Chapter 323 Hours Before the Congress of Versailles
December 7th, 1804.
One week later, at the Palace of Versailles, the clock struck six in the morning. The room shrouded in darkness, was suddenly bathed in the golden light of the rising sun as the Lord Chamberlain of the Imperial Household drew back the heavy curtains.
Napoleon's eyes squinted against the sudden invasion of light, reluctantly pulling him from his slumber.
"Good morning, Your Majesty," Beaumont, the Lord Chamberlain, greeted, his voice hushed but respectful.
"Good morning," Napoleon said weakly as he tried to lift his body up, but found himself unable to move. His wife, Ciela, lay beside him, her head resting on his chest, her soft breaths tickling his skin.
"Your Majesty, shall I bring you breakfast?" Beaumont inquired, noticing Napoleon's struggle to move.
Napoleon managed a nod. Ciela stirred slightly, her fingers tracing his toned chest absentmindedly, a gesture so familiar it brought a small, affectionate smile to Napoleon's lips.
Ciela's eyes fluttered open as she slowly awoke from her peaceful slumber. Her gaze met Napoleon's, and she offered a warm, drowsy smile.
"Good morning, my love," she said softly and then crawled up. Her lips landed on Napoleon's and both shared an intimate and sweet morning kiss.
Beaumont discreetly left the room, giving the couple a moment of privacy before their busy day began.
As their lips separated, Ciela smiled again before mounting on top of him. "Say, darling. Why don't we do one round before we get up, hmm?"
"But haven't we been doing this every day since I returned darling? You are literally sucking me dry."
"But I want it," Ciela cooed. "I thought you wanted six babies? I only gave you four, so there's two to go."
Napoleon sighed. "Okay, but let's make it quick. Today is an important day for us. We can't afford to be late."
"Oh don't worry, thirty minutes will do," Ciela grinned.
***
Fifteen minutes later, in the corridors of the Palace of Versailles leading to the Imperial couple's bedroom, Beaumont was serving a cart. As he got near to their bedroom, Beaumont stopped as he heard a sound coming from behind the door.
It was a moan, belonging to the Empress of France.
"Oh god," Beaumont stepped back. "I knew this would happen. They are doing it every day."
He looked at the food on the serving cart and sighed again. "His Imperial Majesty doesn't like cold food, so I guess I'll have to return it back to the chicken and have one made again."
***
Another fifteen minutes later, after their intimate morning interlude, Napoleon and Ciela began to prepare for their day. They each took turns in the bath, Ciela humming a soft melody as she washed herself, and Napoleon thinking about the matters that awaited him. The sun was fully above the horizon now, casting a warm glow throughout the palace.
Dressing casually, Napoleon put on a simple uniform, while Ciela chose an elegant yet modest dress suitable for a morning meal. They met in the dining hall, where the Imperial Family would have their breakfast.
Seated at the long, polished wooden table, the couple exchanged polite smiles. Joining them were their children, the future heirs of the Empire. Napoleon would ask about Francis and Aveline's plan for today to which they will reply to their usual routine where they'll attend the private lessons of a tutor Napoleon hired from the French Academy of Sciences, and then do their hobby in their own rooms.
After breakfast, Napoleon began his morning routine. Exercising at his personal gym in the Palace of Versailles.
He lifted weights, performed pull-ups, and did calisthenics to keep himself and his body in peak condition. It's why his body is shredded with muscles like a Greek statue.
Physical fitness was crucial for a man in his position, as he needed both mental acumen and physical prowess to lead an empire.
After his session in the gym, Napoleon's next destination is the royal stables of the Palace of Versailles, where he would personally inspect the horses, discuss matters with the stable masters, and ride a fine stallion.
Ciela, on the other hand, attended meetings with her ladies-in-waiting and visited the local orphanage in Paris, offering comfort and support to the children. Her philanthropic work endeared her to the people of France, which gained her the title, of the Mother of the Empire.
For Ciela, children are the future of the nation, if one of them were displaced or didn't attain any education, it's considered lost to the Empire.
In the late nineteenth century where child labor was a normal occurrence, Ciela was one of the main proponents of a law that made child labor illegal in France. She was horrified when she first saw a video of it during her first life. For her, children belong to a school and not to the factories. This is a reason why elementary and high school education is free for all.
Back at the Palace of Versailles, Napoleon met with his ministers, discussing various matters of state. They reviewed the latest reports, addressed pressing issues, and strategized on the future of the French Empire.
It took him two hours of his time, and after that, Napoleon made his way to the Halls of Mirror.
In the center of the room, a massive rectangular conference table dominated the space. The table was polished to a high shine, its dark wood gleaming under the crystal chandeliers that hung above.
Respective seats for delegates from various countries were arranged around the table, each chair meticulously positioned to accommodate diplomats from different nations. Microphones and flags were set up in front of each seat.
In addition to the diplomatic delegations, there were designated areas for journalists, cameras, and recording equipment, all strategically placed to ensure that the proceedings were well-documented.
Napoleon walked around the table and approached the head of the table, where he would sit. He squeezed the leather chair with his hand, feeling the cool texture beneath his fingertips.
Taking his seat at the head of the table, he looked at Armand.
"Recite the names of the attendees," Napoleon ordered.
Armand cleared his throat and began reciting the names.
"Representative of the Kingdom of Denmark-Norway, Crown Prince-Regent of Denmark-Norway Frederick VI. Representative of the Austrian Empire, State Chancellors of the Habsburg Monarchy, Ludwig von Cobenzl. Representative of the Russian Empire, Tsar Paul I. Representative of the Kingdom of Prussia, Prime Minister of Prussia, Karl August von Hardenberg. Representative from the Kingdom of Spain, Regent Alfonso de Castellano. Representative of the Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Foreign Secretary, Viscount Castlereagh. Representative of the Republic of Italy, President of the Republic of Italy, Napoleon Bonaparte, Representative of the Empire of France, Emperor of the French, Napoleon Bonaparte…."
It was a long list, but all the three kingdoms that were part of the German Empire, and its grand duchies are attending the Congress of Paris.
The Congress of Paris is going to be like the Congress of Vienna in 1814. But instead of the coalition powers dictating terms, it's going to be Napoleon himself.
"That's all, Your Majesty. They'll arrive at six o'clock in the evening."
"Very well."
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