Jovimaniac
D'Artagnan, Porthos, Athos, and Aramis are performing
battle maneuvers on the grounds of the Palace. From a window high above,
Queen Anne stands gazing out the window at the handsome and noble D'Artagnan.
Every day at the same time, she watches him training with the other
Musketeers from the window in her suite. How great a warrior he is, and she
struggles to understand why life has placed them both in opposite places.
That she is the Queen and he is a humble man sworn to protect her, but they
can never be together. Something catches his eye and he glances up. For an
instant, their eyes meet and the Queen turns away from the window.
Elendili
Anne
steps back into the shadows, turns around and looks out the window again.
From her now invisible pearch she gazes openly at D'Artagnan. Her fingers
lightly touch her lips. Her heart pounds. What would it be like to kiss him?
Those sensual lips moving against hers, the scent of his long dark hair mixed
with his body scent, his deep blue eyes smoldering under heavy lids.
Dlmendy
D'Artagnan's heart skips a beat, the Queen is watching and
even though their eyes met only for an accidental moment he feels an
uncontrollable sense of excitement. He is shocked at his response to her
glance. He drops his guard only for a half a second and Athos has him on the
defensive in their excercises. Quickly he regains his poise and his control
of the action. But the moment lingers. He tries to shrug it off, he has never
felt anything like this before. Surely it will pass. He throws himself even
more fiercely into the sparring with Athos to his friend's surprise.
Elendili
A page enters the chamber. "Your Majesty, His
Highness wishes to speak with you about the arrangements for tomorrow night's
ball". Pulled abruptly back to reality, the Queen nods and quickly exit
the chamber. The ball. How could she forget! Maybe at the ball.......!
Dlmendy
The Palace was bustling with preparations for the ball to
celebrate the King's birthday, candles were being lit, food was being
prepared and guests were beginning to arrive. Most of the musketeers were on
duty for the ball. D'Artagnan, Athos and Porthos were on duty and Porthos, as
usual was complaining. He wanted to attend another party not stand guard at
the King's Ball. D'Artagnan was glad to be on duty. It was another chance to
cautiously and carefully watch the Queen. He had been struggling with these
overwhelming feelings for her for months, never admitting to himself that it
was more than great devotion for his Queen. Months ago he had been involved
in a very dangerous but successful mission to save the Queen's honor, and her
gratitude had touched him to the core. Since then he could not forget the
touch of her hand on his as he knelt to receive her praise nor could he
forget the look of desolation in her eyes.
Jovimaniac
The trumpets sound announcing the arrival of their
majesties. All eyes are on the back of the room and everyone stands with
baited breath as the grand doors swing open. There, standing in a beautiful
gown and brilliant jewels, stands the Queen. As she makes her way toward the
throne, the guests bow before her. She searches the crowd for D'Artagnan,
mindful that everyone is watching her.
Elendili
The Queen drops her handkerchief. D'Artagnan rushes to
pick it up and return it to her murmuring "M'lady" and looking
deeply into her dark eyes. Her heart flutters and she nods. "You are
most kind". For a brief moment their fingers touch as they exchange the
handkerchief. The touch is electric and they both look surprized. Did anyone
else see? The Queen moves more quickly to take her place on the dias.
Dlmendy
The Musketeers were charged with protecting the King and
the Queen. Three of them, Porthos, Athos and Aramis were considered to be the
best swordsmen and fiercest fighters in France. A few years ago, a young
newly recruited Musketeer, D'Artagnan, joined this mighty trio in what could
have been a suicide mission to retrieve the Queen's stolen jewels. The
dreaded Cardinal Richelieu had stolen the jewels and in order to discredit
the Queen and weaken the King, he told the King that the Queen had given them
to her lover.
The Musketeers mission to save the Queen's honor and preserve the King's
strength on the throne. Porthos, Athos and Aramis were not enthusiastic about
taking the young D'Artagnan on this sensitive and dangerous mission but they
needed another man. The young musketeer proved himself to be not only to be
their equal in fighting skills and horsemanship but in courage as well. By
the time the mission had been successfully concluded and the jewels returned
to a very young and very grateful Queen, D'Artagnan was forever their comrade
and friend.
In the years that followed, D'Artagnan followed closely behind Porthos, Athos
and Aramis as they moved up the Musketeer ladder into positions of
responsibility. By the night of the King's birthday ball he had been made a
lieutenant and was given assignments of ever increasing responsibility. He
took his position very seriously and his behavior was above reproach. He rarely
left the palace or the barracks, he was always volunteering for extra duty or
studying. His friends respected his devotion to duty and his responsibilities
and never teased him about it.
What they didn't know was that deep in his heart there was a reason for that
devotion.
Jovimaniac
Every extra moment spent within the Palace grounds was
another opportunity for a chance encounter with the Queen. Indeed, from the
first moment their eyes met, he had felt an excitement he'd never felt
before. The attraction between the Queen and D'Artagnan was fierce, but
neither would dare speak of it. Stolen glances, discreet yet powerful looks
that sent shivers down his spine. In order to rise to a position within the
Musketeers to be closer to her majesty, he worked diligently while the others
were out carousing. That work paid off, for now he was one of the most
respected warriors in the King's Musketeers.
Queen Anne herself found every excuse she could to put herself closer to
D'Artagnan. She had married the King very young, and had never really loved
him. Anne had married the King out of duty and loyalty to the throne, not for
love. D'Artagnan stirred up feelings inside of here that she'd never felt
towards her husband. She did all that she could do to get D'Artagnan's
attention, carefully of course, so as not to be seen by anyone. Lately, she
found herself dreaming of D'Artagnan and this surprised her. She wondered if
he felt the same way for her as she did for him.
Up until this night, the moments between D'Artagnan and Queen Anne had never
been more than glances across a room, secret smiles. But tonight, all that
would change forever.
Dlmendy
D'Artagnan, Athos and Porthos reported to the Ballroom to
receive their assignments from the Captain. Athos and Porthos were instructed
to station their men at the Palace entrance and on the stairs leading to the
Ballroom. D'Artagnan was instructed to station his men strategically but
unobtrusively about the perimeter of the Ballroom. D'Artagnan was thrilled
with his assignment because it meant he could watch the Queen all evening
without raising suspicions as long as he was careful and he would be careful.
The orchestra finished tuning and began to play the music the King had chosen
as the guests began to arrive at the palace, making their way up the broad
candlelit staircase to the Ballroom. D'Artagnan and one of his men stood at
attention at the door watching closely as the guests, the noblemen and
noblewomen of France, entered the Ballroom to celebrate the King's birthday.
Some time after the last guest had arrived, the King and
Queen made their grand entrance. The King wore an ermine-trimmed white
waistcoat with golden fleur de lis. The Queen was also dressed in white with
gold trim, the fitted bodice emphasized her youth and her slender body. The
voluminous skirt moved gracefully as she walked slowly, her hand on the
King's arm. D'Artagnan stepped back and bowed as they entered the Ballroom.
He almost gasped at the beauty of the Queen and as she passed, she glanced at
him for the briefest of moments. His heart was in his mouth but there was no
hint on his face of the furor he was so desperately and so successfully
controlling. He could control his actions and the look on his face, but he
could not control the depth of the feelings that were stirring inside him.
And it could amount to nothing........
The King and Queen took their places before the gilded
thrones on the raised dais. Everyone in the ballroom bowed as they entered
and did not rise until their Majesties sat down and the King nodded his
acknowledgement. At the King's signal the orchestra resumed playing and the
guests resumed dancing. The Ball was now in full swing.
D'Artagnan knew every inch of the Ballroom and all of the invited guests. He
had carefully scrutinized every guest as they entered the Ballroom before the
appearance of the King and Queen. Now that all the revelers were present he
closed the doors and stood in front of them with his fellow musketeer. The
other musketeers assigned to the Ballroom were in their stations quietly
watching, but always alert. The musketeers were such a common sight to all in
attendance that they had become almost invisible.
This invisibility gave D'Artagnan the luxury of gazing at
the Queen from time to time without raising any suspicions. He quickly
scanned the dancers and then allowed himself to look at the Queen. His heart
skipped a beat when their eyes met for a very brief moment, and when he saw
the response in her soft brown eyes he hoped that his face would not betray
his feelings. His feelings, which he had not permitted himself to acknowledge
but could no longer hide from the Queen. And now he was beginning to see, to
feel that she returned those feelings with the same intensity.
Becward
D'Artagnan's attention returned to the ballroom. He was
distracted, but he knew that he could no let this affect his mission. He
looked round the room and saw his fellow Musketeers. All was well.
Continuing to scan the room, he caught sight of Athos who had just entered
from his post outside the Palace. Athos was a mentor, yes, but also had
become his best friend. D'Artagnan thought with some envy of the life that
Athos now had. He was married to a beautiful woman who was expecting his
child within a few months. D'Artagnan glanced again at the Queen and knew
such a life would never be his.
The orchestra paused, and the King and Queen rose to dance. D'Artagnan
watched as the King led his lovely Queen to the dance floor. As always,
D'Artagnan was struck by her eyes. So beautiful, but so sad. He longed to see
her smile, to make her happy in some way. But he knew that it could never be,
no matter how he wished it to be so. She was not only the Queen, but the wife
of the man he was sworn to protect.
The intensity of D'Artagnan's feelings for the Queen - his Anne - rose again.
If only he could confide in someone. But he knew that this was a secret he
could never share, not even with Athos. It was something he would take to his
grave.
Elendili
King Louis XIII sat stiffly on his throne. The dance had
aggravated the arthritis in his back and sitting made the pain almost
bearable. Oh Anne, where is my son, my heir!, he thought. He sucked down a
large glass of wine and asked for another. So beautiful she was! No wonder
there were rumors about her loyalty to the King. Who would ever guess she was
barren to him! He could not let this go on any longer! Louis needed an heir
now! He must secure the throne! Then the rumors about the Queen be damned! If
they were true, he would still have his heir! She must give him one! Another
glass of wine. He would squeeze the heir out of her! One way or another!
The King leaned over to his Queen and sent her out of the ballroom to her
chamber to await his presence. And Anne looking a bit surprised, bowed
gracefully and did as she was told.
Waiting in her chamber Anne worried. Louis was drunk. And when Louis was
drunk, he could be very violent. This night he was also angry with her. Dear
God, she prayed, let him forget me tonight.
Suddenly the door to her chamber was thrown open and the King staggered
through. "I have come to get my heir upon you this night my lady!"
he roared. He grabbed the Queen by her shoulders and threw her down on the
bed. "I will have my way".
Fearful, Anne cried "No, Louis no!". But her
cries and struggles were useless. The King had his way and left directly.
Sometime later, a very sore Anne struggled from the bed. Her clothes were
torn and bloody. She removed them throwing them into the fire and washed
herself with the cool pitcher of water and a silk cloth that waited on her
dresser. She sobbed. Put on a clean chemise and wrapped a fresh quilt around
her. The room stank of Louis and wine and blood. She would not sleep here
tonight. She could not be in this room.
Quietly Anne crept down the hall to her favorite alcove, sat there and gently
sobbed.
"My lady, why are you crying?". A chill went down Anne's spine. It
was D'Artagnan.
"It is of no concern", she murmured. Please let him leave. He
should not see me like this!
"I cannot bear to see your tears", D'Artagnan pleaded. "Tell
me what troubles you".
And Anne lost all resolve and collapsed into his arms in a pool of tears.
Dlmendy
D'Artagnan was stunned when Anne threw her arms around his
neck and clung to him. She was sobbing uncontrollably unable to tell him what
was wrong. For a brief moment he surrendered to his heart and held her close
trying to comfort her. But reality crashed in as he realized where they were,
they were on their knees in an alcove that while secluded, was not totally
secure. D'Artagnan knew only too well what would happen to both of them if
they were found in this compromising position. "Let me help you to your
room, M'lady." But as he tried to lift her to her feet, she pled with him:
"No, No, I can't go back there, please don't take me back there. He ...
He..."
D'Artagnan put his hands on her shoulders and gently held her away from him.
"Did someone hurt you, M'lady?" he said, his voice trembling with
rage. She could not answer. D'Artagnan knew he had to take her to a safer
place, someone would hear her sobs and find her in his arms. He couldn't just
carry her down the hall or even walk down the hall with her clinging to him
as she was. He thought for a moment and then remembered a little room off one
of the secret passages. It had been built to hide the royal family should the
need arise but it had never been used. There was an entry to the secret
passage a few feet down the hall from the alcove. It could be dangerous but
with a little luck ....
Elendili
D'Artagnan looked down the hall. It was empty. Quietly he
helped Anne to the secret room. There on a pile of thick quilts and rugs he
curled up with her close to him. His arms surrounded her and he spoke
soothingly.
"Hush. You're safe now". A tiny beam of moonlight crept through the
arrow slit above them and illuminated Anne's tear stained face. He could see
the beginnings of purple and blue bruises on her cheeks. "Who did this
to you, Anne?" His voice was heavy with anger and sorrow. "I shall
find him and kill him. How dare he hurt you so!"
"No you must not!", Anne cried. "You must promise me you will
not!" Her small breasts heaved against his chest. "Please promise
me!" She sobbed.
D'Artagnan sighed. "I promise. But I will never allow him to do this to
you again. Now who is he?"
Anne closed her eyes, drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly.
"Louis. It was Louis. He wants an heir".
BP-91
Time passed as D’Artagnan watched over the lady who was
the love of his life... but was also his queen. How would they both get out
of this? Soon Captain Treville would be wondering where his lieutenant was
... and what about the queen? She roused and thanked him again for helping
her.
Anne was realizing how wonderful it was to be in the arms
of a man who truly cared. He could not hide that from her now. She read it in
his eyes every time he looked at her.
"Good morning, M'lady," he said, wondering how he had dared to call
her "Anne" the night before. "I am going to have to get back
to my men. What can we do about you?"
"Since this room is secure, you can leave me," said Anne. "But
first, call Dona Estafonia to come to me." As she read fear in his eyes,
she added, "Don't worry. She is the only one of my Spanish ladies, the
cardinal and Louis have allowed me to keep. I trust her with my life. As for
Louis, he is sleeping off that drunk. When he wakes up sober, he will
probably feel very ashamed of his violent behavior. I will be all right. He
thinks he will have the heir he wants, now. I am sure it is common knowledge
around Paris that our marriage has consisted more of neglect and distrust
than abuse. He still thinks I am a spy for my brother." (Philip III,
king of Spain)
D'Artagnan reluctantly left the queen and found the
lady-in-waiting, who was already frantically (but quietly) searching for
Anne. After making sure again that the hall was clear, he led her to the
secret room. He stood back as the queen hugged her, sobbing. They had been
friends since childhood in Spain.
Then Dona Estefania said, "Sir, bless you for taking care of her. I will
take over now. When I saw her room, I was very frightened for her. I have
already sent people to clean it. Now I will take her where she can be washed
and changed."
D'Artagnan's heart was breaking as he saw the beautiful queen leave leaning
on the arm of her lady. "Thank you so much for your protection and
comfort, D'Artagnan. And thank you for showing me this room. I will use it
again."
As D'Artagnan left the two, his emotions were swirling.
Could she possibly love him? Now what? Oh, yes. He still had the problem of
explaining to the captain where had been the last few hours.
Becward
It was shortly after sunrise as the Musketeers began to
muster for another day. Aramis, Porthos and Athos stood to the side of the
courtyard, as they often did. Athos looked around for D'Artagnan, but his
young friend was nowhere to be found.
Athos had noticed D'Artagnan's absence the night before. He had left the
ballroom some time after the Queen had made her exit. It wasn't like him to
leave his post, so Athos assumed that Captain Treville had called D'Artagnan
away. But Athos had not seen him after the guests had left, as the Musketeers
were securing the ballroom for the evening. Where could he have been?
He was about to ask Porthos if he had noticed anything strange the evening
before. But knowing Porthos he would never get a straight answer. The only
way to know for sure was to ask D'Artagnan directly.
It would soon be time for the lieutenants to make their reports to the captain.
Athos could only hope that D'Artagnan would be on time. As the thought
crossed his mind, he heard Aramis say, "Here comes D'Artagnan. He looks
like he hasn't slept all night!" Porthos laughed and made a comment only
Porthos was capable of making. Aramis looked at him with feigned disgust and
laughed in spite of himself.
As D'Artagnan strode purposefully across the courtyard,
Athos stepped forward to meet him. "Where have you been, my friend?
We've been concerned." Athos had seen this look on D'Artagnan's face
many times within the past weeks. He sensed that his friend was distracted,
troubled. But if he were in some sort of danger, wouldn't he have told his
best friend? Athos could only hope that D'Artagnan would talk to him before
something went drastically wrong.
D'Artagnan looked Athos in the eyes and longed to be able
to confide this secret, but he knew it would mean death, both for himself and
his Anne. He looked over Athos' shoulder to see Captain Treville walking
toward them. How could he possibly explain his absence the night before? He
had been trying to think of a plausible story but had thought of nothing.
Just as the captain was about to confront D'Artagnan, an alarm arose.
"An intruder on the Palace grounds! All Musketeers to post!" Musketeers began to scatter to their
posts. But before he ran, D'Artagnan looked to the window of the Queen's
quarters and remembered...
Dlmendy
Athos and his men took up their posts at the Musketeers
Gate, Porthos and his men at the rear of the Palace, Athos and his men at the
front of the Palace and D'Artagnan and his men took their positions on the
riverside of the Palace. The intruder had not been identified and the
lieutenants were not sure just how many intruders, if any, there were. One of
the musketeers patrolling the river wall had been found dead. This was
ominous; there had NEVER been an intruder on the palace grounds before. This
meant there was a breach in the musketeers security or worse yet, a traitor
among the musketeers. This was unthinkable.
The four lieutenants were clear on their duties but the possibility that
there might be a traitor among them heightened their steely determination to
find the "intruder" and to protect the King and Queen safely within
the palace. The captain had taken 20 of his most trusted men into the palace
to set up the command post and to personally guard their Majesties. For a
fleeting moment D'Artagnan let his thoughts dwell on the Queen and his fear
for her safety but he knew that the Captain would protect her.
D'Artagnan quickly turned his attention back to finding the intruder. He
watched as his men scoured every inch of the river side of the Palace
grounds. The river side of the grounds presented the greatest security risk.
When the walls were constructed, it was determined that the river was a
deterrent so the walls on that side were not fortified as strongly as the
other sides. D'Artagnan always worried about it but the only remedy was to be
more watchful on that side. He thought he had covered it thoroughly but no
plan was foolproof and there was always the possibility that it could be
breached.
As he paced, watching his men search the grounds, D'Artagnan saw something
shiny in the grass next to the palace stairs. He picked it up, it was an onyx
button. He called his sergeant over to take his place while he went inside to
talk to the Captain. Then he stopped, thought a minute and went instead to
talk to Athos. They sent for Porthos and Aramis to join them on the river
side of the palace.
BP-91
As d'Artagnan waited to meet his friends, he wondered who
was being so foolish as to invade the palace grounds. Once the musketeers and
the palace guards had any warning that something was happening, the invaders
would be on a suicide mission. Did he have any idea who it could be? Oh, no,
he thought, suddenly, not Gaston again. The king's younger brother, Monsieur,
the Duke of Orleans. How many times now, has he tried to take his brother's
throne? The problem is, as long as Louis and Anne have no children, he is actually
the heir to that throne.
D'Artagnan remembered the first time he had seen Gaston.
As a wide-eyed young recruit from Gascony, he had joined in the siege of La
Rochelle. Gaston had been in TEMPORARY command of all forces. The city could
have been taken at any time, but he was under orders from both his brother
the king and Cardinal Richelieu to wait. Louis XIII must be there to take
full credit for the victory. And he and the cardinal were both still in
Paris. How that must have galled Gaston. Later as a lieutenant in the
musketeers, d'Artagnan had helped put down several of Gaston's rebellions.
When Athos arrived, d'Artagnan handed him the onyx button,
while telling him of his suspicions. Athos said, "I believe you are
right, my friend. I don't even have a waistcoat with onyx buttons. They are
reserved for princes." D'Artagnan smiled, wryly. After all, his friend,
Athos was actually a nobleman: le Comte de la Fere.
When his other two friends arrived, d'Artagnan showed them the button, also.
As they looked at it, he said, "Athos and I think this may be Gaston's
work." "Not again," Porthos snorted in disgust.
"Now," Athos reminded them, "even if this is true, we still
have plenty of trouble. Though Gaston is probably still at his palace in
Paris, he always hires others to do his dirty work. The onyx button was
probably given to the man in charge. These men will have no respect for the
persons and positions of our king and queen."
At Athos' words, d'Artagnan stiffened in fear for the
queen. Gaston would have no interest in harming Anne. He knew she was as much
of a victim as he. But his men would not care. But, I must remember, he
thought, that there is no finer soldier in France than our captain. He will
certainly protect her, probably better than I can. And there is always the
secret room. I wonder if even the captain knows about it. I came upon it by
accident one day, while patrolling the passages.
Then d'Artagnan told his friends, "Now, we must remember that we do NOT
know this for sure. Whoever they are, all of the invaders must be caught and
punished. But if Gaston is behind this. What can be done to him?" He
shook his head.
Dlmendy
"You are right, D'Artagnan," Aramis said.
"We do not know anything for a certainty yet. All we do know is that a
musketeer is dead and that an onyx button has been found close to the door.
We don't know who is involved so we must tread carefully. We don't want to
create more of a crisis than there already is." The four musketeers
stood looking at each other, knowing that once again, they could only trust
each other absolutely.
Athos, Aramis, Porthos and D'Artagnan all had their suspicions about Gaston
and were sure his hand was in this somehow. The King's brother had friends and
spies everywhere, they could not be sure that one of the musketeers had not
been drawn into Gaston's web, he could be very convincing. Porthos suggested
that they tell the Captain immediately about the onyx button and their fear
of an assassin on the grounds. The others agreed, D'Artagnan bounded up the
stairs to find the Captain, leaving Athos, Porthos and Aramis to finish the
search of the grounds. The turned quickly to the task without a word to each
other. None was needed.
D'Artagnan desperately wanted to make sure that the Queen was safe so he
didn't even give the others a chance to volunteer to tell the Captain. He ran
through the door, down the Great Hall and found the Captain at the foot of
the stairs talking to the King. The Queen was standing a few steps above them
listening calmly. D'Artagnan caught her eye ever so briefly as he approached
and bowed to the King. He saluted the Captain and told him about finding the
button near the door. He did not have to tell the Captain or the King of the
danger, they were well aware and also of who might be at the bottom of it.
The Captain asked about the dead musketeer and also wanted to know precisely
where the button had been found. D'Artagnan answered his questions and
reported that the search was still going on. The King told the Queen to go to
her apartments and wait for him there. He had spoken to her harshly and
D'Artagnan felt a bolt of red hot anger go through him. He was so angry that
she had to bear such disrespect. And even angrier that there was nothing he
could do about it. D'Artagnan said that he wanted to check the rooms upstairs
and ran up the stairs passing the Queen on the way. He murmured for her to
meet him in the alcove as he passed her. She whispered a very soft yes.
D'Artagnan swiftly ran through the rooms on the east wing
making his way to the alcove. The Queen was waiting when he got there. He
wanted to throw his arms around her but he knew that was impossible, he could
not place her in such danger. He told her to go to the secret room and bolt
the door, not to open it for anyone but him. He told her that he was afraid
for her but his eyes said so much more. She agreed to go immediately to the
secret room and he looked down the hall to make sure no one was coming before
he led her to the secret passage way. Before she started down the secret
hall, she touched his arm. Her eyes were filled with love and fear for him.
He patted her arm and led her down the passageway to the secret room. Before
she closed the door as he had told her, she kissed his cheek. His heart was
pounding and for a brief instant he forgot the assassin, the button and his
duty.
Becward
D'Artagnan closed the door of the secret room and heard
the Queen slide the bolt from the inside. He knew that she would be safe there,
but he also knew that he must hurry if he wanted a chance to be with her for
a few moments before the King came to look for her in her apartment. It
saddened him to think that these few, stolen moments would likely be all they
would ever know. He was certain that no one suspected his feelings for the
Queen, his Anne. And he was also certain that no one must ever know.
Luckily, D'Artagnan knew this part of the palace well, better than any of the
other Musketeers. He knew every inch of the passageways that were hidden
behind the tapestry covered walls of the palace. He would be able to quickly
and thoroughly check the rooms in the east wing. Captain Treville also knew
this and had no reason to send anyone but D'Artagnan to this area. He was
free to do what he needed to do without interruption.
As badly as he wanted to return to the secret room, D'Artagnan realized that
his true responsibility was to ensure the safety of the King and Queen. He
focused on the task at hand and checked each and every room for any sign of
an intruder. As he completed his rounds, he felt a deep relief that he had
found nothing. He knew that he should report immediately to the Captain that
all was secure. But, first, he had to return to the Queen. He hurried quietly
down the hall to the entrance to the passageway. He scanned the hall to be
sure that he was alone, opened the door, and slipped inside.
Silently, he made his way to their secret room. He was
reasonably sure that he, the Queen and Dona Estefania were the only people
who knew about this particular room. But until he could see her, D'Artagnan
worried about his Anne. He knocked quietly on the door. "M'Lady. It is
D'Artagnan," he whispered. His heart thudded in his chest as he heard
the bolt slide and felt the door begin to open. The Queen pulled the door
open and stepped aside to let him in.
D'Artagnan closed the door quickly and leaned back against it. "All is
secure in this wing, M'Lady. You have nothing to fear from whomever it is
that has breached palace security. I promise you that you will never be
harmed." As he looked at her beautiful face, he noticed the slight
traces of the bruises left by the King. He remembered last night, in this
room. How frightened she had looked, how ready he was to kill the person
responsible for hurting her. He had only wanted to protect her and punish the
person who had done this to her. The intensity of the feeling flooded him
again, and he realized now just how much he loved her.
"Thank you, D'Artagnan. I know that I am safe when you are nearby,"
Queen Anne said as she reached out her hands. As he took her hands in his, he
drew her to him. He slid his arms around her and held her gently, as if she
were a china doll. She moved slightly in his arms and gazed up at him. The
look in her eyes mirrored his own, and he sensed that soon their lives would
change forever.
BP-9110
We only have a minute, d'Artagnan reminded himself. I
can't compromise her. Besides, I must not remind Captain Treville of my
absence last night, by creating another one...in the midst of an intruder
alert. He dropped his arms and said, "M'lady, as I said, this wing is
secure. Now you must go back to your apartment, so the king will find you
there." They looked at each other, longingly, both realizing that only
in that secret room could they be what they really were: A man and a woman
deeply in love with each other. But it could only be for stolen minutes.
Outside of that room, she was the queen, married to the king, a man she had
never loved. And he was a lieutenant of the Musketeers, sworn to protect them
both. And there was no way that could change. "We must go now,"
d'Artagnan repeated. "I will watch you as you go to your apartment and
make sure you are safe." But what about the king? he thought. No, she
will be all right. Louis will do nothing to endanger the heir he is hoping
for. "I must go make my report to Captain Treville."
Reluctantly, he opened the door to the room. The passage was clear. Then Anne
followed him through it to the secret entrance. Opening it only a crack,
d'Artagnan peeked out to assure himself that the hall was clear. When he saw
that it was, they both exited the passage. He let her walk ahead of him and
then followed at a distance. When she reached her quarters, Dona Estefania
met her. With a sigh of relief, d'Artagnan saw that the king had not yet
come.
Then he made his way back to the place where he was to report to the captain.
The king was still with him. D'Artagnan bowed to the king and saluted his
captain. "Sir, the east wing is secure."
Dlmendy
Even though he had assured the Captain that the East Wing
was secure, D'Artagnan had an uneasy feeling as if he had missed something.
The Captain sensed D'Artagnan's uneasiness and asked him what was wrong. All
of D'Artagnan's instincts were at work and alerting him to danger. He thought
for a moment and then told the Captain he wanted to search the East Wing
again before the King left the main hall and the protection surging around
him.
Athos and Porthos came in to report they had found nothing in their search of
the Palace grounds. Aramis had finished his patrol on the grounds and was
searching the ground floor. The musketeers were very thorough in their search
leaving nothing to chance.
Athos took one look at D'Artagnan and asked him what was wrong. D'Artagnan
did not answer his friend, he was desperately wishing he had not allowed the
Queen to go into her apartments without searching them himself but that had
been the assignment of one of his most trusted men, Francois, and Dona
Estefania had not appeared to be disturbed.
Francois was standing at the foot of the stairs awaiting
his next assignment, he seemed nervous and D'Artagnan approached him to ask
if he had found anything in his search of the Queen's apartment. Francois did
not look at D'Artagnan directly, he did not raise his gaze from the floor in
front of him. "No, Lieutenant, I didn't find anything." D'Artagnan
looked immediately at Athos and Porthos who instantly read his concern. They
turned and without a word bounded up the stairs. D'Artagnan shouted at
Francois to stay exactly where he was. The Captain was also instantly alerted
and directed the closest musketeer to guard Francois.
Aramis arrived in time to see his friends running up the stairs and quickly
followed them. They ran to the Queen's apartment and stopped. D'Artagnan
listened at the door for a second but heard nothing. He motioned for Portos
and Aramis to stay by the door and whispered that he and Athos would go
through the secret passageway to get to the Queen's apartment. He told them
to wait for a few minutes and then knock on the door telling Dona Estefania
and the Queen that they just wanted to make sure they were safe.
D'Artagnan and Athos quickly rounded the corner into the hall near the
Queen's door and entered the room adjoining her apartments. They entered the
secret passageway in that room and made their way to the door to the Queen's
bedroom. These passageways had not been used in many years and very few knew
of them either. Still D'Artagnan looked over the floor next to the entry to
the Queen's bedroom to see if there was any sign that someone had preceded
them. There was none.
D'Artagnan listened at the door. Even though the doors
were quite thick he could hear muffled sounds of a struggle. He heard the
Queen scream and demand that someone take their hands off her. He was enraged
and it took all of his self control and long years of discipline to keep from
bursting through the door. He did not know how many scoundrels were in the
room threatening his precious Anne and he had to be very careful not to put
her in even more danger by acting rashly. He and Athos drew their swords and
waited for Aramis and Porthos to draw the attention of those in the room to
the door of the apartment. Then D'Artagnan and Athos could enter in stealth,
assess the situation and do what was necessary to protect the Queen. They
could not hear the knock but they heard several male voices. Finally one told
the others to be quiet and said very threateningly to the Queen: "Answer
them, tell them you are fine and you wish to be left alone." "They
will not believe me," Anne said with fear in her voice. "Say
it," the man demanded. "No," she said and D'Artagnan could
hear more struggling. He could stand no more and he burst into the room followed
by Athos.
D'Artagnan raced to the Queen and before the intruder could grasp what was
happening, D'Artagnan pulled the Queen out of his hands and thrust her into a
corner out of the way. He placed himself between the Queen and the intruder,
whom he had never seen before. Dona Estefania jerked away from the shocked
scoundrel that was holding her and ran to the Queen's side. Athos meantime
had lunged for the door and opened it to admit Aramis and Porthos. They
quickly subdued the other three intruders. D'Artagnan and the intruder that
had been holding Anne so roughly faced each other, swords drawn and ready.
The intruder was a very good swordsman but clearly no match for D'Artagnan
who defeated him quickly wounding him only slightly.
As Porthos, Aramis and Athos gathered the four intruders, D'Artagnan allowed
himself a moment to make sure that the Queen was alright. For an instant
their eyes met and she could not hide the love that shone in her eyes, nor
could he but Dona Estefania brought them both back to reality by thanking
D'Artagnan and his friends for saving them. Fortunately D'Artagnan had his
back to the others, it took him a moment to let his feelings for the Queen to
fade from his eyes, but Anne knew.
Aramis rudely shoved the leader of the intruders before
him and toward the door. He was followed by Athos, Porthos and the other
three very subdued intruders. D'Artagnan lingered for a few seconds and then
followed them.
Elendili
D'Artagnan had an uneasy sleep. He tossed and turned, woke
up several times in a cold sweat. His dreams were filled with Anne.
BP-9110
Before d'Artagnan left the room. he told the queen,
"Come with us, please, M'lady. Surely Gaston has sent more than four men
and one corrupted Musketeer to invade the palace. I don't think you ladies
are safe up here alone." When the queen agreed, d'Artagnan stepped aside
to let them precede him down the stairs.
There, they found that the prisoners were already being arrested by Captain
Treville and the king. Then the Musketeer who had betrayed their Majesties
was arrested. It was particularly hard on d'Artagnan to know that Francois,
who had been his right-hand man, was a traitor who would be led away to face
the Bastille...and worse.
Several more intruders were brought in by other Musketeers and the palace
guards. The leader was the man who had fought d'Artagnan so ably in the
queen's quarters. Upon questioning, he admitted that Gaston had hired them
all. Yes, the king's brother was still in his own palace. Apparently, the
plan was to surprise both the king and the queen in her apartments. But
Treville, who had been a childhood friend of Louis', had managed to persuade
him to stay downstairs until everything was secure. And d'Artagnan and his
friends had captured the intruders who were holding the queen and dona
Estefania hostage.
Later, Athos came to d'Artagnan with further news.
"Yes, it is just as we suspected. The king, Cardinal Richelieu and
Captain Treville all went to see Gaston. He did not deny his guilt. BUT,
there is no way he can be punished. As long as the king and the queen have no
children, he is next in line for the throne." They both shook their
heads in resignation.
So, apparently, the scare was over. But d'Artagnan was having trouble
sleeping that night. Over and over again, he asked himself. How did the
invaders get so far into the palace without being seen? How could they have
reached Anne's quarters? He shuddered when he realized what could have
happened to her. And he had sent her there alone. Suddenly, he sat up in bed
as a new, even more frightening thought struck him. Most of those secret
passages just led from one room or one floor to another. But there was ONE
passage that was built as an escape route for the king and his family. It led
directly OUTSIDE THE WALLS!!! Had its hidden exit been found? Of course, it
could only be opened from the INSIDE! That meant that there had to be another
traitor! Like most of the Musketeers, Francois did not even know of the
regular passages. Someone else had to let them in!
Realizing that someone might still be just inside the exit waiting to let in
more of Gaston's scoundrels, d'Artagnan quickly dressed, making sure he had
both long and short swords. He had to go alone, because Athos was the only
other one, except the captain, who knew of THAT passage. And he had left for
his estate in Berry when it seemed the scare was over. But this invasion may
have just begun.
Dlmendy
D'Artagnan quickly made his way to the entrance to the
secret passage door outside of the wall. He passed two patrols before he
reached the door. Sure enough there were signs that the door had been
recently opened. He pushed a light colored brick hidden behind a heavy veil
of vines and the door opened. He had drawn his sword before he entered just
in case, but there was no one in the passage way. He closed and locked the
door behind him and walked quickly down the passage. There were footprints
for a few feet into the passage way, it had not been used in years and there
was a film of dust on the stones. But these disappeared shortly when the
escape passage met the more polished stones of the secret passage that led to
many of the rooms within the palace. D'Artagnan walked the passage way but
found nothing further. Still he was convinced that this was the way the
intruders gained entry. Now he must find out who was the traitor among them.
Captain Treville called his Lieutenants together for a
meeting in his office shortly after dawn. It was imperative that they
consider what was to be done to protect the King and Queen. Gaston would not
stop with only one attempt on their Majesties' lives.
All of the Musketeers had spent the night within the Palace grounds, all
leave had been cancelled and patrols were doubled. Porthos and Aramis had
apartments close by but they spent the night in the palace, splitting up
oversight of the patrols. D'Artagnan lived in a small room in the barracks
just inside the palace walls. He had taken the first watch but when he was
finally relieved, he couldn't sleep much at all. Then when he had the idea
about the escape passage, he had dressed and investigate. Even with so little
sleep he did not feel at all tired, he was fueled by adrenalin and fear for
the Queen.
The Captain said that he had advised the King to leave Paris for several
weeks until they could pinpoint how the intruders entered the Palace so that
the Palace and grounds could be secured once again. He would go with the King
to Versailles, a smaller palace that would be easier to secure quickly.
Porthos and Aramis would also go with the King.
The Queen would remain here, the Captain continued, for several reasons.
First, to split the targets. The Captain felt that Gaston did not have enough
men to mount attacks in two locations, especially now that the Musketeers
were on guard and had hopefully ferreted out the traitor among them. Second,
the Queen was feeling ill after the attempt on her life last night. Athos,
who had been called back from Berry, and D'Artagnan would stay behind with 2
companies of Musketeers to ensure her safety while investigating the security
breach.
D'Artagnan was at once relieved and worried. He was relieved that he would
stay here to guard the Queen but he was worried that she was ill. Had she
been hurt in the scuffle with the intruder? She had given no sign of injury.
He could barely contain himself until the Captain finally dismissed them.
Captain Treville and the King prepared to leave immediately with 4 companies
of Musketeers. Porthos led the contingents of Musketeers following the King's
carriage. Aramis who, next to Captain Treville, had always been the King's
favorite and most trusted Musketeer, rode in front of the King's carriage
leading the way.
D'Artagnan and Athos watched them go and then organized their search.
D'Artagnan told Athos about the secret passage that led outside the wall.
Athos immediately went to investigate himself and D'Artagnan quickly bounded
up the stairs to the Queen's apartments.
Elendili
Queen Anne sat by the window quietly stitching a tapestry.
The shiny blue thread glistened off the sunlight calling attention to her
quick deft fingers upon the cloth. D'Artagnan quietly entered.
"M'lady? Are you well?"
Anne lifted her eyes to his and nodded slowly. There was no one else with her
- not even Dona Estafonia. But she spoke as if someone might hear.
"I am overly tired. Staying here will allow me more rest than the
journey with his Majesty".
"Perhaps you should be resting?" D'Artgnan asked.
"When my Dona Estafonia returns I will rest. I will sleep well tonight
knowing you guard the palace walls. You may go now."
Surprised and a little confused D’Artagnan bowed and left the Queen to her
needle work. What was her meaning? Should he come back? He wanted to be close
to her so much! To hold her in his arms, smell her hair, kiss her lips. Had
she changed her mind? Had he imagined she felt for him what he felt for her?
These questions would plague him the rest of the day.
Becward
The Queen had been in a pensive mood the entire day.
Yesterday, after D’Artagnan and his fellow Musketeers had rescued them from
the intruders, Dona Estefonia had spoken quietly to the Queen. “Queen Anne,
you know I speak from my heart and with only concern for your happiness and
safety,” she began. “I saw the love in your eyes as you looked at D’Artagnan.
You are no longer able to disguise your true feelings for the lieutenant; nor
is he able to disguise his feelings for you. If I have noticed that look, it
is only a matter of time until others notice, too. I only want you to be
happy, but I fear that this situation will become a dangerous one for you
both.” The words struck Anne like a slap to the face. She had tried so hard
to be discreet, but her love for D’Artagnan was becoming harder and harder to
hide.
It was too dangerous for them both to risk being found out. Nothing had
happened between them yet, but something desperate might happen if the King
were to discover that she had fallen in love with one of the King’s Musketeers
– especially the trusted D’Artagnan. Now she and her beloved D’Artagnan were
to be in close proximity with the King away. She remembered the night in the
secret room and longed to feel his strong arms around her, holding her close.
She knew that she could trust his discretion, but could she trust herself?
She shook her head and silent tears began to flow. She must stop this now,
before it was too late.
So, as Queen Anne watched D’Artagnan leave her apartment, her heart broke.
She had seen the confusion in his eyes as she dismissed him, but it was
something she felt she must do. It was clear that he was in love with her.
And she was in love with him. So much so that when Dona Estefonia had warned
her that she must be careful in the way that she reacted to D’Artagnan, Anne
knew that she must do something to protect them both.
Her mind told her that this is what she must do, but in her heart she hoped
that D’Artagnan would not accept this dismissal. Despite the trouble that was
likely to come, she quietly prayed that he would come back to her.
Dlmendy
By evening D'Artagnan and Athos had made sure every foot
of the palace and the grounds had been searched yet again. They also had the
secret entrance reinforced by bracing the door from the inside with heavy oak
beams. They wanted to maintain the possibility for escape from the inside and
at the same time, wanted to absolutely prevent anyone from using that
entrance to gain access to the palace in the future. More permanent
arrangements would be made when Captain Treville returned from Versailles.
Athos placed his sergeant in charge of the palace main entrance and left the
grounds for a few hours of much needed rest at his apartment not far from the
main gate. D'Artagnan felt very secure about the inside of the palace and
focused his attention on the grounds and gardens in the back of the palace.
Athos and D'Artagnan had reinstated the regular shift changes but all leave
remained cancelled and they were still required to remain on the grounds
until further notice. D'Artagnan checked again with the patrols he had
assigned, they had just been briefed after relieving the earlier shift. He
was happy to see rested and refreshed troops ready to ensure the Queen's
safety.
As he issued instructions to the Musketeers, he saw the
Queen out of the corner of his eye. She was walking slowly down the path to
the maze, followed by Dona Estefonia. He continued, professional soldier that
he was, to finish the task at hand even though his heart was racing. When he
was finished and sure that the Musketeers would pay special attention to the
area of the wall that bordered the river, he sent them on their way and
turned his attention toward the maze that the Queen had already entered. The
maze was created by 8 foot hedges that surrounded the area and lined the
paths within which were small gardens and benches creating little islands of
beauty.
When he reached the entrance to the maze that was so beautifully manicured by
the efforts of a small army of gardeners, he noticed Dona Estefonia standing
just inside the entrance. It was a wonderful place of privacy for the Queen.
Perhaps the only place she could be truly alone except of course for the
secret room where he had hidden her and that they had so briefly shared.
D'Artagnan knew that the maze had been carefully checked by his Musketeers
but he also knew that deep inside this very secluded garden was his heart,
his Queen. He had to make sure that it was, indeed, safe for her. He nodded
to Dona Estefonia as passed her, following the path that the Queen would
walked. She spoke to him very softly. "Monsieur D'Artagnan, may I have a
word with you, please."
D'Artagnan turned in response, and was surprised to see real concern in Dona
Estefonia's eyes. "Yes, madame," he said. "Monsieur," replied
Dona Estefonia, "this is a very delicate matter and difficult for me to
talk about with you. But I must for the sake of my lady and also for your
sake." D'Artagnan was very puzzled by the anxiety, the fear in Dona
Estefonia's voice and face. He was immediately attentive. "Please go on,
Madame," he said.
She spoke hesitantly but made herself go on. "You must be aware, sir,
that the Queen is very grateful to you, that she has great regard for you.
You must also be aware, sir, that her feelings for you are deeper than those
of sovereign for subject." D'Artagnan gasped in stunned surprise. It was
one thing for him to hope that the Queen returned his feelings, it was quite
another to hear his hope, his dream, expressed from someone who should not
have been aware of the feelings raging inside of him.
He could feel the boundless joy beginning to rise inside
of him as he absorbed what Dona Estefonia had said. She was saying that the
Queen cared for him. For one brief instant his face revealed the joy in his
heart and he knew that Dona Estefonia saw it. "And you have the same
feelings for her Majesty." He winced as she emphasized the distinct
barrier between them. "Yes, Monsieur, her Majesty. I know that she cares
for you and I know that you care for her. Do you think for one moment if
those feelings are apparent to me that it will be very long before they are
apparent to others, others who would like to use them to destroy both of
you?"
D'Artagnan felt the joy in his heart being replaced by apprehension. Dona
Estefonia was quite right, he could be giving the very people who wanted to
destroy the Queen a weapon with which to do it. He stood silent and still,
absorbing the ramifications of what could happen if anyone else found them
out.
D'Artagnan turned without reply and followed the path to find the Queen. For
a brief time he had allowed himself to think of her as his Anne but Dona
Estefonia's blunt warning had brought him down to earh with a thud. He must
find a way to distance himself from his feelings, from her, before he placed
her in mortal danger.
He came upon her suddenly as he turned a corner. D'Artagnan was one of the
few people, besides the gardeners, who knew the maze and all its twists and
turns. Anne was sitting on a bench at the very heart of maze surrounded by
rose bushes. He gasped at her beauty and bowed quickly so she wouldn't see
the love in his eyes. He was too late, she had already seen the depth of his
feelings.
"I am just making sure this maze is safe for you, your majesty. Please
wait here while I finish checking the other paths." "I will wait
here, D'Artagnan," Anne said softly. D'Artagnan walked hastily through
the remaining paths and finding nothing at all remotely suspicious, he
hurried back to the Queen.
"All is secure," he said to her, not daring to look in her eyes.
"I will leave you to your privacy and instruct the patrol not to disturb
you." D'Artagnan turned to leave but before he had a chance to take even
one step, the Queen called him. "D'Artagnan, please don't go."
Elendili
"D'Artagnan, please don't go." The words echoed
in his head. He could barely move. Then her hands touched his and turned him
around.
"Please don't leave me alone. I have waited to see you all day and most
night." Anne moved closer her arms running up his shoulders.
"I cannot sleep without knowing where you are!" Then, on tip-toes
she kissed his lips.
The shock of desire poured through D'Artagnan's body as he feld the gentle
pressure of his lips against his. Without even thinking he returned her kiss.
He heard the sharp intake of her breath as his tongue pressed into her mouth
and felt her knees go weak. It was then reality peeked in. With all his
strength he managed to push the tiny Queen away and gasping cried hoarsely.
"My lady we must not! You are the Queen!".
But Anne was persistant. "A Queen who loves you. A Queen who loves only
you!" And she kissed him again. And D'Artagnan was lost.
The onslaught against his senses was so strong that he could barely stand
holding the both of them, for Anne's feet were now off the ground. Heat upon
heat running through both of them, her breasts heaving as they pressed
tightly against his chest.
He lifted her up into his arms and carried her to the bench still kissing
her, the two of them almost falling off the seat before they ever touched it.
Dlmendy
D'Artagnan shook his head to clear the impossible thoughts
that had just raced through his mind. He turned slowly and bowed to the
Queen. "Yes, Milady," he said softly. He tried not to look directly
into her eyes, fixing his glance just above her head. "I want to thank
you for the care you take to ensure my safety," she said.
"D'Artagnan bowed again and left hurriedly for the entrance to the maze.
Dona Estefonia was at her post at the entrance, waiting for the Queen.
"D'Artagnan," she called as he hurried past her. He stopped but did
not turn to look at her. "The Queen is resting," he said over his
shoulder, " she is quite alright, madame." "Thank you,"
Dona Estefonia said with sadness in her voice, "I will wait for her
here."
D'Artagnan quickly strode away to find Athos and discuss the days activities.
They should have received a report from Captain Treville about the King by
now.
Becward
Athos felt rested as he rode on to the Palace grounds
through the Musketeers gate. Though he had only been away a few hours, he had
been able to relax and clear his mind, secure in the fact that D'Artagnan was
still on duty. He would soon be able to take turnover from his friend and
allow D'Artagnan a few hours of well deserved rest. Since this episode with
the intruder began, Athos had noticed that D'Artagnan seemed almost obsessive
in his attention to his duty. He would need to relax for a time.
"Perhaps," Athos thought, "I will offer him the chance to go
to my apartment. This will allow him to get away and rest his mind as well as
his body."
Athos and D'Artagnan had been friends since the younger man joined the
Musketeers. Athos remembered the first time he had seen the young D'Artagnan.
A mere boy, Athos had thought at the time. But the first time he had seen the
"boy" with a sword, Athos had known that D'Artagnan was a match for
any of the most experienced Musketeers; himself, Aramis and Porthos included.
He liked the young man's confidence and style. D'Artagnan was brash and bold,
as young men often are, but he took instruction and guidance with grace. In
time, he would learn to temper his brashness with caution. The Three
Musketeers all agreed that D'Artagnan would go far. And far he had come.
The youngest lieutenants in the Musketeers, he and D'Artagnan had become fast
friends. And the friendship had grown and thrived over the years. Indeed,
D'Artagnan would be the godfather to Athos' unborn child. Lately, though,
Athos had felt a slight distance between them. D'Artagnan was ever the
professional soldier, but he seemed oddly preoccupied. Athos had noted that
this was clearly not like his friend. D'Artagnan was usually the most focused
of any of the legion of Musketeers.
Recently, Athos had seen a strange, faraway look in D'Artagnan's eyes. And
D'Artagnan had disappeared without a word only a few nights ago. "If
there was some problem, wouldn't he have told me?" Athos wondered aloud.
"It cannot be serious; I've never known him to be more alert and intent
on his duties than he has been these past few days. He has been constantly
bounding somewhere to make sure all areas of the Palace are secure." He
smiled in spite of the fact that he remained worried about his friend.
Perhaps all he needs is a few hours to relax and a good night's sleep, he
thought. After this danger had past, Athos vowed to take D'Artagnan away for
a few days at his estate. They could talk freely there, and he would find out
what was troubling his dearest friend.
As Athos made his way across the grounds to the command post in the main hall
of the Palace, he noticed D'Artagnan running up the steps from the garden.
Instantly alarmed, Athos wondered if there had been trouble in his absence.
He thought immediately of the largely unsecured area that bordered the river.
He knew how much D'Artagnan worried about that sector. He couldn't see his
friend's face, but D'Artagnan's purposeful manner spoke volumes. Athos began
to run, hoping to catch D'Artagnan before they reached the command post.
"D'Artagnan!" Athos shouted. D'Artagnan stopped at the top of the
stairway and took a few moments to compose himself before turning to face his
friend. His face had obviously been giving too much away, of late, and his
conversation with Dona Estefonia was still running through his head. His
heart was breaking, but for the sake of his Queen, his lovely Anne, he knew
that he must once again become the consummate soldier, never allowing his
true feelings to show and never being able to act on them.
D'Artagnan turned slowly to face Athos. "Is all secure?" Athos
asked as he ran to meet D'Artagnan at the top of the steps. "Yes, all is
quiet," D'Artagnan replied. "I was going to the command post to see
if they had received any word from Captain Treville." His mind
immediately returned fully to the task at hand. He knew that he must give
Athos full and complete turnover. Then he might be able to rest for the first
time in days…
Dlmendy
Athos and D'Artagnan strode into the command post, both
anxious to see if any word had been received from Captain Treville. The clerk
assured them that if any message had been received, it would have been taken
to Lieutenant D'Artagnan immediately. They both knew that, but they were
anxious for reassurance that the King was still safe.
The two men went into the small conference room so D'Artagnan could brief
Athos on the night's activities and his progress in securing the palace for
the Queen's safety. One of the clerks came in with a tray of refreshment:
bread, cheese, wine and water. The two friends and fellow warriors sat across
from each other, one rested and refreshed and one exhausted. It had been many
hours since D'Artagnan had slept, his eyes were red from lack of sleep and
there were lines of exhaustion around his eyes and mouth.
Athos poured a little wine for them both and D'Artagnan began the briefing
immediately. Using their map of the palace and grounds, D'Artagnan pointed
out the increased sentry assignments and the additional patrol routes he had
ordered. Athos nodded his head in approval, still marveling that his
exhausted friend had forgotten nothing. D'Artagnan told Athos that he was
still concerned about the two areas that had been breached, the wall and the
secret door, but that he had placed extra sentry's in both locations just to
be sure that those weaknesses could not be taken advantage of again.
As soon as D'Artagnan finished his briefing, Athos encouraged him to eat a
little and have a little wine or at least, some water. Athos knew his friend
so well, he knew that when a crises occurred, the last person D'Artagnan
would think of was himself. Especially when their Majesties' safety was
involved.
"Please, my friend, take some refreshment. You must." Athos pushed
the tray toward a disinterested D'Artagnan. Athos continued, "I am very
concerned for you. You are exhausted and must get away from here for some
uninterrupted rest. The few hours that I had at my apartment have refreshed
me so that I can take over for you. Please go to my apartment so that you,
too, can sleep without someone banging on your door for every little thing.
If your men know you are on the grounds, you won't get any real rest. When
this is over we must go to my estate for a few days so we can really take the
time to talk. I know that something is troubling you and has been for some
time now. Perhaps I can help you."
D'Artagnan looked at his friend with affection and also felt some concern.
Dona Estefonia was right, if Athos was already beginning to sense he was
troubled then sooner or later he would guess the truth. D'Artagnan knew that
he MUST control this situation, his feelings, now. "Athos, my dear
friend. I am just concerned that our palace security was breached and their
Majesties' are in danger because of our failure. How could we have failed to
notice these weaknesses. I didn't realize that the depth of my concern was so
apparent, I certainly don't want the men to see it. They must see us only as
confident and strong. You are right, I am very tired and I think that a few
hours away from the Palace would refresh me. So I will accept your offer and
go to your apartment for a few hours of rest."
"Good," said Athos with relief in his voice,
" you know where the key is." He was very relieved that his fear
D'Artagnan's troubles had to do with something other than the crises they
were dealing with was unfounded.
The clerk burst into the conference room with a message from Captain
Treville. The message was brief but informative. The King was still quite
safe at Versailles and they planned to remain there for several weeks,
probably 6 to 8 weeks, until they could all be assured that the threat from
Gaston had been neutralized. The Captain was working on that and would keep
them informed as to his progress.
Both men breathed a sigh of relief. Athos said that he would prepare a
message to the Captain about their status. D'Artagnan, sure that the safety
of the Queen and the palace was in good hands, left the conference room and
headed for the stable. He would ride the short distance to Athos' apartment
and some much needed rest. He hoped that he had diverted Athos suspicion that
something other than the problem at hand was troubling him.
Becward
Queen Anne remained in the maze until near nightfall. Was
it only a few short days ago that the King had left the Palace for
Versailles, taking Captain Treville, Aramis and Porthos with him and leaving
D’Artagnan behind? At the time, she had been elated. She had thought of
little but the opportunities she would have to see D’Artagnan, to know that
he was close, to be able to speak to him daily. But now, she felt an aching
sadness. And a love like she had never known. A love that was so strong that
she and D’Artagnan both knew that they had must not think of it or speak of
it. After their encounter this evening, she realized that he now understood.
Anne gazed at the beauty around her as the light was fading. She loved the
roses so. This place was truly her sanctuary. She knew that in the coming
days, she would spend a great deal of time here. The Queen slowly rose and
took another look around. As she made her way out of the maze, she attempted
to clear her head of thoughts of D’Artagnan. She met Dona Estefonia at the
maze’s entrance and they began to climb the stairs to the Palace.
About halfway up the stairs, the door to the main hall opened. Queen Anne
looked up to see D’Artagnan exit. Her heart leapt, then fell. He showed no
sign of recognition as he quickly turned and made his way toward the
Musketeer’s gate. “Surely he must have seen us,” the Queen thought. She began
to ask Dona Estefonia if she thought that he had not seen them in the fading
light, but instead thought better of it and lowered her head and continued to
climb the stairs.
Dlmendy
D'Artagnan left the Palace grounds through the Musketeer
gate. He rode swiftly but not recklessly through the narrow streets to Athos'
apartment. He dismounted and handed the reins to the stable boy along with a
few coins. Then he climbed the back stairs to the second floor and found the
key that was hidden on a ledge just above the door. He opened the door and
entered the cool and quiet room that Athos called an apartment. It really was
only one room above the landlord's rather spacious apartment but it offered
the peace and solitude a soldier needed to refresh and regroup from time to
time. D'Artagnan was grateful for the temporary seclusion.
He took off his hat and laid it on the table. He removed his cloak and
unbuckled his sword belt, glad to be relieved of both, placing them on the
trunk at the foot of the very comfortable looking bed. There was a knock on
the door. D'Artagnan reached for his sword and asked who it was, it was the
landlord. D'Artagnan opened the door and let in the rotund and smiling man
who carried a large tray of refreshment. D'Artagnan shook his head to decline
the food and drink but the landlord insisted and carried it in the room to
the table placing it next to D'Artagnan's hat. "I will leave it here,
Monsieur, you may be hungry and thirsty after you rest. Monsieur le Comte is
always famished when he wakes up and is most impatient for refreshment so I
bring it to him as soon as he arrives. Then he doesn't have to wait."
D'Artagnan looked at the kindly landlord through exhausted eyes and thanked
him for his thoughtfulness. The man left the weary soldier closing the door
tightly behind him. Out of habit and knowing he would be vulnerable,
D'Artagnan bolted the door behind him. Then he sat down on the bed, pulled
his boots off and literally fell into an exhausted, dreamless sleep. After a
few hours he stirred but merely to pull the coverlet over him and then fell
instantly asleep again.
When D'Artagnan awoke, he sat up with a start, it was light and he was afraid
he had slept much too long. He realized, though, that he had desperately
needed that rest if he was to return to his duties refreshed. He went to the
table, ate some of the fruit and cheese that had been covered on the tray. He
poured some water to quench his thirst and as he was drinking there was a
knock on the door. It was the landlord again but with water for bathing. He
said, smiling, that his wife had heard the monsieur up and about and
instructed him to bring him the water. Behind him was the stable boy from
last night with a plate of warm bread. D'Artagnan couldn't help but smile at
the lad as he took the plate from him.
"Thank you very much," he said returning the boy's smile. "
Would you please saddle my horse, I must leave immediately." The boy
nodded and hurried down the stairs to tend to his duties. The landlord
followed him, closing the door behind him. D'Artagnan quickly bathed and
dressed, he had brought no clean clothes or other toiletries so the rest
would have to wait until he returned to his quarters in the Musketeers
barracks. He was very anxious to get back to the Palace and relieve his
friend.
As D'Artagnan rode back to the Palace, he allowed himself to think of the
Queen. He had forced himself to pretend he did not see her as he left the
Palace last night. He knew he was too tired then to resist his own feelings,
he was afraid his eyes would betray them both. He had not allowed himself to
think of her at all while he was in Athos apartment, but now he was strong
again. He could, he MUST control his feelings, his emotions for both their
sakes. He knew that an indiscretion could mean death for both of them. He
could not let his weakness cause harm to her. D'Artagnan rode ramrod straight
through the Musketeers Gate confident again in his own strength and will.
Becward
Aramis sat quietly, enjoying the beauty of the grounds of
the palace at Versailles. Since their arrival a few days ago, all had been
calm. He was grateful that the King seemed more relaxed today. King Louis had
been a terror yesterday, barking at everyone and generally creating tension.
Captain Treville was clearly in charge of the Musketeers’ force, but when the
King was in a foul mood, it could not help but affect those around him. The
fact that the King had received word that all was well in Paris must have
calmed him.
Aramis thought about Paris, and D’Artagnan and Athos. He
had been relieved when they received the message from Athos saying that there
had been no further trouble. Upon hearing the news, he had said a silent
prayer for his friends. When the Captain first announced that Aramis and
Porthos would accompany the King to Versailles, Aramis had momentarily wished
that he could stay in Paris with either D’Artagnan or Athos. It wasn’t that
he didn’t get along with Porthos, but he found it difficult to find time to
be alone and think when Porthos was around.
At this moment, though, Aramis felt fortunate that Porthos
was on duty, seeing to it that the palace patrols were being attended to
properly. He knew that, whatever his faults, Porthos was likely the most
fearless of all the Musketeers. Soon, it would be time for Aramis to make his
way to the command post to take over. He felt well rested and was confident
that the Musketeers on duty were ready for anything. It seemed unlikely that
Gaston would stop at one attempt on the King, but no one had been able to
decide where or when his next attack might be. Captain Treville believed that
Gaston would most likely try to breach the palace in Paris again. He agreed
with D’Artagnan that the section of the palace that bordered the river was
ripe for exploitation, and that Gaston would assess that Versailles would be
impenetrable. “He might be right,” thought Aramis, but he truly believed that
the next attack would come at Versailles. For that reason, he knew they must
be on the highest alert.
As he did each day before he went on duty, Aramis prayed
again for strength and courage, for himself and his fellow Musketeers. He
rose and began the walk to the palace command post.
BP-9110
As he walked
toward the command post, Aramis said to himself, "I hope d'Artagnan will
get some rest. I'm sure that Athos will see to it, but he looked so tired
when we left. Aramis could not help admiring God's natural beauty around him.
Versailles was at least 15 miles from bustling Paris, there was much to see
and enjoy here: trees, flowers, birds and fresh air. It was so good to be
away from the city for awhile, even for this reason. Without thinking, he had
called Louis XIII's hunting lodge the palace. I guess it is, he thought,
because the KING is staying there. Maybe when the king remembers the reason
he usually comes to Versailles, he will relax and go hunting. Of course, he
doesn't usually come here with 4 companies of Musketeers, so there are no
barracks.
When he reached the command post, Porthos met him with his usual complaint.
"I still don't think the Captain should have chosen Versailles for the
king's safety. How many actual palaces could he take him to?" Aramis
sighed and repeated what he had said before, "He thinks Gaston would not
expect it. Because it is furnished, the king will be quite comfortable while
here. We don't even have to bring his bed." "But what about
us?" complained Porthos. "We have to sleep outside, in tents on
bedrolls." Aramis reminded Porthos, "We have done it before.
Remember the siege at La Rochelle." Porthos grunted, "Huh! I was
younger then." Aramis continued, "Our job is to guard the king,
wherever he is." "I know. I know. All right. There have been no
problems. All of the patrols are still on duty. The captain is inside with
the king." Thus, Porthos turned over his command to Aramis. Then he
left. Aramis smiled as he heard Porthos grumble all the way up the path. He
fussed about those bedrolls, but he always managed to sleep well on one. I'm
glad we are on separate shifts. Otherwise, he would keep me awake with his
loud snoring.
Taking his eyes off Porthos, Aramis put his mind on the day's work. "Our
job is to protect the king, at all costs. Is there anything I haven't
done?" he asked himself.
Dlmendy
D'Artagnan
pulled his horse up just inside the Musketeer's Gate, dismounted and handed
the reins to Pierre, the stable master. He strode purposefully into the
Command Post to hear Athos' briefing and relieve him. He found Athos in the
conference room poring over a long message from Aramis. There was always a
danger that their messages could be intercepted by Gaston's agents so Athos,
Aramis, Porthos and D'Artagnan had devised a code known only to them. Even
Captain Treville was unaware of it.
Athos embraced his friend, "Ah, D'Artagnan, it is so good to see you
looking refreshed." D'Artagnan returned Athos warm welcome, "Yes,
and it's all thanks to you. I slept well and long in your comfortable
lodging, and I was treated very hospitably by your landlord. What is our
position here?"
"We have had a quiet time in your absence, maybe you should take some
more time off," Athos teased his friend. D'Artagnan smiled in
appreciation of Athos dry attempt at humor. " Maybe I would if I could
return again to your comfortable room and bed." "Did the landlord's
daughter pay you a visit?" Athos asked with a twinkle in his eye?
D'Artagnan chuckled shaking his head, happy to have a light hearted moment
with his comrade before they settled down to serious business.
Turning their attention back to the difficult reality they were facing, Athos
briefed D'Artagnan on the Musketeer's activities during his absence, patrol
and guard assignments as well as the regular rotation he had set up to ensure
adequate rest for the men. They had to carefully conserve their resources now
that their force was split and the greater force had gone with the King. All
ongoing training activities had been suspended for the duration of the
crises, this allowed them to cover the expanded patrols and guard assignments
with their reduced forces. Both Athos and D'Artagnan realized only too well
that the two companies they led included two platoons of recruits that had
barely completed the basic Musketeer training. All of them had some prior
military duty so Athos felt they could be assigned to work with the more
experienced Musketeers.
Both men hoped that Gaston would not decide to test their strength and more
importantly, hoped that he did not know how weakened their force really was.
They could not be sure what Gaston knew or didn't know so they had to plan as
if he would attack and seek to take possession of the Queen. This would be
disastrous, it would place the King in an untenable position and endanger her
life. They could call on the regular army as a last resort but that would
raise the alarm of civil war among the populace and was to be avoided if at
all possible.
Athos showed D'Artagnan the message from Aramis. Most of it was just routine
but necessary information that must be shared between allied forces.
Basically it said that they had arrived, were entrenched and ready for any
eventuality. No numbers or troop dispositions were mentioned. The really
interesting part of the message was the last line. It said in their coded
language that Aramis had some concerns about one of the King's own ministers
that he suspected of being Gaston's spy. He didn't name the minister but said
he was watching the situation and that Athos and D'Artagnan should take care,
nothing was secure. They must not forget that even one of their own had
fallen prey to Gaston's spell. Athos and D'Artagnan did not need to be
reminded of that disaster but it served to sharpen their alertness.
Athos still had a few things to wrap up before leaving the command post so
D'Artagnan decided to take a turn around the Palace and the grounds before
Athos left just to reassure himself that all was well at least for the
moment. He left the command post and headed for the Queen's apartments. The
halls were not as busy as they were when the King was in residence, but there
was a fair amount of routine activity, he passed cleaning people intent upon
their normal duties as well as some of the very few courtiers who remained to
assist the Queen should the need arise. D'Artagnan knew that if trouble did
come these folks would disappear like smoke.
He reached the Queen's apartment and spoke to the guard on duty outside the
door. "Is the Queen inside her apartment and well?" he asked.
"Yes, Lieutenant," the young guard answered. D'Artagnan nodded his
acknowledgement and continued on his tour of the Palace. All seemed well, he
even took the time to tour the secret passages and check the dreaded door
that had been the focus of his concern in the first hours of the crises.
There was no sign of any intruder or attempt to open that door.
D'Artagnan went outside through the main door of the Palace. He stopped at
the top of the stairs to look around the grounds, no sign of any disturbance.
He went first to the wall by the river that caused such deep concern but the
patrols were doing a good job and some additional fortifications helped
reduce any risk.
Finally, D'Artagnan entered the Maze. He knew that the Queen would soon be on
her way to her favorite retreat and he wanted to be sure that it was safe for
her. He nodded to the guard on duty at the entrance and entered. He traversed
the twisting paths with ease and reached the rose garden in just a few
minutes. The roses were particularly lovely this morning, he knew the
gardeners tended them very early in the morning so as not to disturb the
Queen when she visited the garden.
D'Artagnan felt the calming effect of the beauty that surrounded him,
understanding why Anne loved this place so. As he looked at the flowers, he
noticed one deep red rose in full bloom in the heart of the garden. He could not resist it, drawn as if by an unseen force he followed the stone
path to the perfect bloom. For a few moments he gazed at it as if it held a
special message for him. He knew then that this rose was a symbol of the love
he had for the Queen. It was unspeakably beautiful, perfect in every way and
unable to express itself just as they were unable to express what was in
their hearts.
He took his dagger and cut this beautiful and perfect rose from its bush, he
would leave it on the bench for Anne. He could only hope that she would
understand its meaning. D'Artagnan turned to go back down the little stone
path to the bench and there, stunning in a light, silk ivory colored dress,
was the Queen. She looked at him with love shining in her tear filled eyes.
D'Artagnan approached her, sank to one knee and bowing his head, he said with
an aching heart, "Your Majesty." He looked up at her and handed her
the gift of his love, his heart, the beautiful, perfect and silent Rose.
Anne felt the full impact of this gift, understanding immediately. She
took the Rose and pressed it to her lips, then closed her eyes and clutched
it to her breast. With one more look at the love he could never have,
D'Artagnan left the Maze quickly through the twisting and turning paths.
Elmsec1
As Queen Anne clutched
the rose to she chest, she closed her eyes and dreamed of being held
in her true loves arms. Just then she ran after D'artagan calling his
name. Dartagnan stopped as he heard her call out to him. "D'Artagnan,
please wait!" His heart leaped in his chest as he turned around
and saw his beautiful queen running up to him with out- stretched arms.
"D'Artagnan, I love you so very, very much, please, what shall
we do?" He held her in his arms stroking her long beatiful hair
and as he spoke he quivered. "M'lady it is wrong, very wrong. It
is certain death to us both if we continue, but my heart will break
if we cannot be together!"
... Published May 2001 ...
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