?


    The sunlight streamed through the windows of the chateau, its raysnding on the face of Napoleon, causing him to open his eyes and squint. He groggily sat up, rubbing his temples and taking a moment to adjust to the new day. The events of the previous night flooded back into his mind, filling him with a sense of anticipation and determination.


    As Napoleon lifted his upper body, he nced over to the side, where Ciy peacefully asleep. The rays falling on her cheeks created an ethereal glow, entuating her delicate features. Napoleon couldn''t help but feel a surge of affection as he observed her serene expression. He leaned in closer, gently brushing a strand of hair away from her face.


    Upon his touch, he no longer felt the warmness on her face, it seemed as though her fever was gone now.


    Ci stirred, her eyelids fluttering open. A smile bloomed on her lips as she met Napoleon''s gaze.


    "Good morning, my love," she whispered softly.


    "Good morning," Napoleon replied. "Are you feeling a bit better now? I notice that your fever seems to have subsided."


    Ci stretched her arms above her head, a contented sigh escaping her lips. "Yes, my love, my head is not aching anymore."


    "That''s good to hear," Napoleon smiled warmly and continued. "Especially when I''m about to head back to Italy."


    Ci''s expression turned from one of serenity to a subtle sadness. She lowered her gaze for a moment, her fingers tracing the patterns of the bedsheets. She had almost forgotten that Napoleon''s return to Paris was because of his worries over her. Now that he has dealt with the problem and with her health going fine, he has to return to his responsibilities in Italy.


    "Do your best back there, Napoleon. I know you have important duties to fulfill, and I don''t want to hold you back."


    Napoleon reached out, gently cupping Ci''s face in his hands. He longed to nt a kiss on her lips, but something held him back. It didn''t feel right anymore, not after revealing his true identity as someone other than Napoleon. eptance from Ci didn''t automatically mean he could simply resume their life as she had suggested.


    But to his surprise, Ci leaned in and pressed her lips softly against his. The warmth of her touch sent a shiver down Napoleon''s spine, and he felt a mix of emotions swirling within him. He pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes, searching for an exnation.


    "Why did you do that?" Napoleon asked, a hint of confusion in his voice.


    Ci smiled tenderly, her hand reaching up to caress his cheek. "I can see it in your eyes, Napoleon. You were asking for it," she said gently. "I told you, nothing has changed."


    "I did remember you saying that," Napoleon chuckled, rubbing his head in slight embarrassment.


    "You will have breakfast with us, right? Before you leave?" Ci asked, a hopeful glimmer in her eyes.


    He nodded, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Of course, my love. I wouldn''t miss it for the world."


    With that assurance, they both rose from the bed and prepared for their usual daily routine. They took their bath and donned their dresses. After that, they made their way to the dining hall where Aveline and Francis awaited their seats.


    Their butler, Beaumont, bowed his head to the approaching two.


    "Goodmorning, Monsieur Bonaparte, Madame Bonaparte. It seems like Madame has recovered from her illness. I''m delighted to see you in good health."


    They acknowledge Beaumont with a nod.


    "Yeah, I can return to business now," Ci said and sniffed the air. "I can smell the freshly-baked croissants."


    "Well breakfast is served, Madame," Beaumont said, gesturing to their seats at the dining table. The room was filled with the enticing aroma of freshly baked croissants, as well as an array of other delectable dishesid out before them.


    "Mama, you are not sick anymore?" Aveline asked.


    Ci reached out and ruffled Aveline''s hair affectionately. "No, my dear. I''m feeling much better now."<novelsnext></novelsnext>


    "I see. Papa, you are going to leave soon right? You told us yesterday before we got to bed with brother," Aveline asked, shifting her gaze to Napoleon.


    "That''s right honeybunch," Napoleon said as he filled the croissant with some butter and handed it to Aveline. "Father is going to kick some Austrian asses…Ouch."


    Ci nudged Napoleon''s arm lightly with her elbow. "Language, my love," she chided with a yful smile. "We don''t want Aveline picking up any inappropriate words."


    Napoleon chuckled, realizing his slip of tongue. "You''re right, Ci. My apologies, Aveline. Forget what I said."


    "Asses," Aveline repeated, giggling mischievously.


    Napoleon''s eyes widened in surprise, and he nced at Ci, who was struggling to stifle herughter. He shook his head with a wry smile.


    "Well, it seems the damage has been done. Now, I wonder, Francis. You are one silent fellow. Just like me. As for Aveline, she is like—"


    "She is like, what darling?" Ci slowly turned to Napoleon, she was smiling but that was not her usual warm smile.


    "Well, you kids don''t know about this, your mother is a cheerful one that I believe you picked up from her Aveline," Napoleon cooed. "And I think Francis here is the silent one, just like me."


    "Stop it you silly," Ci said, yfully nudging Napoleon''s shoulder.


    "Okay okay," Napoleon chuckled, raising his hands in surrender. "I''ll stop teasing. Let''s enjoy our breakfast together."


    They all settled into their seats, exchanging light-hearted banter and sharing stories from the previous day. The atmosphere was filled with warmth andughter, a stark contrast to the weight of Napoleon''s impending departure.


    After a satisfying meal, they went outside the chateau. Napoleon donned his General''s tricorn hat atop his head, his gaze fixed on the carriage waiting just outside the chateau. The sight of it reminded him of his responsibilities and the mission that awaited him in Italy. He took a deep breath, trying to push away the bittersweet emotions that threatened to overwhelm him.


    Ci stood by his side, her hand gently sping his.


    "Say goodbye to your father now," Ci said, looking at Aveline and Francis.


    Aveline and Francis reluctantly approached Napoleon with their eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and understanding. Aveline wrapped her small arms around her father''s waist, hugging him tightly.


    "I''ll miss you, Papa," she murmured.


    Napoleon stroked his daughter''s hair affectionately before turning to Francis, who stood quietly behind his sister. Francis looked up at his father, his eyes revealing a depth of understanding that belied his age.


    "Be safe, Father."


    Napoleon reached out, ruffling Francis''s hair. "I will, my son. And you, be a good boy for your mother and your sister."


    "I will, Father," Francis replied with a nod.


    Napoleon straightened up, looking at Ci, who stood by his side, their hands still intertwined.


    "I must go now," Napoleon said and nted a kiss on her cheek. After that, he turned to face the carriage.


    "Let''s end this war now," Napoleon said to himself and boarded the carriage.