Cécile: Gates of Gold

Royal Sled Race

True to Philippe’s words, the King has ordered every member of court to have new clothing made and worn to the Christmas ball. Even Cécile! Madame orders a new powder blue dress to be made for Cécile—something to bring a smile back to Cécile’s face. It’s true; in the last several weeks, Cécile had hardly smiled.

But then, something else exciting happens… the King announces the ice safe for sled racing! The day of the sled race, everybody is gathered outside wearing their warmest clothing, and still everybody’s noses are red. Bretagne will be racing alongside all of the other children. Cécile learns all of the children are descendants of the King, although not all were by his first and second wives.

Bretagne has the nicest sleigh. It had a blue velvet seat, atop a carved turtle. Cécile has grown fond of the boy, and hopes he wins. Looking around, Cécile realizes everybody there is for the nobility’s benefit, so they have an audience for whatever it is they want. Cécile sometimes feels herself like she is in between two worlds, not quite nobility, but also not a peasant. She feels like each day she grows a little bit more invisible, slowly growing distant from her true self.

A gunshot breaks Cécile out of her thoughts. And the race is off! The sleds race along the length of the canal, and then turn around and make their way back. Suddenly, there’s a moan from farther along. Cécile notices a little boy laying face down in the snow—his sled had toppled over. It’s Bretagne!

Madame de Ventadour rushes down to him, followed by Cécile and the dogs. Cécile can only think of the boy’s comfort and safety. When his governess reaches him, he is smiling and exclaiming how much fun he had! Suddenly, a pair of rough hands grab Cécile from the behind.

A soldier has grabbed Cécile. He explains it is his job to protect the Bourgogne family, and Cécile is not one of their servants. Cécile explains she is a friend of the boy, and only cares for his comfort. Cécile looks around for a familiar face: Madame, Françoise, or the Princess. But nobody is there.

The servant doesn’t believe Cécile. But he does remember her from the day at the fountain. He says clearly, Cécile still hasn’t learned her place at court. He orders her to follow him inside.