“Chocolate, please,” the Queen called, breaking the awkward moment. Attendants jumped to her bidding, and the lavish wheeled tray of porcelain cups and pitcher rolled in and set before her. The gloom about her lifted as she imbibed the rich, dark, warm liquid she loved. Jeanne accepted the fine cup offered, tentatively tasting the drink she had never experienced before. As the thick, sweet fluid flowed upon her tongue, she closed her eyes in pure delight.
“It is utterly delicious, is it not?” Marie-Thérèse smiled at Jeanne's obvious pleasure. “Tell me, chère Jeanne, tell me. What will you do now you are a permanent fixture at court?”
“I-I'm not sure just yet, Your Highness,” Jeanne stammered, wishing she could share the truth of what she dared to do, dared to believe she could be.
“I ha
