Chapter 7
"Aramis, wake up. Treville is sending us on an assignment," D'Artagnan called to his friend. He heard a groan in response.
"It's not even light yet," he moaned. D'Artagnan sighed.
"You know Athos and Porthos are in the kitchen, I can always get one of them to get you out of bed," D'Artagnan threatened.
"I would get up if I were you," Marie told him sleepily. Aramis growled in frustration as he pulled himself out of bed.
"It's not even light yet! Better be worth it this, stupid assignment," he muttered as he started grabbing his uniform.
"I'll leave you to get dressed," D'Artagnan chuckled, heading back to where his other two friends were.
An hour later and the four of them found themselves on the road. Athos pushed his horse on so he drew level with Aramis, who as usual had fallen very quiet since leaving Paris.
The three friends had quickly discovered that the first day away from Marie was the hardest for Aramis, and when Aramis worried too much he shut down, which was never a good thing with him. So they took it in turns as to who would keep him talking and stay with him for that first day and night. This journey it was Athos's turn.
"You know it's only four days. We'll be back before Rochefort comes to court," Athos told him, taking a guess at what was really plaguing his thoughts.
"I know. I'm fine, Athos. Don't think I don't know what you're doing," Aramis replied, sending his friend a scathing look.
"I am allowed to miss my wife. I'm sorry if that means I am not very talkative," he added, a slight bitterness to his tone.
"I am not saying you can't miss her, Aramis. But let's be honest; we all know what happens when you are left on your own with your thoughts," Athos said ignoring his friend's glare.
"Just humor me and let me keep an eye on you today and tonight. Besides, it's a journey tradition now. We best not break it," Athos teased lightly. Aramis nodded in agreement, smiling slightly.
"Captain Treville. What brings you here?" Marie asked as she opened the door to the man. He smiled at her.
"I have come to escort you to the palace. You have an audience with the queen." He replied. Marie looked at him in surprise.
"Me? Why?"
"I think it's to say thank you for agreeing to put your life in danger and be a spy to save the king's life," he told her. Marie nodded.
"Come in and make yourself comfortable. I need to get changed. I won't be long," Marie said, inviting him in before disappearing into her room.
Treville smiled, taking in the small home. It was the first time he had been to Aramis's house and it made him laugh slightly. He had honestly never thought that out of the four of his best soldiers Aramis would be the one to marry and make a home. He just hoped the other would have the chance to be just as happy.
"Ready. Do I look okay?" Marie's voice brought him out his thoughts.
"Fit for a queen. After you, Madame," he said with a slight tilt of his head as he followed her out the house to the carriage that was waiting for them.
Marie stood nervously in a gorgeous hall. She looked around, taking it all in. She had only ever been to court once before, when she was eighteen. She hadn't liked it; it was lonely, with everyone out for what they could get. She was sure eight years on her feelings weren't going to change, only now she had a husband she had to leave behind for a few months. A husband who, due to his work, would have to stand back and allow another man to court her, and for her to return the affection. With this thought she almost found herself walking back out the palace, and forgetting about agreeing to all this.
"The Queen will see you now." A voice made her turn to see a girl younger than herself standing by a door. Marie just nodded, smiling a thank you at her before heading into the room to find the Queen standing by a large window.
"Your Majesty," she said, curtsying as she did. Queen Anne turned to face her, a gentle smile on her lips.
"Marie. Please take a seat," the queen said warmly. Marie did as she was told. She took a moment to take in the woman who had just sat down next to her. Queen Anne wasn't much younger than Marie, yet she held herself like a person older than her years. Despite this, Marie didn't feel the slightest bit intimated by her, and this allowed her to relax slightly.
"I suppose you are wondering why I wanted to see you?" Anne asked.
"Indeed I am, Your Majesty. It's not every day the Queen of France asks to see you," Marie admitted. Anne smiled at this and Marie returned it.
"I wanted to meet the woman who was willing to become a spy. Who was willing to give up so much to protect her king," she said. Marie looked down at her hands in her lap.
"If I can help prevent an attempt on the king's life, Your Majesty, then I have to try," Marie told her quietly. Anne watched her for a few moments before taking Marie's hands in her own, causing Marie to look up, surprised at the gesture.
"And I thank you for that. I am also aware of what you are giving up, even if it is for just a few months. A few months from your loved ones can seem like a life time. Trust me, I know how lonely life at court can be," she said, compassion laced in her voice.
"If I am not mistaken, you are married to one of the King's Musketeers? And one of the best of them, at that?" Anne asked, smiling slightly at the last question. Marie nodded.
"He is your best marksman, Your Majesty, if I do say so myself," Marie agreed, smiling fondly at the thought of Aramis.
"So I have heard, and your brother happens to be our best swordsman. Which makes me think with their backing and protection, even if it is from a distance, you will be just fine over the next few months," Anne replied reassuringly.
"But I don't want you to ever feel alone here, Marie, so I offer you my friendship. I hope to see more of you while you are here. I want you to know you have someone you can talk to about anything. It's been a while since I have had someone I know I can trust, of similar age to me that I can talk to," Anne confined in her. Marie smiled at her, seeing Anne as not as her queen but a young woman who was lonely.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, you have no idea how much this means. Thank you," Marie said fervently.
"You are welcome. And I hope you don't mind, but I have asked my seamstress here. As a gift to you, please allow me to have a few dresses and a cloak made for you for when you come to court," Anne replied. Marie looked at her, shocked.
"Your Majesty, I couldn't..."
"Please, it is the least I can do," Anne stopped her. Marie just nodded.
"Your Majesty is too kind," she murmured.
"Not at all. I am sorry I have to leave. I have a meeting with the king and some officials. I shall leave you with my seamstress. Take care, Marie. I shall see you at court in a few days," Anne said, standing up. Marie stood with her, curtsying.
"Your Majesty."
And then she was alone again, but this time she felt more confident about what she was about to face, she had the best ally she could hope for on her side. She had the Queen of France, and more than that, she had someone at court who she could talk to. Filled with new confidence, she stood and allowed her measurements to be taken. She was ready for this.
