Captive Majesty: Marie Antoinette's 76 Days of Destiny

August 19th, 1792

(A brief prelude, casting the spotlight on the Princess of Lamballe!)

As twilight descended upon the Temple, yet another day of captivity commenced. On this fateful evening, a somber separation loomed, casting a heavy shadow over the hearts of those imprisoned.

With profound emotion in her eyes, Marie Antoinette tenderly addressed her dear friend, "My dear friend, I beseech you, never return to this place. I hold onto hope that our paths shall cross once more." She embraced her tightly, momentarily setting aside her regal demeanor in her embrace of her cherished friend.

The Princess of Lamballe wept, enveloping Marie Antoinette in a warm embrace, and earnestly implored, "Antoinette, I entreat you, take the utmost care of yourself!" Their words carried the weight of their profound friendship.

Innocently, young Louis-Charles gazed around the dimly lit prison cell, obliviously chewing on his toys, unaware of the grim reality surrounding him.

"I assure you, I shall, for your sake. My existence has been dedicated solely to you!" Lamballe wept, her tears soaking into her clasped arms.

Antoinette held her friend tightly, then turned to the governess, her children, and her husband, apprehension etched across her face as she feared the uncertain future ahead.

The Duchess of Tourzel clasped the children's hands for the last time, planting kisses all over their little faces. "I love you dearly, and we will be back before you know it, I promise!"

"Please, stay here!" Marie-Thérèse implored, her eyes glistening with tears, while she held the Duchess in a heartfelt embrace.

Louis XVI, rising from his chair, let out a sigh as he addressed the women. "Ladies," he spoke with a heavy heart. "It pains me to bid you farewell, for your unwavering loyalty has meant the world to us."

With a tender touch, she gently pushed the child away, wiping her own tears. "I cannot, dear child. It is time for you to be guided by your mother," she said softly. She then turned to the king and nodded in agreement.

Releasing her from the embrace, Lamballe made an effort to curtsy before the King, her movements strained by her emotions. "Always and forever, Your Majesty," she whispered with unwavering loyalty.

The King nodded, then sank back into his chair, releasing another heavy sigh as he cast his gaze upon the clock.

She approached Louis-Charles, gently taking the toy from his mouth. "We must exercise patience, my dear," she said softly, "supper will be served soon."

He hugged his mother and, with a hint of impatience, said, "But Mama, I'm hungry now!"

The Duchess of Tourzel embraced Lamballe tightly, her voice filled with emotion. "I had intended to say, 'take care of her,' but I have just realized that we are both being transferred," she admitted with a heavy heart.

Lamballe clasped her hands and wore a concerned expression. "I have heard positive rumors, we might have the opportunity to share a cell," she said.

Marie-Thérèse rose from the ground and walked over to her father, her eyes filled with fear. "When will we return home, Father? I am frightened!"

He gently lifted her onto his lap and whispered, "Hopefully, it won't be much longer, my dear. We must be patient and wait."

Two guards, their patience worn thin, sternly declared, "It is time to depart, Citizen Louise and Citizen Marie-Thérèse." With a swift and firm grip, they apprehended both of them and escorted them out of the cell.

Marie Antoinette, regally, lifted herself from the ground, positioning herself in front of her son. She uttered a solemn prayer, "May the Lord protect the faithful!"

He embraced his wife, gently wiping away her tears, then turned his gaze towards their children.

The Princess of Lamballe was startled by the use of her Christian name, an uncommon familiarity in their world of formality. As she was forcibly pulled away, her fear grew palpable. "My goodness," she stammered, "Must you employ such aggression?"

As they escorted them out, one of the guards surreptitiously slipped Tourzel's wedding band from her finger, her obliviousness allowing him to do so unnoticed.

The Duchess of Tourzel, equally surprised by the use of her Christian name, hurried to give Louis-Charles one final embrace. However, their separation came too swiftly. With a quiver in her voice, she implored, "Behave for your mother, my dear. Please, be good!"

Louise-Élisabeth de Croÿ de Tourzel and Pauline de Tourzel were subsequently taken away from the royal family and relocated to the La Force prison. There, they were granted the privilege of sharing a cell. Their departure from the Temple coincided with the removal of two valets and three female servants, as it had been determined that the family would not be permitted to retain their personal attendants.