Chapter 331 Crown Prince and the Princess


    The garden of Versailles was expansive and meticulously cared for, but Francis and Charlotte hardly noticed it. They walked together yet apart, an invisible line of tension separating them. The war and the impending union, borne out of necessity rather than choice, hung heavily in the air.


    Francis was the first to break the silence. "I''m aware of the tension between our countries, and I sympathize with your family''s situation," he said, his tone careful but sincere. "But I hope we can get to know each other beyond that."


    Charlotte replied with a nomittal hum, her eyes fixed on the path ahead. She was in uncharted waters, and every word and every action was a step into the unknown. Her mother''s instructions echoed in her mind - make the prince fall for her.


    They continued their walk in awkward silence before Francis tried again. "The gardens are really something," he remarked, trying to shift the focus.


    "Yes, they are beautiful," Charlotte replied, allowing herself a moment to appreciate the surroundings. She remembered her role, and for the sake of her family and country, she couldn''t afford to be distant.


    Francis, sensing the opportunity, tried to engage her in a more personal conversation. "Do you have gardens like this in Sanssouci Pce?"


    Charlotte''s expression shifted slightly, a faint glimmer of recognition in her eyes. "Yes, we have gardens at Sanssouci Pce, but they''re different. More intimate, I would say. But Versailles is grand, on apletely different scale."


    Francis nodded, taking in her words. "I''d like to visit them someday," he said, genuine curiosity evident in his tone.


    "That might be arranged," Charlotte responded a hint of yfulness in her voice, the first real emotion she had shown since their conversation started.


    Feeling encouraged, Francis continued, "What do you enjoy doing in your free time, Princess?"


    Charlotte hesitated for a moment before answering, "I read a lot, mainly romance novels. And I y the piano. What about you, Prince?"


    Francis smiled. "Just like my sister, she also loves to read romance novels. As for me, I am more on the technical side. I have a fondness for science and read books about it."


    "You do? What''s her name?"


    "Yes, I do," Francis confirmed. "Her name is Aveline. She''s my twin."


    "Oh, a twin! What does that mean?"


    Charlotte''s curiosity piqued. The conversation was starting to veer away from the stilted formalities.


    "It means Aveline and I were born at the same time," Francis said. "We''ve shared everything since birth – the same birthday, the same environments. We''re siblings of the same age."


    Charlotte nodded, finding the concept intriguing. "That must be quite special, having someone your age in the royal family."


    "It is," Francis agreed. "Aveline and I have a unique bond. We support and understand each other in ways others can''t."


    As they continued their walk, the discussion became a bit more rxed. A gazebo


    looming ahead offered a picturesque view of the gardens, and they made their way towards it.


    Taking their seats, Francis continued their conversation. "So, what do you like to eat?"


    "I love sweets," Charlotte revealed. "Like the marzipan candies we have in Prussia. They''re soft, sweet, and have a slight nutty vor. We also have these pastries, Schneeballen, covered in powdered sugar. They''re quite delightful." Charlotte''s eyes twinkled for a moment, slowly enjoying their interactions.


    "I''ve never tried those, but they sound delicious," Francismented.


    "What about you?" Charlotte asked.


    "I have a sweet tooth as well," Francis admitted with a grin. "There''s this pastry chef in Paris who makes the most delicious éirs. The creamy filling, the soft pastry, and the chocte on top – it''s perfection."


    Charlotte smiled at the prince''s vivid description. It was a simple conversation, yet offered a glimpse into Francis as a person rather than just the Crown Prince of the Empire of France.


    Now that it hade to mind, Charlotte took this opportunity and asked. But


    "Uhm, Your Highness—"


    "Please don''t call me Your Highness, call me by my name," Francis interrupted.


    "Francis—do you speak German? We have been talking in French and I kind of, how do I say this, losing my words," Charlotte admitted, her voice carrying a tone of slight embarrassment.


    Francis chuckled lightly, "I do speak a bit of German, yes. We can switch if that makes you morefortable, mein fr?ulein," Francis replied, switchingnguages seamlessly.


    "Danke," Charlotte expressed her gratitude, her lips curving into a slight smile. The ease of conversing in her mother tongue made her feel a bit more rxed.


    "So, how does it feel to be the future Emperor of France, considered by my parents the strongest country in Europe, or perhaps, in the world?"


    "To be sincerely honest, it''s hard," Francis admitted.


    "How so?"


    "Because my father is just extraordinary. He is a man of science and a genius in the art of warfare. His achievements are so great that I wonder to myself if I can ever match them, let alone surpass them. The pressure is immense, Charlotte."


    "Is that so?" Charlotte said, slowly understanding Francis''s situation.


    "The people of France would have high expectations, and thinking about it, I''m scared of disappointing them," Francis confessed. "It''s not just about leading a country; it''s about upholding a legacy."


    Charlotte could rte to his concerns. They were both young, yet the responsibilities thrust upon them were immense. They were not just individuals; they represented entire nations, and the burden of expectations was heavy.


    "So to prepare myself, I would study day and night," Francis added. "I spend a lot of time with tutors, advisors, and father to learn statecraft, diplomacy, military strategy, and other skills necessary to lead a nation…there''s that…"


    After saying that, silence befell the two. Charlotte could only imagine the hardship Francis was going through right now.


    "That''s hard…" Charlotte said, not finding the right words to express her empathy. "I can see you''remitted to your role and responsibilities, Francis."


    Francis nodded. "It is what it is. But enough about me, what about you, Charlotte? How do you feel about us being engaged?"


    "At first I do mind," Charlotte said. "I hate your father for what he will do to Prussia. Naturally, I would hate you as well because you are his son. But, after hearing all the things you have said, it made me feel guilty for harboring those feelings without getting to know you first."


    Francis listened intently, appreciating her candor. "As for me, Charlotte, I didn''t expect all of this. My father kept it a secret until earlier when he introduced me to you. To be honest, I was starstruck. You are beautiful and it made my heart do things that it had never done before…"


    Hearing that, Charlotte blushed but quicklyposed herself.


    "I appreciate your kind words, Francis," Charlotte responded. The directness of their conversation was surprising, yet it felt liberating in an odd way. "You also look handsome."


    Francis''s cheek flushed a bit red upon hearing that. He rose to his feet and then walked over to her seat.


    "Francis?"


    When Francis was now in front of her, he knelt down to his knees and offered her his hand.


    "Charlotte, while our union may have started as a matter of politics and necessity, I genuinely wish for us to know each other, and hopefully, to grow fond of one another," he began, his eyes earnestly looking into hers. "If it is alright with you, I would like to formally ask for your hand in marriage?"


    Charlotte, taken aback by the suddenness, looked into his eyes, searching for sincerity and truth. She could see the vulnerability and hope reflected in them. Taking a deep breath and gripping his hand, she responded.


    "I ept your hand."


    Francis''s eyes brightened with relief and a genuine smile formed on his face. "Thank you, Charlotte," he whispered, standing up and gently pulling her into a formal yet tender embrace.