Part 3
Athos and Porthos stepped into the King's courtroom and advanced to the dais where both Louis and Anne were enthroned. Louis smiled, pleased to see them, convincing Athos news of the previous evening's tragedy had not yet reached the Palace. The Queen was speaking with Madame Bonicieux and both women gazed behind them as they approached. Athos felt the absence of the two younger members of their group keenly.
"Ah!" Louis waved a hand, bidding the men forward. "Two of my most loyal and trusted Musketeers. To what do we owe this honor?"
Athos took a deep breath as he bowed, steeling himself for what would come next. This was the part of command he did not envy Treville. The King was not one to take bad news with aplomb. In fact, it was common for Louis to lash out in misplaced anger at those who were no more at fault than he. Treville had learned to let the King's immature reactions and insinuations roll off his back like water from a fowl, but Athos was not quite as practiced as the Captain and knew he must hold fast his temper lest he make the situation even worse. He felt Porthos take a step closer and silently thanked his friend for his unwavering strength and his tacit support.
"I'm afraid we have unfortunate news, Your Majesty. There was a shooting last evening outside a tavern on Rue des Rosiers. Two Musketeers were wounded by an assassin hiding in the shadows."
"Oh my," Louis sat forward, obviously upset at the news. He glanced behind the two men before him and Athos suspected, like the Queen and Constance, he had noted the absence of Aramis and d'Artagnan.
"I pray that neither of your comrades were involved."
Athos glanced at Constance. "D'Artagnan was not involved. Though Aramis was wounded, he was merely grazed by the shot. He is already up and assured me he was fine." He could see the Queen relax marginally at the news, though her eyes remained troubled and her hand had clasped Constance's tightly.
Athos cleared his throat before continuing, knowing the rest of his report would be the hardest. "Captain Treville was not as fortunate. He was struck in the back and I'm afraid his condition is grave."
Louis stood immediately. "How could this happen? Treville is a seasoned soldier! This is unacceptable."
"They were attacked from the shadows without warning," Porthos explained, stepping up to Athos' side. "Aramis was able to return fire before he was struck, wounding the assassin, but he managed to get away before we could find 'im."
"You allowed him to escape?" Louis looked down on them with disappointment.
"Our first priority was the wounded men, Your Majesty." Athos swallowed his ire at the rebuke, attempting to subtly defend their actions. "We returned to the scene this morning to examine the area in daylight and we found this."
He held out his hand, the ruby clasp resting on his palm.
Louis descended the steps and picked up the ruby, holding it up to the light, examining its facets. "This is a gem of good quality," he appraised. "It certainly wouldn't belong to anyone who would frequent a tavern in that area."
Athos dipped his head in agreement. "Our thoughts exactly, Your Majesty. We believe we know who the ruby belongs to."
Louis looked up, pleased. "Excellent. Please explain why haven't you brought him before me?"
Porthos shifted, and the two Musketeers exchanged a glance. "Because we're not sure where to find 'im."
"We believe the ruby belongs to the Comte de Rochefort," Athos announced. "I recognize it as the gem adorning the clasp to his cloak. But the Comte seems to be absent from his lodgings. His landlord professes to have no indication as to where he might be." He glanced again at Porthos, a small smile of satisfaction lighting his eyes as he continued. "We were hoping to speak to Cardinal Mazarin. Since the Cardinal so graciously pardoned Rochefort and made him Captain of his Red Guard, we assume he would know his whereabouts."
"Find Cardinal Mazarin," Louis ordered one of the guards stationed at the door. "Tell him I must see him at once!"
"No need, Sire. I am at your service as always."
Mazarin strode into the court, a smug smile on his face as he noticed the presence of the two Musketeers. "Ah, Athos, is it?" He glanced to Porthos. "And I'm afraid your name escapes me. "
"Porthos," the big man growled.
"Yes, yes, Porthos. It is always a pleasure to hear of the exploits of His Majesty's finest." He looked around in a show of confusion. "I would expect Captain Treville to be in attendance." He feigned an expression of concern. "I do hope the Captain hasn't taken ill."
Athos seethed at the insincerity of the Cardinal's performance, but Louis didn't seem to notice the ruse.
"It appears our good Captain has met with an unfortunate incident, Cardinal," the King informed him.
Mazarin held a hand to his breast, frowning dramatically. "Oh dear, I do hope it is nothing serious."
"The Captain and another Musketeer were attacked in the street last evening," Athos repeated. "Treville's condition is dire, but, as we all know, the Captain is quite obstinate. He will not go down without a fight." He watched the Cardinal absorb the news, allowing himself a small grin of satisfaction when the man's bravado slipped momentarily. It was apparent, he thought Treville already dead, confirming Athos' theory the Cardinal had been behind the attempt all along.
"Cardinal, where is the Captain of your Red Guard?" Louis demanded.
Mazarin looked to the King in confusion. "I assure you I do not know, Sire. What may I ask is your interest in Rochefort?"
The King smiled haughtily, thrilled to be able to reveal the evidence like it was some kind of game. He opened his hand and thrust it toward the Cardinal's face. "He seems to have dropped this in the alley of question."
Mazarin paled as he stared at the ruby, but he quickly regained his composure, and Athos had to wonder if anyone else caught the fear that briefly flared in the man's dark eyes.
"This is preposterous," Mazarin laughed, shaking his head. "I can't believe Rochefort would have anything to do with this. He has sworn his allegiance to you, Sire. If he had not been truthful, I would have never allowed him to be released from the bastille."
"Why exactly did you have him released?" Porthos asked. "And why make him captain of the guard? The man has admitted to trying to kill you."
Mazarin spread his hands. "I am a man of God. Forgiveness is one of the divine principles our lives are built on."
"Forgiveness is one thing," Athos remarked, "though without prudence it is often foolish."
Mazarin tipped his head, conceding the point. "In this case, you may be right." He turned to Louis, the picture of contrite humility. "I shall try to ascertain Rochefort's location immediately, Sire." He bowed to the King, throwing Athos a glare and swiftly exited the room, his red cloak billowing behind him.
"I shall send an envoy to the garrison along with Daquin, my personal physician, to oversee Treville's care. I expect you to turn this city upside down and locate Rochefort so that justice can be served."
"We will leave no stone unturned," Athos assured him as he and Porthos bowed.
As soon as they were through the doors of the courtroom, Porthos breathed a sigh of relief. "That went well." He turned his head, grinning at his friend. "You enjoyed baiting the Cardinal."
Athos allowed a satisfied smile to lift the corner of his lips. "Was it that obvious?"
Porthos laughed. "Afraid so. Do you really believe Mazarin gave the order to have Treville killed?"
Athos nodded. "I believe the man capable of anything to fulfill his own agenda."
"Except we have no idea what that agenda is."
"Perhaps Rochefort will be able to enlighten us."
"If we can find him." Porthos didn't sound as if he believed the feat possible.
Athos was not willing to accept that. "We'll find him," he assured his friend. "And when we do, we will not trust Rochefort's fate to any hands but our own."
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
"Treville is still alive," Mazarin growled as Milady slipped into his office from the secret doorway. "You assured me Rochefort could handle this."
"There were… unforeseen complications," she explained, knowing she would need to handle the situation delicately, lest it become more volatile than it already was.
"Complications? What could possibly complicate such a simple directive?" Mazarin lowered his voice as he stalked toward her. "Kill Treville. One shot."
She stepped back, cautious of his anger. "Treville was not alone. He was with the Queen's champion, Aramis."
Mazarin scowled. "Are you saying Aramis thwarted this attempt?"
Milady knew of the Cardinal's hatred of the Musketeer and pressed the advantage. "Rochefort's aim was true. He hit Treville with what should prove a fatal shot. But Aramis was able to return fire before we could make sure. After that, there was no time. The other Musketeers must have heard the shots and came running. We barely escaped detection."
"Your escape was not as clean as you would like to believe." Mazarin crossed his arms in front of his chest and glared. "Rochefort's ruby clasp was found at the scene. They have convinced the King he is the assassin. He is no longer of any use to me. Find him. I want him eliminated before he can cause any more damage."
"Rochefort will not turn on us."
Mazarin rose and grabbed her arm, shaking her violently. "He can ruin me. I want him dead!"
Milady gasped and attempted to pull her arm from his bruising grip. She had been in this position far too many times to count; faced with men believing brute strength was the best means to intimidate her. Those men most often regretted taking that path. Unable to break his hold, she forced herself to stop struggling, She swallowed the pain and leveled a cold gaze at the man. "There is a way to salvage this plan," she told him. "Rochefort's death can work to our advantage."
Mazarin grinned and ran his other hand down her cheek. She shivered at his touch. "Your scheming mind is one of the many things I adore about you, Milady. But do not think my affections are so absolute that I would hesitate to mourn your death should you disappoint me again."
She swallowed, seeing the truth in his eyes. This was no idle threat. This was a warning. "I understand, Your Eminence. But my plan is flawless. Whether it succeeds or fails, one or another of our problems will be eliminated."
Mazarin stared at her for a moment before releasing her and returning to his seat. When once again his gaze fell upon her, his calm façade was restored. He turned his dark eyes on her and smiled malevolently. "I pray for your sake, Milady, you are right."
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Aramis felt the hand in his hair, moving slowly, softly, sensually… he smiled. It had always been one of his favorite comforts, having his mother run her fingers through his curls. It had made him feel loved, cared for. Even now he found it comforting when women ran their hands through it – and it seemed so many desired to do so – always making him close his eyes and smile, taking him back to the days when he was a child and he was curled up safe in his mother's arms.
It had been quite some time since he'd felt such a sensation and he relished it, not wanting it to end. He knew it was simply a dream. He would wake up and he would be alone, the closeness he imagined would be gone and he would once again be left to contemplate a life without the woman he loved.
How he longed to hold her, feel her skin against his, bask in the glow of her smile… the dream was so real, he could smell her perfume. He took a deep breath, the familiar scent of roses filling his lungs…
He opened his eyes, surprised to see the smiling face of his dreams hovering before him.
"Your Majesty!" He jumped up from the chair, his recent injury quickly and cruelly making its displeasure known. The world tilted precariously as the dull ache behind his eyes flared, and he swayed, reaching out and finding purchase with his hand in an effort to keep his balance. Moments later, when the room once again righted itself, he blinked the spots from his vision to find himself caught in the arms of the Queen.
Anne smiled as his eyes gradually focused on her face. "That was not exactly the greeting I'd envisioned."
He managed to untangle himself and step back. His knees felt weak and he swallowed hard, praying not to embarrass himself in her presence. "My apologies, you caught me unaware."
She allowed him space, but kept her hands on his arms. "Athos informed me of your injury." Her green eyes traced the gash at his temple while a hand moved up to brush back the dark curls. "I was worried for you." Her voice was as soft as her touch and Aramis found himself leaning closer to her warmth.
"You shouldn't have come," he whispered, his tone contradicting his words. "It is not safe…"
"I could not stay away."
"You must. For your sake and the baby's. You were right to push me away –"
"No."
He raised his head and looked at her with surprise. The raw emotion she showed him made his heart ache with sympathy for her.
"When the Dauphin was taken, I was so frightened, I prayed for your presence to comfort me, to find him and make sure he was safe."
"And I was not there."
"That was not entirely your fault," she said, her voice dripping with guilt. "I believed it would be better for you if you could distance yourself from us. I convinced myself I was acting from kindness, that if you were no longer right in front of me, I could learn to live without you."
Aramis smiled sadly. "A wise consideration."
Anne shook her head. "No. I was foolish." She glanced at Treville, but he was still sleeping soundly. "I was afraid, Aramis," she confessed, her voice a whisper. "Afraid for myself, our child." She turned back to him and laid a hand on his arm. "I was afraid for you. I couldn't fathom what I would do if anything were to happen to you. But then you were gone… and I… I realized how much I needed you here. It's selfish of me, I know –"
"No. I came to the same conclusion." He reached down and took her hand in both of his. "Even if I can only watch the two of you from afar, I can at least see you, serve you, and know that I will always stand between you and anything or anyone who may wish to do you harm."
Anne blushed. "My champion."
Aramis raised her hand and kissed it softly, letting his lips linger on her perfumed skin.
"But you still should not have come. We need to remain cautious. Mazarin may not be able to prove anything, but if he suspects, he can make things difficult for you."
"I am here at the request of the King," she assured him. "He is very worried about Captain Treville. He bade me to come and ensure he is getting the very best of care. I can see he is in capable hands."
Aramis placed a hand over his heart and smiled in acceptance of the compliment.
Anne turned toward Treville, still lying quietly in the small bed, his breathing even and regular. "How is he?"
Aramis sighed and bent down, careful not to move too quickly in deference to the ache throbbing behind his eyes as well as his still questionable equilibrium. He pulled the coarse blanket higher on the Captain's chest before responding. "He is still fighting. His breathing is easier and his heart is stronger, but he has yet to wake, and I'm afraid we will not know the extent of the damage until he does."
Anne stepped up beside him and wrapped her hands around his arm. "Captain Treville is one of the few people who has always treated me with true kindness and dignity. I cannot imagine how empty it would be without him."
"The Captain is the strongest man I have ever known," Aramis assured her. He placed his free hand on hers and smiled as she leaned in close, laying her head against his shoulder. "I don't believe he would leave us unless there was no other choice."
"Louis is counting on his counsel. Since Cardinal Richelieu's death, the King has been in dire need of someone who can advise him with honor and integrity. I prayed it would be Captain Treville."
"The Captain told me of the King's offer. I believe he had already decided to accept it. Was it your influence that brought about this offer?"
Anne raised her head and smiled. "Sometimes the King does listen to his humble wife."
Aramis returned her smile with a rakish one of his own. "You are many things, Your Majesty, but humble is not one of them."
Anne blushed at the open affection in his voice and pressed closer to his side. Her smile faded as her eyes fell upon the wounded man once again. "He must pull through, Aramis. I fear what may happen if Cardinal Mazarin is able to find his way into Louis' trust."
"Mazarin will not be threat for much longer."
Anne stepped back at the hatred in his voice. "Please, Aramis, promise me you will not do anything rash."
He sighed and reached around her, pulling her close. "On my honor, I will not harm the man. But he will pay for all he has done. Athos believes Mazarin is responsible for this. I do not doubt his word."
"But I thought it was the Comte de Rochefort they were searching for."
"Rochefort is but a pawn in Mazarin's game. We will find Rochefort and, in turn, prove his connection to the Cardinal. Whatever he thinks he knows will be of no use to him once his true motives are made clear to the King."
A moan from the bed caught their attention and Aramis leaned close, watching as Treville's eyes moved behind his closed lids. He turned and smiled at Anne. "I believe our good Captain is beginning to find his way back to us." He squeezed her hand then moved away, motioning her to take the chair he had previously occupied. "I believe your face would be much more welcome than mine when he opens his eyes."
Anne laughed and perched on the edge of the chair gracefully. She folded her hands on her lap, and watched as Aramis crossed the room and sat in the other chair near the table. He longed to remain near her but knew it would not be proper for the Captain to find them together. The Queen's concern for her long-time friend would be understood, and Aramis couldn't completely suppress a flare of jealousy that she could show her worry for Treville so openly without fear of reprisal, and they were forced to hide their love behind duty and service. But he found he could not condemn the Captain for his devotion to the young Queen, knowing how much it had meant to Anne when so few in France had shown her courtesy due to her place of birth.
He smiled at her encouragingly as they both watched and waited for their friend to awaken.
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Despite the darkness of the room, Milady knew immediately Rochefort was awake. Sounds of the revelers below at the Inn wafted up, as did the pungent smell of ale, wine and unwashed bodies. It was an unpleasant odor and she steeled herself for the complaints she was sure the former Comte had been rehearsing all afternoon.
"I trust the Cardinal was pleased Treville is dead?"
She turned toward the voice in the shadows and smiled. "He was," she lied. "He was also concerned when I told him you'd been wounded in the course of performing your duties."
Rochefort huffed a laugh. "I'm sure he was quite anxious about my health."
Milady crossed the room by the scant light and perched upon the same chair she had occupied earlier in the day. "You sell the Cardinal short, my dear Comte. When I told him of your unfortunate fate, he was most troubled."
"That I wouldn't survive?" Rochefort asked. "Or that I would?"
"Come now, we have much work to do."
Rochefort sat forward on the small cot, his eyes glittering as a stream of light caught them, the blue orbs glowing like ice. "If Treville is dead, what more could the Cardinal need of my talents?"
She shifted in her chair nervously. This man made her nervous. She could sense the rage hiding just beneath the calm veneer and it made her skin crawl. It was nothing like what she had felt – still felt – for her husband. Though she had seen the Comte de le Fere as a means to an end, she had felt a wanton attraction from the moment they'd met. It was an irresistible force she still felt whenever he was near, though now it had turned to something dark and raw. She would revel seeing him in pain by her hand as much as she did those hands gliding over her pale skin. She had loved him – as much as she was capable of the emotion – but he had turned that love into something vengeful. She would enjoy watching him die just as much as she enjoyed the life he'd awakened in her once.
But this man was nothing like her husband. This man's soul was as tarnished and menacing as hers. It should have made them a perfect match, but she found herself repulsed by him, wanting to stay as far from him as she possibly could. He was useful to her so far as he still believed their desires coincided, but she had no designs to associate with him on any level other than the one they currently inhabited.
She likened Rochefort to a snake; cold, slithery, deadly. But she was a mongoose, and she had no reason to fear him. She would use him to her own end, and if it resulted in his, so much the better.
"Your new assignment is one I believe will please you greatly."
Rochefort tilted his head in interest. "Do tell, Milady."
She cringed at the way he said her name, but swallowed her distaste, giving him a seductive smile. "You are to kill Treville's replacement. Athos."
Rochefort's brows rose in pleasant surprise. "A fortuitous task."
"I thought you'd like it."
"Does the Cardinal expect me again to perform this undertaking from the cover of shadows?"
"He would prefer you remain undetected," she responded carefully. "For his sake as well as your own."
Rochefort rose slowly from the cot. His arm was still encased in the sling the physician had fashioned from a moth eaten piece of cloth, but he squared his shoulders, his eyes narrowed as he returned her gaze. "I will not hide. If Mazarin wants me to kill Le Fere, I will do it so that he knows exactly who strikes him down."
She turned her head from the light, her smile of content hidden by the shadows.
"The Cardinal will not agree." She rose from the chair and closed the distance between them. She raised her eyes, carefully masking the satisfaction his arrogance brought about in her. "But I understand your need to show Athos who is the better man."
He nodded, his lip raised in a sneer. "There shall be no question of that."
"No, I suppose not." Milady turned and crossed the room, pausing with her hand on the door. "I will have Athos at the Carmes Déchaux at midnight. Do you know of it?" She had been assured the barren fields surrounding the ancient convent were often used for the rencontres of men who had little time to lose.
"I do," Rochefort confirmed.
"Good. You will have your chance then." She looked with concern at his bound arm. "Are you confident of your abilities, Comte? Athos is quite capable."
Rochefort snorted a derisive laugh. "I trained with him long ago and have first hand knowledge of Athos' skill. I am not the same man he knew. I will best him."
Milady nodded her acceptance and opened the door. He called her name as she crossed the threshold and she turned, watching patiently as he stepped into the narrow beam of light.
"My condolences, Comtesse. For tonight you shall become a widow."
Milady smiled and graced him with a tip of her head, stepped through the door and firmly closed it behind her. She had no illusions that Rochefort could best her husband, though the thought of him landing a fortuitous blow was not beyond the realm of possibility. No matter the result. One of her problems would certainly be out of the way – perhaps both. Dueling was illegal. All she had to do was make sure Athos arrived at the intended location at midnight. Rochefort would be waiting, and knowing her husband as she did, she was certain he would not back down from the direct challenge. A few well intentioned Red Guard's to witness their newly appointed captain's fall, and the mighty Musketeer would face the King's wrath.
It was a perfect plan.
Now to make sure all the players were in place.
TBC
