18

January 1st, 1805

I woke on the couch in Napoleon's library.

This time, he sat behind a desk, advisers coming and going and paying me little mind.

I sat up. There was a meal on a tray on the coffee table. I took a piece of fruit and ate.

I was starving.

"All of you, go," Napoleon ordered.

The servants I hadn't seen before hurried out of the room.

"Why aren't I in jail?" I asked.

"Because since you are engaged to a very rich man, it would be a crime to lock you in a cell," he said.

"I didn't do anything," I said.

"You injured quite a few of my guards. I had to give them the day off," he said.

"I didn't do anything," I repeated.

"I think you lied to me," Napoleon said.

"I-"

I stopped myself.

"So we will start over," Napoleon said. "How did you find out about your nobility?"

I held back a rage of emotion.

"My brother," I admitted. I began praying that Louis was out of the city.

"Louis the younger?" I nodded.

"When did you find out?"

"December 18th, I think," I said. I felt like a traitor, giving in.

"Are you actually engaged?"

I nodded. Napoleon sighed.

"I honestly don't know what to do with you," he said.

"Please," I sobbed. "Just let me go home."

"Home? Where is your home, Sophie? Is it that bakery? Is it with Henri? Or do you think that this palace--- my palace is your home?" Napoleon asked. Up until now he had remained calm. "I should charge you with treason!"

He was holding up the poster.

"I had nothing to do with that, I swear! You have to believe me!"

"I don't have to do anything," he said. There was a knock on the door. A servant rushed in, whispering in his ear.

"Oh?" Napoleon said, sounding curious. The servant left. Napoleon stood. "Things may have just gotten worse for you."

I buried my face in my hands. Napoleon left the room.

I had to get out of here.

I heard the door click. I was locked in. I ran to the only window in the room, behind the desk.

I looked down. We were at least three floors up. I couldn't jump.

I yelled in frustration. There was no way out.

I fell back onto the couch. I closed my eyes and prayed.

I fell asleep. I woke up a few hours later when Napoleon returned, advisers in tow.

They sat in various spots around the room and Napoleon sat behind his desk.

"Court is now in session," Napoleon announced. I sat up and looked at the advisers. They seemed to be ignoring me. "The case of Miss Sophie. She has been accused of treason and crimes against the empire. We will now hear her defense."

Everyone was looking at me. Was he serious?

"Um, I didn't do it," I said. A laugh chorused from everyone but Napoleon.

"You're going to need a lot more than that if you want to convince us, girl," one man said.

"I have no desire to overthrow Napoleon. I gain nothing from that. I was living life comfortably. Up until today that is. I have no complaints against the government," I said.

"Do you have proof?" I didn't see who said that.

"I didn't even realize there was an empire up until a week ago," I said. "If anything, Napoleon is making improvements."

There was a nodding of heads.

"Can I go?" I asked.

"No," Napoleon said. "We still have a traitor. Someone is rebelling. They must be stopped."

"Of course," one man said. "But we cannot keep her here against her will."

"Sure we can," Napoleon said.

"Please," I begged. "I have nothing to do with any of this."

"Help us find your brother," Napoleon said.

"I don't know where he is," I said.

"Louis is in the countryside," one man said, his accent foreign and thick. "North countryside."

"Good. There's a starting point," Napoleon said. "You will be our bait."

"Bait?" I asked.

"When we find him, we threaten your life until he comes out," Napoleon said. He didn't give me a chance to protest. "Great idea, actually. Take her to a room. All manpower should be directed to finding Louis."

The men stood up around me.

One came up to me and grabbed my elbow, taking me out of the room.

I couldn't find my voice to protest. It wouldn't matter anyways. It was hopeless.

"At least let me see Henri!" I yelled. Everyone stopped. Napoleon looked at me.

"If we find Louis, you can see Henri," Napoleon said. "Until then, you'll stay in your room."

"Please!"

Everyone ignored my protests. The man continued leading me out of the room.

He turned right in the hallways while everyone else went to the left. He lead me up a few flights of stairs before opening the door to a lavish suite.

I jerked free of his grasp and looked at him for the first time.

It was Frank, Cosette's new love interest.

"Frank?"

"Sophie," he said. "How lovely to see you again."

"Please, you have to get me out of here," I begged.

"I can't. My duty comes first; I took an oath," he said.

"Then could you tell Henri I'm okay?" I asked.

"I've got guard duty all this week. I won't be leaving the palace," he said. "But I'll make sure your lady's maid is someone you can trust. Send a letter to Henri. That's the best you can do for now."

"There's no hope in escaping?" I asked.

"No. Do not attempt it. He's looking for an excuse to kill you," Frank said. "Make sure Henri understands that as well. This will be over quickly. They will find Louis."

"I feel like this is all my fault," I said.

"I have to go," he said. He left the room, locking it behind him.