Seven o'clock in the morning bathed the Palace of Versailles in soft golden light, marking the hour for the Russian Emperor to bid farewell to France. The palace grounds bustled with activity, as a meticulously organized convoy of horse-drawn carriages and entourages orchestrated the necessary preparations for the long journey back to Russia. Amidst this flurry of motion, Napoleon, Ciela, and Tsar Paul convened in the dining hall to partake in a final breakfast together.
Between sips of tea and the clatter of utensils, Tsar Paul's question broke the morning calm.
"Where might your children be at this hour, Premier First Consul?" he inquired as he cautiously sampled a forkful of the morning's offerings.
"Ah, my children. They are still sound asleep, Your Imperial Majesty. Mornings are not their favored time to rise," Napoleon replied.
Tsar Paul nodded a hint of understanding in his gaze. "I can empathize. Young ones often prefer their slumber."
