About an hour later, Napoleon II joined the ballroom where everyone was present.
The doors opened as he entered, and the movement inside adjusted without stopping. Conversations continued, music carried on, and the flow of the evening remained intact, but space opened along his path as guests made way. No announcement was needed. The shift was immediate and understood.
The ballroom was already in full motion.
Chandeliers cast steady light across the polished floor. Couples moved in formation, following the rhythm of the orchestra positioned along the far end. Strings led the tempo, measured and consistent, with no deviation in pace. Servants lined the edges of the hall, moving between groups with trays, keeping the arrangement intact without interrupting the dancers.
Napoleon II stepped forward, his gaze scanning the room once.
He did not stop.
Elisabeth was already on the floor.
