Chapter 25: New King
Louis XVI POV
These couple of days were quite tense. King Louis XV felt ill. At first, everyone didn't even pay attention. After all, sickness waits for no one; you can't just choose when to get sick and when not to.
But then the symptoms persisted and even worsened, which got people a little worried, next came the bad news it was smallpox or red plague and speckled monster as it was better known in these times. For me, who came from modern times this meant nothing, but then I started going down history and started to remember Queen Mary II of England in 1694, Emperor Joseph I of Austria in 1711, Tsar Peter II of Russia in 1730 all of them were killed by the red plague...
Shit! Louis XV's cause of death was by smallpox too!
Not good...not good at all.
He will die, I will take the throne, I can't take the throne! I'm not ready yet, should I quickly send a message to Maurepas to quickly form a cabinet or should I rely on Maupeou? What about the Revolution? Should I just kill all those leaders? I will be a king I should get away with this, but then the starvation, food prices, revolution, then there is Napoleon, should I maybe? Nono, come on brain work! Maybe, maybe I should...
"Louis, is everything alright? You look scared"
I turned to the side and saw Marie sitting on a chair near a small round table in our room.
I just waved her off, sorry Marie but now both our heads are on the line...
Maybe I should immediately establish a constitutional monarchy?
Yeah, I think that's my greatest bet, I definitely should-
I felt somebody grabbing my hands.
"Louis, calm down, everything will be alright I'm sure he will recover."
She said as she gently held her hands with mine, her blue eyes staring into mine with her eyebrows slightly furrowed in worry.
Oh sweet and innocent Marie, bless your soul.
I'm not scared about the king dying, sure it's sad, loss of life always is, but I have no attachment to him, so for me, it's like hearing that someone died in the news, you just say 'Oh damn, that's sad' and you move on.
No, what am I scared of Marie is that after Louis XV dies I will be the King and you know, I know the future and there is this thing revolution coming and the one of many leading it is a guy called Robespierre who has quite a fetish for chopping heads off.(A/N: Discord chat spam headbye)
That's what I'd like to tell her, but I can't...
Marie gripped my hands harder.
"I'm okay Marie"
"No, you are not."
"You are oddly persistent about this, seriously I'm fine..."
"I'm your wife, I worry about you."
...
Breath in
..
Breath out
.
Marie, you are too good for this world.
I will just figure things out later then, but I think I should send a message to Maurepas.
Okay, I will think later.
"Thank you, Marie, but now I'm truly fine"
She looked at me for a bit and then smiled at me and kissed me on the cheek which greatly surprised me.
"Just believe and everything will be fine."
I just smiled without commenting about the darker thoughts resurfacing.
"I will try."
*knock* *knock*
"Come in"
I said as I heard the knocking on the door
And then the door opened and came in a group of courtiers, servants, nobles.
"The King is dead."
"The King is dead, long live the King!"
And the only thing I could say at that point is Fu-
After the death of the King, the second day went by, with all the nobles organizing sending messages, and preparing the funeral.
What surprised me was that he would be buried just 2 days after his death.
But when I inquired I got the response that like his great-grandfather before him Louis XV was buried in haste to avoid unseemly celebrations.
Then came the day of the funeral.
As I was being prepared for the day by the servants I asked the head butler Aldric who was holding a mirror and is suspiciously knowledgeable.
"Aldric, what are people's thoughts about my grandfather's death?"
I think it would be either sad or nobles were rejoicing because they can gain more power through me, well atleast that is what happens in the books and movies.
"The news is still traveling, but for now His Majesty's passing is met with mixed reactions; while the royal family and the court are mourning the loss of their sovereign, the French people, many of whom had grown weary of his rule, were less sorrowful."
Why is that I began to wonder. I believe from what I know from history and now heard and seen, I think he is unpopular because of the wars that he involved France in and obviously the finances and the debt that he managed to rack up, bless Joseph Terray the current Controller-General of Finances to at least stabilizing the situation.
"But why is that isn't he "Beloved", while I agree that he involved us in a lot of wars, but it shouldn't warrant such an opinion."
I said and Aldric smiled.
"It has to do a lot with his majesties taste in women, he reinstated the title of a mistress and widespread influence of his mistresses, most notably Madame de Pompadour and Madame du Barry, whose presence at court was seen as a symbol of the monarchy's decadence. I think Your Royal Highness saw some glares or whispers about Madame du Barry."
I actually did, even I myself thought how could a King of a Christian nation be allowed to have a mistress when Christianity still had a lot of power over people and nations in this age?
Either way, I should focus on the funeral.
The funeral of Louis XV, the extravagance of his funeral would seem almost at odds with the realities of his reign. While I expected it to be a quiet and somber ceremony instead it was full of royal pomp, gold everywhere, musicians, flowers, and Royal guards dressed in ceremonial robes, heck we even had performers doing plays or telling stories.
Then we moved from Versailles to Paris.
The procession from the Palace of Versailles to the royal tombs at the Basilica of Saint-Denis was a grand display of power, yet it carried an undercurrent of melancholy. The king's coffin, draped in royal purple, was carried through the streets by the king's guards, accompanied by clergy, courtiers, and members of the royal family. The tolling of church bells resonated throughout the city, announcing to the citizens of Paris that the reign of Louis XV had come to an end.
For me, it was quite grand I never expected royal funerals to be like this.
Our royal carriage, with its gilded edges and velvet curtains, contrasted sharply with the somber expressions of some courtiers and the mourners who followed behind. The funeral music, composed by the court's musicians, echoed mournfully through the streets. I looked through the carriage windows to see mixed reactions some were saddened by the passing of a King while many were indifferent.
After a while Louis XV's body was finally interred in the Basilica of Saint-Denis, the traditional burial site for French monarchs. His tomb was placed alongside his ancestor Louis XIV "The Sun King", a testament to the royal lineage that had come before him.
As I saw the coffin of Louis XV I reminded myself that now the crown will sit on my head and if I'm not careful soon I will join him.
After that, we returned to Versailles to have a mournful dinner.
As all the nobles gathered I took a cup of vine raised it high and recited the prepared speech.
"My grandfather, Louis XV, served France with a devotion that cannot be ignored. I stand here, overwhelmed by the loss of a king who saw the best and the worst of his time. His legacy, complicated as it may be, is now mine to carry. I shall seek to honor his memory by striving to heal the divisions he could not overcome. As I inherit the throne, I pledge to work tirelessly for the people of France, ensuring that their voices are heard. May his soul find rest in peace, and may I prove worthy of the trust that he has left in me."
And the applause rose from the gathered crowd next was the Secretary of State Moupeou.
Standing solemnly before the assembled courtiers, Maupeou's voice rang out, tinged with both reverence and the heavy burden of the times he had as a Minister to Louis XV, if I hadn't known I would believe every action of his.
"The death of our sovereign, King Louis XV, is not merely the loss of a king but the loss of an era. His reign, though fraught with challenges, saw France navigate through turbulent waters. While the difficulties of his rule are known to all, let us remember his devotion to France and his tireless work for the kingdom. He loved his people, even if they, at times, misunderstood him. In his passing, we must not only mourn the loss of our king but also reflect on the duty we owe to his memory—to uphold the strength of the monarchy he sought to preserve."
He concluded his speech and was met with applause, then came the turn for my aunts (Children of Louis XV) to make their speech then some other nobles after that the dinner continued.
After the funeral, the time began passing by again, with Maurepas handling most things and everybody prepping my own coronation, the day that I dread.
While I didn't sit idle as well I messaged Duc de la Vauguyon if he would be interested in taking a post in my ministry and another set of letters to Maurepas to inform him about my plans and to prepare himself for his return from exile from Versailles.
For now, my Ministers looked like this:
First Minister of State Jean Frédéric Phélypeaux, Count of Maurepas
Controller-General of Finances Anne Robert Jacques Turgot (recommended by Maurepas)
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Charles Gravier, Comte de Vergennes (recommended by Maurepas)
Secretary of State of War Louis Nicolas Victor de Félix d'Ollières (Found by me)
Secretary of the State for the Navy's either Antoine de Sartine (Recommended by Maurepas) or Charles Pierre Claret de Fleurieu (Recommended by a member of the Prince faction)
Secretary of State of the Maison du Roi Louis Phélypeaux, Comte de Saint-Florentin (From Louis XV ministry) or Paul-François de Quelen de La Vauguyon (Recommended by me)
While others like the minister of Colonies and others will be discussed later.
But for now comes my greatest challenge yet a talk with Maurepas...
And I see him standing in front of me now...
It was late afternoon sun filtered through the grand windows of the King's private chambers in Versailles. The soft rustle of the curtains was the only sound accompanying the solemn moment. I stood near the grand fireplace, seeking the warm from the fire against the chilly evening.
Maupeou had served Louis XVI loyally, but his tenure as minister had become increasingly controversial. This was not a decision made in haste or out of spite. I had long admired Maupeou's intelligence, experience, and his genuine desire to restore order to the crown, but the times were changing. While I wanted him to grand an advisor role or one similar to that I know that it was better to just let him go. It wasn't supposed to be hard I was fired and I fired people as well, but I never fired what I can liken to a prime minister. How do you fire a prime minister without it involving some scandal?
"Your Royal Highness, You summoned me?"
Maupeou said.
I straightened my back and turned to face the old guard.
"Yes, Maupeu. Please, have a seat."
I gestured toward the chair across from him, and Maupeou moved to sit, his posture stiff as always, as though preparing for a formal meeting.
I studied him for a moment, weighing his words carefully.
"Maupeou, I have called you here today to speak of matters of great importance, It is with great difficulty that I must inform you that I will be making changes to the structure of my government. As you know our Kingdom is in dire straits. The changes are necessary for the future of our country. As such, I must ask for your resignation as First Minister once I will take the crown."
The room was still for a moment, as Maupeou processed my words. He then just softly exhaled and managed a small polite smile.
"I see"
Maupeou said softly, his eyes betraying no emotion. He had been the architect of many reforms in the past, some successful, others less so. He understood the politics of the court as well as anyone, and he knew that such a change was not to be taken lightly, he could see it with his suppression of the parlaments.
"You have served this country with great loyalty and commitment, Minister. You have worked tirelessly, particularly in trying to stabilize our finances and restructure the government. Your experience has been invaluable, and I am grateful for everything you have done for me and for France."
Maupeou nodded, though there was an undercurrent of disappointment in his expression. He had attempted to centralize power under the monarchy, reduce the influence of the parlements, and address France's deep fiscal problems. But these measures had earned him the ire of both the nobility and the common people, and his reputation had suffered as a result.
"But we both know that the situation in France is no longer what it once was. The reforms that you have championed have not brought the results we had hoped for. I believe that it is time for a new direction, one that can better address the needs of both the people and the court. France needs fresh blood—new ideas, new leadership—to face the challenges ahead."
Maupeou did not interrupt me just smiled?
"I understand Your Royal Highness, the times are indeed changing. I anticipated that we would talk about something like this. I myself got the power from a coup, so I'm grateful that, your Royal Highness, is honest with me. The kingdom is in need of a new approach, and perhaps I have been too entrenched in the old ways. My age and my methods may no longer be suited to the tasks before us."
"I did not make this decision out of spite. I have the utmost respect for you, and your service to this crown will not be forgotten. But you are right—this is a time for new approaches. The people of France are calling for change, and the monarchy must be able to respond to those demands. I hope you will understand that my decision comes from a place of necessity, not a desire to cast aside your work, if anything I would like to have you by my side as an advisor of sorts."
Maupeou sighed at my words.
"Thank you, Your Royal Highness, but maybe you are right about my age and so I have to decline your most gracious offer"
"I am deeply grateful for your service. You have been a servant of the crown for much of your life. Please know that your dedication has not gone unnoticed."
"I appreciate your words, Your Royal Highness, I will make the preparations. But if I may be rude, could, Your Royal Highness, promise me one thing?"
Mourepas asked and I was surprised but with a smile I replied.
"Of course"
"Whatever you do not reinstate the parlaments."
"Well then, I thank you once again, Your Highness, but by your will, I must leave and return to work."
"Ofcourse, Moupeou."
He stood up and then bowed as he left I stared at the gentle swaying of the fire. The first step is taken now I better not fall down.
Time Skip
THIRD POV
The cathedral of Reims had never looked more resplendent. A cascade of sunlight poured through the tall stained-glass windows, bathing the stone walls and vaulted ceilings in hues of crimson, gold, and sapphire. The scent of burning incense mixed with the perfume of hundreds of roses that lined the altar, creating an almost intoxicating atmosphere. Every pew was filled with France's most powerful, their finery rivaling the splendor of the cathedral itself. Gold thread shimmered on heavy brocade coats, silk gowns rustled with every movement, and diamond-encrusted necklaces caught the light like miniature stars.
Louis XVI stood before the high altar His ceremonial attire was a masterpiece of craftsmanship—a white silk tunic embroidered with fleur-de-lis in gold, draped over a robe of royal purple velvet that trailed behind him, bordered with ermine. His powdered wig was styled to perfection, framing his young face, which betrayed both awe and apprehension. The Crown of Charlemagne, a relic steeped in centuries of history, rested on a cushion beside him, its golden frame encrusted with rubies, sapphires, and pearls, seeming almost too heavy for mortal wear.
The archbishop's voice echoed through the cathedral, reciting the sacred rites in Latin. Louis's gaze traveled upward to the colossal figure of Christ in the stained glass, his arms outstretched as if in judgment or benediction.
The coronation proper begins with the bishops' petition that the traditional rights of the Church be maintained and the king's reply, followed by the king's taking of the coronation oath,[9] in the Bourbon era on the Reims Gospel. Then the Recognition takes place followed by the singing of the Te Deum. Then the prayer, "Inscrutable God." and then the buskins and spurs are placed upon the king's feet and his invested and gird with the Coronation Sword, Joyeuse, with the formula "Accept this sword from our hands." Then the antiphon: "I was glad when they said to me, let us go into the house of the Lord" (Psalm 122:1). The soon-to-be-king removes his coat and other outerwear and the special silver latchets on his silk shirt are opened to expose his chest, upper back and the joints of his arms. While a special versicle and response and a collect (unique to the French rite) are said, a paten with Chrism on it is placed on the altar, and the Abbot of St. Remi presents the Saint Ampoule to the Archbishop, who with a small golden stylus removes a small particle from the contents of the Sainte Ampoule and carefully mixes it with the Chrism on the paten.
In the galleries above, whispers buzzed like wasps among the noble spectators. One of the nobles leaned toward a fellow peer, his lips curled in a sly smile.
"The boy's a lamb, easily led. Mark my words, we'll see the parlements restored before the year is out."
Another cluster of nobles gathered in the shadow of a column, their conversation hushed but intense. They spoke of alliances, debts, and favors—schemes to tighten their grip on a monarchy they saw as an instrument for their gain. The coronation was a spectacle, yes, but for many, it was also an opportunity.
Louis felt the weight of their stares. To them, he was not a man but a crown, a symbol to manipulate. Yet, he also knew the people outside—thousands who had gathered in the square, hoping for bread, justice, and stability—would see him as their savior. The burden of expectations was suffocating he even started to panic.
Litany of the Saints is chanted by two archbishops or bishops, concluding with two prayers. The Archbishop then says the formal prayer of consecration:
"God eternal, All powerful, Creator and Governor of the Heavens and the Earth, Maker and Disposer of angels and of men, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Thou who madest Abraham Thy faithful servant to triumph over his enemies, who hast raised to the highest in the Kingdom David, Thy humble servant, and hast delivered him out of the mouth of the lion, and out of the paw of the beast, and likewise from Goliath, and from the malicious sword of Saul, and from all his enemies, and has enriched Solomon with the wondrous gift of wisdom and of peace, forgive and accept our humble prayers, and multiply the gifts of Thy blessings on this Thy servant, who with all humble devotion, we, with one accord, choose for King, and we beseech Thee encompass him evermore, and in all places with the right hand of Thy power, so that strengthened by the fidelity of Abraham, possessed of the patience of Joshua, inspired with the humility of David, adorned with the wisdom of Solomon, he may be to Thee ever pleasing, and walk evermore without offence in the way of justice, and henceforth in such wise succour, direct, guard and uplift the church of the whole kingdom, and the people belonging thereto, may he administer with puissance and right royally the rule of Thy power against all enemies visible and invisible, may he not abandon his rights over the kingdoms of the Franks, the Burgundians, and of Aquitania, but aided by Thee inspire them with their sometime loyalty so that made glad by the fidelity of all his people, and provided with the helmet of Thy protection, and ever guarded with the invincible buckler, and compassed about with the celestial armies, he may happily triumph over his enemies, cause the infidel to fear his power, and with joy bring peace to those who fight under Thy banner. Adorn him by many a gracious blessing, with the virtues with the which Thou hast enriched Thy faithful ones aforesaid, counsel him richly in the government of the kingdom, and anoint him with the grace of the Holy Spirit"
The Archbishop, sitting, then anoints the king with the Chrism in the form of a cross on the top of the head, on the breast, between the shoulders, on both shoulders, and the joints of both arms, each time saying.
"I anoint thee king with holy oil in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
In the front pew, Marie Antoinette clasped her hands together, her face radiant with joy. Her gown was a marvel of French fashion—an ivory silk dress adorned with intricate silver embroidery, its bodice cinched with a girdle of diamonds. A voluminous train of the same silk cascaded behind her, lined with ermine and sparkling with delicate beadwork. Her white hair was styled high, adorned with a diamond tiara that caught the light like a crown of stars.
She stole a glance at Louis, kneeling at the altar, and felt a surge of affection. He looked so solemn, so burdened, yet there was a quiet strength in his posture. Marie's thoughts were less burdened with duty than his—she envisioned the grand balls they would host, the court's glittering splendor, and the power they would wield. France was theirs, a kingdom of untold wealth and opportunity.
In another discreet corner of the banquet hall, Count Mercy-Argenteau, Austria's ambassador to France, observed the festivities with practiced calculation. His powdered wig and embroidered coat marked him as a courtier his thoughts were fixed not on the glittering splendor of the evening but on the young queen. Marie Antoinette had proven herself charming, even captivating, in the French court, but she was still Austrian by birth and blood. To Mercy and the court in Vienna, this was not a coronation to celebrate—it was an opportunity to exploit.
"She is the key"
Mercy murmured to a companion, a fellow diplomat from Vienna.
"If we can cultivate her loyalty, she can influence the king in our favor. France's alliance with Austria must be preserved at all costs."
Mercy's lips curved into a thin smile.
"She is ambitious and eager for approval. We will feed those ambitions while subtly steering her. The king is young and uncertain—his queen's voice will weigh heavily in his decisions."
Across the room, Marie Antoinette caught Mercy's eye and offered a polite nod. He of course replied in kind, smiling to himself and thinking how to best make use of the situation.
The ceremony continued as the Archbishop and the assisting priests and deacons closed the silver latchets of the king's shirt which opened for the anointing.
After this, the king, standing up, was vested in the tunicle, dalmatic, and royal mantle, all of 'azure blue' velvet sprinkled with fleurs-de-lys of gold, representing the three Catholic orders of subdeacon, deacon, and priest. Kneeling again, the young king was anointed in the palms of both hands by the Archbishop, who recited the formula Unguantur manus istae, as follows:
"Be those hands anointed with sanctified oil, as kings and prophets were anointed, and as Samuel anointed David king, so that you be blessed and constituted king in this kingdom, that the Lord your God gave you to rule and govern. This may He vouchsafe to grant, Who lives and reigns God, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever."
Thereafter the Archbishop concluded the ceremonies of the anointing by reciting the prayer Deus, qui es iustorum gloria.
After this, the royal gloves are blessed with two prayers (adapted from those used to bless those of a bishop) and are placed upon the king's hands. Then the ring is blessed with the prayer "Bless, O Lord, and sanctify this ring." and placed upon the king's hand with the original French formula, "Receive the ring." and the prayer "God to whom belongs all power." Then the scepter is placed into his right hand with the formula "Receive the scepter, the sign of kingly power." and the prayer "Lord, the fount of all good things." and the Hand of Justice in his left hand with the form "Receive the Rod of virtue and equity" The Archbishop of Reims took the Crown of Charlemagne and everybody in the Cathedral went silent as the Archbishop proclaims
"God crown thee with a crown of glory, receive this crown"
And set the crown on the king's head, while the other eleven peers touched it with their right hands. Immediately after the Coronation, the Archbishop recited the prayer Deus perpetuitatis
The Archbishop then says several blessings
After this, the king was lifted up into his throne on the rood screen by the lay peers, as the Archbishop said the words.
"Stand fast and hold firm the place."
The Archbishop says the prayer "God, who gave to Moses victory." and kisses the king with the words "May the king live forever"
Following the bishop, the whole Cathedral came to life with shouts
"Long may he live!"
"Long live the King!"
"Vive le Roi!"
As he rose, the crown heavy on his head, Louis turned to face the congregation. A sea of faces stared back—nobles, clergy, and courtiers who cheered with feigned devotion. The booming of the organ filled the cathedral, and the choir sang a hymn that resonated to the heavens.
The moment felt surreal, as if he were both present and absent, a man and a myth. Yet, amidst the grandeur, his doubts lingered. Would he be a ruler for the people? Or a pawn for the powerful? Or will he change nothing and his head will be at the mercy of a guillotine?
A/N: I'm never promising you anything... I was so hyped to sit back and write for a whole November just to be bombarded by work and other issues, honestly fuck live I hate it.
Oh and Merry Christmas and Happy new year!!!
For me the week from 23 till 31 will be crazy, first Christmas visit all the relatives, then on 26th I will go to my friends HB will return home on 27th then my brother is coming from Germany so I will spend time with him till 29th, then my friends are coming on 30th to my house and then from 30th till the next year we are drinking our asses off.
DC: https://discord.gg/SUeu6Ddejz
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Roasin
Roasin DC: https://discord.gg/SUeu6Ddejz
Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
Creation is hard, cheer me up!
I tagged this book, come and support me with a thumbs up!
Like it ? Add to library！
Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.
— New chapter is coming soon — Write a review
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone