Thanks for the amazing reviews once again! You guys are too kind! *hands out brownies because who doesn't love brownies as a reward*
*As a side note, during Aramis' entrance in this chapter I was listening to the song "You and Me" by Lighthouse to set the mood- so if you want to feel the full emotional effect, you can play the song along with the words when you see the * symbol…
Anyways- onward! :D
It seemed ironic that it was at this blissful moment of final peace that D'artagnan chose to slam open the grande front doors of the palace and simultaneously knock over a precariously balanced metal candle holder, resulting in a ear splitting crash as it fell.
Of course the bad luck couldn't end here as the now opened doors allowed the gusting winds and driving rain to sweep inside with him and snuff out the light of the only candles present, plunging both himself and his man into darkness.
In this half light it almost appeared that a sodden monster with demented hair and wild eyes had come to seek shelter in a seemingly derelict cave, his buddy in tow. But unlike all others this 'monster' had achieved the impossible.
Not daring to pause or catch his breath, D'artagnan felt his way out across the open floor until he spotted the glinting marble steps of the staircase.
Dashing forwards he all but dragged his new comrade along the somewhat familiar route until they broke out on the landing to face King Louis, Porthos and Treville- two of which had their swords drawn, ready for anything.
They were beyond surprised to see D'artagnan standing there looking like he was, with a bundle full of wet something's and a miserably wet man behind him.
A big, wide toothy grin broke out on Porthos' face upon recognizing his young brothers return, relief and overwhelming joy flooding his system as he charged over and gripped D'artagnan so tightly that he lifted him off the ground entirely and worked on busting a rib or two.
Though the feeling was mutual, D'artagnan gasped for air in the clutches of his brothers arms. He had just ran what felt like a marathon and had barely any air within him before to survive off of, now he must surely be turning blue.
Wriggling with all his might, D'artagnan dropped from Porthos' grasp and held him firmly at arms length so as not to offend him.
"I- I have …brought…the surgeon" D'artagnan panted, hands on knees, bent double for air and gesturing at the man behind him. Finally, his task was complete.
Porthos shuffled uncomfortably, his grin slowly taking on a slight cringe at the thought of having to tell D'artagnans efforts were no longer needed after all his troubles.
About to offer an apology to D'artagnan and regrettably inform him of his late timing after the queens' successful birth, Porthos found himself cut off by the same blissful cry he had heard once before; D'artagnans eyes darting to the closed door with slow recognition.
His gaze drifting back to Porthos was all D'artagnan had needed for his suspicions to reach a confirmation, Treville nodding once silently announcing the deed had been done.
Unable to stand from the shock and exhaustion, D'artagnans' knees buckled and he would have face planted on the rugs if not for Porthos' quick reflexes, his arms reaching out to steady his brother and slowly lower him to a sitting position on the floor.
" 'ts okay, brother, you've done your bit, just calm down and take deep steady breaths…there ya go" Porthos soothed, brushing back strands of D'artagnans long black hair from his eyes.
Holding him up slightly, Porthos continued to supply his reeling brother with everything he had missed since his departure, arriving to the obvious conclusion that the baby had already been born.
"But don't you fret, your efforts were not all in vain- its just as well that you went to all that trouble. We can still use that surgeon of yours to make sure the babe and the mother will pull through okay" Porthos assured, massaging small circles into D'artagnans tense shoulders, causing him to relax slightly.
Treville took this moment to act on Porthos' wise sentiments, politely ushering the wet man, now identified as the surgeon, towards the queens' chambers to assess the aftermath of events, knocking once before swinging the door wide.
Rushing through to attend his duties, the surgeon took to the queens side on her four poster bed where he could check on her well being, sparing a glance to the wriggling baby boy who was cradled gently in the nook of a soldiers arms, kneeling at the foot of the bed.
Trusting the baby was in good hands- based on his abilities to handle a birthing delivery- the surgeon continued onwards to assess the state of the queen as his top priority.
She seemed exhausted and in pain as all new mothers did, though it was relief and happiness that dominated her face as she continued to fix her gaze over to her newborn child.
Aramis at this point had not noticed in the slightest that a fourth person had entered the chamber to see to the queen, as his attention fully devoted to the squirming heir of France he held delicately to his breast.
Aramis was still trying to acknowledge the fact that he had somehow been graced by the gift of god that he had been allowed hold his newborn in his own hands.
Aramis would never forget such an awe inspiring moment in his life as his eyes roamed over the small face before him, the babys' eyes just beginning to open to take his first glance out into a world of light.
Aramis gently unclasped his blue cloak from his shoulder and carefully swaddled the baby boy within it to keep him safe and warm from the nights cold air, noting that as he did so the baby ceased its crying and peered at his fuzzy outline through innocent blue orbs.
It appeared the boy had taken to his beautiful mothers' eyes, the crystal cool depths of which innocently gazed upon the world which he could not yet comprehend, his eyes rolling in a somewhat humorous manner as he attempted to focus his sight, making him appear cross eyed.
A smile of pure joy broke out on Aramis' face, stroking the boys small cheek affectionately as his chest swelled with pride and adoration of his newborn son, roaming his eyes greedily over him to drink in the mixed features of the beginning of dark unruly hair atop his scalp and strait nose, accompanied by Anne's eyes, smattering of delicate freckles and small pink lips.
Tears began to leak from Aramis' eyes as he was met with relief from his most recent medical success and the survival of both his soul mate and son.
He no longer cared if he could be present in their lives, it was enough to satisfy his being that he would always have them with him at heart, this moment treasured in his mind to outweigh even the darkest of days he may find ahead and give him knew hope. Aramis was no longer alone in the world.
It was then that Athos made his presence known behind him, gripping one shoulder firmly in silent congratulations as he chest swelled with both pride and joy at seeing the delivery through and the happiness it brought to his brother.
But now their job was done, Aramis must hand over the babe to his queen and make to depart as was only appropriate for the situation before he bond to deeply with the infant and cause a scene with his tears of joy.
Athos nudged his friend slightly so as to stir him from his thoughts but not knock the child, "Come Aramis, we must depart now, for their majesties sake" he said in a hushed tone.
Aramis eyes broke contact with the boys' and drifted up to meet Athos,' smiling a broad grin up at him, hardly perceiving his brothers words but wanting to convey the glorious moment.
Athos allowed his joy for the moment to escape through the cracks of his stoic mask so his brother may be satisfied he had acknowledged the moment before once more settling back into a cool demeanour and instructing Aramis to rise from his position.
Aramis did so cautiously, following Athos over to the bedside to slowly hand over his precious bundle of joy, his moist brown eyes meeting the loving and grateful gaze of Queen Anne.
Their fingers brushed for a millisecond, in passing, sharing an electric charge through the physical touch after months of isolation, filling the atmosphere with such heavy emotions of joy and thanks before it ended just as quickly, the king entering the chamber in haste, joy on his face at seeing his family, safe.
Athos slowly escorted Aramis out of the room by the shoulders until he was met by Porthos and D'artagnan, both of which seemed mentally and physically drained, sitting by each others side in the middle of the hall.
The four brothers shared knowing glances that spoke of congratulations for each mans dedication to his duty before they bowed in turn to their captain and departed to a secondary chamber for much needed rest in the presence of a fireplaces' warmth with some food and wine as the storm raged on harmlessly outside the palace walls.
Were you satisfied by the turn out? Leave a comment and let me know!
*I should point out that there is still unresolved strings left to this plot that need to be tied together before I can finish this story, so I hope you'll follow me to the end ;)
Thank you for all your support, kind reviews, follows and favourites so far!