Reincarnated as Napoleon II-Chapter 37: She Accepted
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."
"Yes, Sire."
"And the previous engagement," Napoleon I added. "End it cleanly. Compensation will be provided. The count is to leave with his dignity intact."
Caulaincourt did not hesitate. "Understood."
Napoleon I waved a hand, dismissing him.
Caulaincourt bowed and left, already moving.
The room settled again.
Napoleon I looked at his son and his future daughter-in-law.
"You two want to spend time together? We will have parents meeting here so you can leave," Napoleon I said.
"Of course father. I also want to talk with you later privately," Napoleon II said to Napoleon I before locking gaze with Elisabeth again. "Shall we? Let’s go to my room."
Elisabeth looked at her parents and they nodded.
They left the council salon together without ceremony.
"This wing is private," he said as they turned. "Few people come here without reason."
"I assume I qualify now," Elisabeth replied.
"You do," he said. "But not because of what was decided there."
She glanced at him briefly, then forward again.
They stopped before a tall door. Napoleon II unlocked it himself and stepped aside.
"My room."
Elisabeth entered. And just as she expected, the room was grander with exquisite furniture and beautiful paintings.
The door closed behind them.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Napoleon II broke the silence first.
"Thank you," he said.
She turned to face him.
"For choosing me," he continued. "I know you weren’t forced. I know you didn’t have to."
"I didn’t," Elisabeth agreed.
"And still you did."
"Yes."
He nodded once, as if fixing that truth in place.
"I won’t pretend I’m indifferent," he said. "I wanted this. I wanted you. And I’m... glad."
The word landed plainly. No flourish. No performance.
She studied him, arms relaxed at her sides.
"You speak as if this is the end of something," she said.
"It’s the beginning," he replied.
"Then don’t talk like you’ve already earned it."
"I know," Napoleon II said and approached her. He looked at her face and spoke. "You look just as beautiful as the day I met you. Can I touch your face?"
"You may," she said.
Slowly, deliberately, Napoleon II raised his hand. He did not cup her face. He did not pull. His fingers brushed her cheek first, testing the space between permission and intrusion.
Her skin was warm.
She did not flinch.
His thumb traced lightly along her cheekbone, then stopped. He kept his touch still, restrained, as if reminding himself where the line was.
"I won’t cross it," he said quietly. "Not unless you move too."
"I know," she replied.
They stood there, breathing the same air now. The space between them narrowed without either of them stepping forward. It happened by degrees—shoulders angling, heads tilting, attention tightening.
Her hand rose on its own, resting against his wrist. Not to push it away. Not to pull it closer.
To acknowledge it.
Napoleon II’s breath slowed. He lowered his head slightly.
Their foreheads nearly touched.
She could feel the warmth of him now.
And Napoleon II could see her lips, it was so tempting to kiss but he tried to control himself. But with them alone in a room with no one would hear, this setting is perfect for something to happen.
If it’s going to happen today, it won’t matter, it’s going to happen anyways in the future when they get married. They have a responsibility to the Empire to produce heirs, and she knew her role.
Should I kiss her now and do it with her?
Those were the thoughts that lingered in his mind, but he also knew that there was a perfect time for that. She might think that he was pushing luck too far and is not respecting her. Of course, he wouldn’t want her to think that. So seconds later, he stepped back.
He looked at her face and her body, she belonged to him and it’s best if one waited. What he should do is what others would do in his previous life, court her, take her on dates, and show love and affection through letters and gifts.
That’s the plan.
***
Three hours later, Napoleon I and II finally got their moments. Elisabeth and her family had to return to Bavaria to inform who should be informed, and Marie Louise was coordinating with Armand for the arrangements needed to be done.
They were in the gardens of Versailles.
The paths were straight and clean, gravel pressed flat by years of use. Hedges stood trimmed to exact lines, trees spaced with intention. Fountains flowed in measured rhythm, water rising and falling without excess.
Napoleon I walked with his hands behind his back. Napoleon II followed beside him.
"So, Father," Napoleon II broke the ice. "Are you abdicating the throne?"
"You heard me," Napoleon I said. "I’m already an old man who wants to retire and enjoy the remainder of my life."
"I thought you were just saying it earlier to persuade the family," Napoleon II said.
Napoleon I shook his head. "I won’t do that. Even if they reject you, you will be an Emperor within a year. And I believe this is the right moment. You are a genius of our time. Well that’s because of your unusual existence of being reincarnated. Your vision of a prosperous and a strong France is enough for me to hasten my abdication. I know you have a lot of ideas in mind you wish to implement, and you can only do so once you are at the helm."
"Well, I’m glad Father. I just didn’t expect it to be this soon."
"You will take care of France for me," Napoleon I said. "If you want counsel, I’m free at the Tuileris Palace. But for the subject of love, well I’m not good at that."
Napoleon II chuckled.
"Princess Elisabeth, she is young and beautiful. You must take care of her. Don’t copy the mistakes I made with my wives."
"I won’t. I will cherish her, protect her, and love her. She will not regret her decision."
"That’s good to hear."
