High Mass

Queen Mary pondered intently. "The Crown Prince is exceptionally capable and enjoys the Lord's favor. I think he should be given a broader stage."

Brienne stole a glance at the Queen's expression. Feeling that she seemed serious, he ventured cautiously, "I fully understand Your Majesty's earnest desire to give His Highness the Crown Prince more experience.

"Perhaps His Highness could try presiding over a few Cabinet Meetings first, with you offering guidance at his side. That should keep anything from going wrong."

Hearing this, Queen Mary finally made up her mind. "Since you think so too, let the Crown Prince preside over the next Cabinet Meeting."

As soon as she finished speaking, she suddenly felt her whole body relax, like that instant of ease and comfort when she returned to her bedroom after an all-night ball and cast off her tightly cinched corset and stiff leather shoes.

Brienne inwardly relaxed as well and hurriedly bowed again. "As you wish, Your Majesty."

After he left, the golden doors of the Conference Hall shut with a bang. Queen Mary stretched out her arms, and cakes, jewelry, and beautiful dresses flashed through her mind.

"Please ask Sehilian to make me a mint cocoa cake." She rose with a smile and instructed her lady-in-waiting, De Berninac, then murmured to herself, "Joseph will surely be able to take care of everything."

June 3, 1790.

Every seat in the sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Paris was occupied. Even outside the church, thousands of citizens had gathered, gazing devoutly toward the enormous statue of Jesus dimly visible within.

At the front of the hall, a white-robed deacon stood with his back to the congregation, bowing as he held an open Bible above his head. Before him, Archbishop Beaumont recited scripture with a holy, solemn expression.

Yes, a