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“I don’t feel safe here,” stated Joachim Murat as he looked out across the icey field before him. Not long ago, Murat had made his stance clear by renouncing his affiliation to Napoleon and his regime as the King of Naples. However, Murat knew Napoleon well- they had been friends and brothers in arms for many years. It just didn’t feel right to stand and watch as one of his oldest friend’s dreams for France were crushed by Murat and the Alliance he had joined.
Murat knew all too well that Napoleon, despite what some may think, was much more than a commoner emperor. No- Napoleon was most likely one of the brightest minds of the century. He revolutionized French ideals and brought prosperity and justice to a kingdom in despair. That was what scared Murat the most. Napoleon was not a very forgiving man. Once word reached Napoleon that no help would be received from Naples’ forces, he would never forgive Murat. If Napoleon was not dealt with here, his decisions to betray his closest friend would most definitely backfire.
Murat shifted in his seat upon his horse to look at one of his troops- a man named Romaine. Now Romaine was one of his own Marshals, just as Murat had been to Napoleon. The two of them had been together under Napoleon’s command in his Cavalry unit and they had led the troops that had defeated both the Austrians and Prussians. Murat hoped that they could both make it through this without any of his troops dying, but the guilt of betraying his greatest friend was starting to get to him. He wasn’t sure if he could actually keep through with his decision to leave Napoleon’s side. Nonetheless, he would see what would happen within the next few weeks. If Napoleon truly falls after this inevitable battle, he might just consider leading his own troops to their dooms and performing a double-cross move of sorts. He remembered sensing the unease in his troops when he announced that they were no longer standing alongside Napoleon, and instead alongside the Austrians, English, Russians, and Prussians; who had been their enemy for years.
Unfortunately, right now, Murat couldn’t do much but wait and see.. And lead the charge against his own brothers in arms.
Murat knew the day was here. His execution was at hand, but he didn’t regret it in the least. He had led a fulfilling life; with children and a wife that could grow up in a safe Naples with him gone. He felt his body being dragged across the field, but he couldn’t see anything for his eyes were blindfolded. It was very sudden, but he was brought up into a standing position, hands bound behind his back. He felt rough hands grasping the blindfold and tearing it off. His eyes slowly opened, adjusting to the bright sunlight. He wasn’t really surprised by the sight in front of him. Three of his marshals, twelve he had known since the beginning, including Romaine, were standing ramrod straight, rifles ready to be fired. They were facing Murat too, and he realized that this would be a death by firing squad- something reserved for traitors. He supposed he was one, just not a traitor to Napoleon- not anymore at least. One of his last acts as the King of Naples was to renounce his allyship to the Alliance, and now he would be facing the price for it.
Oh well, he thought, can’t be helped. He watched as tears gathered in all twelve of his marshal’s eyes. They were called to attention, and Murat found himself being addressed by an Austrian commander, requesting his last words. He smiled fondly at his marshal’s and uttered his last words, making sure each could hear him.
“My friend’s, if you wish to spare me, aim at my heart.” With that, twelve shots sounded, each impact hitting his chest and causing him to stumble back. He died with a smile on his face, his only regret was not sticking with Napoleon during his bitter defeat.