Palace of Versailles, France
Emperor's Office
Early Autumn 1837
The letter did not arrive with any urgency.
There was no announcement in the halls, no sense of movement that would draw attention. It passed through the palace the same way most important things did, quietly and without disruption, moving from one set of hands to another until it reached the inner offices.
By the time it arrived, the Emperor's office was already in order.
Napoleon II stood near the window when the door opened. He had been there for some time, looking out across the gardens. Everything outside remained the same as it always had. The paths were clean, the fountains steady, and the layout unchanged. It was a place built on control and careful design.
Inside, things were less certain.
"Your Imperial Majesty."
Charles-Louis stepped in, holding the sealed document.
Napoleon turned slightly. "You have it."
"Yes."
Charles-Louis approached the desk and placed the letter down carefully.
