Sometimes Salvation is Found in Agony
Chapter Twenty-Five
Inside the Queen's chambers…
Constance remained at Anne's bedside in a constant vigil, working hard to bring down the fever as she wiped a cool, wet cloth across her forehead and along her neck, arms, and legs. The other women that worked for the Queen quickly learned to follow Madam Bonacieux's lead and instructions, as she seemed to know what she was doing and because Her Majesty made it clear to them that she wanted Constance there before she had taken ill. Seeing how much care the married woman showed for Anne now, it was clear that Constance was where she belonged.
While within the haze of her fever, Anne slipped in and out of consciousness, muttering words and fractured sentences, most of which were incomprehensible. However, one word, one name, was spoken very clearly; Aramis. Even though she knew the other ladies in waiting would never speak out against their Queen, Constance prayed that they would not walk into the bedchamber while the musketeer was spoken of, for fear that both Anne's and Aramis' lives would be put at risk, as well as d'Artagnan's and the rest of the four that she had come to care for and respect very deeply.
Anne also spoke out of her child, which Constance also feared for. Even if Anne lived, there was a very real chance that the baby wouldn't and if that happened, the Queen and Aramis would be devastated. Aramis was already not dealing well with his pain he felt from before. To add this pain on top of it all, would send him straight over the edge.
"Ara… Aramis…" Anne spoke again weakly. "Please… forgive me."
"I am certain Aramis blames you for nothing," Constance responded softly as she continued bathing her. "You must be strong, not only for yourself, but for your baby as well, and for him. You both must live, for the man you love."
It was then that Captain Treville cleared his throat as he walked into the room, startling Constance so badly that she jumped up from her seat, causing her to drop the basin onto the floor, spilling the water and soaking the carpet. The man quickly rushed over and began to use a towel to sop up some of the water until Constance knelt down and took over for him.
He stood slowly as he spoke up saying, "I do apologize for startling you, Madam Bonacieux. It was wrong of me to enter, without knocking first. I came to check in on Her Highness. How is she doing?"
Constance answered nervously, "Her Majesty is doing better, Sir, though sadly she is far from being well again. Dr. Maloraux seems certain that she'll recover. I hope he's right."
"As do I," the soldier replied as he looked down upon Queen Anne worryingly. "And how are you, aside from my mistake of scaring you moments ago. You appear exhausted, as you should be."
"Though I am tired, I know that I am needed here," Madam Bonacieux responded as she stood and walked over to the Queen's nightstand, to refill the basin with more water so that she could continue. "Believe me when I say that there is no place I would rather be right now than right here. For the first time in my life, I am doing something of worth."
Treville nodded and then answered, "I understand very well. Madam Bonacieux, I wish to speak with you, about something I am afraid will be…"
Constance looked up at the Captain with defiance in her eyes as she sat down once again beside Anne, and interrupted him as she said, "If you wish me to betray the Queen's confidence, I can't. I won't. I don't know what you heard as you walked in here, but I cannot say what she has asked me to keep quiet. Though I can say, you need not be concerned."
"I respect your strength and obedience to Her Highness and I would never ask you to betray the Queen's trust," Captain Treville replied sincerely. "I only wished to speak with you about your own relationship between you and your husband. You seem to truly be happy to be away from him all this time and he seemed only too happy that you would be gone in the service of our Queen. Has there been trouble between the two of you, trouble due to having one of my men once keeping quarters with you?"
"Absolutely not, Captain!" she responded in frustration. "I mean, my relationship with my husband has always been strained, but it certainly does not have anything to do with d'Artagnan. He chose to leave our home in order to be with his comrades during this troubling time. With everything that has been happening with Monsieur Aramis…"
Treville nodded as he answered, "Of course, of course. I apologize again, for insinuating something more. I only wished to see if there was something I could do for you, to help you. I am very grateful for all you have done for Her Majesty."
Constance smiled as she replied, "I am grateful for the opportunity, Sir."
"As for what you were saying to Anne as I walked in here, you need not worry either," he stated before leaving. "All I heard was you telling her she must remain strong for both her baby and for the man she loves. Good evening, Madam Bonacieux."
"Good night," she said, as she watched the Captain leave, then got back to taking care of Anne as she continued speaking to her, though more quietly out of fear of who might be listening. "I am sorry for nearly giving everything away. I know Captain Treville is loyal to you and would never wish to see you in pain, but he is also loyal to the King. Your burden is a heavy burden to bear, one which I, d'Artagnan, Athos, and Porthos will always help you to carry so that you and Aramis will never have to do it alone."