Informal chat

After sending Elisabeth off, it's time to focus on the selection.

Caroline reaches the garden with the other girls, and she spots me. She smiles, polite and gentle.

She assumes I'm one of those curious ladies walking around here to take a look. Well, I am, in a certain way...

After all, the choice won't be mine. I will just participate in the shortlist of the candidates. And I made sure my name wouldn't be brought up until the right moment, which is the first challenge for the girls.

Before, I'll be able to talk with them with more sincerity. They won't lick boots to be liked by me because I'm no one in their eyes. What more, I've just had a baby. I'm supposed to stay in the room, resting.

Not working for the crown.

«Hello, ladies,» I say, approaching the first group. Let's give some names to those pretty, and less pretty, faces. «May I sit here?»