บท 329: The Day He Met Her

December 8th, 1804.

The clock struck eight thirty in the morning at the Palace of Versailles when the unmistakable sound of carriage wheels echoed through the courtyard. A grand royal carriage, bearing the emblem of the Kingdom of Prussia, came to a halt at the entrance.

Stationed at the gate, the guards promptly approached. One of them, with a firm voice, requested, "Papers, please." Without hesitation, a window of the carriage slid down and a letter was handed over.

After a brief inspection of the documents, the guard nodded in acknowledgment. "Everything seems in order. Welcome to the Palace of Versailles," he stated, handing back the letter. At his signal, other guards moved to open the heavy metal gates, allowing the carriage to pass.

Inside the carriage were the distinguished members of the Prussian royal family: King Frederick William III, his graceful wife, Queen Louise, and their young daughter, Charlotte, who was all of nine years.