Murat picked up the teacup again but did not drink immediately.
He rotated the cup slowly in his hand as if organizing his thoughts.
"Sicily," he said at last, setting the cup down again.
Napoleon II waited.
Murat leaned back slightly in the chair.
"As you know, when your father reorganized the Italian states years ago, the Bourbons fled Naples."
Napoleon II nodded once.
Napoleon II nodded once.
"They retreated to the island."
"Yes," Murat said. "The House of Bourbon established themselves firmly in Sicily after losing the mainland. With British assistance at the time, they managed to maintain control over the island."
Napoleon II's expression remained neutral.
"The British were always fond of supporting the Bourbons whenever it inconvenienced France."
Murat gave a small shrug.
"That was years ago. Britain is less eager to intervene now, especially with how powerful France has become."
Napoleon II said nothing but his gaze remained attentive.
Murat continued.
