1789, Versailles. Louis XVI has stepped down, and the new king is about to take the throne amidst rising unrest. Figures like Charles Alexandre de Calonne, Jacques Necker, and the Duke of Orléans gather to discuss the future of the monarchy and the kingdom

Charles Alexandre de Calonne (former finance minister): [whispering to Jacques Necker] “So, Louis has relinquished the crown. What will this new king do? Can anyone really fix what Louis couldn’t?”

Jacques Necker (finance minister): [sighing] “The people are angry and starving, and the treasury is empty. If this new king thinks a few reforms will solve this, he’s mistaken.”

Duke of Orléans (Philippe Égalité): [speaking with quiet resolve] “Reforms won’t be enough. The people want more than bread. They want power. A new king must recognize that or risk losing everything.”

Calonne: “But if he gives too much, the nobility will revolt. We risk destroying the monarchy itself.”

Necker: “The people won’t be pacified with promises. The unrest is already spreading, and they’ll demand change. If the king doesn’t act quickly, they’ll come for us.”

Duke of Orléans: [mockingly] “The people are awakening. The question isn’t if the king will give in—it’s whether he can control the forces of change already in motion.”

Calonne: [nervously] “He must act with strength. If he weakens the monarchy, we’ll have nothing left to defend.”

Necker: “Strength alone won’t work. The people want justice. If the new king doesn’t address their needs, France will collapse.”

Duke of Orléans: “The old ways are over. If the king doesn’t recognize that, he’ll be overthrown.”

Calonne: “I fear you’re right. If he’s not careful, the monarchy may be lost.”

Necker: “If he listens to reason, he may still save France. But if he doesn’t act, he’ll be swept away.”

Duke of Orléans: “The people are already moving. Will the king lead them, or will he be crushed beneath them?”

[The conversation ends in silence as they all consider the uncertain future of the monarchy]