November 10th, 1834.
At the Palace of Versailles.
"Your Imperial Majesty," Charles-Louis entered. "The Egyptian Ambassador is here."
"Let him in," Napoleon II said.
Charles-Louis bowed and stepped aside.
Moments later, the doors opened again.
A delegation entered in measured formation. At their head was a middle-aged man dressed in a dark, tailored coat trimmed with gold thread. A sash crossed his chest. Behind him, four attendants carried lacquered wooden boxes reinforced with brass corners.
The ambassador stopped at the proper distance and bowed.
"Your Imperial Majesty. I am Hassan Pasha, representative of His Highness, the Wali of Egypt."
Napoleon II inclined his head.
"Welcome to Versailles, Pasha. France receives you as a friend."
"It is an honor, Majesty."
He gestured lightly with his hand. The attendants stepped forward and lowered the boxes onto a table prepared near the window.
"His Highness sends gifts as a token of goodwill."
