The moment she accepted the proposal, Napoleon II finally let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. A small smile broke through his composed expression. It wasn't pride. It was relief.
Napoleon I nodded once, as if the outcome had already been decided in his mind long before the words were spoken.
"Very well," he said.
He turned slightly toward the door.
"Caulaincourt."
Armand de Caulaincourt entered at once. As Grand Chamberlain, he had already been waiting nearby. One look at the room told him enough.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"The engagement is confirmed," Napoleon I said. "You will handle the arrangements."
Caulaincourt inclined his head. "Immediately."
"Begin with the formal notice," Napoleon I continued. "Discreet. No announcement until Bavaria has been informed."
"I will see to it."
"The Bavarian court is to receive word today," Napoleon I said. "After that, the other courts will be notified. Vienna, Berlin, St. Petersburg, London. No debate. No delays."
