Queen of Prussia wrapped her arms tightly around Charles's neck and lowered her head to kiss him deeply.
The youth's mind went blank at once. Eagerly, he chased Louise's lips in response, but the experienced woman discreetly drew back. Her eyes were hazy as she looked at him and said in a syrupy voice:
"My most beloved knight, the moment I touched you, the world stood still. Apart from you, apart from loving you, nothing in this world exists any longer. Now, you are the only reason I live..."
Charles's expression grew serious. Just as he was about to make a vow of love himself, Louise gently took his hand again and guided it downward... The youth's breathing quickened, and he did not even know what he was saying. "I-I need you, truly... I'm about to burn up. Please, don't watch me suffer any longer..."
Louise swayed her waist in response, guiding him again and again.
Yet at the most critical moment, her maid's voice came from outside the door. "Madam, I'm terribly sorry to disturb you, but it is already past half past eight. We must leave now."
Louise knew full well how to deal with a "child" like Charles: she absolutely could not let him have what he wanted, but neither could she leave him with nothing at all.
Every "step" today had been carefully arranged by her.
At her maid's words, she sprang from Charles's embrace like a bird startled by a snake and began hurriedly straightening her clothes. "My dear, although I cannot bear to leave these wonderful moments, if I do not return now, he will discover it. You know, the ball begins in half an hour. I must be there."
Charles knew that the "he" she meant was William III.
Reluctantly, he helped his