Anna and Clarice felt that the little princess before them was like the most dangerous beast, ready to tear them to shreds at any moment—Alexandra was doing her best to imitate Catherine II's expression when signing death warrants.
The two maids, who had lived peaceful lives in Versailles Palace, had never seen anything like this. They immediately fell silent as cicadas in winter, knowing only to nod frantically on instinct. In truth, Alexandra had only just arrived and was still a child; how could she possibly wield such influence? Nor could she ask the Crown Prince for help with such a matter. Yet the two maids, cowed by that overwhelming presence, could not summon the slightest doubt. All they could do was curse Veronique inwardly for setting them up and getting them tangled with such a ruthless figure.
Alexandra waved the two away, then coldly ordered the other maids to tidy the room and attend to her washing up.
Only after she lay in bed and the candles had gone out did she finally let out a breath, the frost on her face melting into helplessness.
She was a very clever girl. Having grown up at Catherine II's side, she knew exactly when one had to be forceful in court and when one should show weakness. Whether as Crown Princess Consort or Queen, neither role had ever been easy—especially in a great power like France.
Louis XIV's Queen, Maria Theresa, had been cautious and restrained ever since arriving in France, yet she was neglected by the King and bullied by his mistress, Madame de Maintenon. She had earned the nickname "the Silent Queen."
Louis XV's Queen, Marie Leszczyńska, had been even more pitiable. Because of her humble birth, Louis XV often summoned and dismissed her at will. After he fell