It was late in the afternoon, and Napoleon was getting ready to depart from the Palace of Versailles. He glanced once more at the bedroom as he knew he won't be able to sleep in it for a while.
Although his destination would be about him potentially ending a four year war, the thought of leaving again in his home weighed heavily on his mind. He recalled the time when he was saying goodbyes to his wife and children, promising them that he would return home.
It looked as though he'll have to do it again.
But he hoped that this was going to be the last time he would do that to his wife and children. He doesn't want to experience the battles that the real Napoleon Bonaparte participated in. He just wants to end this war and be a father to his family all the while being the head of state of the country.
So all the more reason to defeat the British. Because if he successfully invaded Great Britain, there'd be no third and fourth coalition. And from there, wherever fates lead him to, he'd ensure a stable and peaceful Europe for his growing family.
The sound of footsteps approaching pulled him from his contemplation.
"You're almost ready?" Ciela asked softly as she entered the room, her gaze meeting his.
Napoleon nodded, forcing a reassuring smile. "Yes, my love. Just a few last-minute things."
"It's been a long time since I last saw you in your military uniform," Ciela remarked, causing Napoleon to glance at the mirror in front of him.
"The last time I wore this was last year, when the Austrians were besieging Genoa," Napoleon said, adjusting his tricorn hat. "You know, the battle of Marengo."
"I remember that," Ciela said as she walked towards behind Napoleon and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head against his back.
Napoleon turned his head slightly, glancing down at her arms encircling him.
"Darling, please be careful okay? The invasion of Great Britain didn't happen in real history. And their navy is strong."
"I have taken that into account, darling," Napoleon said reassuringly. "You just have to trust me in this. Don't worry, this is going to be the last time. I won't place France in a position where its neighbors have to declare war on her. I will make sure to you that there'd be no third and fourth coalition."
Ciela nodded, her fingers tightening around him. "I trust you, Napoleon. Just promise me you'll come back."
Napoleon turned slightly in her embrace, his gaze locked onto hers. "I promise. For you, for our children, I will come back."
A fleeting smile graced Ciela's lips, and she leaned in to kiss him gently. "That's all I needed to hear."
He placed his hands gently on her abdomen, as if cradling the life within. "I'll make sure to return before our child arrives. I want to be here for both of you."
With that, they exited the room together and made their way downstairs, where Napoleon's luggage and children were waiting.
"Papa…" Aveline said gloomily. "Do you really have to go? Why don't you just order someone to lead the army and stay here?"
Napoleon knelt down to her eye level, placing his hands on her shoulders. "You see, my little angel, if I delegate someone to do my job, it'll fail miserably. I'm the only one who can lead the army and defeat Britain. And you know what I always say in the end right? I'll return."
"But what if you don't this time? Papa, I'll be sad," Aveline said, her voice quivering with genuine concern.
"I understand that you're worried, Aveline. But I have every intention of coming back. I have your mother, your brother, and our new little one to return to. I promise you, I'll do everything in my power to make sure I keep that promise."
"New little one?" Francis noted. "Wait…mother is pregnant?"
Napoleon smiled at Francis's curiosity. "Yes, Francis. Your mother is going to have another baby."
"Oh," Francis's nonchalant reaction was something he had expected.
Aveline, however, seemed more intrigued. "New baby? That means I'm going to be a sister?"
"Yes," Napoleon chuckled at the sudden shift of her behavior. Earlier she was sad about him leaving but after hearing that she is going to have another sibling, she became enthusiastic.
Aveline's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "When is the baby coming?"
Ciela stepped forward and answered. "Nine months. So you'll have plenty of time to prepare and be the best big sister."
Aveline's grin widened, and she turned to her father. "You have to come back before the baby comes, Papa."
Napoleon ruffled her hair affectionately. "I promise, Aveline. I wouldn't miss the arrival of your new sibling for anything."
As the conversation continued, the mood lightened a bit. Napoleon took this opportunity to say one last goodbye to his children.
"I'm afraid I have to leave now, Francis, Aveline. You behave well huh? Don't give your mother a hard time, especially when she is carrying your sibling."
"Okay papa."
"Fine father."
Napoleon glanced up at Audrey, who flinched at his gaze.
"Audrey, as always, you will look after the children whenever their mother is away," Napoleon said.
"Of course, Your Excellency," Audrey replied with a reassuring nod.
Napoleon stood up and gave each of his children a warm hug. "Be good and take care of your mother, alright?"
Aveline nodded eagerly, while Francis gave a more subdued agreement.
Napoleon turned to Ciela and kissed her tenderly on the lips.
"It's time."
With that, Napoleon exited the palace and made his way towards the carriage. Standing by the carriage was Beaumont, who opened the door for him.
"Beaumont, I don't have to say it to you."
"I will look after them, Your Excellency," Beaumont assured in a firm tone. He had been in Napoleon's service for a long time and understood his responsibilities well.
Napoleon nodded, his gaze lingering on his family one last time before he climbed into the carriage. The door closed behind him, and the carriage began to roll forward.
The palace gradually receded into the distance, the grandeur and familiarity of it fading away as he was carried further from his loved ones.
As the carriage moved on, Napoleon pulled out a small family picture from his coat pocket. It was his lucky charm.
The journey to Boulogne would take about five hours. Thanks to the rapidly expanding railway network of Paris.
***
Five hours and thirty minutes later. Napoleon arrived at the city of Boulogne. Stepping out of the train's cabin, he was immediately greeted by his officers and generals waiting for him.
"Your Excellency, welcome to Boulogne," Berthier said.
"I see that everything is ready at a moment's notice?" Napoleon asked.
"Of course, Your Excellency. But first, why not take a rest? We'll discuss it the first thing in the morning."
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