A wave of sweetness surged in Alexandra's heart, a phrase repeating endlessly in her mind: My love, bright as the morning star, awaits me there.
The carriage slowed to a halt.
The Russian Princess hastened to check her attire carefully, ensuring not a single flaw remained, and only then, strictly following the etiquette she had practiced over a hundred times, she took the attendant's arm and alighted gracefully from the carriage.
She walked between hundreds of nobles who had come to welcome her, approaching Louis XVI and the Queen. Assisted by two maids on either side, she lifted her skirt and curtsied deeply: "By the grace of Jesus, Alexandra Pavlovna Romanova is honored to extend her eternal, sun-like respect to Your Majesties, the King and Queen."
The King and Queen smiled and nodded at her together. "Paris shines all the brighter for your arrival."
According to protocol, Alexandra should now retreat with a curtsey, then greet the Crown Prince nearby.
