Chapter 58 A Fleeting Desire And New Personnel
Napoleon boarded the carriage and sat next to Ciela. He looked around the interior of the carriage, marveling at its opulence. Soft velvet cushions lined the seats, and intricate gold trimmings adorned every surface.
"This looks expensive," Napoleon commented.
Ciela chuckled softly. "Nothing is expensive on me now, Napoleon. With the money we are earning from our enterprises, we could pretty much do everything we want."
As she said that, Ciela's finger trailed on Napoleon's hand.
Napoleon's gaze shifted from the lavish interior to Ciela's finger as it traced a delicate path on his hand. A tingle of warmth spread through his veins, and he couldn't help but be captivated by her touch. He turned his hand, interlacing his fingers with hers, and their fingers entwined in a gentle embrace.
"I miss you," Ciela said softly as she leaned closer, her breath brushing against Napoleon's cheek. "I'm glad that you are able to return back to me after three years. I was worried that I won't see you again whenever you are on the battlefield."
Napoleon turned his face towards her. He leaned in and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead.
Ciela was stunned for a moment, her eyes widening in surprise as Napoleon's lips touched her forehead. The gesture was filled with tenderness and conveyed a depth of emotion that words could not fully express. She felt an overwhelming sense of love and reassurance wash over her, banishing any lingering worries or doubts.
"I miss you too," Napoleon replied, a warm smile gracing his lips as he gazed at Ciela's charming face, which was now reddening with a hint of shyness. Then, he desired more. It seemed like kissing her forehead didn't satisfy him.
He turned his eyes to her lips, that rosy hue inviting and irresistible. His heart quickened, and a surge of longing coursed through his veins. Napoleon leaned in, closing the distance between them, his lips tenderly meeting Ciela's in a passionate kiss.
While their lips were locked in a passionate embrace, Napoleon's hand trailed along the contours of Ciela's midriff. The softness of her body beneath his touch was alluring. He had missed this feeling, and the fact that he was experiencing it again made him acutely aware of how much he had yearned for her.
And then, in a bold move, Napoleon's hand landed on her bosom, squeezing it gently. Ciela moaned softly, her lips parting for his tongue to explore her mouth. She felt a rush of heat and desire course through her body as Napoleon continued to knead her breast, his thumb expertly teasing her nipple to hardness.
Napoleon broke the kiss, his lips trailing down to her neck, where he planted soft kisses and nips that made Ciela shiver with pleasure. His hand continued its exploration, slipping under her dress and inching higher until it found its way to her lacy undergarments. He traced a finger along the outline of her sex, feeling the dampness that had gathered there.
"Wait...wait.." Ciela said as she pushed Napoleon away gently. "Are we going to do it here?"
"Why? Do you not like it?" Napoleon asked a troubled expression etched on his face.
"It's not that I don't like it, it's just that I'm not comfortable doing it here," Ciela said.
Napoleon sighed. "I see…"
Ciela nervously wrung her hands. "Please don't think I'm not interested in you, Napoleon—I am! I want to be intimate with you, and I've been keeping myself for you all this time. But I want our first time together to be somewhere where we can focus on each other without worrying about any outside distractions."
Napoleon's expression softened, and he reached out to cup Ciela's face tenderly. "If you say so, Ciela…You promise we are going to continue this later in the evening?"
"Of course…" As Ciela replied, she leaned towards Napoleon and touched her lips to his, their tongues fusing together in a slow, sensual kiss. She broke away from him, giving him a warm smile.
"Alright, then." Napoleon smiled back at her.
***
One hour later, the carriage arrived at Château de Chantilly. The coachman pulled the reins, bringing the carriage to a halt in front. Napoleon and Ciela stepped out and made their way inside as if nothing had happened.
"Ciela…you said that Mr. Lavoisier is inside of this Chateau right?" Napoleon asked, glancing over his shoulder.
"That's right, Napoleon. You said in your letter that you wanted to speak to him personally right? I have arranged it. You don't have to worry about the government finding out about him."
"Okay, and where is he now?"
"Mr. Beaumont?" Ciela called for the butler who was escorting them. "Where is Mr. Lavoisier?"
"He is in the courtyard, Mademoiselle," Beaumont replied with a respectful nod. "Shall I guide you there?"
"Yes, please," Ciela responded, linking her arm with Napoleon's. They followed Mr. Beaumont through the ornate halls of Château de Chantilly, their footsteps muffled by the luxurious carpets that lined the floors.
As they emerged into the courtyard, they saw Antoine sitting on a table drinking a cup of tea. He looked up to see two familiar figures approaching.
"Monsieur Bonaparte…I see that you are wearing the French Army uniform. You are a committed Republican now huh?" Lavoisier said, a hint of disappointment lacing his words. His gaze shifted from Napoleon's uniform to Ciela, taking in their entwined arms and the undeniable connection between them.
Napoleon's expression turned serious as he approached Antoine.
"Monsieur Lavoisier. I wear this uniform not out of blind allegiance to the republic, but out of necessity. I still believe in the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, but I've come to realize that the current state of affairs is far from what our revolution intended. Basically, I hated them as much as you do."
"Why did you save me?" Lavoisier asked, finally locking gazing at him.
"You are an invaluable asset to France, monsieur Lavoisier. It would be a waste if I were to let you get killed by the revolutionary government," Napoleon replied with conviction. He paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts before continuing.
"If they find out that you saved me, they will come after you," Lavoisier said, warning him.
Napoleon nodded solemnly, fully aware of the potential consequences.
"Don't worry about it, as they won't be able to find out about it…right, Ciela?"
"That's correct, Napoleon," Ciela confirmed. "I have taken every step to ensure that
our involvement remains hidden."
"So? What do you want from me now?" Lavoisier asked.
"It's simple. From now on you will be working for me, helping me behind the scenes. I have come up with another set of inventions that will surely ignite your passion even deeper for science," Napoleon said, his voice filled with determination.
Lavoisier's eyes widened in surprise and curiosity. Despite his initial disappointment, the mention of new inventions and the opportunity to delve further into scientific endeavors reignited his enthusiasm. He had always been driven by a thirst for knowledge and innovation.
Napoleon's invention of steam engines, steam locomotives, and telegraphs are a testament to his ingenuity, and Lavoisier couldn't help but wonder what new marvels Napoleon had conceived.
"Fine…I accept your offer," Lavoisier said. "I will assist you in any way I can, Napoleon."
Napoleon smiled, pleased with Lavoisier's response.