An Overhaul in Versailles

Palace of Versailles, January 10th, 1804.

Eight o'clock in the morning. 

Napoleon stirred from sleep as the invading sunlight streamed into the windows. His eyes blinked against the morning light as he reluctantly rose from his luxurious bed, but he couldn't do so easily. He realized that his right arm was pinned beneath the weight of Ciela's head. Her strawberry-blonde hair cascaded over the pillow, and her soft breathing indicated that she was still deep in slumber.

He couldn't help but smile as he looked down at his wife, but he couldn't help but be distracted by the noise of the footsteps ringing on the floor. He flickered his gaze to the man that is sliding the heavy curtains aside. 

It was the Lord Chamberlain of the Imperial Household, Beaumont. 

"Good morning, Your Majesty."