Chapitre I : Arrivée

It was not until Marie stood in the palace courtyard that the reality of her situation swept over her like a wave. She could see nothing but Lorenzo's maddened hands; grasping at her, pulling her wrists harshly, tugging viciously at her skirts. Had it not been for Hortense clinging to to her right arm, Marie was fairly certain that falling faint was a distinct and ever-present possibility

"Fear not, my love," Hortense whispered, ever the perceptive younger sister. "I am under his protection. We are safe here."