The Musketeers - Ascension of Athos

Chapter Seven - Stalemate Part 1

Notes-

Athos story along with the regulars being - Aramis, Porthos, d'Artagnan, M D Treville, Milady De Winter, Constance Bonacieux, King Loius, Queen Anne and the duke

It was not as he expected death not coming the blackness remaining the intolerable pain constant, overwhelming and not withdrawing. With images, memories, emotions merging and receding with her Milady above them all. Yet distant, untouchable and fragile, with the will to live, to open his eyes from this nightmare of his own making being something he did not want either.

The abyss welcoming and what some part of him had always wanted. As the memories merged with conjoining images that he could not place. Though altogether too real now spiralling bringing him closer to that edge, the one where there was no return from.

With this recluse offering no release, with giving in something he dearly wanted yet for some reason not able to that it indeed was not his nature. As something penetrated beyond this abyss the clear sound of his name and it was Milady. That his only certainty and it was not enough to draw him back with the abyss holding him in neither world.

One he dearly wanted to remain in with the memories and the uncertainty finely taking root and whether he liked it or not. It was not his time yet, that she needed him more now than ever.

As what clutched his heart grew and weakened, the abyss falling away dreams filling the void, reassuring, unfamiliar yet welcoming as he gave in to that at least. With how long those dreams lasted being something he could not say.

Something at last disturbing that constant slumber where he could have happily stayed the sound unfamiliar to him. The voice clearly female but not his ex wife and it was the sound of his name. Only not one he would have expected to say it. As he slowly and painfully tried to open his eyes. The first attempt not working as he gritted his teeth, trying again and the only thing he could confirm.

It was late morning if not early afternoon, as he came too the room clearly way and above his status. As he blinked waiting for the room to come fully into focus as he heard the female voice again calling his name:

'Athos'

As he turned the bright mid day light hurting his gaze as his green blue eyes focused on the one concerned figure. Seeing the woman before him his puzzlement clearly showing as he at last managed to say something his mouth paper dry at least managing more than a whisper in response:

'Queen Anne your majesty.'

This at least causing a smile from the beautiful features of a woman he had barely spoken to properly. Though he had time and again protected her that it had indeed been part of his job something he was not sure he had either at this moment.

With her relationship to Aramis pivotal something Rochefort had used to his advantage terrifying her along with it and the duke.

As her gentle eyes met his and he did not know what to say the queen doing it for him:

'Good three musketeers will be more than relieved to see you awake at least and Milady.'

My puzzlement growing along, with unknown fear our gaze meeting for a second time my silence defining. Her smile only growing to my lack of a response. As she now sits a glass of water before me.

A half grin somehow managing to escape me and I have no choice bar take it. As I sip the cool water finding it hitting the mark as I find my voice a little more certain this time:

'How did I end up here of all places?'

My sarcastic humour finding its place and it's not phased her the queen replying informally:

'You are under my protection and will remain so for the near future but may I ask how much do you remember Athos?'

I swallow not able to look her in the eye as I try to rise and it's not going to happen pain causing me to gasp. As I unwillingly relent and my only answer is silence the Queen quickly changing tact:

'You can't hide in silence and I know by the look in your eyes you remember something of what happened to you?'

I flinch trying to divert my eyes unable to as I try to withdraw the reply way to sharp:

'Milady?'

With her taking my hand the move surprising me the words even more so:

'Yes, to a certain extent but she only took care of your business.'

As I dispel her touch still not looking her in the eye:

'She has not been my wife for sometime and I can't stay here.'

This causing her to smile even more so and that I seem to be missing the inside joke as she takes me off guard:

'Apparently the cardinal, the old Cardinal more to the point had a major stake in your past and though it was hidden from you. I have the written evidence of the knight your great grand father who was the then Kings older brother.'

As I again try to find another way out and her words have triggered something and it's something I would rather ignore my reply court:

'Nobility does not interest me nor being captain and I do remember the king relieved me of my duty of being a musketeer. Is there anything more?'

TO BE CONTINUED