Chapter 353 Pranking

Chapter 353 Pranking

July 24th, 1821, marked the close of the afternoon at five o'clock, as the royal convoy initiated its stately journey towards the Port of Calcutta. The thoroughfare was flanked by Indian locals, their heads lowered in a gesture of deference as the convoy made its passage, bearing the Imperial Prince and Princess of the French Empire. The nation held dominion over India, exerting influence through diplomatic channels, military might, and economic control.

Daphne, ever the embodiment of royal grace, extended gestures of acknowledgment to the locals, her hands waving in a show of interest. Her actions were calculated, a strategic performance aimed at cementing their position as sovereigns of India. Yet beneath this veneer of engagement lay a different reality; she considered it a necessity to keep them in a state of submission, to erase any lingering thoughts of self-governance.

Their capability to manage their own affairs had diminished in her eyes, a perspective influenced and solidified when her father relayed the story of a trusted man, appointed to govern India, who met his untimely demise at the hands of his own political compatriots. This revelation had shaped her belief, convincing her of India's inability to stand on its own, and that only the French Empire, with its superior governance and enlightened principles, could bring order and prosperity to this land while benefiting from it of course.

Francis, riding beside Daphne, remained stoic, his gaze fixed straight ahead as they progressed through the crowded streets. His mind, however, was a whirlwind of thoughts, contemplating the Empire's role in shaping the future of India. Unlike his sister, he held a more pragmatic view, seeing the colony not just as a land to be subdued, but as a vital cog in the grand machinery of the French Empire. The resources and strategic position of India were invaluable, and he understood the importance of maintaining a firm grip on the territory.

The convoy eventually reached the bustling Port of Calcutta. Ships constructed from France's shipyards were anchored. Even the mighty French Pacific Fleet is anchored at a distance, displaying the military might of the Empire. Those who have their gaze landed upon it would simply have their breath taken away by its sheer size.

The automobile stopped and a French infantry stepped forward and opened the door for the royal siblings. Daphne gracefully exited the vehicle, followed by Francis.

"Yes, at last, we can finally return home! This time, it's real," Daphne exclaimed joyfully.

"Don't get your hopes up yet," Francis said, breaking her moment of jubilation with a more grounded tone. "Who knows, father might send us another letter asking us to stop by one of our colonies."

"You're jinxing it," Daphne pouted, crossing her arms in mild frustration.

Francis chuckled as he walked towards the gangway, connecting the port to the Flagship of the French Pacific Fleet, the IFNS Napoleon. Daphne trailed behind, followed by her two loyal maids.

At the end of the gangway, Captain Waldeck and Admiral de Richebourg performed a bow and a salutatory gesture, respectively, to welcome the royal siblings aboard.

"Your Imperial Highnesses, it is an honor to have you on the IFNS Napoleon again," Captain Waldeck said with a respectful tone.

"Thank you, Captain. We are pleased to be here again and we can't wait to return home," Daphne responded with a polite smile, her frustration momentarily set aside.

"Okay...thank you for this, Captain Waldeck, you may leave us now."

Captain Waldeck saluted before turning to his heels and exiting the room.

Daphne, growing impatient, prodded her brother for information. "Well? What does it say?"

Francis looked up ran a hand over his face and sighed.

"Oh my god, you truly have jinxed it!" Daphne cutely brought her hands to her cheeks in dismay, her eyes wide with anticipation. "What is it? Are we stopping somewhere else?"

Francis couldn't keep up the act any longer and burst into laughter, seeing his sister's dramatic reaction. "I'm just pulling your leg, Daphne. There's no need for any additional stops. We are heading straight home," he reassured her, still chuckling.

Daphne's eyes narrowed as she realized she'd been pranked, but her irritation quickly gave way to relief. "You are insufferable, Francis," she exclaimed, though a smile tugged at her lips.

Francis grinned, "I had to lighten the mood somehow. But in all seriousness, the telegraph is from Mother. She is asking about our well-being, whether we've been eating properly, and expressing how much she misses us."

A warm feeling spread through Daphne's chest as she heard about their mother's concern. "That's sweet of her. And what else does it say?"

"It also mentions that Tristan and Aveline have arrived safely in Versailles," Francis added, handing the telegraph over to Daphne so she could read it herself.

Daphne scanned the contents of the telegraph, a smile playing on her lips as she read their mother's affectionate words. Her words were comforting, making her all the more eager to return home.

"I miss you too, Mother," Daphne said softly, so soft that Francis didn't hear it at all.

"Yeah, it's been a long time since I was in Versailles," Francis mused. "Let's go home."New novel chapters are published on