He had quickly assembled the three estates at Paris, all of whom promised the king their aid.

In the language of the chancellor, "The commons offered to help their king with their bodies and their wealth, the nobles with their advice, and the clergy with their prayers." This appalling news set Peronne in an uproar.
Recruiting officers were sent out in all directions, the town was garrisoned, and fortifications were overhauled.

Mary was again in trouble, and the momentous affairs resting on her young shoulders seemed to have put Max out of her mind.

I expected her to call him into council and reveal herself, but she did not.
On the day after we learned of King Louis' approach, the princess called Hymbercourt, Hugonet, Castleman, and myself to her closet and graciously asked us to be seated about a small table.
"I have formed a plan that I wish to submit to you," she said.

"I'll send to King Louis an invitation to visit me here at Peronne, under safeguard.