The day I stepped into the Palace of Versailles, the sun was shining brightly, the sky was as clear as if washed, without a single cloud. Occasionally, swans gracefully flew by, indicating an auspicious day.
Outside the palace, carriages were neatly lined up, carrying noble ladies from all over. They were all nervously silent, busy checking their makeup and attire, or curiously peeking at the competitors around. Every three years, the king would choose mistresses from these noble ladies. This was their fate.
For me, this selection was not important. I was just going through the motions and then going home. Father said, our daughter is spoiled and can't stand the constraints of the court. Forget it. Find a good man to marry and live a peaceful life. Mother always said that with my appearance, family background, and talent, she must pick the best man for me.
I always thought so too. I, Isabella, must marry the best man and spend my life with him. That is true happiness. I can't easily let myself down. And the king, although powerful, may not be the good man in my mind. At least, he can't love only me.
So I didn't dress up much. I casually put on some cosmetics on my face and wore a light green dress, simple but not losing my status. There was a newly picked rose obliquely inserted in my hair, and then a gold hairpin with jewels, with thin silver tassels hanging down, showing my status and telling everyone that I am not a girl who can be underestimated casually.
I was waiting for the king to eliminate me and let me go home.
The selection venue was in the main hall of the Palace of Versailles - the Spring Hall. The ladies were divided into groups of six and led in by court attendants to undergo the selection. Others waited in the lounge. The selection was very simple. Make a curtsy to the king and queen, then stand and wait for orders. The king may ask a few questions or not. After saluting, you can leave. Then the king decides whether to eliminate or retain. Elimination means being rejected, and retention means being selected. Once selected, you can enter the palace and become the king's mistress.
The king is already married and has many lovers. This selection is just to find more mistresses to give birth to children for the king.
The room was filled with ladies. The only one I knew was Alexandra, the daughter of the lord of Jeju. My family and her maternal grandfather's family were neighbors. I grew up with her and had a very good relationship.
When she saw me, she smiled and came over, took my hand, and asked with concern, "Isabella, I feel relieved when you are here. Last time your grandma said you had a cold. Are you better now?"
I stood up and said, "It was just a cough or two. I'm already fine. Are you tired on the way?"
She nodded, looked at me carefully twice, and said with a smile, "After resting in the capital for two days, I'm much better. You are dressed so simply today. Instead, you look even more beautiful and unique."
I blushed and said shyly, "Sister, you are the beauty. Aren't you making me embarrassed by saying that?"
She smiled and didn't speak, gently scraping my cheek with her finger. Only then did I look at her carefully. She was wearing a white dress, her hair was beautifully combed, there was a golden hairpin inserted in her bun, and the ruby earrings on her ears sparkled. She looked very elegant.
I said with a smile, "I haven't seen you for a few days. Sister, you are getting more and more beautiful. When the king sees you, he will definitely be impressed."
Alexandra put her finger on her lips and whispered, "Watch your words! This year's competitors are very fierce. I am average-looking and may not be selected."
I knew I had said the wrong thing, so I stopped talking and just chatted with her about some daily life.
Suddenly, there was a "clang" in the distance. It was the sound of a teacup falling to the ground. Alexandra and I stopped talking and looked up. We saw a woman wearing a dark green satin dress and many jewels on her head. She held up her skirt with one hand and forcefully pulled another girl with the other hand. She said loudly, "Don't you have eyes? Pouring such hot tea on me! Are you looking for death? Which family's girl are you?"
The girl who was pulled had ordinary clothes but was very beautiful. She was very scared now and didn't know what to do. She lowered her head and said in a low voice, "I'm Emily. My father... my father... is..."
Seeing her ordinary clothes, that girl didn't take her seriously at all and became even fiercer: "Can't you even tell your father's position?"
Forced by her, Emily had no choice. Her face turned red and her voice was very low: "My father... is a local official..."
That girl looked down on her with a look of contempt and snorted: "Sure enough, you are from a humble background! So impolite!"
Someone nearby reminded Emily: "Do you know who you have offended? She is the daughter of a senior military officer, Charlotte."
Emily was very scared and had to bow and apologize: "Emily was just thinking about seeing the king later and was nervous. She accidentally spilled tea on Sister Xia. Emily apologizes to Sister here. I hope Sister will forgive me."
Charlotte looked disgusted and frowned and said, "Do you think you can also see the king? What a dream! If you make such a fuss today and alarm the king, none of us can afford it. Moreover, even if nothing happens today, if it spreads later, it will affect your reputation. It's not worth it for just a dress. Think about it."
Charlotte thought about it. Although unhappy, she finally didn't get angry. She snorted and left.
The onlookers dispersed. I smiled at Emily and said, "Isabella was talkative today. Sister Emily, don't mind. I see that you are alone. Do you want to come and keep us company? In this way, we can take care of each other and won't be so nervous."
Emily was very grateful and said in a low voice, "Thank you for helping me, Sister. I am from a humble background. I definitely have no chance today. Instead, I have let down Sister's kindness."
I said with a smile, "It's just a small matter. We are all here to participate in the selection. Why bother so much?"
She hesitated for a moment: "But isn't Sister causing trouble for herself by helping me like this?"
Alexandra came over and said to me, "This is in the palace. You are so bold. It really worries me." Then she said to Emily with a smile, "Look at her like this. Does she look like someone who wants to be selected? She is not afraid of offending people."
I took a look at Emily's clothes. Although they were newly made, the fabric was ordinary. It could be seen that they were ordinary goods from the market. Except for two simple silver hairpins and ribbon decorations on her head and an ordinary gold bracelet on her hand, there were no other ornaments. Among the girls dressed up beautifully, she looked a bit shabby.
I frowned. Seeing a pot of blooming begonias in the corner, I casually took a pair of scissors from the table, cut three branches and inserted them in Emily's hair to make her look more beautiful. I also took off my pair of emerald earrings and gave them to her, saying, "Clothes make the man. Your clothes are ordinary, so those people will underestimate you. This pair of earrings is a gift. I hope it can help you succeed."
Emily was very moved and said with tears in her eyes, "Thank you, Sister. I am from a humble background. I definitely have no chance. Instead, I have let down Sister's kindness."
Alexandra comforted her and said, "A hero is not judged by his origin. You are beautiful. Why be so self-abased?"
Just as we were talking, a court attendant came to call Emily and several other girls to enter the hall. I smiled and encouraged her, then held hands with Alexandra and returned to our original place to continue waiting.
Soon after we sat down, a maid brought tea. Alexandra and I took out some small change from our pockets as rewards. The maid happily thanked us and then retreated.
Alexandra watched the maid leave. Only then did she say worriedly, "You were really bold just now. Aren't you afraid of offending those newly promoted nobles?"
I picked up the teacup and gently blew away the heat. Seeing that no one was paying attention to us around, I said leisurely, "How could I not know that you care about me? But think about it. For the king to choose a mistress, family background is important, but character and talent cannot be ignored. Even if Charlotte is selected, I'm afraid it won't last long. So, where have I offended her?"
Alexandra nodded and said with a smile, "What you said is indeed reasonable. No wonder your father has always looked at you differently and praised you as a 'clever girl'. Of course, Emily is really pitiful."
I said with a smile, "This is one aspect. With your family background and beauty, being selected is expected. Although Emily is from a humble background, she is well-behaved and has a delicate appearance. She has her unique charm. The possibility of her being selected is greater than Charlotte's. I am not interested in becoming the king's mistress. If Emily can be selected, there will be one more ally in the court. Of course, there are many girls here today. It's still hard to say whether Emily will be selected. I'm just talking casually."
Alexandra was moved and held my hand: "Isabella, thank you for thinking so much about me. But you are so beautiful but don't want to be the king's mistress. If you marry into an ordinary family like this, it's really a pity."
I smiled noncommittally and said, "Everyone has their own aspirations. Moreover, I am not used to life in the court. I just hope you can be smooth sailing."
There were especially many girls participating this year. By the time Alexandra and I entered the hall to see the king, it was already evening. Most of the girls had already left, and only a dozen people were left waiting anxiously in the lounge.
Lights were lit in the hall. From the king's throne to the entrance of the hall, there were two rows of candles. Hundreds of candles were as thick as an arm. The candles were mixed with spices. The flames were bright and the fragrance was strong.
Alexandra and I and the other four girls adjusted our clothes. Then, following the guidance of the court attendant, we solemnly walked into the Spring Hall. According to court etiquette, we curtsied to the king and queen, and then stood quietly waiting to be called.
Only an old attendant read out our names in a hoarse voice one by one:
"The daughter of the duke from Burgundy, Isabelle de Burgundy, eighteen years old."
"The daughter of the marquis from Provence, Marie de Provence, seventeen years old."
"The daughter of the earl from Normandy, Eleanor de Normandy, sixteen years old."
I lowered my head and my eyes fell on the marble floor under my feet. Those exquisite patterns were shimmering faintly under the candlelight. I heard the girls in front salute one by one. Their dresses and jewels made slight sounds when they moved. I secretly glanced around. Some girls were so nervous that their hands were trembling slightly. I couldn't help but secretly laugh in my heart.
I couldn't help secretly looking at the king and queen on the throne. The Spring Hall was magnificent. The walls and pillars were decorated with exquisite patterns. Instead of using the common patterns in the court, cloud and flower patterns were adopted.
The king sat on the golden throne. Wearing a crown, his face was covered by the jewel curtain on the crown, making it difficult to see. He looked a little tired. Probably because he had been examining these girls all day, he just nodded slightly and said nothing more, and let them leave.
The queen sat on the right side of the king. Wearing a pearl crown and gorgeous clothes, she looked very solemn. Although a day of busyness made her look a little tired, she still maintained the majesty of the royal family.
"The daughter of the lord of Jeju, Alexandra de Jeju, sixteen years old."
Alexandra stepped out of the line and gracefully curtsied. Her voice was pleasant: "Respected king and queen, I, Alexandra de Jeju, pay my respects to you."
The king sat up straight and asked with interest in his tone, "What books have you read?"
The hall was spacious. The king's voice echoed, sounding unreal, buzzing, like in a dream.
Alexandra respectfully replied, "I have read some books about female virtues and education. I know a few words."
The king "hmm" and said, "These two books are about female virtues. Not bad."
The queen also said kindly, "It's good for girls to learn more needlework. It's already very good that you can know a few words."
Alexandra didn't dare to show too much happiness. She smiled slightly and replied, "Thank you for the king and queen's praise."
The queen said to the master of ceremonies with a smile, "Quickly write down her name and retain her."
Alexandra stepped back and stood next to me. She breathed a sigh of relief and smiled at me. Alexandra was well-behaved and beautiful. It was expected that she would be selected. I was never worried.
Just as I was thinking, the master of ceremonies had already read my name: "The daughter of a noble from Paris, Isabella de Paris, fifteen years old."
I took two steps forward, gracefully curtsied, and lowered my head and said, "Respected king and queen, I, Isabella de Paris, pay my respects to you."
The king gently "oh" and asked, "Isabella? Which 'Bella'?"
I lowered my head and replied without thinking, "As the poet said: 'Beautiful women are like poems and paintings.' That is my nickname."
As soon as I said it, I regretted it. It was so terrible. On impulse, I was too showy and said what was in the book. I might have already attracted the king's attention, which was contrary to my original intention. I really regretted it!
Sure enough, the king clapped his hands and laughed, "You know a lot about poetry and books. Your father has taught his daughter well. But I don't know if you are worthy of this name. Raise your head!"
I knew I couldn't avoid it. I regretted being too showy just now. Now I could only raise my head, hoping that the king, who had seen so many beauties, would not be interested in my plain dress.
The queen said, "Come forward." As she said this, she slightly glanced sideways. The attendant beside her immediately understood and brought a glass of water and splashed it in front of me.
I didn't understand what it meant, so I had to pretend not to see it and steadily stepped on the water and took two steps forward.
The queen said with a smile, "Very dignified."
I saw the king lift the jewel curtain in front of him slightly. He was stunned for a moment and praised, "Gentle and elegant. You are indeed worthy of this name."
The queen then said, "You are also dressed very fresh. It matches Alexandra just right. One is like a peach blossom in spring, and the other is like a lily in summer. Very suitable."
I lowered my head, my face was hot. Presumably it had already turned as red as the sunset. I could only remain silent. I only felt that the golden candlelight in front of me was swaying slightly and the fragrance was strong, constantly floating under my nose.
The king nodded with a smile and ordered the master of ceremonies, "Write down her name and retain her."
The queen turned to the king and said with a smile, "The ladies selected today are all extremely beautiful. There are those who are talented and those who are elegant in manner. They really add a lot of charm to the court."
The king smiled slightly but did not answer.
My heart sank. Is the man sitting high above me the husband I will rely on in the future?
I saluted and silently returned to the line. Seeing Alexandra's brilliant smile at me, I could only return a smile. I was confused and didn't know how to deal with this unexpected selection. I had no intention of caring about other things.
After this batch of girls saw the king, according to what the master of ceremonies had taught in advance, whether they were selected or not, they all bowed and thanked, and then left one by one.
As soon as we left the Spring Hall, we heard a "bang" behind us. When we turned around to look, it was Isabelle de Burgundy, the girl who was in the same line as us just now. We saw that she was pale and covered in cold sweat on her forehead. She had already fainted. Presumably because she was not selected and was too sad, she couldn't catch her breath.
I sighed and said, "Those who want to stay couldn't stay, but those who don't want to stay were left behind."
While talking, Isabelle de Burgundy had already been helped away by the attendants and maids in front of the hall.
Alexandra helped me adjust the rose on my head that was about to fall off and said softly, "Why does sister sigh? Being able to enter the palace is a blessing. Many people can't ask for it. Moreover, you and I enter the palace together and can take care of each other. The attendant who announced the decree has already gone. Your father must be very happy."
I twisted the rose ornament hanging on my skirt with my fingers and remained silent. After a while, I said in a low voice, "Sister Shande, I really didn't mean it."
She pulled my sleeve and said gently, "I understand. I have said long ago that with your talent and beauty, you can't avoid it."
She paused, put away her smile, and said seriously, "And with our conditions, do we really want to marry those mediocre people?"
Alexandra was comforting me when an older maid came up with a lantern to guide us out of the palace. The maid's face was full of smiles. She saluted us and said, "Congratulations to the two young ladies for being selected."
Alexandra and I smiled reservedly and gave her some rewards. Hand in hand, we slowly walked towards the palace gate.
There were only a few carriages left waiting outside the palace gate. The glass lanterns in front of the carriages swayed in the wind as if they were at the mercy of others. The attendants waiting on the carriages were Amy and Lucy, my personal maids. When they saw us coming from afar, they quickly took down their cloaks and jumped off the carriage to welcome us.
Amy held my arm and said softly, "Miss, you must be tired."
Lucy draped the brocade cloak over me and fastened it.
Alexandra was helped into her carriage by her own maid Elizabeth. When her carriage drove up beside mine, she lifted the curtain and said with concern, "The etiquette mistress will come to our manors in a few days to teach us court etiquette. Before we officially enter the palace, you and I won't be able to see each other for a while. Take good care of yourself, sister."
I nodded. Lucy and Amy helped me into the carriage. The maids below stood respectfully with their hands down and said respectfully, "Farewell to the two young ladies."
I lifted the curtain and took a deep look back. The sky at dusk was half as dark as if ink had been dropped, and half was a dreamy purple and golden glow, like a long colorful brocade spread out. Under such an enchanting and colorful sky, the Palace of Versailles with its deep and magnificent halls and golden splendor had an indescribable imposing aura that left a deep impression on me.
As the carriage rattled along the road, my mind was filled with a mixture of emotions. The events of the day had taken an unexpected turn, and I found myself facing a future that I had not anticipated. I thought about the king and queen on their thrones, the grandeur of the palace, and the girls with their hopes and dreams.
Back at home, my parents were indeed overjoyed at the news of my selection. My father beamed with pride, while my mother was already busy planning for my future in the palace. But I couldn't share their excitement. I felt a sense of unease and uncertainty.
The days that followed were filled with preparations. The etiquette mistress arrived as promised and began to drill us in the proper ways of behaving at court. We learned how to walk gracefully, speak softly, and perform all the intricate rituals that were expected of us.
During this time, I often thought about what lay ahead. The palace seemed like a gilded cage, full of intrigue and competition. I wondered if I would be able to navigate its treacherous waters.
One day, as I was practicing my curtsy for the umpteenth time, Lucy came in with a letter. It was from Alexandra. She wrote about her own anxieties and hopes, and it comforted me to know that I was not alone in my feelings.
As the day of our entry into the palace drew nearer, my unease grew. But I knew that there was no turning back. I had to face this new chapter in my life with courage and determination.
Finally, the day arrived. Dressed in my finest gown and adorned with jewels, I stepped into the carriage once again. This time, there was no turning back. I was on my way to the palace, to a life that was both exciting and terrifying.
As the carriage approached the palace gates, my heart pounded in my chest. I took a deep breath and prepared myself for whatever lay ahead. Little did I know that this journey would change my life forever.