Seven o'clock in the morning bathed the Palace of Versailles in soft golden light, marking the hour for the Russian Emperor to bid farewell to France. The palace grounds bustled with activity, as a meticulously organized convoy of horse-drawn carriages and entourages orchestrated the necessary preparations for the long journey back to Russia. Amidst this flurry of motion, Napoleon, Ciela, and Tsar Paul convened in the dining hall to partake in a final breakfast together.
Between sips of tea and the clatter of utensils, Tsar Paul's question broke the morning calm.
"Where might your children be at this hour, Premier First Consul?" he inquired as he cautiously sampled a forkful of the morning's offerings.
"Ah, my children. They are still sound asleep, Your Imperial Majesty. Mornings are not their favored time to rise," Napoleon replied.
Tsar Paul nodded a hint of understanding in his gaze. "I can empathize. Young ones often prefer their slumber."
"You couldn't say it to Napoleon's better," Ciela interjected with a soft chuckle. "It's like pulling teeth to get them up early."
As the meal progressed, the sun continued its ascent, casting a warm glow that filtered through the windows, indicating that it was almost time for the Russian Emperor to leave.
With a final sip of tea, Paul rose from his seat, "Premier First Consul, it's been a pleasure visit to France albeit short. I have to return to St. Petersburg for the responsibilities awaiting me," Paul stated.
Napoleon wiped his mouth with a handkerchief before acknowledging Paul's words with a nod. "The pleasure is mine, Your Imperial Majesty, may my wife and I have the honor of escorting you to the courtyard for your departure?" Napoleon said courteously.
Paul inclined his head in agreement, a small smile touching his lips. "Of course, Premier First Consul. Your company is most appreciated."
With a final glance around the dining hall, the trio left their seats and made their way toward the exit.
At the courtyard, the entourage of carriages and attendants stood prepared for the journey. Tsar Paul, surrounded by his retinue, positioned himself near the lead carriage.
As one of the attendants opened the door for him, Paul found himself reflecting on the memories of the previous day. Napoleon had warned him about a significant conspiracy brewing in St. Petersburg with the intent to assassinate him. Initially skeptical, Paul's doubts had wavered as Napoleon began recounting the unpopular reforms he had undertaken to modernize Russia. It was during this recollection that Paul began to consider Napoleon's words more seriously. He had inquired about names, prompting Napoleon to hand over a list. The list proved compelling, featuring families, individuals, and even a country that held animosity towards him due to actions he had taken that affected them adversely.
Of course, this is merely a claim from Napoleon's spies stationed in St. Petersburg, it was his job to confirm the claim, and once confirmed, they'll be dealt with accordingly.
Paul glanced over his shoulder, looking at Napoleon. Their countries were different in ideology and political system, and yet he was giving that kind of information to him as if they were allies. A momentary pause of contemplation crossed his features, but he quickly turned his attention back to the present.
"Is there a problem, Your Imperial Majesty?" Napoleon asked with a smile, wondering why the Emperor was looking at him.
ραndαsnοvεl.cοm "Nothing, Premier First Consul," Paul replied as he shook his head. "I'll board the carriage now—"
"A word of advice, Your Imperial Majesty," Napoleon interrupted.
Paul furrowed his brows. "What is it?"
"It's best that you take care of the needs of the people rather than of your court," Napoleon said. "For they have the power to shape the destiny of a nation."
Paul's gaze met Napoleon's, He absorbed the words, recognizing the weight they carried. Napoleon was telling him that he should serve the people or there would be a revolution in Russia.
And so, Paul regarded Napoleon's words with a nod before climbing into an awaiting carriage.
As the convoy slowly began to move, the palace courtyard gradually fell away from view.
Napoleon and Ciela stood side by side, watching as the carriages moved toward the horizon.
"Did you tell him?" Ciela asked.
"Yes, darling. The next thing we are going to do is wait for the news," Napoleon replied.
***
Inside the carriage, Alexei Arakcheyev, the personal assistant of Russian Emperor Paul I leaned forward and asked.
"Your Imperial Majesty, what did you talk about with the First Consul of France yesterday?"
"Napoleon proposed a defensive alliance to protect our merchant shipping in the Baltic and English Channel. Of course, I told him that it isn't a decision that I can make yesterday so I'll get back to him about that. In the meantime, I want you to do something for me."
"Anything you need, Your Imperial Majesty," Alexei said.
"I need your secret agents to spy on these individuals," Paul handed Alexei a note.
Alexei Arakcheyev took the note and unfolded it, scanning the names written on it. His brows furrowed as he read through the list of individuals.
"May I ask why?"
"I was given that list by the First Consul, he believed that those individuals were plotting to assassinate me according to their spies. I want your men to confirm it."
"Your Imperial Majesty…do you believe him?"
"It's better to be safe than sorry, Alexei. I don't fully trust Napoleon, but I can't ignore the possibility either."
"Charles Whitworth, isn't this the ambassador to Russia of the United Kingdom?"
"Indeed, it is," Paul confirmed. "I too can't believe it. That the United Kingdom would help people that will assassinate me. If you confirm his involvement with the conspirators, God forgive me for what I'm going to do to the United Kingdom."
"What are you going to do, Your Imperial Majesty?"
"It's obvious, an act of helping individuals plot against their own ruler is an act of war," Paul declared.
Alexei nodded in understanding, his expression serious. "Your Imperial Majesty, I will do everything in my power to confirm this information as quickly and accurately as possible."
"Good, and do it discreetly. Because if they are indeed conspirators, I don't want them noticing we are on their trail," Paul added firmly.
Alexei's resolve deepened. "Rest assured, Your Imperial Majesty."
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