Chapter 290: State of War Now Exists

Three days later, April 12th, 1802.

"Those damn French!" Charles IV flared in anger after hearing the news from his Prime Minister Godoy. 

"Your Majesty, your letter to Napoleon, is that how you wrote it?" Godoy asked.

"No!" Charles IV denied it. "I didn't word it that way. There is certainly some sort of fabrication on the side of the French—"

"But Your Majesty, the French claim that the First Consul received the letter intact. The letter matched your writing style and bore your seal," Godoy explained with a tone of concern.

Charles IV's frustration grew as he realized the extent of the manipulation. "They must have intercepted the original letter and replaced it. Don't tell me you don't believe me Godoy!"