Disclaimer: All the recognizable characters, places and events do not belong to me.


Adele de Béthune stared straight ahead, not daring to move a muscle. It would not do to disturb the painter, she reminded herself morosely. Why? Oh, why wasn't she Adrianne's age so she could pleasantly avoid this? Adele fervently pondered the question. She half-listened to what the artist was telling her and tried to arrange herself according to his instructions. The meager smile on her face almost slipped in irritation. It was by sheer force of will that she managed to keep it on her face; else Maman would be sure to chide her. Being a lady, proper or otherwise, was no easy job.

"Maman, why must we have this painting commissioned?" the young girl asked, in hopes of convincing her mother to reconsider the fate that awaited her daughter.

Rachel smiled at her child, her face remaining relaxed throughout her entire speech. "Because my dear daughter, my sweet Adele, Louis, His Most Christian Majesty, wishes you to be a companion to his wife, the lovely Anne. Do not scowl. It is a great opportunity for you. For us. Many eyes will watch you; not only because you'll be the Queen's companion, but because the King himself requested your presence. Strive to keep the intrigues away from you, however, do not let them walk all over you. Remember, you are my daughter. You father's daughter too. If only he were still alive, the Duke. May he rest in peace."

Born to Maximilien de Béthune, the Duke of Sully and his second wife, Rachel, Adele was the youngest child of nine, and one of the five to survive infancy. Her brothers and one sister had married before she was even born and then there was Louisa still unmarried and herself, the youngest. She was still in mourning for her father, who had left them not five months ago. Still, her mother had seen fit to accept the King's invitation for her daughter to act as a lady-in-waiting to the Queen. Adele was all of eighteen years of age and quite unsure how to fill the shoes put out before her.

Besides the decidedly honourable name of her father, Adele was one of the very distant cousins of the King himself. It was the reason for which her standing was a high one even though she was one of the later children of the couple and would not inherit very much in comparison to older brothers and sisters. Even so, she would be a full-fledged Vicomtesse after her mother's death. It was no small thing and many would seek to forge an alliance with such a title.

It was nothing out of ordinary for the King to sometimes call a relative or another for a visit. Louisa had been called too a few years back and to this day she talked fondly of her visits to the palace. Adele had the distinct feeling that her visit would be a little bit longer and far more exciting than she would've wanted it. Oh, why could she not stay at home with Maman? She had no head for intrigues and was a very poor liar. And she'd have to leave everyone behind.

"But Maman, this is hardly what I wish for. What of Paul and Henrietta, my friends, and the mourning? Please do not send me away. I promise to help. I won't stand in your way, nor will I complain. But please, do not make me go. What need could the Queen have of me?"

"Even if I wanted to, refusing the invitation would be beyond rude. And the Queen needs you. She is a woman who has left everything she's ever known behind. She is alone, daughter," Rachel cajoled softly. "You can be her friend. Teach her our ways. Help her adapt. Hmm?"

The younger woman's head dropped. "I understand, mother." There was nothing else she could say. If the King had asked, of course he was not to be refused. That would only cause problems, and Adele had long since decided that her family would not suffer any embarrassment from her. "You are, as always, right." A small smile slid on her lips as she nodded her head, and turned back to the painter who was calling her attention.

After her the portrait had already been set on its way, Adele was sent straight to the palace, her trunks following in a carriage all of their own. Whatever she had been expecting, Adele was quite taken by surprise when Louis called her to a private study though one of the valets. The King stood behind his desk, ordering the girl to come nearer. She kept her eyes to the floor for a short moment, before she raised them to appraise Louis. He himself regarded her with open interest.

"Your Majesty," Adele greeted softly, a wisp of hair falling in her face, "how do you do?" She curtsied slowly without passion.

"Cousin," he replied uncertainly in acknowledgment. "I am well, as you can see. To tell you the truth, I am exceedingly glad for your speedy arrival."

"Is her Majesty in such dire need of companions?" The question had been an impertinent one, but rightfully so. How dare this man take her away from everything she'd ever known and force her to act a friend to his wife. "I daresay it is indeed fortunate then that I was never one to dawdle."

"I lied," he said quickly. Louis' back straightened. The admission almost made him choke, but he could not continue to deceive her, not when he required her help.

"Men always do," was the dispassionate answer to leave her lips. "I suppose you might tell me your reason. I am all agog to hear it."

"Had I not needed your help, you would be begging me for mercy now." The King sat down. "My Queen, Anne, has been acting strange lately; actually she's been acting like this for quite some time."

"You want me to spy on her?" Adele's eyebrow rose in half-concern, half-amusement. "Surely someone other could have done that. I have stayed away from court even before papa's death."

"I want something else too," Louis continued as if he hadn't heard her. "If there is someone else, stir him away from my wife."

"I wouldn't even know where to being in such an endeavour," Adele protested softly. "I am far less worldly than you think me. I hope this ends in a satisfactory manner. And if I am not to be the Queen's companion, what will my position be exactly?"

"I will think of something," Louis assured her. "Now go to your rooms and prepare for the ball. I would hate for you to miss it."

The ball was a perfect moment for her to step into play. Ironically enough, it was also at a ball that she had the pleasure of first meeting Louis. Five years his junior, Adele had been forced upon him by the rigour of protocol. He had been eighteen and she barely thirteen. Alas he'd been bored as she proved to be a pleasant conversation. At that time he'd just entered a genuine relationship with his wife and, for whatever reason, sought out the view of an innocent of his actions. Since that time they had conducted a correspondence, which was him writing her whenever it suited him to do so.

That had not made Adele feel neglected, of course. He was the King. It would be ridiculous of her to complain of the infrequent lines he wrote to her. They had come to a sort of understanding. Whenever he needed her, she'd answer with appropriate haste and then wait for the next letter. It had always been like that between them, and Adele was pleased with how things were. She'd never wanted to live at court. The schemes and petty conflicts made her stomach churn.

And now here she was. Fate had a funny way of leaving one without breath when it so chose. She'd left home as simply Adele, and now she'd assume her always know, but rarely acknowledged role of Vicomtesse de St. Lusien.

The sound of something crashing captured her attention. Adele dismissed the maid dressing her hair and started for the door. She hesitated just for a moment. Acting before she could change her mind, she strode to the door and hurled it open. A maid carrying sheets stopped and gave Adele a curious look. For her part Adele eyed the maid warily. There was something not quite right about her.

"Come here a moment," Adele called, beckoning the other woman over. "Could you tell me how to get the main ballroom? I seem to have forgotten." Better to hear her voice and be able to place her another time.

The maid nodded rapidly. "Of course, Madame. You take this corridor here and then turn to the left. After that walk straight ahead. You can't miss it, Madame."

Nodding her head, Adele passed the woman and ambled down the hall. And indeed, she found herself not a minute later, at her destination. After all these years it was still the same. Adele took a deep breath and made her entrance. A few curious stares were thrown her way and acquaintances approached to offer salutations. The King was presiding over the affair from his throne, seated next to his Queen. The sour look on his face almost made Adele cringe and she could not help but notice that the Queen's eyes displayed marks of crying.

"Adele, my dear!" Anne Marie d'Aligre caught Adele's hands in hers. "It has been an eternity," she continued, pressing her cheek to Adele's. "What brings you here?"

"Why, the ball!" Adele replied as if that had been the most natural response ever. "I quite missed Paris, and Maman saw fit to accept His Majesty's invitation on my behalf."

Anne Marie's smile faltered for a moment. "Is that so? The King himself called you?" She looked ready to burst. "Do you fancy a walk about the gardens?"

"Anne Marie, is it such a serious situation?"Adele could not help asking as they neared the rose bushes. It was very unusual for d'Aligre to be so agitated.

"I am telling you this because I consider you my friend. Whatever I say to you, keep it between us," Anne Marie insisted. "The Duchess of Chevreuse has been was banished from court when the Queen lost yet another child. I think she plans to get revenge."

"By what method?" Adele leaned in, her fan beating the air rhythmically. "Does she perhaps intend to bring a lover for our Queen?"

"She encourages it," Anne Marie confirmed with a nod. "Have you ever met the Duke of Buckingham? Were you here to see the English ambassador?"

Silence lingered between the women. Adele thought back, trying to recount a face to put next to the title Anne Marie mentioned. "Is he perhaps named Villiers?"

"Have you met him?" Shock registered on her face. Anne Marie dared a small smile. "A woman would have to be blind not to notice his charm."

George Villiers, styled the Duke of Buckingham, was no less than a Greek statue brought to life. He was Apollo at another age. Adele had seen him perhaps a couple of times, but never face to face and not very close. Her visits to Paris were few, for the city held little of interest to her. But of course she'd heard talk of the Duke. Curiosity got the best of her and she sought to see him. Indeed, he was as fine a specimen as they whispered. Not that it held more than just one moment's interest on Adele's part.

"No, I can't say I have." Adele smiled back at Anne Marie. "But be sure to point him out to me the next this chance presents itself."

D'Aligre cocked her head to the side. "Don't forget that the one you help is a King, and however well-intentioned you are, he is human. The blame may be thrust upon you shoulders at his convenience."

Wise words, Adele considered. "Thank you. I plan only to give the desired appearance and nothing else." After all, her life was the most important thing she owned. "I grow weary of this atmosphere. What do you recommend I do?"

"I say we indulge in some theatre." They both giggled at the notion. "Though we'll have to change out of these."

"I daresay I shall live," Adele offered artlessly. "But you will have to lead the way. I confess to remembering nothing of Paris except its unique aroma."

"Forever the diplomat," Anne Marie joked lightly. "I see you leave me no choice. Fine then, to the theatre we go."

Paris had many charms. Amongst them the theatres had a special place, at least Adele thought so. Others seemed to prefer the many hovels where they could drink their fill. That and have a peek at women's ill-concealed cleavages. However Adele would not bother herself with such uncouth people. Instead she'd enjoy a nice comedy.

Suddenly, her eyes saw someone she recognised. "Anne Marie, isn't that the wash-maid?" It was unmistakable. There a few feet away stood the woman who had given her directions, the same dark-haired maid. She looked as if she was in a hurry, and acted too careful. "Let's follow her!" Adele decided just as the maid disappeared in a side-alley.

"I'm sure we shouldn't," Anne Marie commented softly. "But then again, that has never stopped any of us before."

Chasing a shadow, they made their way through the streets trying to keep close to the woman. If anything, Adele reckoned it was great exercise, to keep fit. Even more considering the one they followed was a swift walker. Fate, however, seemed to have other plans for the ladies that night.

Just as they were passing a house of ill repute, two men happened upon them, and they knew Anne Marie. To Adele it was a shock that a lady such as her friend would associate with vagabonds and the likes. For surely, they were vagrants. One could tell by looking at them. Rumpled clothes and hair in a disarray, they had stepped out of the brothel, all relaxed and seemingly pleased with themselves.

"Madame!" greeted the sturdiest of the two. "What a surprise it is to see you. What brings you out this late in the evening?"

"Monsieur Porthos, a surprise indeed," Anne Marie replied. "And I see you have your friend with you. How do you do? We were taking as stroll, my companion and I." She turned to Adele and winked subtly. "Allow me to introduce Adele to you gentlemen."

Caught in a rather bizarre situation, Adele executed a small curtsy and murmured her supposed pleasure at having met them. Discreetly she questioned Anne Marie with her gaze. The other simply smiled and Adele felt the acute need to intervene. "Are we still heading for the theatre?" But from the stares that went between monsieur Porthos and her friend, Adele guessed that they weren't. She sighed at the turn of events.

"Then please consent to being introduced to my friend here, Athos." It went unsaid that Adele would not get an answer to her question. "Let us stroll about together then, my ladies."

Athos offered Adele his arm. Taking the proffered limb, she also analysed her partner. There was something statuesque about him. He was not the handsomest man, but he possessed the sort of virility not many could brag about. What Adele noticed was that she couldn't quite place his age. He was no youth but neither was he old. The most startling, she found, were his eyes. His stare burned right through her; a dark gaze that could see to the depths of her soul. She knew instantly that he was a dangerous man.

Self-preservation instincts kicked in and Adele pasted a pretty smile on her lips. Men were always flattered when women smiled their way. "How do you do, Monsieur Athos?"

"I suspect not a great deal different from a few seconds ago, but certainly much improved than, say, a couple of hours ago," Athos bequeathed. His lips stayed in a taut line even when his eyes shone with amusement. "Have young ladies lost their edge? Oh dear, I shall miss the scintillating conversation, I must admit."

"Would it have been more appropriate to ask after your degree of satisfaction with," Adele paused to make a gesture, supposedly referring to the establishment the men had exited, "female company? To put it delicately."

"You needn't hold back on my account," Athos assured her. "You may use the proper term for them, my dear, they deserve nothing better."

"What a cynical man," Adele observed with little inflection. "You do not have much admiration for my gender. Don't deny it; I see it in your eyes."

"What else do you see?" he felt compelled to ask, helping her navigate through the busy streets they'd just entered.

"It's far too early to make such assessments." Ever so gently, Adele turned her head to scan the crow, in hopes of finding the maid they'd lost track of. "Where are we heading?"

There was no reply to be had. Athos shrugged and led her after Porthos and his dame. Those two looked to be having a jolly time. "Porthos seems quite taken with your friend."

"If I were a man," Adele drawled charmingly, "I'd probably be taken with her too. As it is, I find her company most desirable. But I am sure men find women fascinating for a thousand other reasons that I could possibly come up with to enjoy their company."

"And most of those reasons are rather poor," he claimed. "Then again, most men are fools, and most women know exactly know to use that to their advantage."

"Do they now? 'Tis a sad world we live in." Adele pondered his statement awhile longer. "If we ever meet again, I might like to know you better."

"Bored with your husband and merry lot?" Such a flagrant accusation. Athos almost regretted saying it at the look on the woman's face. However he was no man to be swayed by a pretty face, no longer anyway.

"I do believe that was uncalled for. I am neither married nor seeking any sort of further acquaintance with you for the sake of anything else but a pleasant talk." It had stung her pride, Adele conceded.

"You'll find I'm not a very pleasant man," Athos answered curtly. There was no need to be anything else but, given his earlier blunder.

"I'd gathered," she said dryly. "Perhaps another time we might come to an understanding." She nodded jerkily, unwilling to regale him with a show of her distress. No one had talked to her quite like that and she was nowhere near ready to appear weak in front of a stranger.

"I find it hard to believe your words," Athos furthered to ease the tense silence that had settled between them.

"About coming to an understanding?" Adele would have liked nothing more than to slap the arrogance out of the man. "Maybe you are right."

"I meant abut you being unmarried," he clarified with an amused smile.

"You doubt my words?" A violent blush flooded her face.

"Naturally." Athos did not feel the need to elaborate any further. He rather liked watching her squirm.

"Unbelievable," Adele hissed, her eyes lighting up in anger. "And here I thought the King's Musketeers were gallant, at least."

"You were sadly mistaken, Madame," Athos informed her with a serious vein. "We are no better than most men, regardless of the fact that we do offer help to those who ask it."

An idea sprung to life in Adele's head as she heard him talk. "Help, you say? What kind of help would that be?"

"The kind that is needed," he answered, trying to gauge her reason for asking.

"Where would one find you in case need arises?" Adele decided she wouldn't give anything away yet.

"Monsieur de Tréville would be most able to offer an answer," Athos supplied cautiously.

Having had her fill of questioning the man, Adele nodded once, and turned her eyes to the road. Of course, Monsieur de Tréville would know at any time where his Musketeers were. She'd not expected any differently. It was very well that she had found this unexpected help. "And if one day I shall require your help, would you consent to give it?"

"Certainly, you only need to ask." His confirmation came quickly. Athos, however, had a certain feeling that things were more complicated than they seemed; as they very often proved to be. Just what he needed, Athos thought. And this woman was sure to make it impossible to refuse. For certainly Porthos would insist they help and Aramis even more so. She was, after all, a lady and they were never to be neglected. Better to keep an eye on her than risk dealing with situations more grievous. For all he knew they were simply to fetch a few misplaced letters, or so.

Any further comment of her part was cut short as Anne Marie's strides came to a halt. "We ought to get back. Our presence will be missed."

"Sorely," Adele added for effect. She detangled her hand from Athos'. "Thank you gentlemen for a lovely evening."

The two men simply bowed in response. Adele took her companion's elbow and pulled her along. They had been delaying their return for much too long. Someone was bound to remark upon their absence. As things were, Adele had no need of scandal thrown her way.

Once they were a safe distance away, Adele heaved a sigh. "What were you thinking? Who are those men?"

"The King's Musketeers," Anne Marie replied as if Adele was rather dim for not noticing. "Really, Adele, pay more attention."

"That was not what I meant," she objected. "What are you doing acting so friendly with an unknown man?"

"Porthos is hardly unknown to me." She took in Adele's shocked face silently. "Gerard is not exactly what I thought he'd be. Can you fault me?"

Realisation made Adele blanch. "You meant to say that you," she pointed to Anne Marie, "and Monsieur Porthos, are, well," her hand gestured wildly yet her lips formed no words.

"It's not that simple, Adele, and not everyone is strong enough to live a moral life. I'm not like you." Anne Marie slipped her hand in Adele's. "I wish I had that kind of capacity."

"I'm not blaming you. Please, don't think I am," Adele half-begged. "It just took me by surprise." And it also made her feel slightly sick. "Let's hurry."

"Adele!" Anne Marie tried to keep her still. "You have to understand."

"You don't need my approval," Adele stated.

"I want it all the same," the other woman averred.

"Does he make you happy?" Calling it morbid curiosity, Adele could almost stomach the thought.

"Yes," Anne Marie admitted after a moment of hesitation. "He makes me very happy."

"Consider my approval granted," Adele whispered stonily. "Just don't speak of it again to me."

Threading carefully, Adele made no further mention of Musketeers. It was hardly the opportune moment to share any of her plans. No, she'd take care of everything on her very own. After all, Louis trusted her to keep his secret. Getting back to the party was a tricky little endeavour but, given the circumstances, Adele thought they pulled it off admirably. Admirably indeed, she concluded upon seeing Louis moving her way.

"Where have you been?" he asked, his gloved hand resting in mid-air.

Gingerly taking hold of his hand, she brushed her lips to the material of the glove. "I felt that a stroll about the garden was just the thing I needed after my tiresome journey."

"Dance with me," he commanded, blatantly ignoring the Queen at his side.

"As you wish, Your Majesty." Adele let herself follow him to the dance floor. One hand touched his shoulder and the other was imprisoned in his. She felt one of his hands touch her waist. "Would it not have been better to dance with your wife?"

"My wife has made it abundantly clear that she has no desire to dance with me." The remorse in his words cut her deeply.

"And you're trying to get revenge through me?" Disbelief tinged her voice. Adele sighed once more. "Perhaps another approach would be in order."

"I am in no mood to indulge you now, cousin," Louis hissed, twirling her forcefully. "In fact, I wish to her no words from you until the dance is finished."

In that moment Adele decided to keep her peace. There was no reason for which to pester him. Knowing Louis he'd not appreciate it and she would be rebuffed. Why had she agreed to come to court, Adele wondered, as she was spun around the floor, her skirts swaying with her. There was nothing for her there; only headaches if she counted those. But she'd rather not, truth be told. If anything, Adele would gladly pack her bags and head back to her mother. Alas, she'd not get the chance. Especially if things did not change for the better in the near future.

From the corner of her eye, she spied the young Queen. Anne's face showed no emotion but something in her eyes made Adele want to be swallowed by the floor. Most likely the Queen thought her husband had set his sights on her, and for any woman that would be hurtful. More so for a woman of the Queen's renown beauty. Furthermore, Adele had gone and accepted the invitation like she had expected it. She was being used and did nothing to stop it. A curse formed on her lips but she bit it back at the last possible moment.

The strings of the violins played one last note and the crowd on the floor dissipated. Adele used the opportunity to express her disagreement with what Louis had done. "You used me to humiliate her. How could you?"

"The same way she can have a lover behind my back," the King returned brusquely. "Besides, I did nothing but dance with a willing partner when my own wife would not deign to join me." He showed no signs of having calmed down. "She could at least have the decency to dance once with her husband."

"Invite her again," Adele suggested, trying to loosen his grip on her arm. "The worst she can do is refuse."

"If she does, I don't trust myself to be in the same room with her," he managed to get out as they moved towards Queen Anne. "My dear," Louis started, "would you do me the honour of dancing with me?"

"But of course," the Queen agreed softly, triumph burning in her stare as she fixed Adele with a chilling look. "I am delighted."

"Thank the Lord," Adele muttered under her breath as the royal couple departed. She was well-aware that a good part of the aristocrats were looking at her as well. Ignoring them she spotted an empty settee. Her legs hurt and she'd like nothing more but to sit down and spend what remained of her night in relative peace.

Peace, however, would have to wait. Mademoiselle de La Fayette was coming her way, a distinctly amiable smile on her face. "Adele, it has been too long."

"Far too long," Adele agreed, rising to greet the other woman. "Sit with me if you do not find it too boring an affair."

"Not at all," Mademoiselle de La Fayette said, taking her place next to Adele. "I saw you dancing with the King just now."

"That is nothing to boast about. Half the court saw it too, Louise," Adele countered warmly.

Tittering left Mademoiselle de La Fayette. "I see. Silly of me to think otherwise."

"Silly, indeed." Adele leaned closer to her partner. "Aren't you one of our Queen's ladies-in-waiting?"

"That happens to be true." Louise eyed the Queen dancing with her husband. "They look well together, don't they?"

"They make a handsome pair," Adele concurred. "May they always get along and prosper."

Louise stared at her for a long moment. "I am glad you think so. Perhaps you would agree to help me then."

"In what way?" Curiosity made her skin tingle. "Come now, you have my attention, Louise."

"Merely by dropping hits from time to time to our King," Louise explained. "You only need to remind him that he should give some attention to our Queen."

It all sounded very reasonable but Adele could not shake off the feeling that she was being tested. "The Queen too should actively encourage the King's pursuit."

"Has he told you something?" Louise asked, suddenly not very calm.

"Not really," Adele evaded the question. She blinked at the look on Louise's face. "I will share with you whatever knowledge I gather."

As a promise it was not much. Adele hadn't intended to give even that but circumstances left her with no alternative. Louise had almost accused her of trying to create a rift between the royal couple. Adele could not let her think that she even dreamed of doing such a dreadful thing. It was inconceivable. Utterly preposterous, Adele decided not a beat later. She wished Louis and Anne only happiness. If nothing else, she wanted her cousin to be comfortable with his wife.

"Please do so." Louise waved to a Comte they both knew. The man approached the ladies with a grin on his face.

Her face colour dropped a few shades as she was faced with Gerard d'Aligre, Comte de Nice. He bent to kiss their hands and Adele felt her stomach revolt. How could see stand before him knowing what she knew. Swallowing the dread, she greeted him composedly. They exchanged a few polite lines to pass the time. Adele tried to keep herself from showing any pity. If the man did not know of his wife's infidelity, Adele would not enlighten him.


A/N: I hope you've enjoyed the start of it.