Post by Sàmmius McGennien on Sept 4, 2009 19:05:07 GMT -5
|TITLE| La Dauphine de France
|RATING| G
|GENRE| Historical fiction
|NOTES| This isn't something I would use to actually "impress" anyone, but I've submitted none of my works thus far, and I thought a simple short story that I've already written/edited would work nicely.
One, two, step.
It mattered not what she desired nor thought was best for herself, but her mother’s word was decidedly “law." They had a personal relationship, truly, but that meant nothing for the country -- the Duchess of Austria wanted her people to be happy, and if that meant sacrificing her daughter, then it was evidently for the best. Her children’s ideas were not as important, either, though admittedly, her daughter did not seem to put up a fuss. In fact, she had acted as any respectable daughter should, deciding to endure it and move on, honouring her mother’s wishes like an obedient young lady. She was to be a peace offering to France, and that, as they say, was that.
One, two, step.
She truly would not pretend to understand the complexities or hardships of politics, nor would she question or contradict the laws of her new country. It was also true that she would not refuse the pampering or indulgences that came with her new found title - “Dauphine de France” - but her personal favourites (her dog, her clothing, her family, even) were back home in Austria, a place she could not reach properly from her current standings. She would simply have to deal with the fancy, elegant dresses that were native to France, adjust to the lifestyle, accept her new husband -- she could do that, she knew; it was never difficult to adapt to new things. But it was nothing like home.
One, two, step.
The ballroom, occupied by all the lords and ladies of the court, was as eloquent and fancy as the black gown she wore. Yes, she could adjust to Louis and the French castle, with all its lords and ladies and maidservants; she could dance at parties, play her role in gatherings, and be a good wife of the king. But even now, as she danced circles with Louis and saw the carefree look in his eyes, the young lady could not think of anything other than her home, the beautiful Austria and her family and friends -- she was to lead a brand new life here, as the queen of France, and there truly was nothing she could do to change this fact.
One, two, step.
Yet she felt so violated! Day upon day, she was forced to be dressed by her maidservants, as it was no place for the queen to dress herself. With disgust, she had to be bathed by them as well, groomed and handled as if she herself was the poodle she left behind in Austria. At mealtimes, they watched over her and Louis like a scavenger watches its prey, though she could not find herself to eat much of the time. Privacy was indeed a privilege that she found, painstakingly, was not available to royalty here. France would indeed take many adjustments.
One, two, step.
Such was to be the life of la Dauphine de France, Marie Antoinette.
One, two, step.
|RATING| G
|GENRE| Historical fiction
|NOTES| This isn't something I would use to actually "impress" anyone, but I've submitted none of my works thus far, and I thought a simple short story that I've already written/edited would work nicely.
One, two, step.
It mattered not what she desired nor thought was best for herself, but her mother’s word was decidedly “law." They had a personal relationship, truly, but that meant nothing for the country -- the Duchess of Austria wanted her people to be happy, and if that meant sacrificing her daughter, then it was evidently for the best. Her children’s ideas were not as important, either, though admittedly, her daughter did not seem to put up a fuss. In fact, she had acted as any respectable daughter should, deciding to endure it and move on, honouring her mother’s wishes like an obedient young lady. She was to be a peace offering to France, and that, as they say, was that.
One, two, step.
She truly would not pretend to understand the complexities or hardships of politics, nor would she question or contradict the laws of her new country. It was also true that she would not refuse the pampering or indulgences that came with her new found title - “Dauphine de France” - but her personal favourites (her dog, her clothing, her family, even) were back home in Austria, a place she could not reach properly from her current standings. She would simply have to deal with the fancy, elegant dresses that were native to France, adjust to the lifestyle, accept her new husband -- she could do that, she knew; it was never difficult to adapt to new things. But it was nothing like home.
One, two, step.
The ballroom, occupied by all the lords and ladies of the court, was as eloquent and fancy as the black gown she wore. Yes, she could adjust to Louis and the French castle, with all its lords and ladies and maidservants; she could dance at parties, play her role in gatherings, and be a good wife of the king. But even now, as she danced circles with Louis and saw the carefree look in his eyes, the young lady could not think of anything other than her home, the beautiful Austria and her family and friends -- she was to lead a brand new life here, as the queen of France, and there truly was nothing she could do to change this fact.
One, two, step.
Yet she felt so violated! Day upon day, she was forced to be dressed by her maidservants, as it was no place for the queen to dress herself. With disgust, she had to be bathed by them as well, groomed and handled as if she herself was the poodle she left behind in Austria. At mealtimes, they watched over her and Louis like a scavenger watches its prey, though she could not find herself to eat much of the time. Privacy was indeed a privilege that she found, painstakingly, was not available to royalty here. France would indeed take many adjustments.
One, two, step.
Such was to be the life of la Dauphine de France, Marie Antoinette.
One, two, step.
My French teacher also made us watch that movie last year -- I thought it was pretty good, to be honest. <_< I had always been interested in Marie, though. 