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Blackmail
A Musketeer story by Deana

This is my entry for the September 'Fête des Mousquetaires' contest: Tag to/what happens after S1E10

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"The cardinal wants me to escort him?"

Treville nodded at Aramis. "Yes."

Aramis looked at Athos, Porthos, and d'Artagnan, who were visibly unnerved.

"None of us can go with them?" Porthos asked.

Treville shook his head. "No. Richelieu said Aramis only."

"What is this thing again?" Porthos asked.

"The ordination of a new bishop," said Treville. "Richelieu is obligated to go."

"Won't he have some of his Red Guards?" Porthos pressed.

"Yes, but Louis wanted a musketeer to accompany the cardinal as his personal guard," said Treville. "Out of the entire regiment, it makes sense to choose you, Aramis," he said. "Not only for your marksmanship, but he knows of your religious nature and felt that you were the best choice."

Aramis couldn't argue his logic. "When are we to leave?"

"Tomorrow morning," Treville told him. "You should be back in four days."

Aramis nodded. "I'll be ready."

Treville nodded and walked away.

Aramis looked at the others, from where they all sat at the outside table.

"I don't like this," said Porthos.

"Someone has to go," Aramis answered.

"The cardinal can't be trusted," said d'Artagnan. "What if he has something else planned?"

"Like what?" Aramis asked, though he wondered the same thing. "He needs protection, and he chose me. I should be honored that he considers me to be the best of us!" He said it with a smile.

The others chuckled.

Aramis turned to Athos. "You're quiet, which isn't surprising, though."

Athos knew that Aramis was being comical in order to ease the tension brought on by the situation. "They are correct," he said. "But so are you."

"What, that I'm the best?" said Aramis. He put his hand over his heart. "That's high praise, coming from you, my friend!"

Athos didn't laugh. "They are right that he cannot be trusted, Treville is right that he likely chose you because of your shooting skill, and you are right that he needs someone."

Aramis' smile faded. "A moment ago I was the best, and now I've been reduced to just 'someone'." He gave a dramatic sigh.

Athos' expression turned stern. "Be careful."

Aramis looked at him and dropped the humor. "I will."

They went to their favorite tavern for supper, and Aramis saw that Porthos and d'Artagnan each drank a little more than usual, showing their unease. Athos, on the other hand, drank less, obviously wanting to have his wits when it came time for Aramis to leave.

When morning came, they made sure that Aramis had everything that he needed, and all four of them rode to the palace, where they found a loaded carriage. They were directed to the gardens, where Richelieu was waiting.

"Your escort has arrived, Cardinal," King Louis' voice piped up.

The musketeers found Louis, Richelieu, and Queen Anne all seated outside, enjoying the delightful weather.

Aramis' eyes were automatically drawn to the queen, until he felt Athos 'accidentally' bump into him.

"I told Treville that I requested only Aramis to accompany me," said Richelieu.

The musketeers bowed before the king and queen, before Aramis spoke. "They simply came to see me off."

King Louis nodded, before saying to Richelieu, "Safe travels; don't stop at any taverns!" He laughed with his full-toothed smile.

Richelieu smiled back and said his goodbyes before they all walked away.

"I don't like this," said Porthos, as they walked back to the carriage." I don't want you to go alone."

Aramis sighed and put a hand on his shoulder. "It's just another mission. I'll be back before you know it."

"You'd better be." With that, Porthos grabbed him in a bear hug so tight that Aramis' breath instantly fled his lungs.

Aramis returned the hug and patted him on the back. No sooner was he released than d'Artagnan replaced him.

"Stay safe," d'Artagnan whispered.

Aramis smiled. "I will."

Athos was last, and Aramis said into his ear, "Don't let them worry." He felt Athos nod. "And that goes for you too."

"A touching display," Richelieu's voice called. "But time is precious."

Aramis and Athos pulled apart and Aramis mounted his horse. "I'll see you in four days."

They all solemnly nodded, as if four days was four weeks.

The carriage started to roll and Aramis nudged Bella into a walk, turning to wave at his friends, who all waved back.

Aramis directed Bella to ride right beside the carriage door, where he could see Richelieu's profile. He scanned the terrain and saw no evidence of a threat, but he didn't relax, not while he was protecting the First Minister of France.

"You don't have to keep doing that," Richelieu said, some time later.

Aramis glanced at him as he checked his pistol. "Do what, Your Eminence?"

Richelieu had leaned over so his face and hand were out the window. "You've checked your pistols and musket several times. They are the same as they were the last time."

Aramis smiled slightly. "A good musketeer is ready for anything."

"That explains much," Richelieu answered.

Aramis paused, wondering if the cardinal had just complimented him.

The journey was a pleasant one, as the weather was sunny and warm. They stopped after a couple of hours to let Richelieu out for a few minutes, and Aramis dismounted and walked behind him as Richelieu stretched his legs. He knew that his marksmanship skill was valued, but he was still slightly surprised about the situation.

"I know what you're thinking," Richelieu suddenly said, as he stopped at the side of the road to look out over a field.

Aramis walked a few steps closer. "Do you?"

Richelieu nodded. "Your skill with pistol and musket is unmatched; I would be a fool to think that any of my Red Guards could take down an enemy in half the time that you could."

Aramis was surprised at his bluntness.

Richelieu turned to glance at him. "I don't fear praising you above my guards; for if you were to repeat my words, no one would believe that they came from my own lips."

Aramis smiled slightly. "Indeed."

"But yes, as you suspect, it is even more than that," the cardinal told him. "I know things about you."

Aramis stopped breathing. What was he referring to? Adele? Queen Anne? Both?

Richelieu glanced at him again. "My, has that struck a nerve?" He smiled. "I simply refer to your religious nature. None of my guards are as…pious?...as you, and where we're going, I hoped to…to share God with someone."

Aramis couldn't have been more stunned. Was Richelieu pulling some huge jest with him? "But the other clergymen at the church…?"

"They pretend to be friendly towards me, but I can trust none of them," said Richelieu. He turned his steady gaze on the musketeer. "But I can trust you, am I right, Aramis?"

Aramis blinked before saying, "Of course, Your Eminence; I will protect you with my life."

Richelieu smiled slightly. "We can't have that, now can we?" With that, he turned to head back to the carriage.

Aramis watched him go, stunned at the odd conversation. What on earth had made the cardinal say such things? Shaking his head, he followed and remounted his horse.

It was well past evening by the time that they arrived in Rouen. Aramis dismounted and opened the carriage door, politely offering his arm for Richelieu to grasp as he stepped out.

Richelieu acknowledged the gesture with a nod and started to walk into the cathedral as men came out to unload the cardinal's things. As they stepped inside, they were met by the church bishop.

"Cardinal Richelieu," said the man. "It's wonderful to see you again."

"Bishop Beaulieu," said the cardinal. "It's been two years, I believe?"

"Indeed," said the bishop."

Richelieu gestured to the right. "This is Aramis; one of King Louis' finest musketeers."

Aramis was surprised at the glowing introduction, and stepped forward. He remembered what Richelieu said about not being able to trust anyone, and perfectly fell into the role that Richelieu obviously wanted him to take. "I am here as the cardinal's personal guard."

"He is…one of us, you could say," said Richelieu. "A man of God, if not a man of the cloth."

The bishop was pleased. "That is wonderful; I hope that you enjoy yourself here, Monsieur Aramis."

"I'm sure that I will," Aramis replied.

Beaulieu looked at Richelieu again. "You must be exhausted; I will have someone take you to your room in the rectory and have supper brought up."

Richelieu let out a breath, and Aramis could see that it was true; he looked very tired. "That would be most welcome."

Minutes later, they were standing in Richelieu's room. There was a connecting door to Aramis', should the cardinal need his guard in a hurry.

Aramis went into his room and removed his weapons belts before sitting down, tired himself. The room was lovely, with a prie-dieu prayer bench near the bed. Aramis felt peace in the beautiful cathedral, and planned to give the bench much-use.

Soon, a knock on the door announced supper, and after putting the tray on his table, Aramis knocked on the connecting door.

"Aramis?"

"Yes."

"Come in."

Aramis did, walking over to the table where the confused cardinal sat.

"Yes?" said Richelieu.

"Did you eat anything yet?" Aramis asked.

"No."

"Good," said Aramis. "You said that you cannot trust anyone here; do you not wish me to act as food taster?"

Richelieu blinked, unsure if he was joking. He looked at his plate before looking at Aramis again. "I…admit that the notion did not enter my mind."

Aramis picked up the bottle of wine. "Was this open?"

"Yes."

Aramis poured some into the cup and drank it. He swished it around in his mouth before swallowing. "It's fine."

Richelieu made an incredulous sound. "As if you could be so sure!"

"I am sure," said Aramis. "You forget that as a medic, I am well-versed when it comes to herbs and substances."

"I didn't realize the depth of your knowledge," Richelieu told him.

Wordlessly, Aramis picked up the fork and tasted the roasted pheasant. "Delicious," he said. "And not poisoned."

Richelieu watched as Aramis tasted everything before picking up a cloth napkin and wiping the fork. "You can dine with confidence, Your Eminence."

"I shall," Richelieu said.

Aramis inclined his head towards him before turning to go back to his own room.

Richelieu stared after him for a while. He knew that Aramis and his three friends had little respect for him—with plenty of reason—but he was impressed to see that it didn't get in the way of a mission. Aramis could easily have let him be poisoned—or could even poison him himself and lay the blame on someone in the church!

Next door, Aramis stripped out of his sash, jacket, and boots, and ate his own meal. Afterwards, he crossed to the prie-dieu bench and knelt, folding his hands at the top.

Lord, he prayed. I thank you for the safe journey. Please help me keep the cardinal out of harm's way until we return home to Paris.

Aramis paused there and opened his eyes for a moment, before closing them again.

Richelieu is acting very strangely towards me…I'm not sure what to make of it. Grant me discernment, especially if there is any danger involved.

After praying, Aramis got into the bed and sighed with bliss; it was softer and larger than his own at the garrison. He read his Bible for a while before falling asleep with it on his chest, filled with God's peace.

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When Aramis woke the next morning, he was slightly confused to find himself in the large, comfortable bed, before he remembered why. Opening his eyes, he found the sunlight streaming into the window and he knew that it was later than he usually rose. With a slight gasp, he jumped out of the bed, headed to the connecting door, and knocked.

"Cardinal?" he called.

"Yes, I'm fine." he heard.

Aramis was relieved. He quickly dressed and left his room, standing outside Richelieu's door until he came out. "Good morning," he said.

Richelieu repeated it before they headed to the dining hall, where other clergymen awaited breakfast.

The food was served and Aramis looked at the cardinal, who shook his head, obviously assuming that no one would poison him right in front of everyone. Aramis never liked to assume, but he knew that it would be an extreme insult to their host for Richelieu to have his food tasted in public.

As they ate, Aramis looked at his fellow diners, and was struck at their demeanor. He could see open jealousy towards Richelieu on some of their faces. They were cordial towards him, but formal, not friendly.

"That is astonishingly beautiful," Aramis suddenly heard. He looked up to find the speaker.

"Your necklace." It was Bishop Beaulieu.

Aramis looked down, to see that his cross had come out of his shirt. "Thank you," he said, reaching up to tuck it back inside.

"Might I examine it?" Beaulieu asked.

Aramis hesitated, before drawing the chain over his head. He passed it to the person beside him, and watched as it made its way over to the man.

"This is stunning," the bishop said, studying the intricate lines and rubies. "I imagine it must be worth a small fortune. How did you acquire it?"

"It was a gift," Aramis told him.

"The giver must value you very highly," said the bishop. "Any of us here would give much to own it." He stared at it again for a moment, before passing it back.

It took a few minutes to return to Aramis, going all the way around the table before ending up in Richelieu's hand.

Aramis fought to not show anything in his face as Richelieu handed it back. He could feel the cardinal watching him as he slipped it over his head and tucked it back into his shirt.

After breakfast, they all headed to the Mass, and watched as Beaulieu ordained the new bishop.

The peace inside the cathedral was a balm to Aramis' soul. The stained-glass windows were beautiful, and Aramis found himself clutching his cross as he looked at the crucifix on the wall.

When the ceremony ended, everyone stood and followed Beaulieu out, congratulating the new bishop.

"I wish to remain here to pray," Richelieu told Aramis.

Aramis nodded and followed him back inside, sitting behind him a few pews away, so he could be alert for danger before it could reach the cardinal. As he sat, he wondered at Richelieu's odd behavior towards him, and he wondered what Richelieu was praying about.

The day passed pleasantly enough, until they once again found themselves in their rooms that night. About a half-hour later, there came a knock on the connecting door.

Aramis stood from his bed, where he'd been reclining with his Bible. "Come in," he said.

Richelieu entered. "Pardon the interruption," he said. "But I wish to speak with you."

A feeling of dread washed over Aramis, and he instantly knew that he was about to find out the real reason why Richelieu had chosen him as his guard.

TBC