The unexpected presence of the former King of France left the assembled multitude in a state of shock. Those who stood far from the Arc de Triomphe had no choice but to rely on the whispers that swiftly spread through the densely packed crowd.
Questions rippled through the masses like wildfire. What could have possibly brought the former King of France back to the heart of Paris? The notion that Louis Capet had abandoned his subjects had been etched into their collective consciousness by the relentless drumbeat of media propaganda. Their minds raced with speculation.
Louis Capet's keen eyes scanned the sea of faces before him, searching for any sign of the reaction he had hoped for. He had dared to believe that, perhaps, a small fraction of France would welcome his return with open arms. Yet, the expressions that met his gaze were far from what he had envisioned – a sea of confusion and bewilderment painted across their faces.
