Yesterday's Man
Chapter Four
"I want him flogged. Publicly."
Aramis found that his hands had curled up into tight fists as he listened to Saint-Pol pursue his vendetta against Athos. He felt responsible. After all, Athos had only acted to protect him. If he had reacted quicker he would have been the one now facing censure.
"That is hardly appropriate."
He was astounded when it was the Cardinal who spoke up before Treville could intervene.
"The Cardinal is correct, Majesty. Just think about the message that would send. A Musketeer, a member of your elite guard, treated like a common criminal." Treville's hands were clasped behind his back, undoubtedly to prevent him punching Saint-Pol in his smug face.
"He caused me extreme embarrassment," Saint-Pol said. "He should be punished."
"Yes. Yes, he should but, Andre, don't you think having him flogged is a little extreme?"
Aramis risked a sideways glance. Both Porthos and d'Artagnan looked livid. "Stay in control," he murmured. "We won't do Athos any good if we incur the wrath of the King for failing in our duty." Despite his conciliatory words, he wanted nothing more than to shake some sense into the odious courtier.
"You would take his side in this?" Saint-Pol asked angrily. "I thought we were friends."
"A King has a higher duty," Richelieu said. "He has to think about the consequences of his actions."
There has been very little evidence in the past of the King considering the wider ramifications of his decisions so Aramis was surprised to see Louis nodding.
"Quite right, Cardinal. The Musketeer will attend upon us in the morning and make a public apology for his actions."
Aramis sighed noiselessly. He could just imagine Athos' reaction to that order. He took some solace from the anger on Saint-Pol's face. There was no doubt that the noble was now a firm enemy of the Musketeers and that they would have to tread carefully to avoid any future confrontations.
Treville bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty is merciful. I will ensure Athos' compliance."
"He ought to be grateful," Saint-Pol said through gritted teeth.
Louis dismissed the topic and the Captain of the Musketeers with a wave of his hand. "Now, Cardinal, about my plans for a French navy…"
TMTMTM
"No," Athos stated, incredulity tinging his voice.
"You would rather be flogged?" Treville asked, his temper unravelling. They had already been dancing around the subject for at least ten minutes and his lieutenant hadn't wavered in his opposition to the notion of apologizing.
Athos' mouth was set in a stubborn line. "What he did was wrong. How can I apologize for stopping him from attacking one of my brothers?"
"No-one said you had to be sincere. You know how the Court works. Just say the words and be done with it."
"You think Saint-Pol will let it lie? It's only a matter of time before he provokes another incident."
"I have no doubt about that and we will deal with it when it happens. Would you give him the satisfaction of seeing you whipped? It would be humiliating and would undermine your position in the regiment. If you don't obey the King's order I won't be able to protect you."
"You've already done enough. I won't see you compromise your position on my account."
"How does it do anything other than compromise my position if I have to tell the King that I can't control my men?" It was a low blow but Treville was becoming desperate. He needed to leverage Athos' sense of loyalty. "What happens if he forms the view that I am no longer fit to lead? Do you want to see me replaced?"
"Of course not." There was indecision written all over Athos' face. "It's just…I am no courtier. I speak the truth and you are asking me to lie. How do I make it convincing?"
Sensing a capitulation Treville began to relax. "We all have to do distasteful things from time to time. It is part of contending with a royal court and a capricious King. Draw on your training and you will be fine."
Athos bowed his head, his expression unreadable. "I am only doing this to prevent further disgrace to the regiment."
"I understand. Your friends are waiting for you and I'm sure they're anxious to hear your decision. I will accompany you tomorrow and will be there to support you."
That provoked a half-smile and a softening of Athos' grim expression. "That is something we can always rely on."
Treville nodded and dismissed Athos, knowing that the others would also provide moral support. The task would be difficult but he trusted the young man to accomplish it with the same composure he demonstrated every day, even under the most trying of circumstances.
TMTMTM
"Finally!" Porthos said. "We were wonderin' how much longer you were goin' to be."
"You have reached a decision?" Aramis asked.
"Yes, and now I need a drink."
"You're going to apologize?"
"Yes, d'Artagnan, although it goes against my conscience."
"It's better than the alternative." Aramis draped his arm around Athos' shoulders. "Come, let us go to the Wren for dinner and some wine. That's make you feel better."
Fifteen minutes later they were comfortably settled with wine in front of them and fish stew on order.
"What happened after I left?" Athos asked.
"Well, the King's dead set on buildin' a navy. The Cardinal's unhappy about it."
Athos wasn't surprised to hear that. The cost of building a navy would be exorbitant and he could imagine the unrest amongst the nobles and common folk if taxes were raised to fund it.
"Saint-Pol was talking about raising a special levy to fund it," Aramis said. He smiled brightly at the serving girl who was delivering their food.
"There you go, handsome," she said, throwing him a flirtatious look.
Athos shook his head. "You just can't help yourself, can you?"
"Where is the harm in acknowledging beauty?" Aramis asked innocently.
In truth Athos was encouraged to see his friend reacting to other women instead of moping around pining for the one woman he could never have. "Not every woman is beautiful."
"They are to me."
The girl grinned and finished putting the bowls on the table. Athos picked at his food, brooding about the apology he would have to deliver the next day. He paid far more attention to the wine, downing two glasses in quick succession. When he reached for the bottle Aramis pulled it away.
"You don't want to face Saint-Pol with a hangover," Aramis said.
Athos scowled at him. "When have you known me to be hungover on duty?"
"Many times, my friend. You're just very good at concealing it."
"What are you going to say to him?" d'Artagnan asked.
"I haven't decided yet."
"Were you ever as arrogant as Saint-Pol?"
His brothers now knew all there was to tell about his past so it wasn't an unreasonable question. He considered d'Artagnan's question carefully. "I hope not."
"Do you never think about telling the King you're a Comte? You're the same rank as Saint-Pol but he believes you to be nothing more than a common soldier."
"I am not longer a Comte, Aramis. I renounced my title five years ago, and have no regrets about my decision."
"Still, I'd like to see the look on Saint-Pol's face if he found out." Porthos chuckled wickedly.
"He is not to be told," Athos said. "My past is my own business."
"We won't betray you. Don't worry." Aramis picked up the bottle of wine. "Here. I don't suppose one more glass will do you any harm."
Shortly after that they returned to the garrison where Athos spent a sleepless night trying to decide how to frame an apology he didn't want to make.
TMTMTM
The throne room was crowded when Athos entered flanked by his brothers and Treville. He kept his face expressionless even though his stomach was in turmoil. They waited for the King to acknowledge their presence and then walked forward. All conversations ceased and the room became deathly quiet. Athos held himself proudly, refusing to show any sign of discomfiture.
"Athos. You will apologize to the Comte for your actions," Louis said.
"He should get down on his knees," Saint-Pol said maliciously.
"I kneel to the King and to no other man," Athos snapped. He felt Treville's hand come to rest on his shoulder in a supportive gesture.
"The apology will be sufficient, Andre," the King said, a note of annoyance creeping into his voice.
Athos swallowed twice to clear his throat. He turned to Saint-Pol and looked him squarely in the eyes. "My Lord Comte. I apologize for my presumption in laying hands on you. It was never my intent to cause you embarrassment or any injury. I beg your forgiveness." He surreptitiously wiped his damp palms on his breeches.
"You know I wanted a harsher punishment for your effrontery?"
"So I have been told."
"That was a handsome apology," the King said. "Accept it and we can move on. Come, Andre, the sun is shining and I have ordered lunch to be served in the pavilion."
Saint-Pol narrowed his eyes but couldn't withstand the force of Athos' stare. He looked at the King and inclined his head. "Your apology is accepted, Musketeer. But, if you get in my way again the King won't be as lenient."
"My Lord." Athos bowed and stepped back to rejoin the ranks of his brothers.
"You did well," Treville said as he joined him.
Athos watched as Saint-Pol fawned over the King and wondered just how long it would be before the Comte engineered another confrontation. He wasn't naïve enough to expect that his apology had smoothed things over. It was only a matter of time.
Tbc