Chapter 21. Track Down This Murderer
Count Philippe paced the length of his quarters. He paused, took a breath, and turned to Monsieur Treville.
"Your musketeers are prepared?"
"Yes, Your Grace," Monsieur Treville answered. "I can assure you that no one will get past my men."
"Excellent. It would be unfortunate is the castle wasn't properly protected. Not like the last time." Of course, he was referring to Louis's "death." He and Bertram had hired some men to make it appear as if the castle had been under siege when it happened.
"Of course, Your Grace." Monsieur Treville turned to leave, intent on checking on his men.
"One more thing. Those maids you arrested, bring them here," Philippe said. "I'd like to question them about their involvement in this plot."
Treville bowed. "Yes, Your Grace." He exited the room.
"And your men are ready?"
Bertram stepped out from the shadows. "Yes, sire. All the passageways we could find are blocked. We also found where it's been hiding this whole time."
"Perfect. My cousin won't stay away for long. And when he returns, we'll be more than ready to finish him once and for all!" His preparatory celebration was cut short by a knock on the door. "Enter."
Two musketeers stepped inside, dragging along the maids. Their hands were bound behind their backs and they glared at the musketeers holding them.
"Fils de pute!" the brunette shouted, struggling against her bonds. "Comment osez -vous nous malmener de cette façon!"
"Calm down, Viveca!" the other hissed. "You'll get us in even more trouble!" She turned to Philippe. "Your Grace, could you please explain to us what is going on?"
"You girls are under arrest," he informed them; they gasped, "for aiding in a plot against the crown."
"But we did no such thing!"
"Ah, but you're wrong, my dear. However, if you tell me where they're hiding, I might not throw you in the dungeon."
"Where who's hiding?"
"Your good for nothing co-conspirators!"
"You mean Corinne and Aramina?" the raven haired maid asked confused. "We haven't seen them all day, Your Grace."
"Are you certain?"
"Yes."
"Very well then," Philippe stepped towards the girls. "Throw them in the dungeon."
"What?" the brunette gasped. "But we said we didn't know!"
"And I don't believe you." Philippe said simply. He turned to the musketeers. "The dungeon."
"Yes, sire."
The black haired maid looked shocked. Her companion kicked and cursed and screamed. Philippe rubbed his temples. He was grateful when the musketeers led them out. This was becoming a much bigger headache than he'd anticipated. Perhaps he would retire early that night…
Suddenly, the door flew open.
Or perhaps not.
"Philippe! What is the meaning of all this?" the king demanded.
Philippe placed an arm around the elder man's shoulders. "Uncle, you must understand. This is necessary. We can't afford to take this threat lightly. Not after what happened to dear Louis."
The king's brown eyes saddened. "Yes. I suppose so." He sighed. "All right, Philippe. Do whatever you have to do to protect us and our home. I can't lose anyone else."
"Of course, uncle. You can count me."
...
Sorry I'm a little late today! Turns out I wrote my work schedule down wrong and was supposed to be there at 12, not 2! So, today's chapter is brought to you by McDonald's. Not really, lol. Philippe used some dirty moves to get what he wanted. Poor Viveca and Renée; they have no idea where their friends are or what's going on. I feel for them. See you next Friday!