January 1st, 1804.
It was the first day of the New Year. Normally, it should be like any other New Year's Day, but this is different.
Eight o'clock in the morning. Inside the Palace of Versailles, the intermittent roars of the cannons have roused Napoleon from his sleep. He lifted his upper body and yawned.
The door of his bedroom opened with Ciela entering inside, and walking over to his side.
"Darling, it's the signal. You have to wake up," Ciela said, shaking him.
Napoleon rubbed his eyes, his sleep-fogged mind gradually clearing.
"Today is our day, darling," Ciela said excitedly. "Today we will become the Emperor and Empress of France!"
"Ahh—it is today huh?" Napoleon said softly.
"What's with that boring reaction?" Ciela pouted.
Napoleon chuckled softly before swinging his legs over the edge of the bed and stood. His robe hung loosely on his frame, and he knew he had no time for the usual morning routine. Every moment counts today, and he needs to be prepared.
"Take a bath and be ready for the ceremony," Ciela said. "I'll be meeting you in three hours."
Napoleon nodded and began the preparation. He took a bath, ate his breakfast, and headed to his room where he was being dressed by his servants.
The servants worked with practiced precision, dressing Napoleon in the regal attire that befitted an Emperor. His white velvet vest, adorned with intricate gold embroidery and diamond buttons, gleamed in the soft morning light that filtered through the windows of the palace. The crimson velvet tunic, rich in color and texture, flowed elegantly over his form. Over this, they carefully placed a short crimson coat. Then, the servants placed a wreath of laurel on his brow.
Finally, they adjusted his sash and secured it in place. Napoleon stood before the mirror, checking his reflection.
"Look how handsome I am," Napoleon muttered under his breath. This was not the complete set as he doesn't have the iconic mantle. According to the crowning ceremony itinerary, the remaining clothes would be donned on him in Notre Dame. He couldn't wait.
Satisfied with his looks, Napoleon made his way outside the Palace of Versailles, and there he saw Ciela in the same splendor, her eyes sparkling with pride and excitement. Standing by her on either side was Francis and Aveline, dressed in a magnificent array of imperial attire.
Behind his family was a royal carriage that would be drawn by eight bay horses. The security that would escort the royal family are the Mounted Grenadiers of the Imperial Guard and Elite Gendarmes of the Imperial Guard.
"You look dashing, my dear," Ciela praised as Napoleon walked over to her.
"And you are the embodiment of grace and beauty," Napoleon replied, his gaze lingering on Ciela with affection. "We shall go now, we don't want to be late for our ceremony."
"Agreed," Ciela said.
Napoleon, Ciela, and their children climbed into the carriage. As for Tristan and Daphne, they are left behind at the Palace. It was a decision made by the two as they deemed it wouldn't be good for the newborns to be in an elaborate ceremony.
The doors were closed, and the carriage began its stately procession towards Notre Dame Cathedral. The city of Paris had come alive with excitement, and the streets were lined with cheering crowds, waving flags and banners in celebration of this historic day.
Earlier, Napoleon was informed that thousands of spectators stayed all night and braved the chilly January air just to catch a glimpse of the procession.
Two hours later, Notre Dame Cathedral came into view. The bells tolled even louder, their solemn peals resonating through the air. The square in front of the cathedral was a sea of faces, and the cheers of the crowd were deafening.
The carriage came to a stop in front of the cathedral, and as the doors were opened, the cheering of the crowd reached a crescendo. The Bonaparte family stepped out, and the cathedral doors swung open to receive them.
As they made their way inside, the grandeur of the cathedral enveloped them. The high-vaulted ceilings, the intricate stained glass windows, and the ornate stood before them.
The cathedral was filled to capacity, with dignitaries from other nations, clergy, families, ministers, politicians, and generals who had gathered to witness this historic moment in French history.
As outlined in the itinerary, Napoleon was donned by cathedral staff a long white satin tunic intricately embellished with gold thread embroidery. Over this, he wore the weighty coronation mantle. Ciela, too, was attired in a white satin empire-style dress adorned with matching gold thread embroidery, and she carried a substantial coronation mantle.
These mantles were exceptionally heavy, each weighing a staggering 80 pounds. Walking under such weight was impossible for the royal couple alone, so four distinguished dignitaries assisted Napoleon, while Napoleon's sister provided support to Ciela.
After that, they made their way to the altar. Arriving at the altar, they faced the Pope. Francis and Aveline were escorted to the side where they'll watch the ceremony unfold. The cathedral was now hushed as the Pope began the solemn coronation rites.
Along the coronation rites, there would be pauses in the middle for the musicians to perform hymns, adding a touch of divine reverence to the proceedings. In addition, Napoleon was handed the Scepter of and Sword of Charlemagne.
After that, the coronation proper began, which took another hour of listening to the singing of a hymn and versicle. It was also in that part of the ceremony where they were anointed with chrism.
Following this, the culmination of the coronation approached—the crowning. Traditionally, the Pope would perform this significant act, placing the imperial crown on the Emperor's head, signifying his ascent to the throne. However, Napoleon made changes on that part. Just like the original Napoleon, he planned to crown himself Emperor, signifying that the Pope doesn't have power over the Emperor but rather it's only the Emperor who holds power.
Napoleon already informed the Pope about the changes, so after the Pope's recital part, he sat back on the chair.
Napoleon turned and grabbed the Crown of Charlemagne and crowned himself and then crowned the kneeling Ciela with a crown tiara.
After Napoleon's enthronement the Pope began, "May God confirm you on this throne, and may Christ give you to rule with him in his eternal kingdom. May the Emperor live forever."
After saying that, the mass was finished, and the Pope retired to the Sacristy. The Pope's job was done. But not for Napoleon.
With his hands on the Bible, Napoleon solemnly recited the oath of office. His voice resonated through the vast cathedral as he swore to uphold the honor and integrity of France, protect its borders, and ensure the welfare of its citizens.
As he concluded the oath, a hushed silence fell over the cathedral. As if on cue, the organ began to play with the people inside chanting repeatedly.
"Long Live the Emperor!"
Napoleon and Ciela, now crowned and anointed, made their way out of the cathedral. The day is not yet finished, there are a lot of things to do.
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