AN: Apologies for not having thanked all my reviewers yet. I do appreciate you taking the time to leave me feedback. I have decided to expand on this story though I'm not sure how often I will be able to update. If I've made a mistake with anything related to the time frame (I'm placing this between episode 2.6 and 2.7), era/historical accuracy or canon please let me know either in a review or PM. I'm still not quite confident writing in this fandom as the series is still rather new to me and I've only watched the episode once.

Jeangoony: Thank you for continuing to follow my stories in this fandom. I am happy to give you some background information on the characters in a pm if you like? I can confirm that yes d'Artagnan is rather young (early 20's perhaps) and Athos is a married man though you will find out later on about his relationship with his estranged wife, Milady De Winter.

Tanith

Chapter 1

The next day, d'Artagnan followed Athos, Aramis and Porthos to attend a council with the King and his radiant wife, Queen Anne.

"So, how was your morning?" Athos pointedly asked their youngest as they walked briskly down the corridor of the palace.

"My head hurts," d'Artagnan replied, rubbing his temples.

"Be that from the drinking or the thinking?" Aramis teased good-naturedly.

"Let me guess. He's been avoiding Madam Bonacieux all morning and has been trying to conjure up an elaborate story to explain away the disappearance of his dagger," Porthos said mockingly. "It ain't gonna work, you know that right?"

"Just tell her the truth!" Athos insisted.

"It's not that simple," d'Artagnan replied in exasperation.

All three companions rolled their eyes but resigned to the fact that their young friend was only going to make matters worse for himself.

When they reach the throne room, the men bowed before their King and Queen. D'Artagnan's eye caught Constance's and he allowed a matching discreet smile to cross his face before returning his attention to his majesty.

"As you are all aware, the annual Royal Ball will be held tonight right here at the palace. Your captain is going over the guest list with Rochefort as we speak to ensure a successful evening of glorious entertainment," Louis pompously reminded the musketeers. "I trust you have each been briefed with the guard detail?"

"Rest assured, Your Majesty, we have everything under control," Athos confirmed with a small bow.

"Good. There is one last thing I need to settle," Louis began but an interruption in the form of his flamboyant second cousin entering the room stopped him before he could continue, much to his annoyance. "Gabrielle, how nice of you to join us."

"Forgive me Louis, I'm afraid I rather overslept," Gabrielle De Bonnay apologized with a hiccup.

"As I was saying," the King repeated in a frustrated tone. "I have one last matter to put forth. My dear cousin, Mademoiselle De Bonnay shall be attending the ball this year and will require an escort."

The musketeers stole very brief sidelong glances at one another and d'Artagnan tried to shrink behind Porthos without much success. It was clear no none wanted to be the lucky escort though it appeared to be an inevitable outcome for one of them.

"Oh d'Artagnan! I have something to return to you," the cheerful brunette exclaimed in delight, having spotted the young Gascon between his comrades. She stepped forward and held out an object wrapped in cloth tied with a piece of ribbon.

D'Artagnan gulped and pretended to be oblivious, though it didn't help when Aramis gave him a nudge to move toward the young woman. "Me, Mademoiselle?" He enquired in a rather high pitched voice.

Gabrielle let out a giggle. "Yes, you, silly! You left this in my chambers last night while I was getting dressed. You do remember, yes?"

D'Artagnan lost all faculty of speech. He felt himself blushing deeply one moment then losing all color the next when his eyes met Constance's. His throat became constricted at the look of surprise and confusion on her face.

"You weren't this quiet last night. What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?" Gabrielle chuckled as she sauntered up to the musketeer and unwrapped the cloth, revealing a beautifully crafted dagger.

D'Artagnan took the dagger from the young lady and quickly sheathed it. "Thank you, Mademoiselle," he managed to croak.

"Are you unwell?" Gabrielle reached up and placed a hand on d'Artagnan's forehead but the young man flinched away. "Goodness, you are a little warm."

Louis cleared his throat audibly and with a roll of his eyes as his patience continued to wane, he pointedly said, "Before I was rudely interrupted…"

"I've found my escort, Your Majesty," Gabrielle cut in once again, her eyes fixated on d'Artagnan.

Aramis found the Queen's eyes and he tried to communicate with her using his thoughts but there was little use. She gave him an apologetic smile that only he could see.

"Very well. D'Artagnan, you shall be Mademoiselle De Bonnay's escort for the evening," the King declared, glad to settle the matter. His head was starting to ache just listening to his cousin's squeaky voice and he prayed each day that her departure would arrive swifty.

D'Artagnan felt like he'd just taken a punch in the gut by the largest Red Guard in Rochefort's unit. He sought Constance but she had turned her head to one side and whispered something to the Queen who patted her arm and gave her a nod. The last thing he saw before the King dismissed everyone was Constance's back as she grabbed at her skirts and hurried through a door leading into another chamber.