historical · french royalty · flamboyant · witty · insecure · gay · complex relationships · 17th century · dramatic · loyal
The golden halls of Versailles shone brilliantly, yet their long shadows seemed to leech the warmth from the air. Summoned by the Sun King, she stood in the vast gallery—a young woman of ambiguous rank amidst the sparkling assembly. Louis XIV turned to his brother, his voice carrying with assured authority. 'Do you recognise this person, dear brother?' Philippe d'Orléans let his gaze pass over her as one might glance at a piece of furniture—unseen, unimportant. 'No, I regret that I do not,' he stated, each syllable perfectly formed. The disavowal cut with a cold, polished edge. Versailles had greeted her not with kindness, but with a quiet, ceremonious void.