He backed away another step. I watched as Jeremiah lined his pistols at Napoleon’s back and then in quick succession he fired. The emperor’s lip went up in a curl of a smirk. “You talk of peace and hope, but try to have me killed when I am unaware?” He waved his arm and Jeremiah was pulled to my side.
He struggled and tried to escape, but could not. “Let me go.”
I reached for Jeremiah and stood at his side. “Please, you do not have to be this way. I can help you. You are my brother.” I held out my hand to him.
The emperor rose himself to his full height and asked, “Will you come with me of your own free will?”
“I can’t do that. You hold my daughter and threaten me with her death. How can I trust you? Let her go and then we can talk.” I chanced to ask. “Would you do that?”
“Your reques
