‘Yes, sire.’ The officer bowed his head and left the room, closing the door softly behind him.The room was quiet again, and the only sounds were the muffled moan of the wind, the occasional hiss and crackle from the fire and the distant sounds of voices of the younger staff officers at a drunken party somewhere in the castle. Napoleon eased himself back into the chair with a faint smile as he contemplated the evening that lay ahead.

It was not until ten the following morning that Lucien and the other senators were admitted into the Emperor’s presence. Napoleon had chosen to wear the uniform of a Colonel of Chasseurs of the Guard, set off by a jewelled star on his breast and a sash across one of his gold epaulettes. He sat at a desk on a dais in the castle’s best reception room with two grenadiers of the guard standing to attention a short distance away on either side, like statues. It was draughty, but Napoleon considered that he must let his guests know that though they were far from the splendours of Paris they were still in the presence of the Emperor of France. The deputation had been entertained graciously according to his order, but had remained tight-lipped about the purpose of their mission across the heart of Europe in the middle of winter.That in itself was an indication of the seriousness and secrecy of their business. Nevertheless, Napoleon did not look up from the fair copy of a letter he was reading as they entered the chamber and advanced towards the dais.The footsteps stopped in front of him, then after a brief delay there was a light cough and Lucien spoke.

‘Sire, we—’

‘Wait!’ Napoleon held up a hand to silence his brother, and continued reading a moment longer.Then he picked up his pen, dipped it into the inkwell and signed his name with a flourish before setting the pen down and looking up with a stern expression. ‘Now then, gentlemen, what can I do for you?’

Lucien stared back at his brother coldly.‘We requested an immediate audience with you last night . . . sire.’

‘I know. I had other business that needed attending to first.’

‘Really? More important than attending to a deputation of members of the government of France?’

‘You are senators, Lucien,’ Napoleon responded quietly. ‘It is I who am the government of France, whether I am in Paris, or here in Warsaw. You would do well to remember that when you address me.’

Lucien bit his lip, then took a sharp breath and nodded. ‘Yes, sire. Of course.’

Napoleon inclined his head slowly. ‘Very well. I will permit you to make your presentation.’

Lucien shifted uncomfortably and glanced at the guardsmen before he continued. ‘Sire, might we speak with you in a more private setting?’

‘Forgive me, but I was given to believe that your business with me was of some importance.’

‘Well, yes.’