• We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
September 3, 1819
The Cathedral in Auch
Before all the Assassin Stuff Happened
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Comte de L'Isle Jourdain was looking in the mirror at himself. Two servants were adjusting his suit and making him presentable. This was the big day. Ever since he made this arrangement with the Prince of Condé, he has been excited for this moment. He was finally going to secure himself a wife. The two servants continued their task. "Your excellency, I believe you look great!" said one of the servants as both backed away. The Comte's military uniform was polished to perfection. His hair groomed back, his beard trimmed. He was very presentable in this outfit. He felt a sense of pride. Just then, the door behind him opened.

"Donnez-nous un instant s'il vous plaît?" said a familiar woman's voice. The Comte turned around and saw his mother standing in the door. She was fifty-five years old, and history had not been kind to her appearance. The two servants nodded and walked out the door. The Dowager Countess walked over slowly to her son, a smile emerging on her face. "You look just like your father on our wedding day." she said, choking back tears.

"Mother..." said the Comte walking over to her. She held out a hand to stop him.

"How happy he would be to see you now. His son, growing up and marrying a pretty lady. I am sure that he is smiling up in heaven for you." she said, a tear dripping down her face. The Comte wasn't sure if it was out of joy or sadness.

"It's days like these were I miss him the most." said the Comte.

"Nathanaël, I have watched you grow up in-spite of everything this world has thrown at you. I know that you will make the family proud." said the Dowager Countess. Just then a man walked into the room.

"Pardon me madame, but it is time..."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Transcript from the Wedding Mass:

*The Comte de L'Isle Jourdain and the Lady Sophia Dawes stand at the altar. The priest begins the rite with the following words*

Priest: Nathanaël Barrande, wilt thou take Sophia Dawes, here present, for thy lawful wife, according to the rite of our holy Mother the Church?

Nathanaël: I will

Priest: Sophia Dawes, wilt thou take Nathanaël Barrande, here present, for thy lawful husband, according to the rite of our holy Mother the Church?

Sophia: I will

*The Priest asks the two to join their right hands for their formal pledges to each other*

Nathanaël: I, Nathanaël Barrande, take thee, Sophia Dawes, for my lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.

Sophia: I, Sophia Dawes, take thee, Nathanaël Barrande, for my lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.

Priest: Ego conjugo vos in matrimonium, in nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen. (I join you together in marriage, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.)

*The Priests sprinkles the couple with holy water, and proceeds to bless the bride's ring*

Priest: Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini. (Our help is in the name of the Lord)

Sophia+Nathanaël: Qui fecit caelum et terram. (Who made heaven and earth)

Priest: Domine, exaudi orationem meam. (O Lord, hear my prayer)

Sophia+Nathanaël: Et clamor meus ad te veniat. (And let my cry come unto thee)

Priest: Dominus vobiscum. (The Lord be with you)

Sophia+Nathanaël: Et cum spiritu tuo. (And with Thy spirit)

Priest: Let us pray. Bless, O Lord, this ring, which we bless in Thy name, that she who shall wear it, keeping true faith unto her spouse, may abide in Thy peace and in obedience to Thy will, and ever live in mutual love. Through Christ our Lord.

Sophia+Nathanaël: Amen.

*The priest sprinkles the ring with holy water in the form of a cross; and Nathanaël, having received the ring from the hand of the priest, places it on the third finger of the left hand of Sophia*

Nathanaël: With this ring I thee wed; this gold and silver I thee give; with my body I thee worship; and with all my worldly goods I thee endow.

Priest: In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen. (In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen)

*Following this is a another blessing by the priest. Following that is the Lord's Prayer. Following that is the Pater Nostel, the readings for the mass. Following that, the couple kneels before the priest as he says the following blessing*

Priest: Let us pray. Be gracious, O Lord, to our humble supplications: and graciously assist this Thine institution, which Thou hast established for the increase of mankind: that what is joined together by Thine authority, may be preserved by Thine aid. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee..,O God, who by Thine own mighty power, didst make all things out of nothing: who, having set in order the beginnings of the world, didst appoint Woman to be an inseparable helpmeet to Man, made like unto God, so that Thou didst give to woman’s body its beginnings in man’s flesh, thereby teaching that what it pleased Thee to form from one substance, might never be lawfully separated: O God, who, by so excellent a mystery hast consecrated the union of man and wife, as to foreshadow in this nuptial bond the union of Christ with His Church: O God, by whom Woman is joined to Man, and the partnership, ordained from the beginning, is endowed with such blessing that it alone was not withdrawn either by the punishment of original sin, nor by the sentence of the flood: graciously look upon this Thy handmaid, who, about to be joined in wedlock, seeks Thy defense and protection. May it be to her a yoke of love and peace: faithful and chaste, may she be wedded in Christ, and let her ever be the imitator of holy women: let her be dear to her husband, like Rachel: wise, like Rebecca: long-lived and faithful like Sara. Let not the author of deceit work any of his evil deeds in her. May she continue, clinging to the faith and to the commandments. Bound in one union, let her shun all unlawful contact. Let her protect her weakness by the strength of discipline; let her be grave in behavior, respected for modesty, well-instructed in heavenly doctrine. Let her be fruitful in offspring; be approved and innocent; and come to the repose of the blessed and the kingdom of heaven. May they both see their children’s children to the third and fourth generation, and may they reach the old age which they desire. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth…

*After these prayers conclude, the mass continues as normal with the couple receiving communion. At the end of the mass, before the final blessing, the priest gives a nupital blessing*

Priest: May the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob be with you, and may He fulfill His blessing upon you: that you may see your children’s children unto the third and fourth generation, and thereafter may you have life everlasting, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; Who with the Father and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, God for ever and ever. Amen.
 
A Dinner at Lassay
WGa2d4D.png

It is said that God puts us all through trials, I certainly didn’t expect you to be put through this my dear Bishop. I am also most sorry to hear that you should find yourself in this position in an attempt to fulfil such a noble purpose, no doubt my cousin, Artois, would think likewise should he know of your condition. While I would happily give your council on how to find the last funds, I fear that if the collectors are already seeking you out that it would prove of little use before you found a proper return on the money to pay them back such a large amount. I also believe that you already knew this as of when you wrote to me.

If you are still in need my dear friend, I shall supply you with the short fallings which you still need to pay off the creditors.

Your friend,

Louis Henri Joseph, Prince of Condé


With the letter done, Louis rose from his chair and handed it to one of the servants to be sent off. It was the night of joy and cheers, the government was weaker than ever and it relied on the support of the Ultras rather than the Godforsaken liberals. Just like he had done twice before, during spring and during autumn, Condé had invited those deputies which he aligned closest with. Champagne had been brought in plenty, wine would flow freely and a twelve course meal had been prepared to sustain the guests throughout the evening, display was afterall everything.

There would be a mixture of pork, venison, cake among other sweets, honey roasted piglet and a ton of other good food which was naturally paid for by the Princé and prepared among the best chefs in Paris.

The Prince himself had dressed up, the newest fashion in France, he wore black as he so often felt that it suited him. The deputies had already arrived, he had seen several of their carriages and could hear them downstairs, talking, drinking his wine and enjoying themselves, not to mention the smell of smoke seeping upwards. Condé’s valet was brushing his shoulders as the Prince stood admiring his own reflection in the mirror, adjusting his collar slightly before doing the same to a medal on his chest. He looked at himself with a smile as his valet finished and took a step back, bowing before the Prince as Condé gave him a nod and left the room.

The Prince had a small smile on his face as he descended the staircase down to join the deputies before dinner, stepping into the room to a round of applause as the door was opened. “My friends, deputies, how it gladdens me to see you all on this beautiful day, I know many of you would call yourself doctrinaires, but I cannot describe how much it gladdens me to see you liberated from those fiendish liberals which disgraced your alignment by association. I have no doubt that the new split shall only prosper France and finally bring the stability which is so sorely lacked. The disbandment of the Veterans League along with the exile of Abbé shall finally bring us peace of mind. Even Decazes has to play by a different tune, the King’s favourite no longer carries the favour of the Chambers but instead must now appease us. Friends, I say let us use this, let us use our influence to ensure that the future of France is secure, to steer the government in the right direction and to see our children prosper. We shall soon see another election, an election in which we shall reign supreme, one that shall usher in this future which we so sorely wish for. I am sure that you shall all join me once on that day, to celebrate our victory, just as I shall stand with you all until then, giving my full support to each and every one of you.
Now, I believe it is time that we start feasting. As you all know, I am hardly a speaker which is why I shall leave that to you good gentlemen, and I do not fear that you shall let me down during this dinner.” The Prince took a sip of his drink before he as the first was the one to enter the dining room. The long table had been prepared with Condé sitting in the middle, the oldest of the members sitting opposite of him on the other side as they were about to begin the proper cause, having already eaten canapes which filled little more than the size of one’s thump. Now the soup was brought in, the second course or entry depending on the party, it was a creamed barley soup, one of Condé’s favorites and one that he often had on the list at his dinners.

Several of the attenders had already gotten slightly tipsy before they even truly began to eat, not that this was too odd as many were in a cheery mood. It wasn’t long after they had finished the soup that the first one proposed a toast in the Prince’s honour, after which another rose to hold a speech. It focused on the return to good governance, how the King shall soon have good counseling and that the reconciliation between His Majesty and several of the Ultra leaning faction good only bring about good tidings. How the new election laws were sure to show the will of the true people of France, rather than the traitorous republicans who so longed for anarchy and the death of France.

Another one rose after him, speaking about the goodness of bout Artois and his Majesty, how God had finally shown his favour on France and reconciled the two. How Artois, now in the King’s good graces, would see the King return to God and be rid of poisonous advisers. It was true that not all the members here shared the same opinion, neither about Artois or the advisers to the King, some favoured the current government while others wished for its end and a new election. They were however united in the wish to see the government strive for a more conservative approach. Which another speech expressed, this time from a doctrinaire before next course which was salmon. The salmon had a very nice taste, the Prince greatly enjoying it until his butler came over, whisper in the Prince´s ear, saying it was of utmost importance. The butler was an older man, in his late fifties. He was an Englishman, one that Louis had employed during his exile who carried out his job without fault or flaw. He was one of the few if not the only whom the Prince truly trusted, whom he could confide in without worry that his thoughts would end up at the front page of one these bastard papers. Though that did not make the Prince any less annoyed at having to leave his guests in the middle of the dinner, although when they made it out of the room the butler proved to be correct, it was utmost important. Berry had been stabbed and it didn’t take long for Condé to leave Lassay, heading towards the palace in his carriage.
 
Last edited:
THE TWO ATTACKS

yyX2UzM.jpg

There now came, in the aftermath of the assassination of the duc de Berry, what could only be described as a flurry of unlicensed violence.

All sides of all convictions now took it upon themselves to press vendettas and reserved vengeance; as the country became distracted in the persecution of treacherous ideologies, personal anguish bubbled to the ocean crust.

The first plot was hatched in a great conflict of surreptitious institutions and sentiments, questionable contingencies, and dreadful desperation.

It so happened that Henri Jules de Bourbon, now renowned throughout Paris on account of his imminent inheritance, was to call upon his father to share in the grief of his royal cousin's untimely death.

He departed from the country estate of his acquaintance, in Versailles, along with his fiancée, who he was soon to the marry. The stage-coat passed through the vacant countryside undisturbed by anything but sheep and cattle.

The tranquility was breached most expectedly when several mounted gentlemen charged from a disguised ridge, and fired upon the carriage. The two drivers attempted to flee and free their passengers, but the riders shot them both, although neither were fatally wounded.

The soon-to-be-wife of Monsieur Bourbon was dragged from the carriage, while Henri Bourbon reluctantly surrendered to the armed hijackers. As they were lining the two side-by-side, Madame Bourbon attempted to flee; she made it about fifteen feet before the horsemen received her rout with a hail of gunfire.

Bourbon now pivoted, quite naturally, to the assistance of his fiancée, upon which two bullets struck him in the lower back. He collapsed in a faint from the shock, and the hijackers now believed their job complete. For soon thereafter armed gentlemen, upon whose land the affair had occurred, were firing off warning shots to the intruders. The hijackers, not wanting to spill further bloodshed, retreated before the gendarmes could arrive.

The gentlemen, who owned a considerable quantity of property, retrieved Bourbon and his wife; the soon-to-be Madame was positively deceased, and Henri was not far from it. The proprietors were able to make correspondence to Paris, and several surgeons were sent to see to the matter. Henri, by some blessing, was saved by the passage of the bullets, but he remained grievously wounded by the affair.

-
Not so long later, and not so far away, another attempt was made on another figure of some distinction.

Capitaine Lothaire Lécuyer, who had invited esteemed gentlemen of similar politics to his chateau, found himself in a similar predicament as he prepared to depart to the country.

Lécuyer left Paris in the evening, and his passage was covered by the dark. In similar style, perhaps contracted from the same person, or inspired by the previous attempt on M. de Bourbon, descended upon the coach of Monsieur Lécuyer near day-break.

Lécuyer, for his own part, was not so naive about martial matters, and his loyal and armed drivers, veterans both, took their positions behind the coach and compelled the attacks to bunker down. One attacker was seriously wounded, and now frightened by the possible consequence of the great ruckus, fled from the battlefield before the authorities could come to the support.

Lécuyer returned relatively untouched from the evening affair, and returned to his Chateau under the escort of armed guards.


 
Lii9yhP.png

EN MATIÈRE DE MANQUE DE RESPECT DE LA LOI
"On the Matter of Lack of Respect for the Law"
_____________________________________________________________________________________
LAWLESSNESS is a status which derives only from poor administration. It is the direct result of a prevailing government which is incapable of enforcing its own laws, and when on the occasion that it makes a gesture of proper governance, does so out of questionable motivations. That France would live in such a state of lawlessness that a public figure such as M. de Bourbon would be left in such an exceptionally poor condition provides all the evidence necessary to indict the Council of, at the very least, a terrible negligence.

That, even after the withdrawal of occupying forces, we are still in a state of chaos is indicative of a failure to administer the departments effectively. Certainly, there are numerous methods of introducing control, and this article will endeavor to outline one such method. However, that none of these methods have been actively pursued is an exceptional disappointment to His Majesty's subjects. A government incapable of enforcing its own laws, incapable of protecting its people, and incapable of effective administration is indeed not much of a government at all.

Criminals must face harsh penalties, and a rigid system of rural civil administration must ensure that none escape justice. Civil guards must be granted jurisdiction, and they must be given the resources necessary to utilize such a jurisdiction. The protection of roads - particularly those so close to Paris - is a matter of security in more regards than one, and until they are placed under proper enforcement, there shall be an omnipresent possibility of danger for His Majesty and the Royal Household.

Thus, the Ministries of Justice and the Interior are in a position which requires understanding. They have indeed failed, and must be recognized as such - however, they do possess an opportunity to redeem themselves. If, indeed, they shall set aside their Doctrinaire sensibilities in the name of roi et pays, and accept the supremacy of a more conservative position, France shall be more than capable of ending this terrible lawlessness.

SAINT-MAURICE.
 
Beauty and the Beast: Part I

boyle_beauty10.jpg

“I’m going with you.”

Maurice, Belle’s father, could only let out a sigh as he scurried around their humble home, packing bundles of silk into crates while his daughter stood there with her arms crossed. He huffed for air, his portly body wobbling with each step. He ran his fingers through his messy hair that had started going grey over the past few years as he counted the bundles. “Absolutely not.”

“Why not?” Belle asked, grabbing a bundle of silk and placing it in a crate with the rest. “I’m not a child anymore. I can’t just stay here while you travel the world. I want to see places, do things, meet people.”

“All of which you will do,” Maurice said as he gently placed the last bundle of silk in a crate, “when you’re older.”

“I would not be alone though,” Belle said as she helped her father seal the crates of silk. “We’ll be together the whole way.”

Maurice leaned against a crate and gave a half smile. “I understand you don’t want to be cooped up in this town forever, but this journey may be dangerous. The roads to Paris are filled with bandits and cutthroats. The government has so much on its plate that it can’t take care of every band of hooligans out there. Why I even heard that a prince of the blood was murdered out in the open recently.”

Belle’s heart fluttered at the mention of the French capital. Paris. Since she was a child she had dreamed of going there. Her father had told her she had been born there, but she had been far too young to remember. Instead she had to rely on her books to tell her of Paris, and they painted such wondrous pictures. Surely it was a city of culture and beauty. She wished to see the great cathedral of Notre Dame, to sit by the Seine, and to walk the streets of the vast city. That was something that would never be achieved if she was forced to sit around at home for the rest of her life.

“If the roads are so dangerous, why are you going alone?” Belle said, sitting down on a crate beside her father. She gently grabbed his hand and gave him a forlorn look. “I have always dreamed of seeing Paris. Please let me come with you this once.”

Maurice started to carry a crate out, avoiding Belle’s gaze. She grabbed a crate of her own, followed him outside as he hefted it on the cart, and placed it down beside his. It continued this way until the cart was full. Only then did Belle’s father decide to look her in the eye. He let out a defeated sigh and said, “Very well, you can accompany me this once.”

Belle wrapped her father in a warm embrace, twirling him around in her excitement. “Oh, thank you, Father.”

Racing off into the house, Belle quickly grabbed a blue cloak and joined her father outside by the cart. He hitched the cart up to the horse and heaved himself up onto the front seat. Belle eagerly joined him up front. Maurice snapped the reins and Philippe, their horse, started trotting forward. Belle could barely keep still as they made their way out of Morlaix and started down the long road to Paris.
 
An estate between Versailles and Paris:

Darkness, then light. Pain, everywhere.

"... we have staunched the bleeding but much remains uncertain. The organs all seem int..."

Light, then darkness, then light again. Pain, mostly on the left side, but still ever-present.

"... he's intermittently lucid, but all he does is ask after the woman. He keeps passing out before I can..."

Light, then darkness, then light again. Pain, faintly, beneath a heavy blanket of dullness. Silhouettes move vaguely.

"... the left leg broke in several places. It's... healed... for the most part..."

"... El..."

"The left fingers close... imperfectly..."

"... ise? El... ise?"

The silhouettes turn. A lingering silence. Henri knows this silence. It answers his question.

Darkness again, but this time the darkness of sleep, fitful and plagued with unwelcome dreams.
 
image_029.jpg

A Crisis in the Brotherhood

Hercule Vipond, duc de Piombino

That which the Duc de Piombino had erected fell apart quite quickly. Just as soon as the Duc de Orleans was regarded as a trust confidant, the Duc de Piombino recoiled at what he had described to his servants as a "ghastly change in temperament, one most unbecoming of a brother". And in the avenue of Orleanist love, the Duc de Piombino faced lukewarm results at best, to his utter dejection; was he not a man of intense charm?

But then the darkest of news came to him - the attack on the Monsieur de Bourbon, mutilated at the hands of would-be assassins. Savagery of the highest caliber - against a good brother of the order, a great man. A man who the Duc de Piombino increasingly saw as the future. He withered, but the Monsieur de Bourbon would be there to bear the torch. Perhaps embarrassingly, the bachelor Duc de Piombino even saw within him the son he never had.

Enjoying a fine sausage during the relaying of this tragedy, the Duc de Piombino grew red as a beet in the face as he violently choked. Only by the swift intervention of his Breton manservant Per Le Goff did the Duc de Piombino survive, the sausage landing with a wet plop on his dining table.

Soonafter, getting hastily dressed, the Duc de Piombino set off to see his fallen brother, to look for himself what some vile devil had wounded.
 
February 1820
Paris
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Have you ever been to Paris before, madame?" said the Comte de L'Isle Jourdain to his newly wed wife. The couple was in a carriage about two miles outside of Paris. They spoke English with each other in private conversation to ensure no one understood them (even though it was seen as rather odd, but no one questioned them, plus Sophia preferred speaking in her native tongue).

"No, I never have seen the city. I heard stories about the place growing up, but I never really laid eyes on it. Always have wanted to travel there though." said Sophia. The Comte leaned out the window and saw the city come closer and closer. He could see Notre Dame from this distance.

"It is not as grand as your probably have been told, not going to lie. Rather dull place in today's society." said the Comte.

"If you are trying to persuade me not to go to Paris, then you are sadly mistaken!" said Sophia. "I do not intend to just sit at the estate and watch you come and go! I want to be here, Nathanaël, and nothing you can say will deter me!"

"Then can't say I didn't warn you. We are heading to the Tuileries Palace. I am to introduce you to the court and present you to the King." said Nathanaël. The carriage pulled into the city and proceeded in the direction of the Tuileries.

As the carriage pulled up to the Palace, the Comte began sweating. Sophia immediately took notice. "You are nervous about something, aren't you?"

"Well the only time I have been in the presence of the King was when he opened the Chamber of Peers." said Nathanaël. "So this whole thing is a first in a way."

"Don't you worry about me. I won't make a fool out of you dear husband." said Sophia, shooting a grin at her husband. The carriage stopped, and the driver opened the door. Nathanaël stepped out onto the snowy cobblestone, and extended his hand so that his wife could exit the carriage.

"Keep in mind, the King has just lost his nephew to an assassin's blade and a Bourbon bastard was shot at. If you are to talk about his family, give only condolences and don't dwell on it to long..."

"You think I don't have a clue about these things? Dear husband, has the Prince of Condé not told you to not underestimate me?" said Sophia interrupting in a rather scolding manner.

"I just want to make sure. This is a very tense time, the last thing I want is to insult his majesty." said Nathanaël.

"I appreciate the sentiment, but dear husband you must stop worrying. Stress is not good for one's health. If you are to be married to me, you have to learn to trust me!" said Sohpia.

"If only it was just trust..." muttered Nathanaël. The two proceeded up to the doors of the Tuileries and were ushered inside.
 
THE FALL OF DECAZES

i2GPZv6.jpg

The assassination of the duc de Berry stirred the country. The very next morning, February 14th, the Ultra press accused Decazes in all but name. When it was revealed that the assassin, Louis Pierre Louvel, was a former associate of the late Alexandre Maximilian Reynard and the Republican Legionnaires, Saint-Aignan accused ministerial laxity of "Jacobinism, republicanism and antidynastic movements" for the death of the prince. Nodier wrote in the Journal des Débats "I saw Louvel's dagger, and it was a liberal idea," while Chateaubriand noted "the hand that struck the blow does not bear the heaviest guilt."

But by the accusation of Decazes, they were indirectly attacking the king who had supported his policy. As much out of affection as out of wounded pride, Louis XVIII did not intend to abandon his favorite by the clamor of his enemies. Decazes, at first overwhelmed and on the point of bowing out, took courage. He thought he could extricate himself by presenting the electoral law, re-establishing censorship of the press, and arbitrary arrests. However, the Right and Right-Center absolutely refused to grant him these additional powers. They were afraid, and not without some justification, against those of the Left.

Some young hotheads talked of laying hands on the favorite and of "stopping" him as was done to the Duke of Guise. The grave and dignified Laine himself said: "The minister found a scoundrel to stab the Duke of Berry, and no one can find an honest man to kill M. Decazes!" The comte d'Artois and the ducheese d'Angoulême threw themselves at Louis XVIII and pressed him to dismiss his second favourite. Louis XVIII dismissed their pleas with such force that he could be heard in the antechamber...


PviEBAP.jpg

The royal family demands the King to force the resignation of Decazes.
...now Artois sought to end the King's recalcitrance, and moved his faction to support Valence, who only Louis XVIII could find more amicable to Decazes. Artois wrote to Valence: "Your policy will be mine. On the faith of a gentlemen, I will be your most loyal soldier!" Finally, Louis XVIII gave in; and sent for Valence to receive the presidency.
 
Last edited:
Paris, after the assassinatin attempt.

Assassination attempt? What kind of times is it we live in Lothaire thought to himself. This reminded him all too much of the Paris he grew up in. The Paris where violence was on the daily order and one had to fight for survival. Fight for survival from an early age, let it be radical revolutionaries or reactionaries or street gangs. He could not let his kids grow up in such a climate. He huried back home. He met is wife and children. He loved them all so much, and his near death made him realise this. He were not afraid of death as he had faced it manytimes before. During the Great Wars, in Tolouse and now in Paris. But the thought of endagering his family shook him. He had a long talk with his family. His wife Christine, his eldest daughter Marie-Louise now at the age of 5, his eldest son Joachim now at the age of 4, his twins Jean-Louis and Jérôme who were of 2 years and his youngest daughter Stéphanie still an infant. (The keen eye would recognize that each of his children's name had a link to Napoleon, were it by coincidence, unconscious or on purpose?) He cried for the first time since he heard the news that the Wars had come to an end. He cried as he sent his beloved family to safety. He told them it were no longer safe here in Paris and they had to go to Switzerland for the time being. The Swiss he said were of no harm, and it was plenty of cheese and mountains for them to love. He would dearly miss the company of his wife, and now there more intellectual and loving side. He had many maidens and secretaries he could play with in her absence, but he would dearly miss her.

As they went out and he had spent minutes crying out his sorrow he would meet the men he had summoned. They were all former Officers. Some were even part time Officers in the National Guard and the Reservists, and they all had ranks from Capitaine to Colonel and even one Général de brigade. "It is time" Lothaire told them. He asked them if their preperations were done. They said yes. The disbanding of the Veterans League had made them hurry up their efforts. They had now collected disillusioned veterans and officers and would head for Italy. Lothaire then shook all of their hands, saying it was nice to know them. They all agreed upon that they had not known eachothers plans. But Lothaire assured them that he too would head to the peninsula if he could go there. The man would go on and aid the Italian nationalists and liberalists. Lothaire would wave them goodbye, and he would then head to the Chamber.

Chamber of Deputies, Paris.

"M.President,

This is a time of great sorrow. This is a time for great need. Violence is once again in the streets of Paris. We are once again cast into anarchy, but we can still turn around. We have to be united, we have to be strong. And as I have said before we need to focus on our real enemies, the real threats out there. And not some conjured up enemies like the Veterans League who never harmed others and never were a revolutionairy guild. As we debated here on non issues the real enemy, as I warned about, were loose. Namely the so called Legionaires. And now the most honorable and Graceful Duke of Berry is dead. We all mourn his loss, but none the more than the Royal Family. For I can't imagine a greater sorrow than to lose ones son, ones brother, a dear friend.

But let us not mint a political coin on the tragic loss! Let us not abuse their, and our, mourning to our benefit. Let us not polarize the Chambers further by claiming one side are evil, one sie are just, one side are immoral and one side are moral. Let us come together! Let us all come together in this hour of need. Let us give France and the French the stable and paternl government they deserve! I too have been the victim of a failed assassination. By the Grace of God I did not suffer the same fate of Duke of Berry. I can't help to understand why God spared my life, but let such a monumental figure as the Duke of Berry perish. But it what it is. And we are at a crossraods. We can stand here and accuse all left leaning Deputies for being at fault for the death of our beloved Duke. And we can blame all of the Right for the attempted assassination of myself.

But we should not. We should rise above such petty allegations. We should come together and make swift reactions. We should focus, as I have said many times before, on the real issues. We have to focus on rooting out the dreaded Legionaires and the radical-Ultras! As I said during the last session, our time should be spent on making legislation that are aimed at taking out these actual terrorist groups, rather than making an illegal legislation that were aimed at taking out the Veterans League. And where are we now? Terrorist groups both from the extreme right and left are targeting various political figures. We now need to uphold the rule of law. Alltough I doubt you will go back on the ridicolous "Militia" Act, we need to continue to uphold the rule of law. Let us be for once sane again, and not let the current events be used to blame your opponents of treason. Let us meet in the middle and work together to root out this abdomination that is called terrorism.

Let us not abuse the grief of those affected! That would make us most dishonorable. They are to grieve the loss of their beloved indeed. But we are not to point fingers on those who have nothing to do with it, just for personal gains! Justice shall be fullfilled! But only to those who deserve it, and we are to be united in this hour of need!

Than you, that is all".

Lothaire sat down, and most were silent as he sat down. Many Deputies came to Lothaire to hear what happened to him. He told it as it was, but he warned them not to make this an issue for political gain. The Ultras of the Chamber were not be blamed, even if their words and actions legitimised such actions. Lothaire then rose up again and retired to his office. There he had gotten a letter from Cazal and were most pleased and replied.

M. Lécuyer,


I thank you for your kind words. I enjoyed my time in Haïti and found the island to be of great interest, both politically and elsewhere. Having arrived back in Paris
in the Spring, I am available to come to your château at your convenience.

Your proposition intrigues me, I must say—although similarly I must warn you that, if it is a biased account you seek, I will be unable to provide. In engaging my services as a writer, you will also have to engage my judgement—which, I warn, will be what it will be.

Nevertheless, all of this may be discussed further chez vous. If you wish to provide me with a date and time for a meeting, I will be happy to advise on my schedule.


Je reste,

Cazal


((Private letter)).

M.Cazal,

I am glad you enjoyed your stay and found it to be of interest. I hope one day I too may go to such an excotic place.

And do not worry, I do not seek a biased account. Of course the interviews you give me will be biased from my part, but I want it to be objective or the perspective of you. I however see it as to be in three parts. One when I grew up in the streets of Paris during the height of the Revolution. Where I had none to lead me, but myself and how that led to chaos. Then during the Wars have I were once more in a violent time, but under strict leadership and discipline and how it all shaped me. I can share with you my battle accounts and philosophy of battle. And the last part is now. How I without a leader grew disilluisioned, but found my salvation in politics that I once more were driven by purpose. And that I saw many veterans were now leaderless as I were. That I did not want them to revert to the times of revolution where men of violence were without a leader and discipline, which led to chaos and violence. And that I wanted them to be organised once more, in order to prevent just that.

Now as you have seen, I am a man of actions and not words. And it would be nice if such an esteemed writer of you coined down my life and ideas as only a man of your abilities can do. Is it not ironic, that I find another man to better phrase my own beliefs than myself? Now it is of course yourself who are to detirmine it's final result. For time and meeting my home will be open for you everyday on the mornings and the evenings. You can stay in my home, or one of my homes, too if you like to.

-Capitaine and Deputy Lothaire Lécuyer.
 
Paris, Chamber of Deputies

The Bishop of Montauban could not believe its ears. In his years in the Chamber, he had heard son lot de sottises, but the latest speech by the Deputy of the Seine was most odious. Fate was a most curious thing, to allow the Duke of Berry to die but a nonentity such as Lecuyer to live.

"Monsieur le Président,

On behalf of my esteemed colleagues, let me extend our greatest expression of relief to hear that the good deputy of the Seine was most able in overcoming the madman's blade."

Behind the veil of politics, the Bishop sinned, thinking that it was all rather a pity that Lécuyer still breathed while Berry was gone.

"But let us not have the most dreadful accident of the Deputy draw us away from the real issue of the day. The monarchy is under attack. Our beloved duke of Berry lies dead, from the blows of a politicaly motivated crime. And what politics can inspire such a sordid gesture? Why of course, the liberty idolizers liberalism, which corrupts all which it touches as surely as salt renders a land barren. Such wanton licentiousness must be quelled and curbed!"
 
"M.President,

I thank the Deputy of Gers for his words.

On to the issue. What do the Deputy of Gers propose to specifically curb and quell it? I said during the last session we should focus on taking down the Legionaires who flew the tricolors. Instead we were focused on bringing down the Veterans League. Now what is it you propose in practical terms Deputy of Gers? Yes the assassination of our beloved Duke of Berry were dreadful and a horrific event. But should we ban ideas and opinions over this? I think not.

What of those who threatened my life, perhaps they did it as some sort of revenge against those they deem liberal? I do not know. But this event should not be one of hatred. We should not use the horrible and inexcusable murder of the beloved Duke to instigate more hatred. We suffer from extremists from both sides. Both sides who threaten not only the Monarchy, but the very French civilization.

How should we honor the Duke of Berry? Should we honor his memory and his life by creating more hatred, spurring more violence and polarizing the society to an even greater degree? Or should we come together, bridge the gaps between our sides and work together for France, King, Monarchy and the French?

Thank you that is all".
 
Alexandre Cazal, shaken by events at the Opera though not too greatly stirred, returned home late that evening. He had no business with such high-powered figures as royalty and so, not wishing to intrude, avoided the scenes in the street outside. Instead, a doorman showed him from his seat—comfortable though he may have been, he did not splash out on a box, finding the idea of watching a show in such isolation distasteful—and made his way back to the Chaussée d'Antin. It had gone midnight, but there he was in his study, responding to the various letters he was receiving in ever-increasing quantities.


(( @ThaHoward ))


M. Lécuyer,


Your story is, of course, a captivating one. You will forgive me for not adding more at this time but, if I tell you that I have been at the Opera this evening, I trust you will be well enough able to fill in the blanks by the time this letter reaches you.

In light of your open invitation, I shall make my way to your château on Tuesday, two days from now. I trust this suits your schedule as much as it does mine.


Je reste,

Cazal

(( @Eid3r ))


Mgr. du Bourget,


Forgive my intrusion upon your affairs at this delicate time. I can appreciate that, now at all moments, to receive an unsolicited invitation to enter into correspondence with a stranger would be the least of one's desires. Nevertheless, in the face of such gross attacks as we have suffered this evening, we must continue in our own work undeterred, else the scoundrels who perpetrate these crimes be given to believe that their deeds disrupt us.

Allow me to present myself: I am Alexandre Cazal, man of letters in the liberal press. I do not expect that a man of your station be aware of my work or my person. Nevertheless, I ask humbly that you consider my letter without any prejudice you may have as regards my character.

I shall be brief, Mgr. I have been exercised of late by the famine, which, I am given to understand, was much allayed by the work of your Isidorean Order. I plan to write an account of the troubles, and therefore would be greatly aided in my work by an interview with your person. If, Mgr., you would consent to such a meeting, I would be most grateful if you would submit a convenient time and date as per your schedule. I appreciate that, in light of this evening's events, this may be delayed some period.

Je reste, Monsignor, votre serviteur,

Alexandre Cazal
 
Paris, after the news of Decazes resignation.

Lothaire were by his study in one of his apartments in Paris when he got the news of Decazes's resignation. He were pleased that the petite-Ultra stepped down, however he were not pleased at all by the fact that the new Prime-Minister were a full fledged Ultra. Lothaire would not be snapped out of his sorrow of sending his family to exile and would strive to unify the Doctrinaires.

Fellow brother,

I guess we can say the Ultra experiment of Decazes have failed. He split the Doctrinaires unnecessary in several camps. He had the majority of the faction firmly behind his back, but he went against rational reforms and sought to tear down what we had build up. And what is the result? The result is a ministry composed mostly by Ultras and the Prime Minister is indeed an Ultra now. Do this reflect the current composition in the legaslative chambers? It do not. And the decadence and hubris of Decazes are to be blamed.

This is why I invite you all to a conference in my mansion. I will set the date to this Saturday and we will convene. I ask of all Doctrinaires to come, let them be Conservative, Moderate, Reformist or Liberal. I do not wish the leadership of this Faction, however I believe we should convene together. We should convene in order to lay plans for the future. To come up with a common platform to counter the current Ultra ministry. Our strength lies in unity not in factionalism.

I hope as many as you will attend, and of course during the Conference there will be a dinner with all it's courses, light lunch and a banquet.

-Capitaine and Deputy Lothaire Lécuyer.

(( @ThaHoward ))


M. Lécuyer,


Your story is, of course, a captivating one. You will forgive me for not adding more at this time but, if I tell you that I have been at the Opera this evening, I trust you will be well enough able to fill in the blanks by the time this letter reaches you.

In light of your open invitation, I shall make my way to your château on Tuesday, two days from now. I trust this suits your schedule as much as it does mine.


Je reste,

Cazal

[/QUOTE]

M.Cazal,

I am most pleased by your reply. Tuesday is fine for me, I look forward to meet you in person.

-Capitaine and Deputy Lothaire Lécuyer.

PS: I plan to hold a Conference for Doctrinaires the coming Saturday. You are welcome if you wish to, either as a Doctrinaire or Observer for your work.
 
((@99KingHigh ))​

Palais des Tuileries, February.

The Marquis de Valence sat in his carriage, his stomach seized by apprehension. This had been a month from hell - a Brumaire for the Bourbons. Just as the Grégoire affair was finally drawing to a close, the Duc de Berry was assassinated. Then attacks were made on deputies of the Chamber. Even considering their disagreeable politics, these men were symbols of the constitution; an assault upon them was as good as an assault upon the Government. Ironically, that particular attack came soon after, as the press ravaged the inadequacies of the Duc Decazes, who was drinking heavily from the poisoned chalice he had bestowed upon himself. As a result, Decazes had fallen, along with the entire government. And finally, Valence had received a letter of summons to the Palace.

As always, the news of domestic difficulties soon came to intercept the foreign affairs of the Kingdom. Valence had spent the last five years labouring in considerable difficulty to present the image of a strong and stable France to the Great Powers. But these developments were beyond even his powers of dissimulation. Public regicide. The royal succession in jeopardy. The government in collapse. Murderous reprisals on the streets. Was this the France of Louis XVIII or Robespierre? Europe would hardly know the difference.

And now here he was, making the same journey as of five years prior, albeit under considerably less auspicious circumstances. So consumed was he in his thoughts, that his conveyance to the Palais des Tuileries, and his passage through its august halls, barely registered. At last, he was presented before the King, who was but a shadow of the self-confident monarch he had first met humiliating the Duc d'Otranto. His health was in decline, as was widely known but rarely mentioned. But he also appeared harried and discontent. Valence knew that his hand was being forced by the Royal Family, for no less a personage than the Comte d'Artois himself had communicated his support to him.

It was no surprise to Valence that Louis offered him the presidency of the council. Valence's reply, however, probably came as more of a surprise to Louis.

"Please allow me first to express my condolences on this most solemn occasion. I understand that His Majesty shall be suffering dearly for the loss of his royal nephew, whose loss was shared also by all of France. In these difficult times, it is my first instinct to be a champion of His Majesty and to please him in all possible ways.

As such, I am flattered and humbled to the utmost by the proposal that His Majesty has made to me. It is certainly the greatest honour which His Majesty has within his gift to bestow. Regretfully, it is an honour to which I regard myself as being ineligible. Although greatly appreciative of the faith that His Majesty has chosen to repose in myself by making such an appointment, I must confess that I do not possess this faith in my own person. The office of the chief magistrate must surely be served by an individual of inestimable character.

His Majesty once solicited from myself a list of recommendation for candidates to His Majesty's Government. Should His Majesty be once again willing to accept my advice, I would recommend the Prince de Polignac as a fit and suitable candidate for the presidency. I believe that this gentleman, although as yet inexperienced in office, has the temperament, the congeniality and the studiousness to master such a portfolio. In a time of crisis, he should serve as a unifying figure by which His Majesty's Government may recover its integrity and purpose.

I am but an obedient servant of His Majesty, and I shall accept whatever decision His Majesty may render in the case of the presidency of His Majesty's Government, which is solely within his prerogative. Should his decision stand that this should be myself, then I shall obey. I only implore the indulgence of His Majesty to consider the alternative candidacy which I have mentioned, in light of my misgivings of my own suitability for such an appointment."
 
((@99KingHigh ))​

Palais des Tuileries, February.

The Marquis de Valence sat in his carriage, his stomach seized by apprehension. This had been a month from hell - a Brumaire for the Bourbons. Just as the Grégoire affair was finally drawing to a close, the Duc de Berry was assassinated. Then attacks were made on deputies of the Chamber. Even considering their disagreeable politics, these men were symbols of the constitution; an assault upon them was as good as an assault upon the Government. Ironically, that particular attack came soon after, as the press ravaged the inadequacies of the Duc Decazes, who was drinking heavily from the poisoned chalice he had bestowed upon himself. As a result, Decazes had fallen, along with the entire government. And finally, Valence had received a letter of summons to the Palace.

As always, the news of domestic difficulties soon came to intercept the foreign affairs of the Kingdom. Valence had spent the last five years labouring in considerable difficulty to present the image of a strong and stable France to the Great Powers. But these developments were beyond even his powers of dissimulation. Public regicide. The royal succession in jeopardy. The government in collapse. Murderous reprisals on the streets. Was this the France of Louis XVIII or Robespierre? Europe would hardly know the difference.

And now here he was, making the same journey as of five years prior, albeit under considerably less auspicious circumstances. So consumed was he in his thoughts, that his conveyance to the Palais des Tuileries, and his passage through its august halls, barely registered. At last, he was presented before the King, who was but a shadow of the self-confident monarch he had first met humiliating the Duc d'Otranto. His health was in decline, as was widely known but rarely mentioned. But he also appeared harried and discontent. Valence knew that his hand was being forced by the Royal Family, for no less a personage than the Comte d'Artois himself had communicated his support to him.

It was no surprise to Valence that Louis offered him the presidency of the council. Valence's reply, however, probably came as more of a surprise to Louis.

"Please allow me first to express my condolences on this most solemn occasion. I understand that His Majesty shall be suffering dearly for the loss of his royal nephew, whose loss was shared also by all of France. In these difficult times, it is my first instinct to be a champion of His Majesty and to please him in all possible ways.

As such, I am flattered and humbled to the utmost by the proposal that His Majesty has made to me. It is certainly the greatest honour which His Majesty has within his gift to bestow. Regretfully, it is an honour to which I regard myself as being ineligible. Although greatly appreciative of the faith that His Majesty has chosen to repose in myself by making such an appointment, I must confess that I do not possess this faith in my own person. The office of the chief magistrate must surely be served by an individual of inestimable character.

His Majesty once solicited from myself a list of recommendation for candidates to His Majesty's Government. Should His Majesty be once again willing to accept my advice, I would recommend the Prince de Polignac as a fit and suitable candidate for the presidency. I believe that this gentleman, although as yet inexperienced in office, has the temperament, the congeniality and the studiousness to master such a portfolio. In a time of crisis, he should serve as a unifying figure by which His Majesty's Government may recover its integrity and purpose.

I am but an obedient servant of His Majesty, and I shall accept whatever decision His Majesty may render in the case of the presidency of His Majesty's Government, which is solely within his prerogative. Should his decision stand that this should be myself, then I shall obey. I only implore the indulgence of His Majesty to consider the alternative candidacy which I have mentioned, in light of my misgivings of my own suitability for such an appointment."
FvQF5hg.jpg

Louis, for his own part, was unsurprised by the reluctance of his regal favorite; and hated greatly the pressures that compelled him to make such a request. For his own purpose, he still grieved the loss of Decazes, who he adopted, in all but title, as his son, and Berry, who one could never accuse of being disagreeable. But only Valence was more loved by the king, and knew that such compulsions would be disagreeable to him. He believed, nonetheless, that providence had left him no other choice.

"I confess, Valence, that I have made consultations with those of note and purpose, and by the virtue of chance, the prince de Polignac has been taken ill, and forced to retire to the countryside for his health. He has not been seen in Paris for some months now, and thus I cannot entrust him with the virtues of state. I believe, in the sorry state we inhabit, that there are few souls who can defend the virtue of France, and those of sickly disposition are not among them. I must therefore insist, on part of your duty, and against your instinct, to fortify the image of France, and rehabilitate her from the present calamities..
 
FvQF5hg.jpg

Louis, for his own part, was unsurprised by the reluctance of his regal favorite; and hated greatly the pressures that compelled him to make such a request. For his own purpose, he still grieved the loss of Decazes, who he adopted, in all but title, as his son, and Berry, who one could never accuse of being disagreeable. But only Valence was more loved by the king, and knew that such compulsions would be disagreeable to him. He believed, nonetheless, that providence had left him no other choice.

"I confess, Valence, that I have made consultations with those of note and purpose, and by the virtue of chance, the prince de Polignac has been taken ill, and forced to retire to the countryside for his health. He has not been seen in Paris for some months now, and thus I cannot entrust him with the virtues of state. I believe, in the sorry state we inhabit, that there are few souls who can defend the virtue of France, and those of sickly disposition are not among them. I must therefore insist, on part of your duty, and against your instinct, to fortify the image of France, and rehabilitate her from the present calamities..
So there it was. No turning back now.

"Then I shall accept this great office with the determination to uphold the expectations of His Majesty. Please rest assured that my hesitancy was not at all founded on an aversion to service or the hard tasks before me, but in deferment to the more senior gentlemen of the court. I should have realised that His Majesty would not have made such an appointment without a long process of consideration and reflection."

"What is His Majesty's will regarding the composition of the Government?"
 
So there it was. No turning back now.

"Then I shall accept this great office with the determination to uphold the expectations of His Majesty. Please rest assured that my hesitancy was not at all founded on an aversion to service or the hard tasks before me, but in deferment to the more senior gentlemen of the court. I should have realised that His Majesty would not have made such an appointment without a long process of consideration and reflection."

"What is His Majesty's will regarding the composition of the Government?"

FvQF5hg.jpg

"That I should ask you to present the suggestions of Ministers, who in their total, would secure the confidence of the Deputies, and allow by some degree until the next election, a standard of stability over the governance of our country."
 
((@Eid3r))

FvQF5hg.jpg

Louis XVIII, in his grief, now confronted the realities of his own expiration; took it upon himself, in his morbid mood, to set upon the preparations for his own conclusion.

LOUIS XVIII, By the Grace of God, Most Christian King of France and Navarre; tous ceuz que ces presentes verront, salut.

Nous Avons Ordonne et ordonns ce qui suit:

Henri-Charles Victorin du Bourget, Père Franciscain, Évêque de Montauban is hereby appointed, by the Grace of God, Archbishop of Reims, with the respective rights and obligations to his person and duties to the Église Catholique.
 
The Establishment of the Society of the Young Franks


hfZOHcS.png

Les Jeunes Francs

The drinking society surrounding the young Comte de Saint-Germain has been transformed, by decision of its two dozen or so members, into a true society for the betterment of France and the Army. Established half as a joke and half as an excuse for the affiliates to use an official-looking Coat of Arms in their correspondence, it's chief aims are as follows:

1) Provide a friendly and open society for all young Officers within the army to express their views, thoughts and annoyances in a safe and wine enriched environment.

2) Serve as a support and teaching network for young Officers entering the army, with the Seniors providing tutelage for the small price of alcohol.

3) Pool the resources of its members together to organise events where the chief objectives are local charity, fighting back the dreaded state of soberness that afflicts so many young Frenchmen, and helping to bridge the gap between the rich Officers and poor conscripts by seeking certain services at certain venues that cater to both demographics.

The current Chairman, by virtue of providing most of the meager starting fund, is the Comte de Saint-Germain. The society numbers 25 members, of which 19 are dues paying. Paying dues is entirely voluntary, although a member may be looked down upon if he does not contribute to the club in some way. The society is highly secret by virtue of not being popular enough for anyone outside of the Comte's army unit to know about it. It has a rigorous and secretive enrollment ritual for all new members.

'For the King, for France, for a Splendid Time'