Paris, 1623<br/><br/>The coach winds its way through the streets bearing its occupant, an elderly man in the robes of a Prince of the Church, towards the Cathedral of Notre Dame. As it slowed at a particularly narrow, deserted avenue, another passenger discreetly entered the coach, closing the door behind her and settling in across from the Cardinal. No one saw her enter, and she drew the curtains.<br/><br/>“Done with your usual grace, Milady de Winter,” Richelieu compliments his visitor.<br/><br/>“As you are fond of pointing out, Eminence, discretion is a valuable asset in our circle. What may your humble servant do for you today?” She is certain the Cardinal does not require sexual favours. Not that such a relationship would be unknown to either of them; Richelieu has kept several mistresses over the years. And as for the Lady de Winter; it would not be the first time she'd fucked a priest.<br/><br/>But their relationship is more professional. In return for a healthy income and social status, Milady is the Cardinal's agent, spy; provocateur, saboteur,  and, when necessary, assassin.<br/><br/>“As we have discussed before, my dear,” Richelieu begins, “the young Queen's influence over the King has been increasing of late. It used to be she merely whispered in his ear  pleading for some pet charity or other. But lately she has taken to expressing herself to His Majesty on matters of more substantive policy. This I can no longer permit. And as she has yet to provide him with an heir, her departure from the picture may actually benefit the nation in the long run. A new queen may prove more fruitful.”<br/><br/>“How may I assist in such an endeavour as dethroning our Queen?”<br/><br/>“Quite simply, my dear,” the Cardinal answers, “I need you to find a handsome young man, bring him to court and push him into Her Majesty's bed. There is no greater treason to the crown than the infidelity of a Queen. Just ask our English cousins.”<br/><br/>“Where am I to find such a young man,” Milady asks, “and how am I to get him to seduce the Queen?”<br/><br/>“Pick one, my dear, preferably one we won't mind having executed along with the Queen once they are caught. You never seem to be wanting for male companionship. And as for how; surely I need not advise you in matters of seduction.”<br/><br/>The coach slowed again, and Lady de Winter took the opportunity to disembark. She walked home by way of the marketplace, wondering where she could find a man handsome and dashing enough to seduce a queen.