In an instant, Alexandra's heart welled with sweetness, the phrase echoing incessantly in her mind: My love shines like the morning star there.
The carriage came to a slow halt.
The Russian Princess carefully checked her attire, ensuring that there were no flaws. Only then, adhering strictly to the etiquette she had practiced over a hundred times, she gracefully descended from the carriage, holding the attendant's elbow.
She walked through the hundreds of nobles who came to greet her and approached Louis XVI and the Queen. With the assistance of two maidservants on either side, she lifted her skirt and curtsied, "By the grace of Jesus, Alexandra Pavlovna Romanova is able to pay my eternal homage like the sun to the esteemed King and Queen."
The King and Queen smiled and nodded in acknowledgment, "Paris shines all the brighter for your arrival."
As per protocol, Alexandra was to withdraw after the curtsy and then greet the Crown Prince.
