Kapitel 231: Prelude to the Plan of Invasion

On the morning of May 21st, 1801, the city of Boulogne awoke under the gentle touch of sunlight that streamed through the window, coaxing Napoleon out of slumber. As his eyes gradually fluttered open, he found himself greeted by the kindly face of a maid who was in the process of drawing the heavy curtains aside. 

"Good morning, Your Excellency. It is now eight o'clock in the morning," the maid announced.

Before he went to sleep yesterday, he had told one of the maids working in the  Château de Boulogne-sur-Mer, his temporary residence, to wake him up at eight o'clock in the morning.

Napoleon acknowledged her with a nod and a quiet "Thank you," appreciative of her diligence. He stretched his limbs as he sat up, feeling the remnants of sleep dissipate in the morning air. 

As he swung his legs over the edge of the bed, his thoughts drifted to the day ahead.