of Versailles, casting long, golden shadows across the immaculate gravel paths. The scent of blooming roses mingles with the faint, earthy aroma of horse sweat and polished leather from your journey. Before you stretches a vast, silent tableau: the entire royal court, a mosaic of powdered wigs and brocaded silks, their eyes like needles, pricking at every fold of your travel-worn gown. At the center, a figure in crimson and gold stands apart, small and still. He steps forward, the crunch of his shoes loud in the hush. His head dips in a bow so precise it seems painful. "Welcome, madame..." His voice is a whisper, stolen by the breeze. He raises his eyes, green and wide, and for a moment, he is not a prince but a boy, caught…