Apologies for the wait in updating but it appears that writing fanfics instead of my thesis was not really that intelligent. I have to submit by the end of the month so hopefully updates will be more frequent after that. :)

As for this chapter, it was written to give me a rest from my thesis and rather quickly so I apologise if there are any glaring mistakes. It's a bit of a feel good chapter I think.

Warning for language as there is a little bit of cursing.

I hope the wait hasn't been too long and you're still enjoying it. :)

Chapter Twenty-Five

Athos, Porthos and D'Artagnan were stood surrounded by tress knowing that their only link to the Queen's kidnapping had escaped. The mood was rather depressed and Athos' breathing was still hitching slightly after the blow he had received earlier.

'I don't know about you, but I don't fancy going back down that tunnel,' D'Artagnan remarked, raising his eyebrows. Athos nodded slowly but Porthos laughed.

'Yer soft. The pair of yer,' he chuckled.

'Porthos, not all of us are as acquainted with being underground as you,' Athos responded dryly causing Porthos to smirk.

'We have to go back sooner or later,' D'Artagnan sighed. 'I think it's that way,' he pointed as the others turned their heads to look in the direction he had indicated.

'It's a plan,' Porthos shrugged while Athos and D'Artagnan started moving in the direction that had been agreed.

Gabriel, Petit, Allard and Durand waited at the back of the shack covering the only viable exit but no men came their way. Slowly Gabriel indicated that he was going to enter the shack and that the others should follow.

The men moved quietly through the shack until they found the steps that led to the cellar. They descended quietly only to find the remains of the man Porthos had killed earlier. The door to the tunnel was open and they realised that they were no longer needed.

They walked back up the steps and out of the front door, startling the red guards who lowered their weapons when they realised the musketeers weren't the enemy. They immediately saw the backs of Aramis and Tréville and followed their friends towards the carriage.

Anne was trying to calm herself as she stroked one of the horses that was currently attached the carriage. She was sure the animal could sense her distress but the horse made no attempt to push her away. Rochefort was watching her warily wondering when it would be best to try and comfort her. The last thing he wanted to do was cause her more distress. After all, this had been his plan but so far it hadn't worked out as he had hoped.

Anne startled slightly as she heard two familiar voices having a slightly heated discussion.

'Captain those ribs need looking at!' came Aramis' exasperated voice from behind the carriage.

'Aramis I don't need you to prod me,' came Tréville's rather exasperated reply.

'That doesn't change the fact that the ribs need assessing and binding!' Aramis' voice was rising slightly as Anne emerged from behind the horses.

She could now see Tréville standing at his full height in front of Aramis who was leaning his weight on his left leg, cocking his hip slightly and his hands on his hips. Aramis' face was clearly amused as though he knew he would win the argument. Anne couldn't help but admire her musketeer.

Tréville noticed Anne first and bowed while Aramis followed suit but the marksman's eyes never left her.

'I'm glad you are safe, Your Majesty,' Tréville smiled widely as Anne smiled back.

'And I you,' she took his hands in hers before he could stop her. 'I'm also glad that the musketeers that we thought wouldn't be able to come for us arrived to rescue us,' she turned to Aramis as she spoke and Aramis smiled and nodded in return.

She turned back to Trévile, 'You did say he'd want to prod you,' she smiled mischievously and Tréville couldn't help but enjoy this new personality of the Queen he had never seen before.

'Yes, I did,' he sighed resignedly as Aramis broad grin told everyone that he had won. Aramis turned to collect the equipment he would need when turned back to Anne and Tréville.

'Were you talking about us?' he asked curiously.

'Mind your own business,' Tréville retorted quickly with an amused smirk as Aramis turned to Anne.

'I'm sorry Aramis, but what was said between us in there, stays between us,' Anne smiled settling the matter as Aramis disappeared to find his supplies.

Rochefort watched the exchange with deadly eyes. Anne clearly trusted her musketeers and both men were clearly forgetting that she was worth far more than they were. He still had a truth that would hurt them. Athos in particular.

Aramis returned with water and bandages and he quickly noticed the rope marks on Anne's wrists.

Anne saw him looking, 'It's nothing really,' she said quietly.

'May I?' he asked as he reached out to look at her right wrist. She nodded as Aramis took her hand in his.

'I think it should be ok but I'd rather clean it to make sure,' he said as he retrieved the water flask. He poured the liquid onto her wrists making her hiss slightly as the water stung. He dried the scabbed the rope marks carefully and inspected her wrists again. She couldn't help but admire how he concentrated on his work.

'They don't need bandaging. Best to let the air get to them,' he smiled.

'Surely they could get infected,' Rochefort's voice startled both Anne and Aramis as they hadn't even noticed the man's presence.

'It's unlikely,' Aramis replied in an even tone.

'Surely it would be better to cover them,' Rochefort sneered back. 'To prevent infection.'

'It's alright Rochefort,' Anne interjected. 'I'm sure Aramis knows what he's doing,' she smiled pleasantly.

'The wounds have mainly scabbed therefore there is very little risk of infection, however we should be vigilant,' Aramis stated in manner that ended the argument.

'What happened to your eye Rochefort? Anne enquired.

Rochefort knew this was a good time to disgrace Athos for his actions.

'Athos punched me,' he said coolly.

'Athos?' Anne looked to Aramis for confirmation.

'Yes, he did,' the marksman confirmed while Rochefort felt a sense of triumph.

Anne paused for a moment and then asked, 'Why would Athos punch you?'

'The man clearly struggles to keep his temper in check,' Rochefort replied looking directly at Anne and ignoring Aramis. 'He will have to be punished of course.'

'Would you like to tell Her Majesty why Athos punched you?' Aramis growled making Anne flinch slightly. This was a dangerous tone that she had never heard before. Anne turned to Rochefort who quickly tried to think what to say.

'We found the attack site,' Aramis cut-in before Rochefort could answer. Anne remembered that they had turned back on themselves to go to the dreadful shack. 'We wished to move our comrades to side of the road as a sign of respect. We have a cart following to retrieve them,' he explained. 'But Rochefort disagreed.'

'I merely thought it best to keep moving. So we could get to you quicker, Your Majesty,' Rochefort replied urgently.

Anne thought quietly before responding, 'It is admirable that you wished to hasten your arrival to my aid but a few minutes to respect the dead would not have made much difference. You surely understand that the fallen were their comrades and they would wish to respect them. I'm sure no-one will mind if you say you received your injury while rescuing me,' she smiled sweetly and Rochefort nodded. How could she defend Athos like that! He also knew that he now had no choice but to follow her advice.

Aramis turned as heard footsteps approaching as Gabriel moved over to meet him.

'They didn't go out the back and we checked the shack. They must have all gone down the escape tunnel,' he said dejectedly to Aramis.

'Let's hope the others had more luck,' Aramis sighed as Gabriel moved away.

Athos, Porthos and D'Artagnan trudged through the trees praying that they were indeed going in the right direction. The last thing they needed was to get lost.

'Who do you think was behind this?' D'Artagnan asked looking between Athos and Porthos for an answer.

'No idea,' Porthos replied flatly while Athos remained silent.

'Athos?' D'Artagnan asked with no reply.

'Hey, Athos. I can hear you thinking!' Porthos' booming voice knocked Athos out of his reverie.

'What?' Athos looked to his friends.

'I was just asking if you had any idea who those men might have been.' D'Artagnan raised an eyebrow checking that Athos had heard him this time.

'I don't know about the kidnappers but the men we handed over were those arrested for trying to kill Marie de Medici,' Athos replied.

'You mean the men the Cardinal framed to save face?' Porthos asked curiously as Athos nodded.

'Great,' D'Artagnan shook his head in exasperation as they emerged from the trees to find the royal carriage within eyesight.

Aramis started cleaning Tréville's wrists but was interrupted by Anne.

'Aramis?' she called.

'Yes,' he turned to look at her. She pointed in the direction of the shack and the three figures walking towards them. 'They don't look happy,' she remarked worriedly as Athos, Porthos and D'Artagnan approached. Aramis silently agreed.

Porthos spoke first, answering Aramis' unasked question, 'Bastards got away,' he growled and Anne could see the disappointment in his face.

'Fucking hell,' Athos muttered under his breath while leaning against the carriage anchoring himself on his hands with his head bowed. He suddenly froze as he realised that the Queen was there.

'Apologies, Your Majesty,' he said quickly bowing. 'My language was-'

'Acceptable for the situation,' she cut across him. She noticed how awkward he looked and she had never seen Athos like this before. It amused her to see the usually unflappable man looking anything but. She could also see the others smirking out of the corner of her eye. 'Do you honestly believe that my ears are that delicate?' she asked smiling.

Athos huffed and a small smile appeared on his lips as he looked her. She definitely wasn't offended.

'What happened?' Aramis asked clearing the awkward silence.

'Their plan was obviously to use the escape tunnel as soon as they could. They had no intention of fighting,' Athos had regained his usual poise and persona. 'This was well planned.'

'I thought as much when they attacked on the road,' Tréville added.

'Well it still appears that the Musketeers were unable to defend the Queen,' Rochefort said pompously as everyone turned towards him with looks of disgust. 'Another failure for your regiment.'

The musketeers were about to protest when another voice cut in.

'That's hardly fair Rochefort,' Anne said using all of her regal elegance as she addressed him. Gone was the persona of a woman talking with those she knew well. Now the Queen was speaking.

'You weren't there,' she added. 'The musketeers who accompanied me killed many of the attackers and all fought to defend me with courage and honour. They gave their lives to defend me against what was a well planned and executed plot. I must wonder if my attackers had gotten their information about my transport from someone close to the palace. I am grateful to the musketeers who gave their lives to protect me but I only wish they hadn't needed to do so. To suggest that they were incompetent in their duties is disrespectful and I will hear no more about it.'

Anne was pleased to hear the stunned silence ringing in her ears. She would not have the Musketeers disgraced.

Rochefort was stunned by the Queen's outburst. He had always known that she favoured the regiment but he had assumed it was only the men standing in front of him now that she really cared about. It seemed to him that the Queen would always champion the Musketeers over the Red Guard so if he was to get rid of the rival regiment he would need conclusive evidence of their failures.

Rochefort realised that Anne was glowering at him. A look she had never given him before but for some reason he was finding her even more attractive.

'My apologies, Your Majesty,' he said and left with a bow.

The musketeers were stunned by the Queen's response to Rochefort and all were glad to have her support.

'That was impressive,' Porthos muttered while D'Artagnan nodded beside him.

'Thank you Porthos,' Anne smiled as Porthos head snapped round to look at her as if he had momentarily forgotten that she was there.

'Ummm. Errr,' Porthos stuttered as he clearly hadn't meant to say his opinion out loud.

'I think what Porthos was trying to say was, thank you for the defence of our regiment,' Tréville smirked slightly as Porthos shifted his weight from one foot to the other nervously.

'I don't like to see judgements made on misinformation,' Anne sighed. 'Though rarely anybody listens to what I have to say.'

'We listen,' D'Artagnan said smiling and Anne could see he was telling the truth.

'And you listen to us,' Aramis' eyes were shining with pride and Anne couldn't help but look into them for a little longer than necessary.

For a fleeting moment Anne wished she wasn't the Queen and could spend her time listening to the men around her and more importantly have them hear what she had to say.

Constance was watching over the Dauphin as he slept in his crib. The child had been truly distressed an hour earlier and Constance wondered if the child had a special ability to feel when he mother was in danger. He had settled now and that made Constance sigh with relief as she hoped the Queen was safe.

She heard footsteps approaching and looked up but her smile faltered when she saw who had entered the room.

'Milady,' she said stiffly.

'Madame Bonacieux,' Milady replied with her usual confidence.

'What are you doing in here?'

'I was wondering how the Dauphin was,' Milady replied silkily.

'He's fine,' Constance was almost growling now.

'Clearly. The King was driving me mad. All that pacing,' Milady stood over the crib and smiled the most genuine smile that Constance had ever see from the woman. 'Lemay had to give him a sleeping draft to calm him down.'

'I'm surprised that you fought for the musketeers to rescue the Queen,' Constance said her voice dripping with disdain for the woman and yet she was obviously curious.

'Please tell me that you're not still bearing a grudge over what happened?' Milady moved towards Constance but Constance held her ground.

'You tried to kill me and the musketeers,' Constance replied with bite in her voice.

'True,' Milady swished away and headed for the door. 'The Cardinal required me to kill the musketeers and you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. In love with the wrong person. I no longer wish to kill them and I know my presence plagues my husband every day.' Milady sighed.

Constance had expected to see triumph in this woman and yet all she saw was sadness.

'But?' Constance prompted as Milady stood still in the doorway.

Milady hadn't realised that she had stood still as long as she had. The woman before her knew the truth about her. She might as well know this.

'But...I long for the man I married and the life we could have had together,' she said sadly as she took one more brief glance towards the sleeping Dauphin and left with a swish of her skirts.

For the first time Constance felt pity for this woman. Maybe it was because Milady wasn't the only one with dreams that could never come to fruition.

'Right Captain. Let me look at those ribs,' Aramis demanded with a cheeky smile as Tréville grumbled.

'Your Majesty,' D'Artagnan appeared next to her. 'Would you like to meet our horses? I think there may be a lot of grumbling and possibly swearing,' he said nodding towards Aramis and Tréville.

Anne chuckled softly as D'Artagnan offered his arm. Anne took it as they started moving towards the horses D'Artagnan looked back and muttered with a smile, 'Give it up Captain. Aramis always wins in the end.'

'You know from experience,' she asked lightly and D'Artagnan playfully grimaced and nodded.

They arrived at the horses and Anne released D'Artagnan's arm and moved to stroke the first animal's nose. The watched D'Artagnan thoughtfully. She understood why Constance liked him but Constance, like Anne, was trapped in loveless marriages with no escape.

'This Zad. My horse,' D'Artagnan explained as he delved into his saddlebag, retrieving the apple he was looking for.

'He's lovely,' Anne stroked Zad's nose and the horse closed his eyes lazily.

'They say our horses have the same personalities as us.'

Anne tilted her head enquiringly while D'Artagnan cursed himself for saying that.

'Zad can be a bit eager for the fight. Act first, think later,' he sighed.

'And that reflects you?' Anne smiled.

'Yeah,' D'Artagnan sounded embarrassed. 'Athos keeps telling me to use my head instead of my heart,' he finished honestly.

'Good advice,' Anne chimed making it clear that she wasn't judging him.

'This is Flip,' they moved on to the next horse. 'Porthos' horse.' D'Artagnan retrieved an apple from Porthos' saddlebag.

'I rather hope he doesn't live up to his name,' Anne laughed.

'Thankfully not. Flip like Porthos is strong and powerful,' D'Artagnan fed Flip the apple and the horse nudged his shoulder in thanks. 'Unlike Porthos, he doesn't cheat at cards.' Anne giggled slightly and felt herself starting to feel truly clam and safe.

'This is Fidget and like Aramis he gets bored very easily,' Anne could see the mischievous twinkle in the young man's eyes. 'Don't you,' he said to the horse.

D'Artagnan moved to give Anne the apple but Fidget tried to grasp it. D'Artagnan was too quick and handed it to Anne. Anne held out the apple and Fidget took it and huffed into her hair making her giggle.

'So this must be Athos' horse,' she said as they moved to last horse in the line.

'Yep, this is Roger. Disciplined, calm but fiery when he needs to be.' Anne thought that was a particularly good description of Athos as she handed Roger the apple that D'Artagnan handed to her.

Anne became aware of Aramis talking to D'Artagnan.

'One grumpy Captain later,' Aramis smiled as he placed the bandages back in his saddlebag and moved towards D'Artagnan. He stopped for moment to look at Anne than felt a prod in his back and stumbled slightly.

Aramis turned to his horse, 'You choose your moments to show affection don't you?' The horse whinnied in reply. Anne couldn't stifle her laughter as Aramis scratched Fidget's chin. The horse clearly adoring the action.

'He used to send me flying,' Aramis explained. 'Until he realised that wasn't very affectionate.' He laughed quietly. 'Didn't you?' he addressed the horse.

'Time to go!' Athos called and Anne started to make her way towards the carriage with Aramis and D'Artagnan.

Rochefort watched at the ease Anne showed with the musketeers. He was truly annoyed that she had not come to him when he had rescued her. These musketeers were far closer to his beloved Anne than he originally thought.

'Your Majesty?' he enquired.

'Hmm?' she paused and turned to look at him.

'I think it may be best if you were accompanied in the carriage,' he was hoping that he would now get some privacy with her.

'I think you may be right,' she smiled at him before turning towards the musketeers.

She could see Tréville and Aramis talking about whether the Captain should ride. Aramis clearly felt it wasn't a good idea.

She approached them and cleared her throat as both men turned to her.

'I do not wish to ride in the carriage alone. Would you accompany me Captain? Please?' she asked as Tréville looked resigned and Aramis looked rather smug.

'It will be my honour, Your Majesty,' he bowed and walked with her to the carriage. Rochefort couldn't believe what he had just witnessed. She should have taken the invitation to be alone with him. He shook his head and mounted his horse, still disbelieving.

It took an hour or so to clear the forest and thankfully the following musketeers had retrieved the bodies of their comrades from the road. Their friends would soon be laid to rest with the other fallen members of the regiment over the years.

Through it all Anne had tried to keep her composure but it was clearly slipping as Tréville had asked frequently if she was alright. She wasn't even sure if she had answered him. She was exhausted but her nerves were keeping her on edge and stopping her from sleeping. She managed to eat a few scraps but she really had no appetite even though she had barely eaten anything.

Ten minutes after they had exited the trees she couldn't take it anymore.

'STOP! STOP!' she shouted, actually she was practically screaming.

'Stop the carriage!' Tréville shouted leaning out of the window as Durand pulled on the reins.

She had to get out. The carriage was slowing but before it stopped she opened the door and jumped down to the ground. She moved to the edge of the road bent double and breathing heavily. She could hear shouts all around her but she couldn't distinguish what they were saying, nor did she care. She was breathing rapidly.

As the Queen jumped from the carriage Rochefort, Athos and Aramis leaped from their horses. Rochefort moved towards Anne as quickly as possible but cursed as Aramis arrived first.

'Your Majesty?' Aramis asked tentatively. He reached out but knew he probably shouldn't touch her.

Anne heard the familiar calm of the voice speaking to her. She turned towards him. Everything felt as though time was moving slowly. She felt herself lose her balance and grabbed Aramis' left arm with her right hand. She looked up to his eyes and felt herself calm. His right hand touched her left shoulder to balance her.

'It's alright. You're safe. I've got you,' Aramis was using the words Rochefort had used just hours earlier but this time Aramis' smooth voice and warm eyes calmed her. 'Try to breathe deeply,' he was speaking again. She obeyed as her breaths finally slowed down and became deeper.

Athos must have said something as Anne heard Aramis explain, 'Panic attack,' to the swordsman.

'We need to move,' she heard Athos reply.

'Forgive me, Athos. I will be ready in a moment,' she said looking up at him but she saw a softer expression from the man that rarely had any expression at all.

'Take you time, Majesty,' he said comfortingly and she looked to Aramis who nodded.

'It was just too claustrophobic,' she blurted out. 'I know it's safer but I just...' her heavy breathing started again.

She didn't see Aramis and Athos exchange concerned looks.

'Your Majesty,' it was Aramis, 'Would you feel better riding with me until we reach the outskirts of Paris? It will be safer for you in the carriage after that.'

Anne looked from Aramis to Athos, who didn't seem to reject the idea and looked back to Aramis and could see he was waiting for a reply.

'Would you mind?' she asked weakly.

'Of course not,' he smiled in return. She felt her heart warm at his smile and she no longer felt panicked.

He guided her towards Fidget who was being held still be D'Artagnan. Aramis mounted and Porthos and Athos appeared at her side.

'This may not be very elegant, Your Majesty,' Porthos was half-grinning at his statement and she smiled backed.

'Elegance is the least of my worries right now,' she responded huffing a laugh, briefly looking at her torn and dirty dress. Athos and Porthos helped to lift her up as Aramis managed to seat her on his saddle.

'Fidget, behave,' D'Artagnan warned the horse and Anne looked down amused. Aramis' arms encircled her as he took hold of the reins.

'D'Artagnan fancies himself as a horse whisperer,' Aramis quipped from behind her.

'No,' D'Artagnan corrected with fake exasperation. 'Just a former farmer who is used to communicating with animals,' he grinned back as he moved to mount his own horse.

They started to move again when Aramis noticed that Tréville was riding his own horse.

'Captain. I thought I said riding was a bad idea,' Aramis raised his eyebrows slightly.

'With all respect, I'm not riding in that thing,' he indicated the carriage by jabbing his thumb behind him, 'alone.'

Anne felt Aramis chuckle. She could feel his body heat and how his arms touched her sides as he controlled the reins. She felt calmer than she had all day. She could smell Aramis' scent of leather, gunpowder and sweat. When did sweat become attractive? She had always known men who wore perfumes and smelled of flowers and could never begin to think of smelling sweaty. They were men that couldn't defend her. The musketeers could.

She felt her eyes starting to droop as her exhaustion took hold. Surely she couldn't fall asleep here on a moving horse. She wanted to lean back on Aramis and fall asleep with his warmth around her. She was sure he wouldn't mind. She didn't care that she was the Queen and it would be seen as improper. She was tired.

She couldn't help herself as she leant back on him. She shifted so that her head rested in the crook of Aramis' neck. She was safe now. The last thing she felt was Aramis pulling her cloak around her as she fell asleep on his shoulder.

Aramis looked up sheepishly as the Queen nestled into his neck and her hand moved across his chest to grip the edge of his doublet. Porthos and D'Artagnan were grinning broadly and even Athos' had a small quirk of his mouth with his eyes were twinkling. Tréville was also smiling but Rochefort had a face like thunder.

'That is highly inappropriate,' Rochefort growled as he drew level with Tréville.

'Give over Rochefort,' Tréville snapped back. 'She's exhausted. She barely slept in Dreux and she didn't sleep last night. She finally feels safe. Besides she isn't the first and she certainly won't be the last woman to fall asleep on that shoulder.'

'That's what you think,' Rochefort thought.

'That's a rather a comfortable shoulder,' Athos voice startled Rochefort slightly. He raised his eyebrows at the swordsman. 'Believe me, when you're injured in the middle of nowhere that is a very comfortable pillow.'

They continued to travel conversing quietly so as not to disturb their sleeping Queen.

Anne blinked her eyes open. She could hear Aramis calling, 'Your Majesty,' he nudged her slightly as she looked around and saw Paris in the distance. It was starting to get dark

'How long have I been asleep?' she turned to Aramis.

'A while,' he smiled back. She turned to see Porthos smiling up at her, ready to help her down from the horse.

She placed her hands on his shoulders and he lifted her down but her legs had gone to sleep and she collapsed slightly but Porthos held his grip and kept her upright. She nodded her thanks as she tried to get the blood flowing though her legs again.

'Shake yer legs,' Porthos said as held her arm. She looked up at him curiously. 'Shake yer legs,' he kicked his legs out to demonstrate. 'Gets the blood flowing,' he smiled.

She kicked her legs out slightly and felt the blood returning and her legs feeling stronger and she smiled up at him.

Athos held his hand out for support as she climbed into the carriage. She was surprised to find Tréville already seated.

'You don't have to stay Captain, if you prefer to ride,' she said quietly.

'Actually Your Majesty, I think I do need to stay. Aramis was right,' he said with slight annoyance. 'Riding was not the best thing to do with my ribs,' he smiled sheepishly and she huffed a laugh.

Anne knew she would be home soon.

A/N: I hope this didn't stray too much from the story. I needed a bit of comfort myself. :)