"So...we're going to Moutier d'Ahun?" Aramis asks with that exciting tone of his that keeps getting on my nerves and I glare at him. "What? I've never been there. Besides, how long has it been since we last had a real adventure?" he snorts.

"It is not all fun and games." I state strictly.

"Speak for yourself." he laughs and looks at Porthos who's struggling to smother his chuckling.

"I have a question." I turn to meet d'Artagnan's childish look and nod, giving him permission to continue. "Who exactly is Rosette, we said?"

"An old friend." I reply simply and peek at Aramis who's smirking with the corner of my eye.

"A very beautiful old friend to be precise." he corrects him and I roll my eyes, glaring at him for once more. "Oh come on, don't be so grumpy. You can't deny she is one of the most breathtaking creatures you have ever come across. Even I have a hard time comparing her despite my much larger number of acquaintances..." he boasts and receives a small punch on the shoulder by Porthos, stopping him. Thank God for I wasn't sure how much longer he could go on.

"Interesting." I hear d'Artagnan murmur.

"Where is she now?" Porthos finally decides to join our conversation actively.

"Hiding in my quarters." I rise from my seat.

"That explains why you woke us up in the middle of the night. Won't be forgetting that." chuckles Aramis. "Where is she to stay during our trip?"

"She's coming with us."

"What? A woman accompanying us? Are you being serious?" I turn to see d'Artagnan's widened eyes in shock.

"Trust me if there's any chance we are to carry out this particular mission we are going to be needing her help. Besides, she can handle herself better than you could even imagine."

"Then we must leave soon, your mouse hole is not exactly the ideal choice of accommodation for a mademoiselle." says Aramis.

"I have that in mind and yes, we will be leaving as soon as possible. There's only one thing left to settle now and that is Treville. We will need him to speak to the Queen of our matter. Her support shall be valuable. Besides, Irene di Banchia is French and comes from a very well-known family."

"Royalty helps royalty." jokes Porthos.

"Indeed. And when is it that we will get to see the fine lady?" Aramis rises with a sly look on his face.

"When will you grow up?" I scoff.

"When you start acting your age and not like a grumpy old man. Does it not cross your mind that perhaps I missed the sweet and kind Rosette we all know and love?" I grimace at his suspicious little grin.

"I missed you too, my dear Aramis." a woman's voice is suddenly heard in the room. Well, not just any woman's voice.

We all turn our gaze to her direction, seeing her appear from the shadows for once more. Why does she always have to do this?

"What are you doing here? You were supposed to be hiding. The people after you, the deadly danger you are in? Does it ring a bell?" I attempt to scold her but obviously fail since I'm only met with an adorable giggle that lightens the mood.

"I was but I preferred hiding somewhere where I'm not alone. You know how much I despise feeling lonely. Was I supposed to spend all night in there?" she makes a childish grimace, approaching us cheekily.

"Oh pipe down Athos. She's safe here with us." Aramis doesn't waste any time and immediately takes her hand, placing a kiss on her knuckles. "Did you really miss me? I'm flattered." he turns to her placing a hand over heart, making her laugh.

"Ever so modest." she jokes as d'Artagnan approaches her as well to introduce himself, again taking her hand.

"Pleased to meet you Mademoiselle. I'm d'Artagnan."

"Oh don't be silly. Call me Rosette. I'm pleased to meet you as well." she says cheekily.

"As you wish." he chuckles and I roll my eyes.

"And nice to see you too, Porthos." she tilts her head to look at him standing behind d'Artagnan.

"Always a pleasure." he nods and bows.

"Are we done with the introductions?" I growl. Everyone seems to be all cheerful and smiling in the room, yet I find it quite difficult to embrace that uncalled for optimism of theirs.

She turns to look at me again and her eyes are piercing me with that sweet intensity. "Athos! Do not be so churlish." she says and smiles slyly my way, touching my arm lightly.

This is going to be a long mission.