Political Intrigue

noun a person who schemes or plots, especially in a deceitful or underhanded way

• The conniver orchestrated a complex scheme to defraud the company.
• I can't trust that conniver, he's always up to something.
• That conniver is a real snake in the grass.
• The conniver's web of lies eventually caught up with them.

noun a person who attends a royal court as a companion or adviser to the king or queen

• The courtier presented the king with a gift on behalf of the kingdom.
• The courtier was always seen chatting with the nobles at the royal gatherings.
• That courtier is always trying to impress the royals.
• She played the role of a courtier, always knowing the right things to say in any situation.

noun Rasputin

• Grigori Rasputin was a controversial figure in Russian history.
• Have you heard about that mysterious guy Rasputin?
• Rasputin was one strange dude, man.
• His influence in the royal court was like Rasputin's hold over the Tsarina.