[2] The Queen Mother of Württemberg | A. Bridgerton

Chapter 9

A Queen's Power

Ludwigsburg Residential Palace, Ludwigsburg
October, 1805

The grand halls of Ludwigsburg Residential Palace buzzed with anticipation as preparations for the evening's dinner were well underway. Servants moved swiftly, setting the long banquet table with fine china, polished silverware, and glimmering crystal glasses. The scent of rich, roasted meats and freshly baked breads wafted through the air, while flickering candles cast warm, golden hues across the room.

At the center of it all stood the Electress of Württemberg, her eyes meticulously scanning every detail, her posture poised and elegant. She oversaw everything, ensuring the evening would be flawless for their esteemed guest—the French Emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte. The task was no small feat, but Charlotte was unshaken. As the wife of Friedrich, Elector of Württemberg, she was accustomed to high expectations and, even more so, to the power plays that often accompanied royal affairs.

As she directed a servant to adjust the flower arrangement, the door creaked open behind her. Charlotte turned slightly, her gaze catching the unmistakable figure of Napoleon entering the room alone. The bustling of the servants stilled, and an air of palpable tension settled in the room. Napoleon's presence, so commanding and often feared, sent ripples of unease among the staff. Charlotte, however, remained calm.

"Votre Majesté," she said, inclining her head with a measured politeness. "Que puis-je faire pour vous?" What can I do for you?

"Je pourrais juste avoir besoin de votre aide pour quelque chose," Napoleon's gaze lingered on her for a moment. I might just need your help with something.

The servants, sensing the weight of his words, exchanged nervous glances. Charlotte noticed their discomfort and, with a single motion of her hand, dismissed them.

"Sie dürfen uns verlassen," she ordered in German. You may leave us. Once they were alone, Charlotte straightened, her expression neutral but alert as she switched back to French. "Je le demande encore... Que puis-je faire pour vous, sir?" I ask again... What can I do for you, sir?

"Je dois dire, Madame, que j'admire votre bravoure," Napoleon studied her with an amused gleam in his eyes, as if sizing her up. I must say, Madame, that I admire your bravery. "La plupart des femmes tremblent à la simple idée d'être seules avec moi dans une pièce." Most women tremble at the mere thought of being alone with me in a room.

"Je ne suis pas comme les autres femmes que vous avez croisées," she replied smoothly. Her lips curled into a slight smile, but her eyes remained cold. I am unlike any other woman you've crossed paths with.

Napoleon chuckled softly, though his amusement didn't reach his eyes. He stepped closer, his movements slow and deliberate, as though testing her resolve.

"Votre conseil," he began, his voice low. Your advice. "Comment puis-je gagner les faveurs de votre mari afin que nous puissions créer une alliance qui profite à la France et au Wurtemberg?" How can I win your husband's favor so we may create an alliance that benefits both France and Württemberg?

"Pourquoi saurais-je comment un homme peut gagner les faveurs de mon mari pour qu'il l'écoute?" Charlotte raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. Why would I know how men must win my husband over so that he may listen?

"Le monde murmure que c'est vous qui avez votre mari sous votre emprise, que c'est votre esprit brillant qui le guide, tandis qu'il, en homme, exécute votre volonté," Napoleon's expression darkened slightly as he drew nearer, attempting to intimidate her. The world whispers that it is you who has your husband wrapped around your finger, that it is your brilliant mind that guides him while he, as the man, executes your will. "Est-ce que je me trompe?" Am I mistaken?