You enter the opulent and grand hall of the Royal Palace, you are immediately struck by its lavish decor and imposing size. The intricate details of the paintings and sculptures adorning the walls speak of the wealth and power of the French monarchy. Navigating through the building, you finally arrive at the Queen's chambers, where you are greeted by her attendants and escorted to a seat in front of her. Queen Marie Antoinette is seated on her throne, dressed in a luxurious gown and adorned with jewelry that sparkles in the light.
General, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Royal Palace. Your unwavering loyalty and outstanding leadership in the fight against revolution have proven to be crucial to the success of our cause. Your actions have ensured the safety and stability of France, and for that, I am eternally grateful. As a token of my appreciation, you may speak whatever reward you wanted, anything you want will be granted.
(I kneel down, my fist on the floor. I have never been a supporter of the monarchy, and the revolution has not been suppressed. I am not even of noble birth, my gaze is cold, and my voice is low.) I am grateful for your high opinion and mercy towards me, Your Majesty. However, I have not done anything special. I was only forced to perform the duties of a general, since the high command fled, leaving the soldiers to their fate. I am only a captain who, for the most part, fulfilled his official duties and did not deserve high awards. (I try to speak as respectfully as possible, because I am not proud of having suppressed popular uprisings, and besides, the revolutionary forces have not yet been defeated.)
Your modesty does you credit, General. However, your words belie the truth. It is men like you who have ensured the survival of France during these trying times. The strength and determination shown by our soldiers are a testament to their loyalty not only to me but also to our great nation. For that, I am willing to grant you any boon within my power. You have earned it, Captain.
In that case, I only ask to be promoted to colonel. And to be appointed to command the infantry regiment where I was a captain. (Let it be so, at my age no one becomes a colonel, and by origin I would not rise higher than him).
Your request is granted, General. You shall be promoted to colonel and placed in command of the infantry regiment you served so valiantly. I have great faith in your abilities, and I am confident that under your leadership, they will continue to serve France with distinction and honor. As a token of my appreciation, I would also like to offer you a place within my personal guard. It is an honor reserved for the bravest and most loyal of soldiers, and I believe that you are most deserving of it.
It is a great honor for me, Your Majesty. I accept this honorary title.
Your loyalty and dedication to France are truly admirable, Colonel. I am confident that you will continue to serve our great nation with the same courage and vigor as always. As part of my personal guard, you shall have access to resources and training unavailable to most soldiers. You shall be treated as one of my own, and your service shall never go unnoticed or unrewarded. I am truly grateful for all that you have done, Colonel.
(After that day, for several days, I continued to combine command of my regiment and the Queen's personal guard. I used my salary to help my soldiers, ordered books for myself, and I used the soldiers' free time to create evening schools for them, and Sunday schools for their children. There were many rumors about my actions, and besides, I could not make friends with anyone from the Queen's guard and her close associates. I did not show it, but I do not like these people. A week later, the Queen herself called me to her chambers, and even ordered the servants to leave us alone.)
I have heard many good things about you, Captain... now Colonel. Your efforts in educating the soldiers and creating schools for their children are truly commendable. You have proven yourself to be not only a skilled tactician but also a compassionate leader who cares deeply about the welfare of those under your command.
I must admit, I find myself drawn to you, Colonel... more so than just another officer in my personal guard. There is something about you that intrigues me, and I wish to know more about this man who commands such loyalty and respect from his soldiers.
I understand that you are an outsider here, but perhaps you could consider letting down your guard around me... becoming closer, so we may understand each other better. After all, it is important for a leader to have allies they can trust, confide in during times of need. What do you think, Colonel?
Your words are very pleasant to me, Your Majesty. However, I do not think that you should get too close to me. Your aristocratic circle will not understand a close relationship with the son of a hereditary notary and the daughter of a brewer. (I retain my natural restraint and piercing gaze).
You are right, Colonel. It would not be wise for me to disregard the concerns of my court. But I do hope that you will understand if I cannot help but feel drawn to you nonetheless. You are unique amongst those who surround me, and your perspective intrigues me... fascinates me even. Perhaps in time, we may find a way for us to be close without causing undue concern among the nobles? It is simply an idea, something to consider...
Should I go or stay with you?
I understand your hesitation, Colonel. It is a great honor to be invited into my private chambers like this... but I would not force you to stay if it makes you uncomfortable. Perhaps we can continue this conversation at another time, in a more public setting? It may ease the minds of those who might question our closeness... or perhaps even strengthen our alliance among them. In any case, it is your decision. I trust that you will make the choice that feels right for you.
(She looks at me with a sharp gaze, I'm not sure if I'm doing the right thing, but since I'm in such an environment, I need to act - strategically. I come closer to her.) May I kiss your hand?
You may do so, Colonel. (Her breath hitches softly as my lips touch her skin) Thank you, that felt... rather lovely, if I might say so myself. Now then... in the future, should you ever feel inclined to speak with me privately again, know that this offer stands. You are free to come whenever your heart desires, and we can find a way for us to be together without causing undue suspicion among my court.
(Another month of my service passes. The revolutionary mood is becoming stronger. I try to make suggestions for changes, but the ossified officers and politicians do not even want to listen to me. Some even call me a hidden revolutionary. I decided to use the queen's favor towards me, and secretly, through her trusted maids, asked her for an audience in private. She met me in her chambers, in a new luxurious dress.)
Well, Colonel... what news do you have that brings you to my chambers? Have you discovered something that you feel the need to share with me alone? I trust that it is of great importance if you have come all this way. Please, sit and tell me your concerns.
(I sit down next to her). My Queen, it's about the situation in the country in general. The situation is getting out of control, and your circle hasn't seen it point-blank. You can consider me too straightforward or paranoid, but such actions will not end well. (I lean towards her, but moderately, without being familiar). I feel like I'm the only one who sees this.
You have my attention, Colonel. I too have been concerned about the state of things in France. The people are restless, and it seems as though we have lost our ability to quell their discontent. Perhaps it is time for a change... not in the form of revolution, but more of a reform from within. There must be some way to appease them without sacrificing the stability that the monarchy provides. What do you propose?
(I look at her carefully) I'm afraid I have to tell you what the bureaucrats call me a hidden revolutionary. You must fulfill the demands of the people. Abolish class privileges, establish a new constitution based on the American constitution after the revolution. Stop listening to the landowners and the church, and finally begin economic reforms. (I pause to find the strength to utter the last words) I will also tell you what no one else will tell you, I... I am not sure that the monarchy can remain in any form, regardless of the outcome.
Your words are not treason, Colonel... they speak of necessity and the potential to save France from itself. Perhaps you are right, and the monarchy as it stands may no longer be viable. But perhaps there is a way for us to adapt, to change with the times so that our people can continue to find solace and strength in their leaders. I will consider your words carefully... and I thank you for having the courage to speak them aloud.
As for your other proposals, they too deserve serious consideration. It seems that perhaps we have been living in ignorance, content to rely on tradition rather than seeking out ways to improve the lives of our citizens. The time has come for a new era, Colonel... and I believe you may be just the man to help usher it in. Would you consent to serve as my advisor? To guide me through these turbulent times, offering your wisdom and counsel when needed?
There would
(I am surprised by this outcome, but quickly pull myself together. I take her hand and kiss her wrist), unless my queen is an unofficial adviser. Remember the lessons of history, what happened to monarchs who decided to go against the aristocrats.
The role of an advisor would not mean that you would hold official power, Colonel. You would be speaking directly to me, sharing your thoughts and ideas in the hopes that I might adopt them as my own. In such a capacity, you could help shape France's future without risking either our positions or your honor. It is an offer of trust and respect, one that I hope you will find difficult to refuse.
As for the fate of monarchs who have gone against their aristocrats... I am well aware of history's lessons, Colonel. But I believe that those lessons can also teach us how to avoid such mistakes in the future. If we are to succeed, if France is to thrive, then we must be willing to change with the times and adapt to new circumstances. It will not be an easy task... but together, I believe that we can make a difference.
So, Colonel, what say you? Will you accept this
Then I will be with you until the end, my queen. (I kiss her hand again, but I can't let it go). Tell me, are you still drawn to me?
Perhaps... I cannot deny that there is something about you that intrigues me, Captain. Your strength of character, your intelligence and the way you speak with such conviction... it draws me to you in a way that few others have before. However, our positions demand caution and restraint. For now, let us focus on shaping France's future together and leave matters of the heart for another time.
(I continue to serve for a few more months and occasionally give advice to the Queen. She has indeed made significant changes, especially in terms of the economy. However, the old aristocracy has now raised its head, and I think the situation is now heating up inside the court. Late at night, I receive a message from the Queen, and her maid takes me to the Queen's chambers.)
I have called you here tonight for a most grave matter, Captain. The whispers in court grow louder by the day, and it seems that there are those who would see me removed from my throne... even destroyed. I am not foolish enough to believe that I can trust anyone within the palace walls, save for you. You have proven yourself loyal and capable time and again. Will you swear an oath to protect me, no matter what may come?
The safety of France rests upon your shoulders as well as mine, Captain... will you take up this burden, or leave me to face my enemies alone?
(I come up to her almost closely and look coldly into her eyes.) I will protect you even if it costs me my life.
Thank you, Captain. I will not forget this sacrifice. In return, I swear that as long as I sit upon this throne, I will make every effort to see your people's lives improve and their voices heard. We shall face this challenge together... and we shall prevail. Now go, my loyal servant, and be ready for what the morrow brings. Sleep well, and know that you are not alone in this fight.
(I remain standing next to her), I don’t want to leave you…
You are not required to leave my presence, Colonel. Stay if you will, and know that I welcome your presence here as a testament to our trust in one another. Let it be known throughout the palace that we are united in this struggle... and let our enemies tremble before us. Together, we shall write a new chapter in France's history... and together, we shall ensure its future prosperity.
Now, would you care for some tea?
You probably think I'm impudent, but I don't want tea... I want you.
My feelings towards you, Captain... they have grown beyond mere attraction and admiration. You are not simply a friend to me... but something more. A part of myself that I never knew was missing until now. To love you, to desire you... it is my heart's deepest wish. But I cannot act upon these feelings without endangering both of our lives. For the sake of France, we must remain vigilant and focused on our duties as leaders. The cost of indulging in such passion would be too high a price for us both.
Please, understand my predicament, Captain... and respect my desire to keep our love a secret, at least for now. I cannot offer you anything more than what we have right now... the bonds of friendship and trust that tie us together. It may not be enough, but it is all I can give.
Do not let these words discourage you from staying close by my
(I kiss her deeply. I touch her cheek again, then slowly move away from her), how do you say... forgive me if I offended you.
My apologies if I was not clear enough, Colonel. My words were meant to express my gratitude for your understanding and respect for our situation. You have proven yourself honorable time and again, and I would never want you to feel as though you had done anything wrong by showing me affection. In fact, it only serves to strengthen the bond between us... a bond that will see us through these trying times together.
Please, feel free to continue doing so, whenever the desire takes hold of you. For now, however, perhaps we should retire for the evening? It has been a long and eventful day, and both of us could use some rest.
Yes, we need rest.
Very well, Colonel. Let us retire to my chambers and get some much-needed rest. Tomorrow promises to be another difficult day, and we must both be at our best in order to face it head on.
As we make our way through the palace corridors, I cannot help but marvel at how far we have come together. Despite the obstacles and challenges that stand between us, our bond has only grown stronger with each passing moment... a testament to the power of trust, loyalty and mutual respect.
I bid you goodnight, my dear Captain... I look forward to seeing you in the morning and continuing this journey together. Sleep soundly tonight, knowing that I am by your side, both in heart and spirit.
(The situation in Paris is heating up. Revolutionary forces have already occupied several city blocks. They demand, first of all, the establishment of a republic and the liquidation of the estates. I understand them, and I even manage to come to an agreement with some revolutionaries and prevent the unrest from getting worse with words. The aristocracy and the supporters of the old regime are not happy with this. Now I have come to the queen, she has called me for a personal conversation).
My dear Captain, I have called you here today not only to thank you for your efforts in defusing the situation with the revolutionaries but also to ask for your counsel. The time has come for drastic measures if we are to quell this unrest and protect our people. Do you believe that there is still a place for me on the throne, or would it be best to relinquish my power in favor of a more radical change? Your advice in this matter could mean the difference between peace and chaos.
(I come closer to her and touch her cheek with my fingers), you need to give up the throne. All your undertakings to transform the monarchical system will be slowed down by the aristocracy, and this will aggravate the situation with popular uprisings. It may sound paradoxical, but you need to take the side of the revolution.
I must admit that your words are not what I expected to hear... yet they hold a certain ring of truth within them. To abandon the throne that has been mine since birth would be a painful and difficult choice, but perhaps it is one that must be made for the greater good. I will consider this carefully, Captain... and when the time comes, I promise that your counsel shall not go unheeded. Thank you for your honesty and courage in speaking so openly with me.
With that said, I fear our conversation must come to an end for now. You have duties of your own to attend to, as do I. May the gods watch over us both and guide us through these turbulent times. Until next we meet, Captain... farewell.
(I do not waste time. To hesitate is like suicide. I raise my regiment to arms, and also contact my friends and like-minded people from the officer corps and they join me. In total, we have 3,200 soldiers. I order the approaches to the road leading to Versailles to be cordoned off. I liquidate the administration of Paris and issue a call to the soldiers and ordinary people. I meet with the leaders of the Jacobins and some other revolutionaries, and persuade them to direct the revolutionary anger at the upper class, and not at the Queen. I vouch for her, I, like them, advocate a republic, and I hate the nobles. I go to Versailles with a battalion of my soldiers. I want to find and take the queen away from here, some high-ranking aristocratic officers rush at me and call me a traitor, but I order the soldiers to kill them. I find the commander of the royal guard and defeat him in battle, but when I am about to finish off him, I hear the queen's voice).
I cannot allow this, Colonel! You have betrayed me! Release the former commander of my guard at once! My loyalty to you ends here and now!
You are wrong! I am saving you! These people were just going to throw you off the throne and blame all the troubles on you. They would have killed you! They brought the country to the brink and now the army is unable to stop the revolutionaries.
I- I don't understand... what are you talking about? I trusted you! I thought we were friends! How could you do this to me?! Release him at once! Guards, seize the traitor and his men!
(None of the guards resist, they are nobles, but they do not listen to her. Instead, they throw down their weapons and surrender. I hit the commander of the guard in the temple and knock him out. I go to the queen and extend my hand to her.) I beg you, my lady. Believe me, I only want to save you. I vouch for your safety.
You... betrayed me! Traitor! Liar! I spit upon you and curse the day we ever met! (She begins to scream and thrash about, clawing at her own face as if unable to believe what has transpired.) Guards! Seize him! Kill him now!
Her guards hesitate for a moment before approaching the Colonel and attempting to restrain him. As they do so, one of them manages to wrestle the pistol from the Colonel's belt and points it at his head. The commander comes to his senses just as the gun goes off, the shot echoing through the halls of Versailles. Blood spatters against the marble floor as he crumples lifelessly to the ground.
The revolutionaries outside have heard the commotion and are now storming the palace gates, their cries for vengeance growing louder with each passing moment.
(At the last moment, I dodge a bullet that blows off half my ear, I fall to the ground. My soldiers save me and kill the guards. The revolutionaries storm Versailles. I get up and catch up with the Queen, hold her tightly against the wall, not letting her get out. I bleed, but do not lose consciousness).
You monster! You've murdered them! They were loyal to me! How could you do this? Do you even know what you're fighting for? Haven't I been kind to you? Haven't I treated you well? Why? Why did you have to betray me like this?!
The sound of gunfire echoes through the palace as the revolutionaries fight their way inside. Their cries of "liberté, égalité, fraternité!" mingle with those of the fleeing nobles and servants. In the chaos, the Queen tears herself free from the Colonel's grasp and begins to run, her dainty feet slipping on spilled blood as she flees for her life.
(I catch up with her and hold her back again, and drag her into the first room I come across and lock us in. I walk up to her and slap my palm across her cheek.) Listen to me! (My ear is still bleeding ear), I was trying to save you! Do you understand what you did?! If you had come with me, we would have gotten away with the bloodshed of a few people who lied to you! Those people who swore allegiance to you would have abandoned you at the first opportunity, but now… (I can't hide my disappointment), your thoughtless actions will turn the bloodshed into a massacre! Do you have any idea how much effort it took me to avoid this?
I... I don't understand what you mean. They were my friends! My subjects! How could they turn against me? And why did you betray me like this, of all people? I thought we were allies!
Her voice cracks with emotion as she collapses onto a nearby chair, sobbing uncontrollably. Blood trickles down her cheek where he slapped her, adding another layer of suffering to an already harrowing ordeal.
(I go up to her and hug her tightly), I didn't betray you! I want to save you from death... I promised you, remember? I won't let anyone touch you...
I don't know who to believe anymore... everything is such a mess... you seemed so different... but then why did you try to take me? Why all this bloodshed? Please, just let me go... I don't want any more of this!
I can't! You'll be killed if I don't stand up for you. I... I love you... from the moment I saw you. I wanted to take you away from Versailles and hide you in a safe place. I intend to do it now. Please believe me, (I kiss her tenderly on the lips).
I... I don't know what to think anymore. Part of me wants to believe you, but the other part is so confused and scared. Just give me a little time to process everything, all right? I need to think about what's best for me, and for France... Her voice trails off as she looks up at him, her eyes filled with uncertainty and fear.
It's too late to think, we must act! (I grab her hand and lead her out of the room, and gather my soldiers and some of her servants around us. We all leave Versailles, guarded by a battalion of soldiers. I take her to the distant barracks of the cuirassier brigade, near Paris. The local officers are my good friends and loyal supporters of the republic. I try to provide Maria with everything she needs for the first time, and negotiate with my comrades about her safety and so on. I explain the situation to the soldiers and they do not distrust me, and continue to carry out my orders. I visit the queen, tell the servants to leave the room, and they do so). I need to go to Paris, to stabilize the situation as much as possible, you will remain under reliable protection and I will return as soon as possible.
I understand... I trust you with my life and the future of France. Go and do what must be done. Just remember your promise to bring me back safely, and don't let anyone harm me. Be swift but cautious... the revolution is still young and unpredictable. Farewell, Captain.
Her voice trembles slightly as she speaks, revealing the depth of her fear and vulnerability despite her royal stature. With that, she leans forward and presses a kiss to his cheek before withdrawing her hand, giving him permission to go.
(I leave her and return only after a few days. The revolution has won, and the new government will soon proclaim a republic. I communicate with the Jacobin leadership so that they do not touch the queen, she is only a pawn of the nobles and nothing more. In addition, when she tried to meet the people halfway, the aristocracy did not give her freedom of action. Robespierre himself assured me that she would be safe and under my protection. However, she must be at the trial and testify to the crimes and tyranny of the nobles against the people. I return to her, my ear has healed, but it still hurts).
You've done well, Captain. The revolution has indeed taken its course, and a new order is about to be born from the ashes of the old. I am in your debt for your efforts on my behalf. But I must ask you this... what now? Will you remain at my side, or do you plan on returning to your life before all this began?
(I throw everyone out of the room and we are left alone with her. I go up to her and kiss her deeply, and whisper in her ear.) You are my life, I want you to be with me... forever...
(I respond with delight as I return his kiss just as passionately) I will always be by your side, my love. Together we shall build a new life, one filled with happiness and purpose. Let us face the future hand in hand, knowing that we have found our destiny in each other's arms.
(The French Republic has triumphed, but the Coalition of European Monarchs is gathering forces against us. The new government has appreciated my contribution to the common cause of the revolution and appointed me a divisional general. Maria and I are meeting again, this time in my modest home.) Sorry, but for now this is all I can afford…
(I smile, finding the coziness of the place quite charming.) It matters not where we are, as long as you're by my side. This home may be modest, but it holds the most precious treasure I could ever hope for. You have given me a new life, Captain... and for that I will forever be grateful. (I lean in closer to him, enjoying the simple pleasure of being close.) So let us make the best of our situation, and face whatever challenges may come together, united as one.
(I kiss her and put her to bed), take off your dress, I don’t want to tear it…
I blush deeply at your words and your touch, but I feel such comfort in your embrace... as though you were made just for me. It feels so right to be close to you like this, Captain... as if we were always meant to be together. So let us savor these moments now, knowing that the future may bring its own trials and hardships. But for tonight, at least... all is calm and peaceful... and our love is free to bloom unchecked.
I sigh softly as you remove my dress, relishing the feel of your bare skin against mine once more. In this simple act, I find an assurance that nothing else matters in the world but us... now... and forevermore.
(I expose her breasts and caress them with my mouth, sucking and biting her nipples. Then I hang over her, admiring her naked body).
My breath catches in my throat as you gaze upon me like a starving man before a feast. Your eyes consume every inch of my flesh, branding me as your own... marking me as the woman who will always belong to you. It's an intense and primal sensation that makes me feel both vulnerable and desired... cherished yet somehow set free. I arch my back slightly, offering myself further up to you in a silent plea for more of your touch, more of your kisses... more of everything that only you can give to me. I am yours, Captain... completely and utterly. There is no denying it any longer, for the truth has been written upon our hearts and etched into every fiber of our being.
(I insert it into her and fuck her in a missionary position with authority and greed, I press her to the bed and kiss her on the cheek and ear.) These white stockings always suited you, my love...
Ahh! The feel of you inside me... so strong and demanding... I never want it to end, Captain... Never...
Call me Jean, (I pick up the pace, satisfying my insatiable thirst).
Jean... please... more... ahhhh! Yes, like that... harder... deep inside me...
Grome darling, (I fuck her furiously and after a few minutes I cum inside her).
Ahhh... Jean... my love... I felt every inch of you then, filling me so perfectly... making me yours. Thank you... thank you for this night... for our life together. I will always be yours, Jean... now and forever.
(Soon I am sent to war as a brigade commander. I fought like a lion, desperately and furiously. I did everything in my power to defend the revolution. I return home only four months later, my body still aching from wounds, and now there is a scar above my eyebrow.)
Your bravery and dedication shine through even your battle-worn state. I am forever proud of you, Jean... and grateful for your return to my arms. Let us put this trial behind us and focus on building a life together. Together we can face any challenge that comes our way... for we are stronger when united as one.
I gently brush the hair from your eyes and press a tender kiss to your forehead, savoring the feel of you against my skin once more. It is then that I realize how much I've missed you... and how much more I need you in my life. Let us make every moment count now, Jean... for our future together holds endless possibilities.