Note: I'm splitting season 2 episode 10 in two parts.
Chapter 21
Episode 20 Part a
Athos led the way towards their destination. He and d'Artagnan had rescued Constance from near execution. Treville had joined them. They were now walking towards an abandoned house the Musketeers sometimes used as a safe-house.
Athos had been holding himself apart from the others until they had entered the house. Upon closing the door he immediately wrapped his arm around Constance's shoulders leading her into one of the bedrooms.
He could feel her shaking in his arms as he turned around wrapping his arms around her. She buried her face into his chest releasing a muffled sob.
"You're safe," he said.
Eventually she stepped back shaking her hands and pacing in a circle.
"Constance," Athos spoke softly, but she didn't seem to hear him.
There was a knock on the bedroom door and Constance jumped.
"Sshh," Athos tried to sooth her. "It's just d'Artagnan or Treville."
He opened the door and d'Artagnan stood outside the room holding a bowl of water and a rag. Athos thanked him and closed the door.
"Wash your face," he said.
Finally he got through to her and he walked over to the table with the bowl.
"I brought something I think you'll like," he said.
Athos walked over to the wardrobe and pulled out her favorite outfit. It was the one with the trousers built in with the front open skirts.
Constance pressed her hand to her mouth nearly sobbing. "Thank you. Help me out of this."
He nodded wordlessly.
TM
They gathered in the sitting room discussing what was to come next.
"I'm coming with you," Constance said of their plans to join Porthos.
"No, you're not," Athos said.
Constance raised an eyebrow at her husband's words. "Rochefort forced me to watch as Lemay was executed." She leveled a stare at Athos waiting for a response and she received a simple nod.
TM
Later when they arrived at the meeting place with Porthos they were met with a gun battle. Finally they came around surrounding Vargas. Athos, d'Artagnan and Treville came in front and then Constance from behind, her sword drawn.
"You bring women to fight your battles?" Vargas asked as Constance's sword settle against his neck.
"Perhaps I bring men to fight my battles," Constance said.
Athos' expression remained stoic, but watching Constance made his heart skip a beat. This was the woman he had fallen in love.
Porthos joined them in getting information out of Vargas.
TM
Before they left to meet Porthos, Athos went to ask for Milady's help one last time. She was the only one who could break Aramis out of prison.
While they waited back at the safe house for Milady to bring Aramis back to them Athos and Constance spent a few minutes alone. The others were in the sitting room watching Vargas.
"You know Milady accused my brother of attempting to rape her after she killed him," Athos said.
"Yes, you've never been sure she was telling the truth," Constance said.
"I believe she was telling the truth," he said. "Now that doesn't make up for the things she has done to us since-especially you, but," he hesitated. "I need to make some amends so we can make a clean break. I want a life with you." He kissed Constance deeply.
She gasped a little overwhelmed by his passion. "I understand," she said eventually. "I approve actually."
"You are far too understanding; I'm still not sure I deserve it, but I am not going to deny it this time," he said.
"Good," she breathed out. "If you had said anything else I would have beat you over the head with this pistol." She pointed at the pistol lying next to her.
He smiled letting out a small breath of laughter.
A loud knock on the front door was heard then. Athos and Constance stood up exiting the room. Porthos tossed a pistol to Athos as he passed heading towards the door.
Athos opened the door and not giving it any thought grabbed Aramis at the back of his neck pulling him close and pressing a kiss to his cheek. He could finally breathe. Everyone who mattered to him was finally together.
Athos walked across the room as everyone greeted Aramis. He passed Constance and squeezed her hand before following Milady in another room.
"Thank you for saving his life." Athos started offering her a cup of wine.
"I'll be leaving in two days' time for England," Milady said.
"Anne, I know it is a little too late for this, but I am sorry," Athos said. "I believe you now. I am sorry my brother tried to rape you and I did not take you at your word."
She did not react, but pull out a piece of paper. "I believe this is something you've been asking for."
Athos looked confused taking the offered paper and looking at it. It was an official document dissolving their marriage. "How?"
"Does it matter?" She asked. "It's legitimate if that's what you were wondering. I need a fresh start. Clearly you have found yours."
"I hope you find happiness someday, Anne," he said.
"We're ready to go," d'Artagnan's irritated voice said from the doorway.
Athos thought to say something else, but realized there was nothing more that could be said now. He walked out to the other room joining Constance by her side offering her an encouraging smile.
TBC