I hope you guys are loving the story so far,
I know I'm enjoying writing it. I would like to thank Vonny 25 for all of her reviews. They really mean a lot.
Let's do This!
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The next week passed by quickly and happily. Philippe grew in strength daily and his gentle and kind personality began to shine through even more. Each day, he and his Father would go out for a walk together and he would help his mother with the kitchen.
On one sunny day exactly 1 week after his Rescue, Philippe and D'artanyan were out on their walk together when D'artanyan noticed that Philippe kept staring at him with wide eyes and a large smile. He ruffled the boys hair affectionately which caused him to giggle. "Philippe," he asked "Why are you staring at me son? Is something wrong?" Philippe shook his head.
"No Father, I'm sorry It's just..." He sighed contently "Even after a week, I still can not believe my Father is the great, legendary D'artanyan. When I was little, Perronet told me stories about you and the 3 other inseparables, the legendary Musketeers."
"All very much exaggerated I'm sure" D'artanyan replied modestly.
Philippe blushed deeply "I wanted to be a Musketeer like you when I grew up. I wanted to protect the King of France just like you did." He looked down at his feet and his blushed deepened. "And even after a week, I still can't believe that I could ever be your son. I feel like Im not worthy."
D'artanyan smiled and drew his son closer into a one arm embrace "My son, don't ever think like that. You are my son, and I am not the legendary D'artanyan, I'm simply your Father, your Father who loves you very, very much."
Philippe hugged his Father tightly. "I love you too Father. But..." He paused and shook his head. "Never mind."
D'artanyan raised his eyebrows. "What is it?"
Philippe blushed again. "It's just that...Well," he took a deep breath, "Perronet and Father Claude told me all my life that I was an orphan. But obviously that's not true. I was also never allowed to play with other boys and girls, so I had not friends. Why were they so keen on hiding my identity?"
D'artanyan's eyes widened and he looked at Philippe. Phillippe blushed and was instantly apologizing. "I'm so sorry father, forgive me! I should not have pried, Forgive me I'm so sorry."
D'artanyan shook his head and embraced his son tightly to still his apologies. "Philippe, you have every right to ask these things. In fact..."
D'artanyan came to a Descision at that moment. "Philippe. There is much I need to explain to you. Myself and your Mother. We all need to talk."
He saw the look of sudden fear on his son's face, and chuckled, pulling him into a one arm embrace as they began to walk back to the estate. "Do not worry my son, you are not in trouble. We simply have to tell you some things, no more." Relief flooded through Philippe.
Father and son continued talking until they reached the estate. When they entered, Anne was preparing dinner, and greeted them with a warm smile.
"Anne," said D'artanyan slowly, "Let's tell him."
Anne was expecting this, and calmly sat down at the end of the table. D'artanyan sat beside her, and Philippe nervously sat across from them.
"Philippe..." Began Anne. But she couldn't quite find the words necessary to explain all of this. She looked desperately at D'artanyan for help.
He took a deep breath and began. "It began the night King Louis was born..."
