A Spymaster's Musings

The pair was locked in a passionate embrace. The man, considerably taller than the woman, plundered her already swollen lips with relish, while she melted against him in complete abandon. However, he pulled back after a few minutes, then turned her toward the open door. "Now, off with you, Alice, for I would not have your delicate reputation tarnished!" He even made a great show of peering down the empty hall both ways before he guided her out, then gave a light swat to her plump backside. Alice, the castle chambermaid, giggled then scurried down the hall, knowing Christoph would have her head were she caught in the chamber of the Valenti cousin.

Reudi closed the door with a sigh of relief, then flopped down into a chair near the fireplace. God, the things he did for his King and country. Oh, Alice had been quite easy to lure, as he knew she would. After a few hours tumbling in his sheets, she had sung like a bird, telling him everything he wished to know, and some things he didn't. She had not been a bad distraction, proving to be quite eager in her efforts to bed a royal. Unfortunately for him, she had been a squealer, so he had had to take much time in keeping her garlic riddled mouth covered with his own. It was going to take chewing many mint leaves to rid his tongue of the sick, strong taste.

So far, his ruse was working. None suspected him of being anything than what he was; a dandy set on seeing to his own pleasures and wooing anyone he came across. That was what made him good. He knew his job, and he did it well. When his cousin, the King, had sent him the letter requesting his aide, he had packed and made haste with no hesitation. Information had been basic, thus far, and it was expected. He had to gain trust, make his presence known. He was working his way amongst the serving staff now. If any ever loved to talk, it was them. Even the sour faced Gertrude who headed the kitchens had been easy to crack. A compliment about her hair, praise for her delicious delicacies, and she had been grinning, speaking to him as if he were an old friend.

He pulled himself from his chair and went to washbasin. He stripped down his pantaloons and proceeded to wash himself thoroughly with the tepid water. He -would- get to the bottom of what was happening within the palace. It would just take a bit of time, and much cunning. No sooner had he finished his cleansing, washed his mouth out with minted water, and pulled on a fresh pair of trousers, than there was a knock at the door. Smoothing his hair, he went and opened it only to see yet another maid standing there, grinning. "Evenin', MiLord. I thought to stoke yer fire a'fore it goes out." Reudi pasted on his most sensual smile and stepped aside, allowing her in. As he closed the door behind them, he couldn't help but chuckle silently. The things he did for King and country....