His grip on the paper tightened, crinkling it slightly as he tried to fathom the audacity of such an accusation. It was an attack not just on Aveline's talent but on his family and his honor.
"This is outrageous!" Napoleon exclaimed, his voice laced with fury. "They dare to question my daughter's achievement simply because she is my daughter?"
"Aveline gave it to me earlier before going to her bedroom," Ciela said and continued. "She locked herself and won't even let anyone in. She's devastated by these accusations, and rightfully so."
Napoleon's expression softened as he looked at Ciela. He could see the concern etched on her face, mirroring his own worry for their daughter. "I'll try talking to her—"
Napoleon trailed off as he felt Ciela's deadly aura radiating from her. He turned his gaze toward her, surprised by the sudden shift in her demeanor. Her usually warm and gentle expression had transformed into something far more intense and unsettling.
"Unforgivable…unforgivable…unforgivable….unforgivable," Ciela muttered repeatedly under her breath. "How dare that person publish this article? I may be retired, but I can still take lives."
"Easy there darling," Napoleon rose to his feet and gripped Ciela's shoulder to get her attention.. "I'll take care of that person. I promised you that I would protect our family right?
Ciela's deadly and menacing aura gradually began to recede as Napoleon's soothing words and touch grounded her. She blinked the haze of anger slowly lifting from her gaze. She looked at Napoleon, her eyes softening as she realized the truth in his words.
"I lost my composure there for a second," Ciela said, sighing. "Well, you better take care of this darling. Because if you don't, I'll take matters into my own hands."
Napoleon was unfazed by Ciela's killer vibes and smiled affectionately at her.
"Let's go to her room together, shall we?" Napoleon suggested and Ciela nodded in agreement.
"Before that—Armand!" Napoleon called out loud, and Armand, the Private Secretary of the Imperial Household promptly entered Napoleon's office.
"Your Majesty, you called upon me?"
"Come over here," Napoleon said as he turned to his desk and grabbed the newspaper with the slanderous article. He handed it over to Armand, who took it with a grave expression.
"I want you to send a telegram to the Minister of Police, Fouche. Tell him that His Majesty the Emperor of France has ordered him to find out who published such a defamatory article regarding my daughter." Napoleon instructed.
Armand nodded in acknowledgment. "I will relay your orders to Minister Fouche immediately, Your Majesty."
With that, Armand hurried off to carry out Napoleon's orders, leaving Napoleon and Ciela to make their way to Aveline's room.
Arriving at Aveline's bedroom, Napoleon and Ciela saw Francis, who was gently knocking on her door.
"Aveline…Aveline…what's the matter?" Francis asked with a concerned tone"Leave me alone," Aveline's voice sounded from behind the door.
"Francis," Napoleon called and Francis turned around and saw his father and mother approaching.
"Father…good thing you arrived. Aveline won't come out. I was heading towards my study room until I ran into her running down to her bedroom downcast."
"Francis," Napoleon called out, and Francis turned around, his eyes widened as he saw his father and mother approaching.
"Father…good thing you arrived. Aveline won't come out. I was heading towards my study room until I ran into her running down to her bedroom, looking really downcast," Francis explained.
Napoleon approached the door and knocked on the door. "Aveline, this is your father, open the door. Let's talk."
There was no response from Aveline for a moment.
Then, after what felt like an eternity, a faint shuffling of feet could be heard from within the room. Napoleon pressed his ear against the door, straining to listen, and there he heard a muffled sniffling and crying sound.
His heart sank at the sound of his daughter's distress. He exchanged a worried glance with Ciela and then turned back to the door.
"Aveline, sweetheart, please," he implored softly. "That article is nothing but lies. Your performance was really wonderful and you deserve the win."
Again, no response.
"We need a spare key."
"I have handled that father. The footman that I ordered is probably on his way back here," Francis said.
Napoleon nodded in approval, appreciating his son's thoughtfulness.
Moments later, the footman dressed in a blue livery arrived. "Here's the key, Your Majesty."
Napoleon took the key and inserted it into the lock, turning it gently. The door slowly swung open, revealing Aveline's tear-stained face. She sat on the edge of her bed, hugging her knees close to her chest. Her eyes were red and puffy, and her cheeks wet with tears.
Napoleon entered the room, followed by Ciela and Francis.
Aveline didn't mind the intrusion; in fact, she seemed to find solace in their presence. Napoleon sat down beside her and rubbed her back gently, offering her comfort as she continued to cry. Ciela took a seat on her other side doing the same.
Francis stood there, saddened that his sister was going through such a difficult time. He watched as his father and mother provided the emotional support that Aveline needed. As much as he wanted to help, he didn't know how.
"Father—" Aveline began. "Is it true that the judges chose me as the winner because you are the Emperor of France? Did you speak to the judges before the competition?"
"My dear Aveline. I want you to know with all my heart that I would never do such a thing. Do you know why?"
"Why?"
"Because I am confident in your skills. You were amazing, all those who have watched you perform were in awe of your talent. You won that competition fair and square, based solely on your abilities," Napoleon replied.
Ciela added, "Your father has always believed in your talent, Aveline. He would never tarnish your achievements by interfering with the judges."
Aveline looked into her father's eyes, searching for any hint of deception but found only honesty and love. She slowly began to believe in his words, her doubts melting away.
"But a lot of people may hate me for this. I don't think I'll be able to play again…"
Napoleon gently cupped Aveline's tear-stained cheek and looked into her eyes with unwavering support.
"Aveline, my love, do not let the actions of a few misguided individuals rob you of your passion and talent. There will always be those who seek to undermine your success, but that should not deter you.
"I agree," Francis chimed. "If I were to judge each participant's performance, I'd rank you in first, not because you are my sister, but because you are the one that stood out."
Aveline looked at her brother, her mother, and her father with gratitude. Their words of support were like a lifeline, pulling her back from the depths of despair.
"Thank you, all of you," she said, her voice quivering but resolute.
"Now if you want some time alone, we'll leave you. In a day or two, you won't feel so overwhelmed."
Aveline nodded, managing a small smile amidst her tears.
***
Two days later. Palace of Versailles, Napoleon's office.
In the room was Talleyrand, doing his weekly report to Napoleon.
"According to our informants in St. Petersburg, Russia is mobilizing its army, preparing for war. The Kingdom of Naples and the Kingdom of Sweden too were seemingly invited to join the coalition. Your Majesty, the moment the winter ends, we will now find ourselves fighting five countries."
"What about the British?"
"As for the British, they are going to sit this one out. They are facing an internal crisis at this moment. Scotland wants to break away from the United Kingdom."
"Good," Napoleon said.
Seconds later, there was a knock on the door. Armand entered the room and announced.
"The Minister of Police, Fouche."
Upon the announcement, Fouche entered Napoleon's office.
"Your Majesty, I bring good news. The person who published the article and the newspaper company that published it is now under our custody," Fouche announced.
"Oh, is this about the issue in the Palais Garnier?" Talleyrand said, looking back at Napoleon.
"Yes, it's a good news indeed."