The Duke of Normandy's castle looked, from the outside, like a structure of thick walls and half-hidden towers, but inside it was extravagantly luxurious.
It bore the traces left by generations of masters—French, Spanish, Baroque, and English styles, each serving a different role within the ancient castle. Had Georgiana not lived in Hogwarts Castle before, the decorations inside would probably have left her dazzled.
By the time France had its lever, the Duchy of Normandy had already perished. The duke's chambers had no room set aside for the ceremony, while the "Council Chamber of State" still retained the style of the Viking era. Napoleoni was surprisingly in the mood to accompany her on a tour, and they spent some time atop the castle walls, from where they could look down over all of Rouen.
It was a wealthy commercial city, but also an ancient one. What knights defended in battle was not merely love, but also their nation and faith.
Compared with the oppressive darkness inside the castle, the air atop the walls at dusk was wonderfully fresh. The bells for evening prayer drifted from afar, leaving one refreshed and alert.
The dying sunlight fell over the church's stonework, while stained glass refracted jewel-like splashes of color. The Corsican was not especially handsome, yet as he braced both hands against the edge of the castle and gazed down at the city, an indescribable air of majesty rose from him.
He possessed this city. He even possessed this ancient and powerful French Republic. She still felt as if she were dreaming in broad daylight.
"Did you find it?" he suddenly asked.
"Find what?" she asked back.
"The synagogues. There used to be many here," Napoleoni said. "Now they're all gone."
Georgiana felt an inexpressible desolation.
Many people yearned for freedom, but