Hofburg Palace, Vienna.
March 27th, 1836.
The meeting was arranged without any public notice.
No announcement was made. No court gathering was called. Only those required were informed. The arrangement moved through diplomatic channels that had stayed open despite the war.
War did not stop communication.
It only changed how it was used.
The chamber chosen for the meeting was smaller than the main council room. It was easier to control. Fewer people, fewer distractions, fewer chances for anything to spread outside.
Archduke Louis stood by the table, reading through the final notes again. Metternich remained near the window, hands behind his back, watching the room without moving. Kolowrat stood near the door, waiting.
No one spoke.
They all knew what this meeting meant.
The doors opened.
The French ambassador entered with two aides.
He stopped at the center and bowed.
"Your Imperial Majesty."
Ferdinand I was already seated.
