"There it is, the Bonaparte Tower," Napoleon II pointed at the rising silhouette ahead.
The automobile rolled to a slower pace as it approached the Champ de Mars. Evening had settled fully over Paris. The electric lamps lining the avenues cast steady orange light across the open grounds.
Elsa leaned forward between the seats.
"I see it!" she said.
The tower rose beyond the exhibition halls, its iron lattice illuminated from below. Light traced its legs upward, turning the structure into a glowing framework against the dark sky. The upper platform lights blinked faintly, marking its height.
"It's taller than the palace," Elsa whispered.
"Yes," Napoleon II said.
The chauffeur guided the Niépce automobile along the designated perimeter road. Guards stationed at intervals recognized the vehicle at once and stepped aside. No formal announcement. No procession. Just the quiet passage of the Emperor's car through his own project.
