I was kneeling on the floor outside of Cardinal Richelieu's study, polishing the moldings along the wall. Really, I was listening to Richelieu and his agent, Milady de Winter's meeting. I could barely hear their conversation but I got a better opportunity when the door creaked open slightly. Quietly I slid in and continued polishing the wall moldings but making sure I remembered everything I heard. They were still unaware of my presence as I listened. 'I can't let anything happen to the king or the queen. I have to tell someone but who' I thought. Right then, my knees gave and I slipped, landing rather hard.
Cardinal Richelieu and Milady both turned around and I quickly bowed. "What are you doing in here Trinity" Richelieu asked. "I was polishing the wall trimmings soon sir when I lost all feeling in my knees and slipped. I beg your pardon for my intrusion" I replied, not looking up and acting like the humble servant I was supposed to be. "Very well, get up and take a rest but first; would you bring me some hot milk" he asked. "At once your eminence" I answered, getting up and gathering the jar of polish and the rag I had been using and left.
Once in the kitchen, I started boiling the milk and while I waited, I took the small journal I kept hidden in my apron and quickly copied what I had heard. As I copied the conversation, I saw Milady's carriage leaving. 'Foul hearted wench' I thought, remembering all too well what Milady had done to my family. She was the reason my parents separated before their deaths and I had never forgiven her.
I finally snapped out of my thoughts and fixed the mug of milk for the cardinal. When it was ready, I scurried back to his study carefully and gently sat the tray down. "Anything else for your eminence" I asked. "Nothing else, you're excused" he answered. I curtsied politely and returned to my quarters a floor below the queen's chambers and collapsed upon the bed. I knew I had to do something but I had no clue of what would come or that I would shed much needed light into a life that been in darkness for a long time.