The Half King

[AuroraBorealis]

See a major factor of getting France to side with Austria, was the influence of Pompadour. She got the Austrian diplomats to the king in 1756, and motivated him to side with Austria. It was only after this alliance that Prussia was firmly pushed into Britain's camp. Since Louis has come to the 'realization' of the British War threat, he would want to have more leverage against Britain in the continent. By offering Prussia trade deals, an alliance to possibly seize Hanover, and gain an ally against Austria (potentially), Louis has a greater chance of wooing Frederick into the French Camp, leaving Britain absolutely helpless in the continent. Plus now that Pompadour has lost her influence in the French court, there is less persuasion to get France to ally with its traditional archenemy, Austria

Well no matter, this is only going to make Prussia's strategic situation far worse. Prussia is surrounded by enemies....Russia, Austria, Sweden, Saxony and now Hannover. Holding down Hannover will mean the Prussian's do not have the forces that would normally be used in holding back the Saxons or containing the Swedes in Pommerania-Stralsund and when the joint forces of Elisabeth and MT finally start to steam roller the Prussians in the East they won't last in this TL some of their forces will have been diverted west to Hannover and Pommerania. Its probably going to be just enough given that MT will also have the Br. subsidy for marginally stronger forces as well. She is not going to let Silesia slip out of her grasp again if she can help it, and couldn't care less about the Austrian Netherlands, she is more than happy to negotiate it away to the French if need be (perhaps salvaging Luxembourg if she can in some kind of independent satus within the empire, not necessarily Hapsburg though, the Exchange for Bourbon-Parma comes to mind at this point.)

Prussia is likely to be steamrollered out of existence a year earlier this time around, Frederick dies on the Battlefield, as was his desire leaving his heir tomake peace as best he can. Probably reduced to just the Electorate of Brandenburg (the Tsarina was adamant on that point).

As to promising the Prussian's Hannover if they have an interest in it...Itsd been a keystone of french policy to take the electorate to use as a bargaining chip to return for its losses over seas. I don't see how that changes....The French colonies despite changes are still woefully inferior to their English cousins. Of course, promising and delivering are two entirely different things. If the British come to Frederick with an offer, it will be hard for him to resist the urge to at least attempt to secure his backside. While Mme de Pompadour did wield considerable influence at the court of Louis XV, I think you are severly discounting the role that Von Kaunitz and Pitt played. Austria and Britain have entirely different strategic objectives that cannot be reconciled. However an alliance between the two is better than none at all. The Austrians only really gave up once the British had signed the Westminister Convention and discarded the alliance with Vienna. If Pitt (a Prussian champion in Britain) is less influential.

of course there is a way out. Br neutrality in a renewed Austro Prussian conflict, and Prussian neutrality in a Franco British..of course then Frederick would be signing away that for which he is signing his alliance with France (Hannover) and expecting France not to march on the Austrian Netherlands is a non-starter since its also a key foreign policy objective on the continent and that will in itself essentially make both conflicts one.

As to an alliance with the Dutch, not possible...they already fear for their mortal existence should the French gain the Austrian Netherlands (its why they in addition to the British insisted that Austria retain them after the last round), not to mention the consequences of commercial competition from the opening of the Scheldt and the port of Antwerp.

And then there are the butterflies of chance....ah, it will be interesting to see where you take this, But I do hope Credibility is not stretched to breaking...

 

[Diez Mil Cantos]

And then there are the butterflies of chance....ah, it will be interesting to see where you take this, But I do hope Credibility is not stretched to breaking...

Well Im making efforts to research this while in the process of writing it, with certain plans to get Prussia from not dying, and the Dutch to agree to such an outrageous proposal
BTW thank you about mentioning Pitt, because that can help me with my research. I will make every effort to to keep this as credible as possible.

 

[AuroraBorealis]

Well Im making efforts to research this while in the process of writing it, with certain plans to get Prussia from not dying, and the Dutch to agree to such an outrageous proposal
BTW thank you about mentioning Pitt, because that can help me with my research. I will make every effort to to keep this as credible as possible.

Currently there is no way you can have Prussia not die. They will simply have too many enemies. They barely survived OTL and it took a miracle of chance. Adding Britain and Hannover to the list is putting a nail in their coffin and all but puts them in the ground 6 feet under.

 

[Diez Mil Cantos]

Currently there is no way you can have Prussia not die. They will simply have too many enemies. They barely survived OTL and it took a miracle of chance. Adding Britain and Hannover to the list is putting a nail in their coffin and all but puts them in the ground 6 feet under.

True, in the case all the enemies that faced it like in the OTL seven years war. But Saxony only agreed to join the other camp after Prussia attacked it without warning. If Frederick does not attack Saxony, then nearly every border is covered. And that brings me to Russia. Russia only entered the alliance AFTER the diplomatic revolution of 1756. If issues occur in Russia, it vassals, or both, Russia cannot bring its full might against Prussia, or even enter the war. That leaves the Prussians with enough troops to face Austria with French help, and have a decent chance of standing its ground. Not everything happens the same way twice.*
*And yes that could also mean Prussia could get pummeled into the ground worse than IOTL

 

[AuroraBorealis]

True, in the case all the enemies that faced it like in the OTL seven years war. But Saxony only agreed to join the other camp after Prussia attacked it without warning. If Frederick does not attack Saxony, then nearly every border is covered. And that brings me to Russia. Russia only entered the alliance AFTER the diplomatic revolution of 1756. If issues occur in Russia, it vassals, or both, Russia cannot bring its full might against Prussia, or even enter the war. That leaves the Prussians with enough troops to face Austria with French help, and have a decent chance of standing its ground. Not everything happens the same way twice.*
*And yes that could also mean Prussia could get pummeled into the ground worse than IOTL

That only buys a little time..Saxony is not going to stay out forever... and that simply means the forces subduing Saxony subdue Hannover...opening the door to the Saxons, they are pro-Austrian. Frederick's pre-emptive move probably didn't help...but he did it for a reason, they were in the Austrian camp. Maria-Josepha is an Austrian Arch-duchess after all and the senior daughter of Joseph I, cousin to Maria Theresa. Saxony is still far more threatening than Hannover for Prussia. Frederick is going to have to hold forces in reserve in case the Saxons move first. Which means they can't be used in the East against Russia or Austria. But they will augment forces designed to contain Sweden in Pommerania, until the Saxons attack of course and its only a matter of time.. when, not if. The Saxons will probably move at the same time the Austrians do.

 

[pompejus]

As to an alliance with the Dutch, not possible...they already fear for their mortal existence should the French gain the Austrian Netherlands (its why they in addition to the British insisted that Austria retain them after the last round), not to mention the consequences of commercial competition from the opening of the Scheldt and the port of Antwerp.

An alliance between the Netherlands and France is not impossible, but extremely hard. Obviously you can't buy Dutch support with some colony, as indeed their continued existance is on the line. France must in some way convince the Dutch that it does not want the southern part of the Netherlands and France must give the Netherlands some garantees against future France agression. In short France must give up the Rhine border and give the Netherlands some forts in the Southern Netherlands as a defense. Basicly France must give Antwerp (and a couple of other fortified cities, including probably cities like Ostend and Ghent) to the Netherlands. Besides that, they probably still have to bribe the Netherlands with a French colony or two. France has to give up a lot for a Dutch alliance.

 

[Diez Mil Cantos]

That only buys a little time..Saxony is not going to stay out forever... and that simply means the forces subduing Saxony subdue Hannover...opening the door to the Saxons, they are pro-Austrian. Frederick's pre-emptive move probably didn't help...but he did it for a reason, they were in the Austrian camp. Maria-Josepha is an Austrian Arch-duchess after all and the senior daughter of Joseph I, cousin to Maria Theresa. Saxony is still far more threatening than Hannover for Prussia. Frederick is going to have to hold forces in reserve in case the Saxons move first. Which means they can't be used in the East against Russia or Austria. But they will augment forces designed to contain Sweden in Pommerania, until the Saxons attack of course and its only a matter of time.. when, not if. The Saxons will probably move at the same time the Austrians do.

This is a very valid point
Touché.
I will see what form of diplomacy, military force, betrayal, and 'events' can remove Saxony from the equation.

 

[Diez Mil Cantos]

An alliance between the Netherlands and France is not impossible, but extremely hard. Obviously you can't buy Dutch support with some colony, as indeed their continued existance is on the line. France must in some way convince the Dutch that it does not want the southern part of the Netherlands and France must give the Netherlands some garantees against future France agression. In short France must give up the Rhine border and give the Netherlands some forts in the Southern Netherlands as a defense. Basicly France must give Antwerp (and a couple of other fortified cities, including probably cities like Ostend and Ghent) to the Netherlands. Besides that, they probably still have to bribe the Netherlands with a French colony or two. France has to give up a lot for a Dutch alliance.

It truly does seem like a lot to gamble on but if it pays off, the Dutch have a promise of Non agression from the south, and the Frech have its own navy PLUS the Dutch navy to face off against the Royal Navy.

 

[AuroraBorealis]

An alliance between the Netherlands and France is not impossible, but extremely hard. Obviously you can't buy Dutch support with some colony, as indeed their continued existance is on the line. France must in some way convince the Dutch that it does not want the southern part of the Netherlands and France must give the Netherlands some garantees against future France agression. In short France must give up the Rhine border and give the Netherlands some forts in the Southern Netherlands as a defense. Basicly France must give Antwerp (and a couple of other fortified cities, including probably cities like Ostend and Ghent) to the Netherlands. Besides that, they probably still have to bribe the Netherlands with a French colony or two. France has to give up a lot for a Dutch alliance.

But Why should the French actually give up anything tht they know they are getting by force anyways.... in for a penny in for a pound. its why the dutch alliance is so difficult. You migh get neutrality with these efforts but i doubt an alliance would be possible.

 

[Diez Mil Cantos]

REFLECTIONS AND PLANS
September 4, 1753
St. Malo Harbour, Bretagne
Le Moyne was thoroughly impressed by the success of sa majesté’s decree. In less than one month, there were nearly 9000 people who signed up to go to the new world. The harvest was bountiful this year, and much of the excess was already packed, ready to cross the Atlantic. The 4000 soldiers that the king had granted were all assembled, with munitions, weapons, and rations imported from Spanish America, Poland, and Egypt. In command of this army was Baron Dieskau [1], with Francis de Gaston [2] as his second in command. There were 20 merchant vessels and 12 military vessels, all headed to Louisbourg, were they would break and would split between going to Québec and Nouvelle Orléans. He thought that being in charge of such a great project would be such a difficult task, and it often was. However, since there was high morale amongst the colonists willing to move, there was heightened morale amongst the majority of the armed forces as well. At the rate everything was unfolding, they would be ready to sail earlier than the 15th, and get to Louisbourg by early November. In his heart, Le Moyne thanked the treaty made in the backwoods of Ohio to bring all this good fortune to New France.

Québec
Le Marquis Duquesne had received news that the delegation at Versailles had gone very successfully. In fact, he realised that as a result of all the soldiers and colonists there would need to be certain aspects of the treaty with the Iroquois to be clarified so that the colonists could be accommodated on both Native and French Lands. He would also need to prepare enough provisions for the newcomers come springtime. While pondering this, he left his and looked for the nearest civil servant. When he found one he said, “I’d like to send out a proclamation to all the habitants [3] in the colony.”
“Certainly, what would this proclamation be?”
“I would like all the settlers to give 10 percent of their harvest to the granary stores at Montréal, Trois-Rivières, Québec, and Louisbourg.”
“Seigneur, do you think they’ll accept this?”
“It is a necessary ‘tax’ in order to provide for the new colons that are being sent by the Roi.”
“If it’s necessary, than I will get the word out.” The governor simply smiled and said, “Perfect.”

Château de Versailles
Jeanne Antoinette felt defeated and angry. Weeks of distance and one major diplomatic argument had cost her the influence she wielded in the court. The Prince of Kaunitz [4] had nearly convinced Louis of accepting an alliance with Austria. If only he had been recalled later, then maybe that colonial delegation would not have affected him that much. She might have still been in favour with Louis, but that had all changed in the blink of an eye. However she would make sure she had the last word. If Louis would not see an alliance with Prussia was a bad idea, then she’d make him see. As she prepared to leave, she snuck down to the servants’ quarters to see if anyone was there. Inside, there was a young man in a threadbare coat kneeling in prayer.
“Is this a bad time de vous interrompez?
“My goodness! Madame Pompadour! I-I-I’m so sorry that I-
“All is well. I need you to do me a favour, and I will pay you 4 Louis’ d’or [5] to complete the task.” His eyes widened upon hearing such a high price for the task.
“What does the Madame wish me to do for her?” She leaned in close and lowered her voice and whispered in his ear.
“I want you to kill the King.” He was initially horrified,but was able to calm himself within a few minutes. His faced showed thought and concern, and after some time of deliberating, he gave her a response.
“Comment voulez-vous que je le fasse ?" [6]
She gave a sigh of relief and began to explain her plan to the hired assassin,

[1] OTL leader of colonial French forces; captured in 1756 by British soldiers
[2] OTL second-in-command to Louis Montcalm
[3] Term used to describe the French colonists in Canada
[4] Diplomat who helped influence the OTL Franco-Austrian alliance. Served as ambassador to Versailles from 1750-53.
[5] 4 of the most expensive coins in Bourbon France. Worth 98 Livres (approx. 90 Francs c.1750)
[6] “How do you want me to do it?” If some notices the grammar is off, please notify me
And so begin the butterflies! Enjoy!

 

[longtimer]

love murder ?

.
“I want you to kill the King.” He was not horrified, nor was he shocked. His faced showed thought and concern, and after several minutes of deliberation he gave her a response.
“Comment est-ce que vous voulez que je le fais? [6]

[6] “How do you want me to do it?” If some notices the grammar is off, please notify me
And so begin the butterflies! Enjoy!

Two better forms :
"Comment voulez-vous que je le fasse ?"
Or
"Comment voulez-vous que je m'y prenne ?"

Before the 7 years war, the french see LXV as a good or average king. Any frenchman will be horrified except an english spy or a french secret policeman.
Is she mad ? The dauphin, all the bourbons hates her. If she succeeds or fails, she is good for a good cut of her lovely neck..
It's a desesperate gamble but why ? Love ?

 

[Diez Mil Cantos]

Two better forms :

Before the 7 years war, the french see LXV as a good or average king. Any frenchman will be horrified except an english spy or a french secret policeman.
Is she mad ? The dauphin, all the bourbons hates her. If she succeeds or fails, she is good for a good cut of her lovely neck..
It's a desesperate gamble but why ? Love ?

I was going fo her desire to screw up any potential alliance with Prussia because of hatred of Frederick. Since she cannot reach Louis as he's been distant and now has removed her, she feels backed into a corner and this is her last resort.
However she isn't an idiot, so she'll have a few tricks up her sleeve
BTW, i thought he was still under negative light from nobles and peseants due to not securing Austrian Netherlands in the last war (AUSTRIAN SUCCESSION) as well as failed tax reforms
BTW Thanks for the French grammar correction Even after 6 years of taking French my grammar is atrocious

 

[pompejus]

But Why should the French actually give up anything tht they know they are getting by force anyways.... in for a penny in for a pound. its why the dutch alliance is so difficult. You migh get neutrality with these efforts but i doubt an alliance would be possible.

As I said, it is not easy. The thing to remember though is that OTL France did not manage to get the Rhine border (except for a couple of months during Napoleon's reign). France might realise that getting it (and the southern Netherlands) isn't easy and decide that an alliance with the Netherlands might accomplish more for them then the Netherlands as enemy. As I said, this is not easy, actually it will be extremely hard, but not completely impossible.

Neutrality is likely though, just like the Netherlands as neutral during the 7 year war. It is probably good enough for France; the Netherlands was slowly declining and wasn't the powerhouse it used to be, icluding its navy. I think that even the French navy might be stronger now than the Dutch navy. The Dutch navy certainly was no match anymore against the English one. Just look at the 4th Anglo-Dutch war.

 

[AuroraBorealis]

Okay,

so just been reading through the chapter dedicated to the 7 years war, more to get some sense of the lead up to things.

1. Frederick Augustus detested Frederick, considered him insolent and rapacious. There are probably no grounds for alliance considering his marriage to Joseph's eldest daughter.Neutrality is probably the best he can hope for...a notion Frederick rejected once he learned of their plans to increase the size of their army from 17 to 40 thousand over the winter of '56 a move which confirmed more than anything the information from his espionage network that his enemies would likely move against him in the upcoming Spring campaign season. So he resolved to move first before his opponents were ready if he could get no confirmation to the contray from Vienna. By such action confirming more than anything their enduring animosity and being branded as an outlaw in the empire.

This action more than anything moved what were initially conceived as defensive arrangements on the part of the Fr/Aust and the Angl-Pruss. to offensive Alliances by the conclusion of secondary agreements in the immediate aftermath of that pre-emptive move on his part. A move designed to disarm Saxony and secure the Western border

2. 1755, prior to the Convention of Westminster, the Brits had bound russia by Subsidy to maintain an army in Livonia, and thus focus Frederick's attn eastward and away from Hannover. the Initial agreement was purely for mutual defense against a 3rd party entering germany. A fig leaf for Frederick of course to hide behind when called on it by Louis XV. It did not commit them to Prussian defense in a purely German war.

3. First treaty of Versailles also defensive against a third party either by exercising their diplomacy in the other s favour or throught the provision of subsidies or troop should they be required, WITH the EXCEPTION of England.

Austria did not commit itself to a war against England for France, which was already underway. And the French would remain essentially out of the War with with Prussia (in a material sense) unless Frederick was clearly the aggressor, which as it transpired, and because of his own character and analysis of his position he clearly was. He could hardly do otherwise despite being counselled against the pre-emptive strike against Saxony by Von Podewils. He had already decided it was political and strategic neccessity, so he rejected it.

Sitting on the defensive would have been too timid for him and out of character.

4. Elizabeth had been ready to move by the end of 1756 as long as the Austrians did too, such was here enthusiasm to move westward at Prussian expense. It was rational Von Kaunitz, "the wisest head in Europe" in the words of Frederick himself, who counselled caution and a slower approach and wait until at least 1757 when her armies would actually be ready.

5. If Frederick moves pre-emptively against Hannover or Saxony..he will turn the political tide of Europe against him same as OTL. If he waits past the winter, then his enemies will consolidate, Saxony will expand its army and they will manufacture a reason to paint him as the aggressor in early 1757 at the latest. The man is being slowly cornered and he knows it.

6. On the high seas...Britain has 130 ships of the line...France, because of its past neglect...only 45. Corruption is rife throughout the Naval supply chain and moral is low.

 

[Diez Mil Cantos]

Okay,

so just been reading through the chapter dedicated to the 7 years war, more to get some sense of the lead up to things.

1. Frederick Augustus detested Frederick, considered him insolent and rapacious. There are probably no grounds for alliance considering his marriage to Joseph's eldest daughter.Neutrality is probably the best he can hope for...a notion Frederick rejected once he learned of their plans to increase the size of their army from 17 to 40 thousand over the winter of '56 a move which confirmed more than anything the information from his espionage network that his enemies would likely move against him in the upcoming Spring campaign season. So he resolved to move first before his opponents were ready if he could get no confirmation to the contray from Vienna. By such action confirming more than anything their enduring animosity and being branded as an outlaw in the empire.

This action more than anything moved what were initially conceived as defensive arrangements on the part of the Fr/Aust and the Angl-Pruss. to offensive Alliances by the conclusion of secondary agreements in the immediate aftermath of that pre-emptive move on his part. A move designed to disarm Saxony and secure the Western border

2. 1755, prior to the Convention of Westminster, the Brits had bound russia by Subsidy to maintain an army in Livonia, and thus focus Frederick's attn eastward and away from Hannover. the Initial agreement was purely for mutual defense against a 3rd party entering germany. A fig leaf for Frederick of course to hide behind when called on it by Louis XV. It did not commit them to Prussian defense in a purely German war.

3. First treaty of Versailles also defensive against a third party either by exercising their diplomacy in the other s favour or throught the provision of subsidies or troop should they be required, WITH the EXCEPTION of England.

Austria did not commit itself to a war against England for France, which was already underway. And the French would remain essentially out of the War with with Prussia (in a material sense) unless Frederick was clearly the aggressor, which as it transpired, and because of his own character and analysis of his position he clearly was. He could hardly do otherwise despite being counselled against the pre-emptive strike against Saxony by Von Podewils. He had already decided it was political and strategic neccessity, so he rejected it.

Sitting on the defensive would have been too timid for him and out of character.

4. Elizabeth had been ready to move by the end of 1756 as long as the Austrians did too, such was here enthusiasm to move westward at Prussian expense. It was rational Von Kaunitz, "the wisest head in Europe" in the words of Frederick himself, who counselled caution and a slower approach and wait until at least 1757 when her armies would actually be ready.

5. If Frederick moves pre-emptively against Hannover or Saxony..he will turn the political tide of Europe against him same as OTL. If he waits past the winter, then his enemies will consolidate, Saxony will expand its army and they will manufacture a reason to paint him as the aggressor in early 1757 at the latest. The man is being slowly cornered and he knows it.

6. On the high seas...Britain has 130 ships of the line...France, because of its past neglect...only 45. Corruption is rife throughout the Naval supply chain and moral is low.

THIS IS PROBABLY MY FAVOURITE POST YET! THANK YOU!
I've been researching, but Half this stuff I did'nt know of these points, and they are very necessary
I will incorporate the knowledge you have given me to the best of my ability.
(obviously over the next several dozen posts, given the number of theaters I have)

 

[Diez Mil Cantos]

Hey guys, sorry for the break, but I was busy and I only now got to write out some more updates.
Enjoy


PLANS IN ACTION
September 15, 1753
Williamsburg, Virginia
Major George Washington had deeply contemplated the recent turn of events. He regretted losing his temper against the traitors, as it was against his nature to use profanities [1]. However, he reasoned it was necessary to give them a warning of their impending destruction. Now as he stood before the governor, his thoughts were racing, and he wasn’t sure how he could tell him of what happened.
“So, what news do you have from the Ohio Valley, Major?”
“Well,” he began, “The locals have abandoned us, and have chosen to align themselves with the French.” He braced himself for the worst the governor could say.
“That…is…UNACCEPTABLE! We have warned the Iroquois before [2], and I feel Virginia needs to end that Black Snake [3] menace once and for ALL! I will send a letter to the government, requesting that two contingents of British Regulars be dispatched, and to threaten France with war if this nonsense continues. Oh, and Major?”
“Yes, governor?”
“Begin assembling Virginia’s militia. We will launch an advance attack next month, to weaken defenses. We need to begin eliminating those Frogs and their collaborator-allies immediately!”
“Yes sir, we will be ready to leave as soon as the logistics are finalized.”
“Perfect. You are now dismissed.” George felt a return of confidence, as he could now live up to his threat with the might of the greatest empire on earth to back him.
St. Malo Harbour, Bretagne
The day was warm, the sky was clear, and St. Malo was disappearing over the horizon. Charles could finally see the results of his project taking shape. Over two dozen merchant ships, ten military, and six cargo ships were leaving the harbour and setting sail for Louisbourg. The remaining ships would begin sailing in a week, and the harbour’s naval yards were abuzz with the construction of new ships. Six months ago, if someone were to have told Le Moyne that he would direct one of the most ambitious colonization projects of the century, he would have called that person crazy ... Absoluement fou! Nevertheless, the sight before him was awe-inspiring. He would now have enough settlers to fill parts of the lower St. Laurent Valley, tracts along the Mississippi, and have the communal farming villages the natives had asked for. Just as the day was bright, the future looked bright for the colony of Nouvelle France.
September 17
Amsterdam
When the Marquis D’Argenson arrived in Amsterdam, the Staten-Generaal was in shock at the sudden appearance of this ‘surprise’ French delegation. They agreed, reluctantly, to meet with the delegation, but were very cautious of the latter’s intentions. To make matters more complicated, the Princess dowager [4] insisted on being present at the conference with the delegation, on behalf of her son, the Stadtholder [5]. D’Argenson was beginning to think that this alliance would need a miracle to happen. In later years he would look to that day and see that a miracle did come, but not in the way he could ever have imagined.

[1] George Washington lived a life of general moderation, as he refrained from excessive drinking, gambling, smoking, or profanity (in this case, anger).
[2] Virginia nearly went to war with the Haudenosaunee Confederacy in the 1740’s. War was averted by a treaty that gave up claims in parts of the Ohio.
[3] Algonquin translation of Iroquois
[4] Anne, former Princess Royal of UKGB; Wife of William IV of Orange, Stadtholder of the Dutch Republic. Anglophile
[5]Current Stadtholder of the Dutch Republic, William V of Orange. He’s only 5 years old at the moment and under his mother’s regency

 

[Diez Mil Cantos]

COUP-DE-GRÂCE
Appartements du Roi, Château de Versailles
21h00, le 18 Septembre 1753
As night descended over Versailles, most of the staff and even the king were going to bed. Yet, Damien [1] knew he had a task to accomplish. After stealing one of the maid’s uniforms from the laundry, concealing a knife inside the private chambers of the king, and practicing his posture, speech and facial expression, he now proceeded to execute the plan that Madame Pompadour had charged him with. As he held a tray with chocolat [2], he proceeded down the hallway at a brisk pace. The king needed to be sleeping in order for this plan to work. Approaching the king’s apartments, he noticed the guards were still there. He took a deep breath and proceeded to the doorway.
“What is your purpose?” asked the guard. In the best female voice he could muster, he replied, “I was sent to give the King a cup of chocolat, to calm his nerves.” For a second the guard looked a bit confused, but confusion was quickly replaced with a sudden realisation.
“OH! Yes, I believe the king did ask for a cup. He certainly seemed distressed following that meeting with the Austrian Ambassador. Just between you and me, that man seemed like he wanted to kill the King right then and there.” This last phrase made Damien’s eyebrow’s raise, but he stayed in character and feigned shock.
“Do not let the king hear you say that or he might well have you imprisoned. Or worse.”
“Ah, it’s only a joke. Either way, you may deliver him his chocolat.”
“Merci.” As Damien proceeded, he gave the guard a smug look, of which the guard took no notice. Now inside, he proceeded to the king’s bed chamber, where he had concealed a knife in a couch. The darkness of the room hung over him, and the only sound was the light breathing of the king, sleeping in his bed. Damien set down the tray and retrieved the knife, and with his heart pounding in his ears, approached the king’s bed. Even in his sleep, the king looked troubled, and perhaps even a little formidable, but defenceless nonetheless.
“Je m’excuse, mon roi,” he whispered, “mais c’est votre coup de grâce.”[3] As he spoke these words, he drew the knife, and slit the king’s throat. He grabbed a pillow to muffle the king’s struggles, and waited until the dying man’s body became limp. Damien then proceeded to arrange the bed as it was before, with a pillow along his throat to absorb the blood. So far, everything was going according to plan. He stepped out of the room carrying the tray without the chocolat, and bid the guard good night. From there, he quickly and stealthily made his way down to the stables, where there was a horse waiting for him, along with everything he needed to flee the country. The only thing he needed to do was to make a false trail.
Paris
00h30 le 19 Septembre 1753
The body he stole from the cemetery was cold, and had begun to smell, but now that it had his bloodstained clothes, he could leave it behind as a distraction, leaving the authorities to their own false assumptions and thereby throwing them off his trail. He pushed it into the river Seine, and began his harrowing journey north, towards the Austrian Netherlands.
06h00
Geneva, Switzerland
Now safely out of France, Jeanne [4], felt very accomplished indeed. Since sa majésté was now out of the picture, there was need to improve the Austrian end of the relationship, and that was her next goal, reach the court of Vienna and find Wenzel Anton [5]

[1] The servant that Pompadour hired earlier to kill his royal majesty. Influenced partly by the real-life individual who attempted to assassinate Louis, Robert-François Damiens in January of 1757

[2] Hot Chocolate. Before the invention of the chocolate bar, chocolate was only taken as a drink, nothing else.

[3] “I’m sorry my king…but it is your saving grace.” If there is a better way to say it, please tell me

If there are any errors you would like to point out, then feel free.
There will be more updates soon, but for now there is research required. Until then
Enjoy

 

[Diez Mil Cantos]

Hector Cluny, Louis XVI, the Phoenix King (University of Paris Press, 1994)
…Following the assassination of his Father, Louis de France was notified by his servants that he was now King Louis XVI. Initially the blame had fallen to the newly appointed ambassador of Austria, as he and the king had been arguing very violently the night prior to the assassination. According to the records of one minister, he had been deeply affected by this event, and his foreign policy throughout his reign would reflect these beliefs as he was very anti-Austrian. Though he was in favour of the Dévot [1] ideas of governance as well as the influence that his Saxon wife had, he knew he needed to keep the treaties his father made with Prussia, and the treaty he was negotiating with the Dutch Republic. As such he did what no other person would have dreamed of doing…

September 20, 1753

Château de Versailles
“You are doing what!?!” The ministers all said in near unison.
“You heard me minister, I AM reinstating the Edict of Nantes. [2]” The room was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop. “As I see none of you, my ministers, is capable of fathoming why I have chosen this, allow me to explain. France has Protestants and Jews, even though they practice in secret. My goal is to uncover who is, and use that to my advantage. To my allies and potential allies, it would seem like I am being respectful towards their religions. However, the real reason is to give these men and women incentive to go to Canada, Louisiane, French India, and other possessions. No more are we going to let Britain have the upper hand in the colonies, and personally, if the Protestants are an ocean away, then France doesn’t have to deal with them. Giving them incentives such as telling them ‘if they serve in the army, they get free land elsewhere,’ means I have killed two birds with one stone. Any questions?” There was near silence again. “Very well, when we no longer need to defend ourselves from Britain and Austria, then I will calm down, but until then, expect more drastic action. This meeting is adjourned.” As the ministers got up to leave, the Compte d’Arnouville [3] remarked to another minister, “France is finally in competent hands, but I believe that we will no longer be doing the ‘running’ around here.”

[1]A 'political' faction in Bourbon France that favoured Catholicism and Decentralization as opposed to Absolutism; Yes Louis, dauphine of France was influenced by this group of people

[2]Edict issued by Henri IV of France that permitted religious tolerance in the Kingdom of France, repealed by Louis XIV with the 1689 treaty of Fontainbleau

[3] Controller-General of Finances. For continuity's sake, Louis 'XVI' hasn't changed his ministers yet, as he's only been king for less than two days

Beware there IS method to my madness, and it does take some time to uncover. I also haven't forgotten about the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), but I am still trying to see how their government works, so there will be a post about the "Half King" soon. Comments are really appreciative
Enjoy
Diez

 

[TaylorS]

Great timeline! I laughed my rear end off at the "St. Louis de Ha-Ha" line in the first chapter.

 

[Diez Mil Cantos]

Great timeline! I laughed my rear end off at the "St. Louis de Ha-Ha" line in the first chapter.

Thanks!
I first heard it like 4 years ago, and just died laughing