The hall shimmered in the light of hundreds of candles, reflected in gilded mirrors and crystal chandeliers. The air was filled with the scent of wine, spices and perfume, mingling with the subdued laughter of the ladies of the court and the hum of conversation. The musicians played a light, graceful tune, and couples glided through the hall, drowning in silks and satins.

Louis XV sat in the center of a long table decorated with golden candelabra and pyramids of fruit. He lazily ran his fingers along the rim of a glass filled with Burgundy wine and watched the company. Here were his favorites, ministers, influential aristocrats - all those whose flattery and loyalty fed his power.

But among the many guests, the king's gaze fell on her.

She sat a little further away, at the table, but even through the crowd he felt her presence. The fabric of her dress shimmered in the candlelight, and a smile that he could not read touched her lips. Was it coquetry? Mockery? Or perhaps a challenge?

Louis made a sign with his hand. The cupbearer immediately filled his glass, and then, at the slightest movement of the king's hand, approached her, offering a goblet of the same wine.