A Frary Tale

The Plan

"I believe that we should invite your cousin for Christmas." Catherine started while Francis and Mary reach for their robes then stood up and helped each other clean up and dress themselves. "But mother why would we do that?" Francis said then Mary spoke behind the changing screen. "I think she's right. We should keep our friends close and our enemies closer." Francis helped Mary with her corset and spoke. "So when are we inviting him again?" "Christmas." Catherine said. "Fine. But add more guards in the vicinity. I will not risk the life of the people I care about. And also, place trusted servants to my father. I believe he will be attending the festivity as well. He promised James that he will be here." Francis said slightly unsure of this plan. "So Catherine, do you need my help? You do know that I have the capability." Mary said. All through out her reign, Mary had picked up ways on how to put things into her benefit, she has multiple spies all over the world as she had been doing business with almost every country to support her people. Most of the people who work for her are women. Some of which were women she met in the convent who were abused by their male partners and masters. Some uses their bodies and seduce people with power to get the information they needed. Some work in various chateaus as maids or servants to serve as eyes and ears of Mary. Mary took the initiative to hire scholars to teach them different languages that will be beneficial to their undercover. Aylee is the one managing these affairs since Mary trusts her fully. "Actually Mary I do. We need someone who would keep Conde busy. Preoccupied. A woman perhaps." "Alright. I will tell Aylee. I believe we need to get proof of his relation with Olivia right?" "Yes. And the poison." Catherine finished. Mary and Francis were fully clothed now. "Mother, Mary. Please. He is a Bourbon. Don't underestimate him. I don't want any of you hurt." Mary kisses him in the lips and spoke. "We won't." He smiled and they all proceeded to the dining hall.

"Maman!!! Papa!!!" Anne ran towards her parents and jumped to Francis' arms. "Good morning my princess. Where's James?" "He's there already." Anne said pointing to the dining hall. "Maman. Where's Andrew?" "He fell asleep again after I fed him." Anne was disappointed at this. She really wants to [lay with his baby brother. Mary sometimes thinks that Anne pretends that Andrew was a doll. The family went to the dining hall then were greeted by James and their friends. They all stood when the King and Queen entered and the two returned a smile to them.

They were starting eating when Francis spoke. "Bash, Marcus and Leith. We need to have a meeting later." "With whom?" Bash asked. "Just us." Marcus looked at Mary as if asking permission and Mary nodded. Then Mary spoke. "Aylee, Greer. We have to talk too." The two ladies nodded and they all knew that this was serious.

They all proceeded with their meetings and explained to their friends the plan.

"So Aylee, who do you recommend?" Mary asked. "I think Penelope would be perfect. She's my chamber maid. You could assign her to Conde's as well." "Alright. But let's keep out options open. Greer, I need to make a request. I know that you've been acquainted with Madam Maya of the Brothel in town. She's your mother's friend right?" "Yes. What do you need." "I need the service of her women. I'll pay them. I need them to get acquainted with Conde and his men and extract everything from them at all cost." "Alright. But do you want them to attend the gathering?" "If possible. That is why you need to teach them about graces and manners. Have clothes done for them." "Alright Mary. I believe they would be pleased."

They proceeded with their duties and made sure that everything is in place.