Chicken: Problem is they tend to pile up issues as they go on. Think you have issues now...think of how many you'd have after 180 years. I don't think she'd be very uplifting company!
Aliasing: I read the (Nameless) AAR. I liked it, though I have no idea what the game is or what you do in it.
Sather: Yeah. The problem is finding pictures for a lot of things. That happened to be my best source.
Boris: Yes. Only 2-3 provinces go Protestant, and some of the ones I conquer do as well, but I convert them quickly.
blsteen: Indeed we will!
Chapter 33 – The Ducal Conspiracy
2/6/1537
Talena was on edge, pacing relentlessly while the King and his ministers sat and waited.
“I don’t like this!” she suddenly burst out.
Some of the nobles gave her angry looks, but the King merely shrugged. “We need to know who he was working for.”
A distant scream echoed, and Talena shuddered.
“If it distresses you, my lady, then-“ Moreau begun.
“It does not distress me, I am just against torture!” Talena shot back. “But…I concede it is necessary to find out the information. He didn’t offer it up on his own, I guess.”
“And what would you do instead?” Reynard asked bluntly.
Talena said nothing.
“Majesty, is it really necessary that this…woman…be present?” the Duke of Guise asked, making no effort to disguise his hostility towards Talena.
“I happened to save his Majesty’s life a few days ago!” Talena fired back.
“I will not be addressed in such a way by you, woman!” Guise said angrily.
“Enough!” the King said, sighing. “Lady Talena is here because she has some legitimate uses. However, she would do well to remember her manners.”
Talena nodded. “My apologies, Majesty,” she said, but did not apologise to the Duke. Thus the atmosphere became even more tense in the room.
Finally the doors opened to the dungeon below, and a priest appeared, looking rather pale.
“Your Majesty…the attempted snake of an assassin has confessed.”
“Excellent. What is it he said?” Henri asked.
“He has claimed that he was paid only to assassinate her Majesty the Queen.”
That caused a stir. “Only the Queen, and not his Majesty?” Guise asked, surprised. “Is he telling the truth?”
“I believe so, Majesty. He was found in possession of a coded letter which he told us how to decipher. It claims that the Duke of Armagnac paid him to assassinate the Queen.”
“The Duke? But why?” Henri asked.
“Remember her Majesty’s story, sire? Remember the bruises on her? He must have resented her escape,” Talena said.
“If this is true, than the Duke will have much to answer for!”
“Majesty, if I might say, this is an opportunity for you…and for France,” Talena said. She had no idea why she came out with it. She really had to think before opening her mouth.
“Why do you say that?” the King asked, looking up at her.
Talena thought quickly. What HAD she meant? “Well, the territories of Armagnac are scattered throughout France. If the Duke is indeed a traitor then there is no reason you should not merely absorb the lands into the crown. Bring in proper administration and control. Extra revenue and manpower, greater resources.”
“You would propose the invasion of the King’s own lands?” Guise asked mockingly. “In case you did not realise, those lands are held vassal to the King!”
“I do realise. But since a new Duke would need to be chosen anyway…” Talena said.
Henri nodded slowly. “Yes…yes I can see that would be of advantage to us.”
“Majesty, you are seriously contemplating this plan?” Guise asked. “Forgive me for saying, but this woman is bewitching you!”
“If she is bewitching me, Duke, then tell me the alternative. My father absorbed the realm of Brittany into our Patrimony, to the benefit of us all. I think this plan has merit.”
The Duke gave Talena a look of unhidden dislike.
“And what of the guard, Majesty, the man who betrayed your cause? He claims he was paid gold to assist.”
Henri’s eyes narrowed. “You may stop the torture of the attempted assassin. If his claims are true he will be quickly executed. As for the guard…the man who betrayed me and his oath. Make an example of him…treat him as you would a regicide, then display the body in Paris so that all will know the fate of those who betray their solemn oath.”
Talena winced at that. Even the thought of it made her have very bad thoughts. She didn’t argue though, even when the screams started again. She just stood and stared intently at the wall.
Eventually the meeting broke up, and Talena headed outside.
“You are getting good, Talena,” Maria said, appearing beside her. And then she was gone with Reynard.
Talena sighed. She was getting too good at it.
XXX
With his path set, the King found proof that the botched attempt had come from the Duke, and reluctantly ordered the invasion of his own vassal. In short order the Duke’s tiny army was defeated and his lands occupied, and then fully annexed into the French state.
This action was not received well throughout Europe, and many in France were unhappy too. However, the victory was inevitable and swiftly obtained. France’s neighbours took note at this move, and were restive….