The garden of Versailles was expansive and meticulously cared for, but Francis and Charlotte hardly noticed it. They walked together yet apart, an invisible line of tension separating them. The war and the impending union, borne out of necessity rather than choice, hung heavily in the air.
Francis was the first to break the silence. "I'm aware of the tension between our countries, and I sympathize with your family's situation," he said, his tone careful but sincere. "But I hope we can get to know each other beyond that."
Charlotte replied with a noncommittal hum, her eyes fixed on the path ahead. She was in uncharted waters, and every word and every action was a step into the unknown. Her mother's instructions echoed in her mind - make the prince fall for her.
They continued their walk in awkward silence before Francis tried again. "The gardens are really something," he remarked, trying to shift the focus.
