A day later, Napoleon II telephone sounded on his table. He picked it up and answered.
"Yes, who is this?"
"Your Imperial Majesty, this is from the Tuileris Palace. His Highness, Marie Louise, wants you to come to the palace as there is something urgent I can't tell you directly."
Napoleon II remained still for a moment after the line went quiet.
The receiver stayed in his hand.
"Understood," he said, then placed it back onto the base.
If Marie Louise had sent the message herself, and refused to explain it over the line, then it was not routine, it was immediate.
He stepped out of the office.
Charles Louis was already in the outer room, reviewing a set of documents. He looked up as Napoleon II entered.
"Prepare the automobile," Napoleon II said.
"Yes, Your Imperial Majesty."
Charles Louis nodded and moved at once.
Within minutes, the courtyard was ready.
The automobile stood in place, engine running.
Napoleon II stepped out first.
Murat was already there.
