‘Perhaps that is your way. It is not mine.There are other ways to rule a country than by just cowing the people or offering them bread and circuses.’

‘Louis is right.’ Joseph spoke up.‘You cannot sever trade between the continent and Britain.Your policy is ruining businesses the length and breadth of Europe. Besides, it is impossible to police.’

‘It is not impossible,’ Napoleon said evenly.‘Provided the will is there to see it through. I appreciate that my measures hinder trade. But they are only required for as long as it takes to ruin our oldest enemy and drive her to the negotiating table. Once Britain is defeated then trade can flow as freely as ever, with my full blessing. Until then, I depend upon my allies, and I particularly depend upon you, my brothers, to secure the victory and the peace we all want to bring to each of our realms. This cannot be if you permit your subjects to defy me. And, as you are my family, if they defy me they defy you, and neither one of you will be able to rest easy in his bed if rebels and traitors are allowed to go unpunished. If you will not rule your people, Louis, perhaps it is time that someone else did.’

There was a brief pause as Louis stared coldly at his brother.‘Are you threatening me?’

‘I made you the King, and I can unmake you just as easily, should I wish it.’ Napoleon let the words sink in and then smiled suddenly. ‘Come now! There is no need for any unpleasantness between us. Indeed, my brother, one of the reasons I have asked you here is to offer you an even greater proof of my trust and faith in you.’

Louis’s eyes narrowed. ‘What are you talking about?’

‘Holland is a fine enough kingdom, I grant you. I have heard that you rule it well and the people respect you. But Holland is a small nation, and one that is barely fit for a Bonaparte to rule.’

‘I like it well enough,’ Louis replied uneasily.

‘Yes, yes. Of course, and I admire your sense of duty. However, I may need your skills as a ruler to be applied with respect to another kingdom. One that has long suffered under the vicious and baleful influence of the Church and its inquisition. A land where every aspect of public life reeks of corruption.’

Joseph cleared his throat. ‘You refer to Spain.’

‘Yes. Spain. Her people are crying out for a new ruler. A man who will lead them out of the Middle Ages and into the modern world. I believe Louis is the man who can do that. Would you accept such a challenge, brother?’

‘Aren’t you forgetting something?’ Louis replied. ‘Spain already has a king.’