Poligny, who very soon afterwards becomes the Princess's best friend. However, the woman is really a shrewd schemer who makes the now-Queen's life even harder, getting her into trouble again and again. Lady Antoinette still grants her former protector favors, such as shortening the ban on Oscar entering Versailles so she can take care of her ailing mother, but they aren't nearly as close now that Poligny is her confidant. As the years pass, Oscar and Marie Antoinette rarely see one another, living their own lives as best they can. Oscar is still in the Royal Guard, but she's the Head Commander rather than the Queen's protector.
Time flows on, and the Revolution is coming, making both women change as they grow older.
The young and playful Marie loses her cheerful spark to become a sad, proud Queen due to the troubles around her. Her joyous spirit is broken by the demands of being Queen, and after the birth of her children, she retires from Court completely to devote all her time to them. This fans the flames of resentment towards her, and isn't healthy at all for her compassion of the people. Her innocence and belief that if she is happy, the people will be happy, is her downfall. By the time the Revolution is about to leap forth, Lady Antoinette still has her dignity, but her pride has surmounted her compassion.