Severus and the vampire Giovanni listened to Napoleon's impassioned speech below, but neither applauded with the others or shouted, "Glory to France!"
Lucien Bonaparte had brought quite a few spoils looted from Portugal when he entered the city. France had spread no civilization after invading Portugal; rather, it had done everything a bandit would do. Portugal's army simply lacked the strength to resist, leaving civilians to organize their own resistance.
"Where is Lucien Bonaparte?" Severus asked Giovanni.
"Over there." Giovanni pointed at a young man in a black coat who looked no different from an ordinary civil servant.
"I thought this celebration banquet was being held for him," Severus said.
"Who would dare steal the First Consul's spotlight?" Giovanni lowered his voice. "Even if he is Napoleon's own younger brother."
Once the applause ended, everyone put on their masks, and A Masked Ball began.
Napoleon walked straight toward Josephine. By etiquette, he had to dance the first dance with the First Lady. After dealing with the others, Mr. Jenner headed toward a woman in a dark crimson silk evening gown.
The red was so deep it was nearly black. She wore no jewelry either, save for a Black Swan Locket.
"That's her, isn't it?" Giovanni said. "Is she wearing a wig?"
Since France had resumed the etiquette of the old era, foreign envoys had begun wearing court attire as well, with stockings and wigs.
"No, that is her natural hair color," Severus said calmly, without the slightest trace of tender affection, much to Giovanni's disappointment. He had been looking forward to a good show.
"She is only wearing one piece of jewelry. What is special about that necklace?" Giovanni asked.
Severus took out the White Swan Pendant from around his neck.
"A pair?" Giovanni said in surprise.
Severus tucked the