Louis looked away from the mirror. “These people you mention would report our business here to others?”

“Undoubtedly, Sire. Do you wish me to act?”

“No.”

“But they came with a cipher that is currently unbreakable. They came knowing there would be a friendly face here. They came confident that –”

Louis held up his hand. “There will come a moment tonight when our Monsieur Montcourt will wish to leave. Let him. Have his horses ready.”

Fabien stepped back and nodded.

“People think us weak,” said the King. “Let them hear that we are strong. Say it once, and all shall hear.” With that, he swept his arm, indicating that Fabien was to take his leave.

The party was underway in the Great Hall, and a lavish affair it was. Hundreds of candles glowed from tabletops and chandeliers. Flowers and feathers adorned the tables. Acrobats flipped and jumped, fire-eaters amazed onlookers by downing flaming torches, and a stringed quartet played in the mezzanine. When the music flowed into a cheerful allemande, partiers stepped to the center of the room to dance.

Fabien stood apart, watching the festivities, arms crossed. A pocket of commotion on the dance floor caught his attention. Chevalier was trying to teach the young Sophie how to dance. She was exquisitely lovely yet without grace, and the more Chevalier tried to set her feet and arms in the right positions, the clumsier she became. Fabien watched the awkward dance lesson then glanced over at Beatrice, who appeared quite mortified at Sophie’s ineptness. At last Chevalier gave up and brushed Sophie aside in frustration. Philippe stepped in to take Chevalier’s hand, and they danced together quite beautifully. At that moment, Beatrice looked over at Fabien. Their gazes met, held. Fabien felt a rush inside himself, a connection that was both stirring and frightening. She was so beautiful!

Heart pounding, he immediately left the party for the hallway. He was dazed by the look he’d shared with Beatrice. He stood silently, trying to gather his wits. He had work to do, things to get his mind off this. That would be good, that would—

The King appeared in the corridor, escorted by footmen and guards, and he entered the Great Hall with Fabien following.

To the north side of the room was an alcove closed off by a heavy curtain. At Louis’ nod, the footmen drew back the curtain, revealing a large table covered by a richly embroidered cloth. Something large lay beneath the cloth. Chevalier ushered Sophie away from Beatrice to the front of the crowd.

Louis scanned the room then addressed his subjects. “Many of you have been asking why we are still here. The reason is I have a gift for you. A gift we will share. A wonder for the world.” He nodded and the footmen removed the cloth.