A/N I am so sorry for the wait. Life just went a bit crazy over the last few weeks. But it's calmed down a bit now and am hoping to get back on track with the writing! Welcome new followers and thank you everyone for being patient. I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint. It sets up the main arc of the storyline now. Enjoy.


Chapter 7

Constance knelt down next to where Aramis lay on the long chair sleeping soundly. She could hear Treville talking to the four men about the plan that was being put into motion that day. She sighed deeply as her mind went over all that D'Artagnan had told her the night before. She was scared, she couldn't deny that, but after staying the night with Aramis, suffering his nightmares with him, she knew she had to go through with it. Leaning her head close to the sleeping man she kissed his forehead gently.

"Keep your faith strong Aramis. Your son will return to your arms my friend." She whispered kissing him again before moving back slightly feeling a presence at the door. "How is he?" Athos' voice broke through the silence. Constance sighed moving the blanket more so it was covering the musketeer watching him curl into it warmth. "Resting peacefully." She replied getting to her feet and joining Athos at the door.

"He will eat but you have to coax him with each mouthful. I suggest putting some herbs in the food…it will keep him calm and encourage him to sleep." She told him. Athos nodded placing a soothing hand on Constance's arm. "We will look after him till we come for you. Then he will be moved to the garrison and kept a close eye on Constance I promise." He assured her. She nodded. "I just wish we didn't all have to leave him. He needs us more now then ever Athos. And we are all deserting him." She muttered sadness lacing every word. "I know and believe me I don't want to, but we have no other choice. He will be safe a looked after at the garrison. And I do not doubt that that the Queen will visit him. He won't be alone." He soothed. Sighing she nodded knowing he was right. Athos wrapped his arms around her and held her close planting a kiss to her head. "You are a good women Constance my sister picked well in friends with you and Emilie. We are all so lucky to have you both around. There is no way we could have survived the last months without you. Aramis especially. I know you are scared, but what you are doing is beyond brave and I am forever in your debt for it. Thank you." Athos told her sincerely as they pulled away. Constance reached up and planted a kiss to his cheek. "I would do it for any of you. I just want you all to be happy." She whispered, hugging him tight again before glancing one last look at their sleeping friend sending out a prayer from as he did. Seeing D'Artagnan stood at the door she nodded. Athos squeezed her hand gently as she left him and followed her love silently out the house Marcus close behind, heading to the market and to their fate


"Okay so stay close enough to keep watch but don't be seen. They know you from when Emilie and Thomas were taken." D'Artagnan muttered to Marcus who was stood next to him as they watched the men take innocence once more off the streets. Both musketeers fighting against everything to not go out there and take the men down there and then.

"Don't worry I have your back. I just watch I know that. And then ride straight back. We have this…we can do this we have to." Marcus replied squeezing his friend's shoulder. D'Artagnan just nodded turning brown eyes onto his love.

Constance stood just behind the two men. She was scared and watching all the was going on was doing nothing for her nerves. But yet again her thoughts fell on the night just spent comforting her friend as he thrashed out his nightmares. She brought her own eyes up to meet D'Artagnan's questioning ones and she nodded. "I am ready. Let's do this." She whispered. He smiled sadly at her, taking a rag and placing it in her mouth. He leant down and kissed her gently on the lips just before he did so. "I love you Constance always." He said quietly. She just nodded grateful for the material in her mouth stopping her from speaking not trusting her voice. With one last glance at Marcus D'Artagnan took Constance in his grip and stepped out into the market.

"Oi! Wait!" He called out causing Michal to turn and face him. The man narrowed his eyes striding over to where D'Artgnan stood eying up Constance also. "What do you want?" He demanded his voice telling him there he was walking a fine line. D'Artagnan didn't waver instead held the man's glare steadily.

"I have been watching what you do. I want in! I have nothing here in Paris I am desperate to escape…for various reasons. So I want in." D'Artagnan replied never breaking eye contact. "Plus you missed one. This one here is a pretty thing! She will fetch some money. Have tested her she is good." He added smirking at the last bit, inside hating himself for his words. Michal pondered his plea, he glanced at his men who just shrugged, before training his eyes back on the musketeer. "Put her in the cart with the others. You can ride with them. Quickly we haven't time to waste." Michal finally ordered. D'Artagnan nodded doing as was instructed surprised at how easy that had been. Climbing onto the cart he glanced Marcus jump upon his mount giving him a discreet nod as he followed them a good distantce. The first part of the plan was in motion. But the three knew this was the easy bit. The hardest was yet to come


Athos stood watching, as Porthos sat coaxing Aramis to eat some broth, muttering words of comfort with each mouthful the musketeer forced himself to take. He now understood what Constance had meant. Hearing the door go he stepped into the hallway to find Treville stood there.

"It all went to plan. They have gone. Marcus behind. Now we wait. I suggest you and Porthos stay here till he returns with news." Treville paused glancing over Athos' shoulder into the kitchen sighing sadly at the scene. "Aramis needs you. You will be leaving him soon enough. Give him the support he needs for now." He finished off Athos nodded he was about to reply when a retching sound could be heard from the kitchen followed by Porthos shouting him. "Go to him Athos. I will come by tomorrow." Treville said squeezing the younger man's shoulder before leaving the home. Athos sighed heading into the kitchen where he was greeted by Aramis slumped over the sink bringing up what little food he had eaten, his arms shaking as he steadied himself against the side. Porthos had his arms wrapped round him supporting the rest of him.

"I am sorry." The sick man muttered as Porthos lead him back to the chair, glancing at Athos who just smiled sadly at him, before pouring some water and handing it to Aramis, who drank it carefully. "You have nothing to be sorry for my friend." Porthos assured him, as Athos placed a hand to his friend's forehead feeling it clammy underneath.

"Aramis is your head paining you again?" Athos asked him carefully. Aramis nodded slowly. "A little." He whispered, squinting up at his friend. Athos sighed recognising the signs. He nodded to Porthos. "Come on you. Let's get you to bed. You need to rest." Porthos said helping him to his room. Athos went ahead making sure all the curtains were drawn to stop light filling the room. Aramis sank onto his bed pulling the covers over himself. He looked up at his two friends. "They will find them won't they? They will bring them home safe?" He begged reaching out and grabbing Athos' hand as he did so. Athos gripped it tightly. "They will Aramis. I promise you they will come home." He assured him. Porthos reached over and squeezed his friend's shoulder.

"Get some rest Aramis. We will both be here when you wake. We aren't going anywhere." Porthos soothed him moving to the door. Athos kept hold of his brother's hand until he felt Aramis' grip loosen and he was certain he was asleep before he followed Porthos out the room.

"Do you think they will come home?" Athos questioned the bigger man once they were out of earshot. Porthos nodded resolutely "Yes Athos I do! And even if you don't believe it yourself you have to keeping believing for Aramis. He feeds off us Athos! He feeds off our emotions and what we believe will happen. So we have to keep our faith for Aramis' sake even if we ourselves are doubting it." Porthos told him firmly. Athos could only nod in reply as he sank onto a chair pouring some wine for himself and Porthos. It was going to be a long wait till news would come.