Suspicious Minds

Chapter Eleven

The more d'Artagnan thought about it the less sense it made. Athos had been receptive to his words only to turn around and declare his loyalty to Etienne. He could understand Athos not wanting to sunder his family but his mentor was a courageous and honourable man who would have explained his decision to those most affected by it. This continued distance between them didn't feel right.

He didn't share his thoughts with Aramis and Porthos. He knew they were worried about him and would see them as nothing more than the musings of a desperate man. He told them only that his future lay with the Musketeers and that he would not be resigning his commission. Then he watched. He was careful not to be too obvious but he took every opportunity to observe Athos and Etienne.

When Etienne first arrived Athos had been happy and relaxed. Now he looked tense and strained. There was no easy camaraderie between the two men. In fact it looked like Athos would happily be anywhere other than in his cousin's company. Etienne for his part stuck to Athos like glue, never leaving his side for more than a few minutes. Whenever Athos spoke his tone was sharp and held no warmth.

It hurt d'Artagnan to see his brother so unhappy and he ached to be able to find a way to alleviate that. But, his presence wasn't welcomed either so he kept his distance. He knew that family was all important to Athos and that, after losing his brother and wife, he had found a new family within the Musketeers. Now he seemed to be estranged both from his cousin and his brothers-in-arms.

His hatred for Etienne increased with the suspicion that the man had done something to hurt his friend. Had Athos finally realised that Etienne was a liar while still feeling that he had to support him because of their blood ties? Or, was there more going on than was apparent on the surface?

He watched both men saddle their horses and resolved to follow them. When they took the road towards the palace his curiosity was piqued. He knew that they weren't going there on Treville's orders. In fact both men were supposed to remain at the garrison so that Athos could teach the newer recruits some sword work. They rode to the wing of the palace occupied by Richelieu and that was even more surprising. Athos never voluntarily had anything to do with the First Minister. D'Artagnan slowed his horse and stayed within the treeline, watching as Athos and Etienne entered the building.

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"The Cardinal is ready for you."

Athos acknowledged the Red Guard with a brief nod before striding forward into the Cardinal's study. Etienne followed, but instead of stopping in front of the desk, he continued on until he was standing behind the Cardinal. Athos removed his hat and bowed deeply.

"Ah, Athos, I wondered if you would have the courage to face me," the Cardinal said.

Athos stared straight ahead, displaying no signs of the anger and apprehension swirling around inside him.

"We are here to discuss the Queen's infidelity," the Cardinal continued, unperturbed by the dangerous aura of his prey.

Athos turned his head so that he was looking directly at Richelieu. "To even suggest such a thing is treason."

"Indeed it is. So, how much more heinous would it be to actually lie with her?"

His hand closed hard around his hat. "Clearly that would be a crime punishable by death."

"I'm delighted that you agree with me."

"You and I, Cardinal, will never agree about anything." He shifted his gaze to Etienne whose self-satisfied expression wavered in the face of such naked antagonism. "You have subverted my cousin in an attempt to rid yourself of the Queen. I tell you now that you will never succeed."

"I have no interest in disposing of the Queen, but I won't see a bastard sitting on the throne."

"You have no proof that her child is anything other than legitimate. And, remember, there is proof of your involvement in the plot to kill Her Majesty. If you continue down this path I will be forced to tell her and she will reveal your deceit to the King."

Richelieu continued to look at him with predatory concentration. "Her words will carry no weight when I reveal that she and Aramis lay together at the convent."

"She is about to give birth to the heir to the throne. Who do you think the King will believe?"

"He will believe you when you tell him what really happened. Will you confess your crime? You were either complicit in their treason or found out about it afterwards and chose to withhold the information."

"Then let us go to the King so that I can deny your accusations." Athos was taking a risk in confronting the Cardinal so openly but he had made his choice during a night where sleep had proved to be elusive. Without his testimony the Cardinal only had his suspicions and those would not convince the King. If he confessed the truth he would be condemning Aramis to death. At best the Queen would be cast off and her child declared a bastard. At worst she would also face execution. He had wanted to keep the truth from d'Artagnan and Porthos in order to protect them, to avoid them being caught up in Aramis' treason. Now, though, he could see that was no longer possible. He knew Richelieu too well to trust his word that d'Artagnan and Porthos would be safe if he talked.

"You seek to oppose me, Musketeer?"

For the first time Athos gave a cold smile. "Always." He saw some of the colour leave Richelieu's face. For just an instant the First Minister looked weak and vulnerable.

"I will prove to the King that his traitorous wife has been unfaithful and, when I do, I will bring down not only Aramis but you and your friends."

"You can try." Athos returned his hat to his head. "If there is nothing else, I have duties to attend to at the garrison." He bowed and turned away.

By the time he reached the portico he was shaking so badly that he had to stop to compose himself. He heard footsteps behind him and his entire body grew tense. Etienne grabbed his arm and spun him round so that they were face to face.

"You damn fool. Why would you lie to the Cardinal?"

"You have much to learn about loyalty," he said, wrenching his arm out of his cousin's grip.

Etienne flushed. "I am loyal to my family. Do you know why I am working for the Cardinal? We were destitute and on the verge of losing everything. In return for my services the Cardinal paid off our debts, allowing my brother and his family to stay on the estate."

That at least was some explanation for the betrayal although Athos couldn't bring himself to feel any sympathy. "I suppose he also paid for your commission?"

"Yes, and in return all I had to do was persuade you to tell the King what really happened."

"Why didn't you tell me the truth? Why do all you could to separate me from my brothers?"

"They aren't your family," Etienne shouted. "I am, and you have ruined everything."

Athos clenched his fists. "You have forfeited any love I bore towards you. You have tried to destroy three honourable men who never did you harm. I suggest you resign your commission and leave Paris."

"Aramis has no honour and I warned you what would happen if you continued to protect him."

"Do you really think Porthos and d'Artagnan will believe your accusations?"

"They might not but others will. Rumours of the Queen's infidelity will eventually reach the ears of the King and your precious honour will be exposed as the hollow shell it really is."

All Athos' anger and frustration coalesced into a burning need to express his displeasure with more than harsh words. He raised his arm and punched Etienne in the face.

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