The master spy or Puss in the boot adventures

The Royal ship, Part 11

All eyes turned to the horizon, where the unmistakable silhouette of a royal warship loomed. The ship's colors fluttered proudly in the wind - the royal blue and gold of the King's personal fleet.

"It's the King's flagship!" one of the guards cried out.

Cardinal Richelieu's face paled. "Impossible," he muttered. "The King was supposed to be..."

I seized my chance. "Your Eminence," I said quickly, "it seems the King has gotten wind of the Duke's plot. No doubt he's come to investigate personally."

The Cardinal's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "And how would he know about that?"

I shrugged innocently. "Perhaps he has other spies in his employ? Or maybe the Queen informed him?"

Richelieu cursed under his breath. "This complicates matters."

I saw my opportunity and pounced on it. "Your Eminence, allow me to speak to the King. I can explain everything, convince him of the Duke's treachery. With your backing, we can turn this situation to our advantage."

The Cardinal's eyes glittered as he considered my words. "And why should I trust you to do that?"

"Because our interests are aligned now," I said smoothly. "If I betray you, I lose my only chance at a pardon. But if we work together, we can eliminate the Duke and strengthen both our positions."

Richelieu stroked his chin thoughtfully. After a long moment, he nodded. "Very well. But know this, cat - if you breathe one word against me to the King, it will be your last."

"Understood your Eminence. 

As the royal ship drew closer, preparations were made to receive the King. I stood nervously at the rail, my mind racing. I had bought myself some time, but now I needed to somehow convince the King of this fabricated plot without implicating myself or arousing Richelieu's suspicions. It would require all my cunning and charm.

 I could see the anxiety etched on Richelieu's face - clearly, this unexpected visit had thrown his plans into disarray.

When the gangplank was finally lowered, I stood beside the Cardinal as King Louis XIII strode aboard, resplendent in his royal finery. His eyes swept over the assembled crowd- the armed guards, the scowling Cardinal, the ragtag band of pirates, and lingering on me with a flicker of recognition.

"Your Majesty," Richelieu began smoothly, "what an unexpected pleasure-"

"Spare me the pleasantries, Cardinal," the King cut him off sharply. "I've come about a matter of grave importance." His gaze settled on me. "I see our mutual friend has found his way back to us."

I stepped forward and bowed low.

 "Your Majesty," I said, keeping my voice steady despite my racing heart. "I'm relieved to see you. There are urgent matters I must discuss with you - matters concerning the safety of your throne."

The King's eyebrows rose. "Indeed? And what matters might those be?"

I glanced at Richelieu, who gave me an almost imperceptible nod. 

"Your Majesty, I have uncovered a plot against you. The Duke of Buckingham plans to assassinate you and seize the throne for himself."

King Louis's face darkened. "These are serious accusations. What proof do you have?"