De Gaulle's loyalists within the 4th Republic's army stormed the rebuilt palace of Versailles under cover of early morning fog.
What remained of the old palace, reconstructed from war-torn ruins during the fragile peace, was still a symbol. Not of monarchy, but of French authority. And now, it was being seized.
To de Gaulle's surprise, Pétain's own personal guard offered no resistance. They stood aside silently as the rebels entered. Whether out of fear, disillusionment, or tacit approval, they yielded.
The marble corridors echoed with boots and whispered tension until they reached the President's office. De Gaulle raised a fist, then lowered it.
His men burst in.
He stepped forward into the high-ceilinged chamber, where the tall-backed leather chair behind the desk faced the wide windows overlooking the gardens.
