A/N sorry for the wait guys, may post another chapter later too as have kept you waiting for a while! Enjoy and please let me know what you think!

Chapter 21

Aramis sighed deeply as he stood at the docks dressed in the English uniform. He shifted uncomfortably, not used to the feel of the tighter, stiffer clothing compared to the soft leather, loose breeches and soft shirts he was used to wearing. He was a forgiving man, but the English really did take it too far with their abhorrent sense of fashion.

It had been a piece of cake to take out the three actual messengers; surprise really was the best form of attack. Now all he had to do was wait, intercept the message and then they could finally head home. Home to his lovely wife, back by his side. Aramis didn't like acknowledging the constant ache in his heart, but even he had to admit that the distance was becoming unbearable. A non-descript ship started making its way into harbor and immediately Aramis knew this was it. Taking a deep breath and pulling himself up to full height, he trained a sharp eye on the vessel as it drew nearer.

It was up to him to get the letter. The others were waiting, hidden out of sight. They wouldn't intervene unless there was trouble.

"Come on Aramis, work your magic," Porthos muttered as the three friends stood watching the musketeer smoothly convince the Englishman to hand him the piece of parchment. They breathed a sigh of relief as the paper fell into his hands and both men tipped their hats to each other before heading their separate ways.

"Come on let's go meet him. We should head back immediately, we can't afford to waste another four days travelling," Athos said as they started following the musketeer from a distance, hanging back until they were sure he wasn't being watched. Well, not by anyone other than themselves.

They caught up to him as he was turning a corner. He looked up on hearing their footsteps and handed the parchment to Athos.

"Here you go. That was easier than I had imagined," he muttered placing his hat firmly back on his head, tired eyes watching Athos as he placed the paper in his coat. Athos nodded, noticing how weary his brother in law looked. He sighed, turning to the other two as Aramis quietly got on his horse.

"Come on let's go. We need to get this to the king as soon as possible," Athos said as they mounted up quickly, making their way out of Calais and back home to Paris.

Marie sat silently, half listening to Rochefort talk to her. She was trying to focus on what he was saying, but her mind was far beyond Paris. All she could think about was the four friends, people so close to her heart. Hopefully they should be on their way back by now. Involuntarily she clasped the cross at her neck, sending out a silent prayer to keep her family safe.

A flustered Englishman who had just entered the dining chamber interrupted her thoughts and she sat up straight. He obviously looked like as if he had ridden hard to get to Paris.

"Lord Rochefort! There is terrible news." The Englishman looked discreetly in her direction, clearly asking for permission to continue in her presence. Rochefort placed his glass on the table and narrowed his eyes.

"What is it? Out with it!"

The Englishman nodded hastily, and continued, "The letter sire. It has been intercepted. The king's musketeers were waiting at the docks and they knew!"

Marie felt her blood run cold as she forced an impassive look on her face. Rochefort cursed loudly running a hand through his hair before slamming it down on the table.

"Where are they now?" Rochefort demanded, turning fully to face the solider.

"They are not even an hour's ride from the city, my lord. They have been spotted on the road," he replied.

"How many men do I still have here?" he asked.

"Twelve including myself," replied the soldier. Rochefort nodded.

"I want you all positioned on the road just outside the city. There is just one route they can take. Deal with them and bring me the letter. Is that understood?" Rochefort ordered. The man nodded.

"Good, you are dismissed. Inform the captain I will be with him shortly to discuss further details," he said and the young man retreated as fast as he could. Rochefort turned to Marie, who forced herself to relax. Against every instinct she picked up a fork, priding herself on her steady hands and sighed before looking into the eyes of the man who had just ordered the death of every person she ever loved.

"I am so sorry my darling I have to ask you to excuse me. I am sure you can understand why. Hopefully we can dine together tomorrow," he said getting up and walking round, leaning down and planting a gentle kiss on her head.

"I will look forward to tomorrow then," she managed to answer. Rochefort smiled.

"Till tomorrow, my lady," he whispered before leaving her alone.

Marie watched him leave before letting out the breath she was holding. For a minute she sat there, motionless. One after the other thoughts raced through her head. Images of surprised musketeers, a bloody battle, death. Images of her brother, her friends, her husband being defeated.

That was all it took for her to draw in a long breath and lift her head, determined. That was not going to happen. Not if she could help it. She stood up abruptly, making her way to the queen's chambers.

"Please I need to see the Queen," Marie begged the guards at the door, as she reached her rooms, just as Anne opened the door to leave.

"Marie? What brings you here?" Anne asked her, seeing the look of pure panic on her friend's face. She took her arm and gently led her back into her chambers.

"He knows! He knows, and he is sending men to stop them," Marie replied unable to stop the tears falling freely down her face.

"Oh God!" Anne gasped. She quickly beckoned one of her hand maidens. "Victoria. Go to Captain Treville. Tell him his men are in grave danger and back up is required immediately," Anne ordered the girl. Victoria nodded and left quickly.

"It will be okay Marie. Those four are our best musketeers, you know that. They will survive this, it's Rochefort's men I feel sorry for," Anne said, trying to sooth the distressed girl in front of her, though she herself knew that her words were not much of a comfort to a woman worried about the lives of those she called brothers and husband. The four men were about to walk straight into an ambush of English soldiers and she wasn't so sure help would reach them in time.

Anne gathered Marie into a tight hug and sent out a prayer for a much needed miracle to bring the musketeers home safe.