They stood there, waiting for the evening to arrive on top of the Arc de Triomphe. While waiting on it, they discussed something.
"So how did Bavaria react to the marriage?" Napoleon II asked.
"How do I put this, well they were shocked and surprised at it. You see, I was supposed to attend your birthday and the lighting ceremony and to also see the state of the capital of the French Empire. But when I returned, they found out that I'm married to the crown prince."
Napoleon II let out a short breath.
"That must have caused… discussion."
"That's one way to say it," she replied. "My father was summoned twice in a week. The court wanted explanations. Timelines. Assurances."
"And?" he asked.
"And then they saw the benefits," Elisabeth said. "Trade guarantees. Rail access. Security." She looked at him again. "Politics moves faster when numbers are involved."
