The Marquis de Gramont stood at the bathroom mirror, struggling to smooth his carefully slicked side part back into place after running his hands through it in a fit of rage. What a god-awful day. No one was giving him the respect he deserved.

When he felt composed enough to be seen, he took a deep breath and opened the door. He was emerging from his personal chambers when his bodyguard approached with an urgent guest. He still wasn't feeling his best, to say the least, but he wasn't going to give his visitor the satisfaction of seeing that. He gave a too-sharp smile and forced his breathing steady, with some difficulty.

"Merveilleux. How good of you to show up unannounced. This had better be important."