21st January, another fateful day.
Today, the former king Louis Capet was to be executed on the Place of the Revolution in Paris.
Crowds gathered early in the morning, eagerly anticipating the arrival of the tumbrel.
Aunt Adele declared that she couldn''t bear this farce, demanding that the curtains be drawn shut.
Margot apologised that she had to stay home to keep the agitated mother company, so Edith went to the scene with only her cousin Philippe.
The maiden was wearing a scarlet dress with a floral wreath today, d□□d in a colourful shawl, standing out in the throngs of people.
The king was led off the carriage. Unlike the dismay during his trial, he now appeared brave and admirable.
With his hands bound behind him, Louis XVI suddenly broke free from the grip of the executioner, rushing towards the edge of the guillotine, shouting to the audience:
"I die innocent. I forgive those who have sentenced me to death. May my death be the last to stain the soil of France with blood!"
The sound of the drums announcing the execution interrupted his confession.
These words were poignant.
However, like most people here, Edith felt little emotion. The speeches of patriots like Andre had beat her a cordial.
As the chopper fell, the crowd erupted into a deafening cheer.
Beside her, Philippe raised his arms in joyous triumph. Edith, however, did not smile.
She looked around and caught a glimpse of that beautiful bouncing blonde hair in the crowd.
Andre pushed his way through the mass, striding towards the siblings. Walking with his head held high and his shoulders tense, he exuded an aura of magnificence.
"How do you feel now, Edith?" he asked, standing next to her.
"I will not cheer loudly for someone''s death," Edith replied solemnly, "but the overthrow of a tyrant burst ecstasy to my heart.
"You have matured a lot," Andre marveled.
Gun salute thundered out in the air, heralding the dawn of a new era.
People hugged and kissed each other, their faces beaming with genuine smiles. The surging crowd pushed Edith until she almost lost her footing.
"Can I hold your hand, Citizen Andre?" Edith had to shout to be heard over the noise.
Andre extended one of his hand, yet Edith grabbed both of his.
Stretching her arms, she twirled him around and around, her bright red skirt fluttering as if i