AS MANY OF YOU KNOW I HAVE BEEN IN THE HOSPITAL. MY BROTHER WAS NICE ENOUGH TO BUY ME ANOTHER LAPTOP SINCE THE OLD ONE BROKE. ANYWAYS HERE IT THE NEXT CHAPTER, IT'S SHORT, BUT THEN AGAIN I WILL HAVE NOTHING BUT, WRITE ALL DAMN DAY.

Athos came to a halt as they reached the doors to the courtroom. Aramis and Porthos were there as well. Stepping beside D'artagan he leaned in close. "This is not over captain."

The younger man smirked. "Of course not my friend." Walking forward he walked through the doors. The king, his mother and other members of the royal court stood about. The musketeers walked forward and bowed. "Your majesty has asked for us."

The queen glanced at her once lover and couldn't help, but smile. He was still very handsome. How she wished life had been different.

"Yes, captain. We are to take a trip around the city of Paris and show lady Racheal. I would like you four to accompany us." The king spoke.

D'artagan wanted to deny him this. Lady Racheal was Spanish and although the queen was from Spain, France and Spain were at odds. The French people held a dislike for the Spanish and would not hesitate to harm them. But his majesty has given an order. "Of course, I will have the carriage waiting."

"No." Phillipe spoke. "We will ride."

The musketeers frowned at each other.

D'artagan clenched his teeth, Phillipe knew the dangers and they have talked about it dozen of times. "Very well." With another bow, they walked away. The others didn't need to ask, they knew the captain was fuming. "Gather the men, I want the best with us and armed. Have two musketeers scout the nearby area, I want no surprises."

"Understood." Porthos rushed to complete his orders.

"Aramis I need you to always be either behind or in front. You are the best shot." D'artagan said.

Aramis smiled, giving him a pat on the shoulder. "Of course, my friend."

Athos didn't have to be told, he was to keep an eye on the queen. D'artagan would be to focus on the surroundings and the king; he wouldn't be able to watch the queen's carriage. As he expected, the moment he walked out from the palace the main yard held fifteen musketeers. All armed and mounted. Two white stallions were held in the front, along with his and Athos horses. As he walked up to the black steed he frowned.

"Where is my horse?" He asked.

A young stable hand boy spoke up. "He is sick sir. Papa is looking after him. If you wish I can change for another?"

"No need. He is a good one." Mounting he waited for the king and lady to walk out. Seeing the queen walk to the carriage he jumped off the horse and helped her into the cart. "Your majesty."

"Thank you, captain."

Bowing his head he moved to help lady Racheal onto the horse. "Allow me, my lady."

"Why thank you, captain." Lady Racheal giggled. "I do enjoy riding." She sent D'artagan a flirtatious smile.

The captain simply bowed and moved away quickly. Mounting once more he pushed his horse to a trot. The royalty was placed in between a circle of musketeers. They stayed at an easy pace, the carriage can only go so fast. The two scouts kept at least a few yards in front. D'artagan spotted the way Phillipe looked at the young princess. His eyes bright and wide. Hung on every word the girl spoke. He smiled; it was the same way he was. When he met the queen and was formally made into a musketeer, he couldn't take his eyes off her. It had not been missed by the king. He fought it but never learned to hide his attraction. Not until the king had him whipped for looking at her. That didn't stop him though. Some time and his sons were born. Come to think of it, he was now acting this way with Lisa. Seeing his own eyes on the boy he chuckled lowly. 'Like father like son.'

Phillipe laughed at something so little. She was beautiful. He sees himself taking her as a wife, but his minister and cardinal had advice he takes an English wife. Like Spain, he was having some trouble with England. His mother was Spanish, but she held little authority now. He was king and when married his wife will be queen. The problem was he wasn't sure if he was ready. Marriage was as commitment and unlike his brother and 'father' he did not want to marry without love. He would ask his mother for advice on the situation; in the meantime, he decided to enjoy the moment.

Aramis scanned through the crowd of people. Anyone who yelled or said something against the king or queen, he'd scare him off with the sword. What he didn't like were the groups in which they were all appearing. By now the streets of Paris were covered with people on both sides. Some praising and others insulting. It may have been a year since Phillipe had taken the throne and done good deeds, but men were a vengeful beast. Many still held a grudge against the king and saw not the good, but the bad from the past. Aramis readied his pistol and urged his horse faster.

Athos made sure the queen was safe, before ordering the musketeers with him to take his place. Kicking his horse on the side he rushed to meet D'artagan in the front.

"I don't like this D'artagan. There are too many people." Athos warned.

"I know Athos, but we cannot force the king to head back. He will not listen." D'artagan sighed. "Go to the queen, tell her of our worries and take her back to the palace. I will try and talk some sense into the king."

"Very well." Athos turned his animal and did as ordered.

To the captain's pleasure, the carriage had made its turn and was heading back to the palace. Phillipe was none the wiser at his departing mother.

Porthos had taken to helping Aramis keep the people at bay when a shot was fired.

"Protect the king!" D'artagan yelled. His men circled the king and princess, pistols out and ready. Aramis and Porthos scanned the area, trying to find the shooter. "Aramis!"

"Nothing!" He replied until he spotted a cloaked figure rushing away, behind the people. "D'artagan to your left!"

The captain turned around spotting the man. Kicking his horse at full speed he followed. Unknown to him, his son had followed along with the soldiers.

"What is he doing?" Athos growled.

"Come on; if something happens to him the captain with de-head us." Porthos mumbled.

Dartagan followed until they were on the outside of the city, nothing but a road and grass. Appearing beside the culprit, he jumped off the horse and onto him. They rolled a few feet away, before stopping. Problem was, D'artagan landed on the bottom. Receiving three good punches, the man stood and ran. Now D'artagan was not known for being easily knocked down. Jumping to his feet he persisted, running after the criminal, he could hear the pounding of horses and knew who they were. Having decided enough was enough; he pulled his pistol and took aim right on the leg. The man went down fast and hard.

"Getting old my friend." Aramis laughed.

D'artagan rolled his eyes. "Why run when I can shoot. Porthos tie him and take him to the holding cells. I want to know who ordered the attack on the king."

"Yes, captain."

"D'artagan are you all right?" Phillipe asked.

The captain bowed his head. "Yes, your majesty. Just need to catch my breath." Turning to Athos he whispered. "Why is he here and not on his way to the palace?"

"He ran after you, before we could stop him."

With a heavy sighed he ran a hand through his hair. "Have the rest of the musketeers take him back to the palace."

"Very well."

Having returned to the palace safely and unharmed, not counting the captains bruised jaw. The king was ushered into the palace. Aramis, Porthos, and Athos waited outside as D'artagan followed the king.

D'artagan waited until lady Racheal was escorted to her room and they were left alone. "Your majesty." He began. "Going after me was a foolish thing to do, we did not know how many there were. You should have followed my men's order."

Phillipe lowered his head. "I am sorry fa-D'artagan."

The captain frowned. "Never, never apologize Phillipe. You are the king and must never show weakness towards a servant." Phillipe glanced up at him with tear filled eyes. "I am not mad nor am I disappointed in you. I simply do not want to see you hurt again. The guards and heavy security is for your own safety, not to punish you."

The young boy nodded. "Did he hurt you?"

"No, I've had worse." Before he could speak more, lady Racheal burst into the courtroom.

"I must speak with you."

Phillipe frowned. "I am currently speaking with my captain my lady."

She tossed D'artagan a look. "It is urgent your grace."

D'artagan held his hand up. "I will be taking my leave your majesty. I shall not be in the grounds, but my men are at alert." Bowing he turned to leave.

As he walked out, he was met with his friends and mentors. Just behind them a few feet away, he spotted Liam, Tobias, James and Hugo. The captain frowned, the three men Liam was accompany with, were his trouble makers. Tobias was the leader of the two and his pain in the ass. There wasn't a day he didn't get complaints about him, whether it was gambling, dueling or bar fights. James and Hugo were good marksmen's, but had no talent for the sword. The only reason they were in the regiment, was simply because Phillipe asked him. A favor to friends of him. Liam in the other hand was a good man, but lacked the character to take command. He was a follower, a sheep. He did what was told, even when it was clearly a ridiculous order. Athos had tried to kick and beat some confident into the cadet, but it was no use.

"Captain!" Tobias yelled.

D'artagan along with his friends turned to see the group of four walking towards them. "What is it Tobias."

"Well we were wondering if you can settle a bet between us." He smiled.

The four oldest shared a look, but D'artagan shrugged. "Which bet?"

"Well, we were wondering how good of a swordsman I was. And the only way we can settle it would be challenging the best of the best." Tobias grinned.

The captain inhaled deeply, he knew where this was going. In full honesty, he wouldn't mind sparring with his men, but Tobias was not an honest fight. Loved throwing cheap shots, that was something D'artagan despised. It would be better to simply walk away. "I do apologize Tobias, but we will have to settle this in another moment. I have too much at hand right now."

With a satisfied look he pestered. "Come on cap, wouldn't want the boys to think you're afraid. Would you?"

Aramis was quick to slap the boy across the face. "Watch your mouth cadet! He is your captain."

Tobias glared at the musketeer. "I meant no harm by it sir."

D'artagan huffed. "Very well Tobias. Let's make a new bet." The boy frowned. "If you beat me you are to be commissioned into the regiment."

"Okay, but what if I lose?"

"If you lose you are to hold back a year without a chance of being commissioned." D'artagan had removed his pistol and cape. Leaving him in only his white shirt and pants. Sword in hand he swirled it around, in a very carefree way. "Do we have a deal?"

Behind him James and Hugo were advising him to back down, but as expected Tobias was stubborn. "Deal." Removing his jacket and hat, he pulled his sword.

D'artagan learned very long ago to save his energy. He knew Tobias would be excited to attack, not realizing how quickly he would tire. Every blow was blocked, every swipe was intercepted and every punch was dodged. Tobias was trying and doing everything he can to land a hit, but he was too desperate.

"D'artagan end his misery already!" Porthos laughed from the table they sat on.

Giving his friend a small smile, he blocked Tobias sword only to knock it out of his hand. Giving the boy a kick in the abdomen, he stood over him. "Surrender?" Tobias nodded. "A deal is a deal cadet." D'artagan shrugged, holding his hand out to the fallen cadet.

"Yes sir." Tobias growled, pushing his hand away. Allowing Liam to help him up, the cadets walked away.

"Someone is a sore loser." Porthos whispered.

Athos scoffed. "What that boy needs are a lesson in respect and manners."

D'artagan nodded in agreement. "I agree with you there Athos, I have been meaning to show him so disciple, but haven't had the time."

Aramis cleared his throat. "Why are they even here? Tobias is not an honest man and causes nothing, but problems to the regiment. Not to mention he trashes the name. James and Hugo are useless with the sword."

"The king had asked I train them and assign them to the regiment. A favor to some close friends of his, but even after so long they have done nothing to earn their commission." D'artagan sighed.

"Papa!" The four men turned to see Lisa running up to them. Completely ignoring Liam as she ran past him. In her defense, she didn't even see him. Lisa pulled her father into a tight hug. "Sestro told me about the incident in the city. Are you all okay? Did anyone get hurt?"

Aramis chuckled fondly. "No my sweet child, we are all fine."

"D'artagan caught the bastard, before he could get away. He earned himself three punches to the face." Athos added innocently, ignoring the looks from Aramis and the captain.

Lisa gasped at the bruise forming on the man's jaw. "Come." Grabbing his hand, she pulled him to take a seat. "Do not move." She ordered sternly. D'artagan smiled, but gave her a nod. It wasn't long before she came back with a wet rag. D'artagan hadn't even noticed the blood on his cheek. Much less feel the cut. "It's superficial, so no stiches."

"Thank you, Lisa." Having her so close and not able to kiss her, was even more painful than getting stabbed. He needed to speak with the others, before he lost the little patient he had around her. "I had believed you've gone home."

"I wanted to, but I had come with uncle Athos on his horse." Lisa admitted.

D'artagan got the little twinkle in his eyes as he stood. "Well, we were just about to head there. Come you can ride with me again." Not waiting to ask permission from Aramis she ran after the captain. Lifting her onto the horse, he climbed up behind her. Just like before, she leaned against his chest, inhaling his manly scent. D'artagan waited for the others to mount and ride off, but before he could ride off someone grabbed ahold of his horse. Glaring at Liam he pulled the horse out of his reach. "What can I do for you cadet?"

"You? Nothing captain, but she is my fiancé and it would be proper I take her home. I wouldn't want the people to whisper about her." Liam stated.

D'artagan simply shook his head. "I am heading that way boy, besides people can speak all they want. For it is most likely to be false."

"I insist captain, as her future husband I should be the one to take her home. It is my duty." Liam snapped.

Lisa had, had enough. "Will you two knock it off? Liam D'artagan had offered since he was already heading home. You are on guard duty and I am sure you would not abandon your place. I am quite safe with the captain, so please let it go."

Liam narrowed his eyes at her. No woman has ever spoken to him, with such disrespect. He will have to tame this filly, show her he was the boss in the marriage. "Very well Lisa." Bowing he stepped back. "Captain."

D'artagan kicked his horse on the side, forcing him to move at a trot. "I do not like the way he looked at you."

Lisa hummed. "I did not see."

Halting the animal, he grabbed her chin and turned to face him. "I want you to promise me something."

"Anything."

"If her harms you in any way, touches you or verbally abuses you, I want to know." He stopped her from speaking. "Promise me Lisa."

Lisa looked into his eyes, seeing nothing, but love and worry. Leaning closer she packed him on the cheek. "I promise captain."

Kissing her in the head, he clicked his tongue. The horse slowly began a walk, quickly turning into a run. By the time they arrived at Aramis home, the three musketeers had made supper. Aramis had opened his doors to Porthos and Athos. The three lived in the large farm, with Lisa and her nana. Aramis had offered him a room as well, but he could not leave the palace. There he had a room and close access to the king, shall there be a threat. Jumping off the black steed, he helped the young girl. Stealing a passionate kiss, on her way down. Giggling she all, but ran into the house. The captain chuckled to himself as he attended to the horse. Once finished he too entered the home. His three friends were seated on the table, Lisa was nowhere in sight. Guessing she had gone up to her room, he took his seat beside Athos and Porthos. Unknowing to them, D'artagan was using them as a shield against Aramis.

"Aramis, I have been meaning to speak with you." D'artagan began.

Aramis glanced towards him with a friendly smile. "About what?"

Clearing his throat, he sat up straight. "You of all know I have always had a…attraction towards Lisa." Aramis frowned. "And I have come to terms of my feeling towards her."

"What feelings?" Aramis hand was already creeping towards his dagger.

D'artagan knew it was now or never. If he wanted her as his, he must do things right. "I love her Aramis."

Aramis was quiet, so were the other two. He wasn't sure what to think. This was his daughter! And the man before him was no less than a brother. When he appeared in all those years ago, determine to kill them all. Aramis was amused. It had been so long, since they seen someone with such passion. D'artagan was 20 when he arrived, Lisa was only 10. He watched her grow up and become the woman she was. How can he come to love her in such way. "Love you say?"

"Yes Aramis. More than I can express." The younger man assured.

"Correct me if I am wrong D'artagan, but wasn't that the same you said about the queen?" Aramis snapped.

D'artagan's soft brown eyes, quickly turned dark and threatening. "That is different Aramis and you know it. I loved Anne and always will, but as the mother of my sons. She was my first real love, but I have understood I could never be."

"So you decide to use my daughter as a filler up!" Aramis yelled.

D'artagan stood abruptly. "I would never do that to her! I love her. What I had with Anne, is in the past. She is my friend and the mother of my two only sons." A small gasp caused all four men to turn around. "Lisa."

"I'm sorry…I-I should leave you to talk." She all, but ran back to her room.

D'artagan sighed as he fell back into the chair. The rest of the men didn't know what to say or do. They themselves had yet to believe the king of France is a musketeer's son.

Aramis stood to speak with his daughter, but D'artagan stopped him. "No, this is something it did. There for she needs to hear it from me."

"You hurt her and-"

"I would never hurt her Aramis." D'artagan was a bit wounded by that. The simple fact he would even think that, made him wonder how well Aramis knew him. "You should know that." Leaving the man to his own thoughts, the captain walked up to the door. Knocking softly he called to her. "Lisa, may we talk?"

The door was opened slowly. "Come in."

D'artagan walked in, closing the door behind him and leaned against it. "Lisa, what you heard a moment ago-"

"It is none of my business captain, I was looking for you. I didn't mean to overhear you and papa." Lisa mumbled, she was still shocked over what she heard. "Is it true?"

D'artagan nodded. "Yes, Phillipe is my son, as is Louie."

"How could you?"

"How could I what?" Now he was confused.

Lisa looked up at him. "You have always preached your cadets and musketeers about loyalty to the king. Yet you slept with the queen and fathered the next king of France. You committed treason D'artagan."

D'artagan clenched his jaw. "I admit what I did was wrong Lisa, but I do not regret it. I love my sons and even though I cannot show it, I will always love them. Anne was my first love, and I loved her with all of my heart. Only thing stopping us was her marriage. What we did was in the heat of the moment and from there on, our feeling began to grow."

"How can you say that?!" Lisa yelled. "The king, is not the king D'artagan! He carries the blood of a musketeer not of the king himself!"

"Phillipe is a king with all his rights. He was ripped from his home at such a young age Lisa. Louie was young and raised by the king. Louie had his chance at being king; he was simply not ready for it. Lisa what I have done in the past, should not affect this." D'artagan said.

Lisa wiped a tear. "Do you love her still?"

"Who?"

"Queen Anne."

Swallowing hard he nodded. "Yes, but only as the mother of my sons."

"You still love her."

"I can love more than one person Lisa. There are different kinds of loves."

Shaking her head, Lisa walked towards her window. "She was your first love D'artagan. One you are still in love with, and have two sons. I love you, but I cannot be with someone that holds another woman in his heart."

D'artagan took a step forward, but stepped back. "What are you saying?"

Turing to face her, she made sure her emotions were held back. "I will marry Liam, D'artagan."

"Lisa."

"I love you captain, but I cannot compete with someone else." Taking a step towards him, D'artagan stopped her. "D'artagan."

"Lisa my love for you is bigger than any other. You have no one to compete with, nor fight for a place in my heart. But if that is your decision, then I shall respect It." bowing, he walked out. Walking down the steps, he leaned against the wall. There goes another one, seems like he always lost those he loved. Anne, his son Louie and now Lisa. Maybe he was always destining to be alone, protect the king and die in battle. With a heavy sigh, he walked into the kitchen. "Come by the palace tomorrow. I need all of you and Adrian there early and prepared."

Aramis frowned. "What happened with Lisa?"

"Nothing." He whispered.

Porthos smirked. "When is the wedding?"

"Ask Liam."

"What?" All three men asked.

D'artagan shot back his cup of wine. "Lisa has decided I am too much of a burden. She cannot deal with the fact that I slept with the queen and have fathered two sons. One that used to be king of France and another that is the king of France. She accused me of treason and being a hypocrite. Also told me she cannot and will not compete with the queen for my love, regardless of me denying in loving Anne as I do her."

"So she decided to marry the cadet?" Athos asked.

"Believe so." Placing the cup on the table, he sighed. "I should get back. Please be there in the morning."

"Get home safe." Aramis placed a hand on his shoulder. "Please know I am terribly sorry about all of this. I did not mean for any of this to happen."

D'artagan dropped his head, with a sad smile. "Do not worry Aramis. I have come to accept certain things. Rejection being one of them." Slapping his cheek in affection, he opened the door. "Have a good night." Leaving the house, he walked out towards the black stallion waiting for him. "Well Alcatraz, seems like it's just you and me tonight. Let's go home." Hoping onto the horse, he chuckled at the excitement he waved off. Looking up he froze, Lisa stood by her window looking down at him. Lord, she was beautiful, but like the queen, this girl was not for him. Tearing his eyes away he urged his horse away. Not knowing he was leaving a heartbroken and weeping girl behind.

Arriving at the palace D'artagan handed his horse to the young stable boy. "Make sure he gets fed and water, have your father rub him down."

"Yes sir." The young boy nodded, hauling the tired horse away.

Walking into the palace he went straight into towards the kings chambers. Walking in without knocking, he smiled at his sleeping son. He looked even younger in that state. Pulling the heavy blankets higher, he leaned down and kisses his head. "Sleep…my son."

"He looks so much like you."

D'artagan jumped around, spotting the queen sitting on a chair. A book in her hand. "Your majesty. Forgive me I did not see you."

"Please D'artagan call me Anne. We are not in public." Anne whispered. "Please sit." D'artagan wanted to deny the offer. "Please, it has been a while since we talked."

Smiling softly he took a seat beside her, both gazing over their son. "How have you been? I have not seen you."

"I have been well. Phillipe has needed me by his side, but I do not know why. He does fine on his own." Anne smiled.

The captain chuckled. "It is his way of keeping his mother close. So many years without your affection, he needs it."

"Same with his father." She whispered.

D'artagan frowned. "His father died many years ago."

"D'artagan. He needs you."

"He has me Anne. I cannot be more than what I am. Not only are you in risk if this comes to be known, but him and I. What I do is for both of yours safety." D'artagan whispered, not wanting to disturb the boy. "Do you honestly believe I have not wanted to hug him freely, see him grow, or simply kiss his head? Instead Phillipe grew up away from here and in prison, while Louie knew me nothing than his loyal musketeer."

"I couldn't tell you D'artagan." Anne whispered.

"Why?!" He whispered/yelled. "I could have taken him far from here. Had someone I trust raise and care for him. Why didn't you?"

"He knew!" Anne yelled, quickly shutting at the shift Phillipe gave.

D'artagan was shocked. "What?"

"Louie's knew D'artagan. He knew the moment Louie got older. You and he look so much alike, it would take an idiot to not recognize it. It was why Phillipe was sent to ballistic. It was our punishment." Anne said.