Ma Petit Princesse (aph Marie Antoinette fic)

Just Like Clockwork

"Nothing?"

"I'm afraid so, your Majesty."

Old Louis removed his spectacles with one hand and rubbed the bridge of his nose in exasperation with the other, sighing deeply. It was a day after the symbolic wedding, and Louis Auguste and Marie Antoinette had failed to consummate their marriage. This, obviously, was a disappointment. The couple needed to reproduce as soon as possible in order to secure their successor was one of their own. If they could not, the throne would be passed to some other lucky man after Louis Auguste's passing and the House of Bourbon would no longer rule France as it had for so long.

"Louis," Francis said, putting down Countess Noailles report. "This surely is not defeat. They are young, timid; They are not equipped to indulge in the ways of the world as we older beings are. It is only the first day, after all. They do not know each other, their love has yet to kindle. Give them a year or two, three tops; I'm sure by then the royal couple will be a regular old Romeo and Juliet-without the, well, dying- and you'll have a grandson on the way."

The King nodded. "Of course," he muttered. "Louis Auguste is a timid creature. I don't know why; on my wedding night I consummated my marriage, twice actually. Regardless, I know in time he will do his duty."

"As do I," Francis remarked, refilling the King's wedgwood cup with dark, deeply-flavored coffee. "Now, on to the subject of the Dauphine. I've arranged for her to receive her tutoring from Count Mercy, her etiquette lessons from the Countess of Noailles, and music lessons from Lady Abbatelli of Venice. Are there any other appointments I should set her up for?"

Old Louis thought for a moment, rubbing his stubbly chin. "A dress fitting," he finally declared. "We can't let the future Queen of France walk around in clothes which aren't of the highest tastes, now can we?"

"No, your Majesty."

"I thought not," the Old King laughed, bringing his cup to his mouth. "Oh, and Francis? Du Barry seems to be in need of a new set of fans. Order some from Paris."

"Right away, Sire."

_______________________

Francis finally got chance to leave the King's compartments after about half an hour more of his ramblings on. He carried the large box of bills back to the Reserve, then walked on to the dining hall where he'd take his breakfast with other high ranking officials and royalty, which included the royal couple.

The grand dining room had high ceilings, golden molding and chandeliers, as well as rich blue tapestries and a gigantic oak table in the middle, complete with a set of 20 chairs. As Francis entered the room, he was greeted by the sight of the 'royal aunts', or the King's sisters, The King and his mistress, and young Louis and la petite Dauphine, all eating breakfast. As he entered the room, the table stood, bowed and curtsied, then went back to their meal. Francis bowed back in response, then went to his place, between the King and the Dauphin.

Francis placed his napkin on his lap and accepted a flute of water from one of the serving nobles, then turned to the Dauphin, who was currently chewing ferociously on a bit of stewed beef.

"Bonjour, Louis Auguste," Francis said politely as he cut a piece of fruit. "I assume you are doing well?"

"Yes, Sir Bonnefoy," he mumbled not making eye contact. The young Dauphin was absorbed in his meal.

"Did you enjoy yourself in yesterday's festivities, my Lord?"

"Very much so, Sir Bonnefoy. Thank you for asking. And you?"

"I most certainly did," Francis smiled, turning back to his water. Surely this conversation wasn't going anywhere, and the absolute, utter fixation Louis had with his breakfast made Francis not quite want to disturb him. Instead, he looked slightly past the young Louis, to Marie.