'Wait!'

They turned around in surprise as Athos barrelled up the stairs to run after a lady in a russet dress, running out of sight.

Porthos and Aramis looked at each other and ran after them.

Athos caught up with her as she ran to her room, tears falling down her face, hardly understanding how she had given herself away like that, given away her secret with Athos so simply, under the threat of pain.

'Just leave me!'

'What the hell's going on? What's he done to you?' He ignored the protocol that usually forbade him to enter a lady's room without her permission. She was curled up in the corner, weeping. He ran to her and tried to take her in his arms. 'Just stop!' she shouted at him, no longer caring where her anger was directed at.

'What did I do? Sabine? Tell me' he appealed to her, noticing that one hand was clutching at her left shoulder. He lightly prised her hand away and peeled down her sleeve. Some spots of blood could be seen through the white band. He got his handkerchief out and gently cleaned the marks around the brand with some water. The blood was still trickling slightly and as he wiped it away, he couldn't help noticing how someone had dug their nails malevolently in. And he could bet who it was.

A scuffle at the door alerted him to the presence of his friends, trying not to draw attention to the fact that they had arrived where they weren't needed.

'Everything alright?' asked Porthos.

Athos nodded and turned back to Milady. Too late, they had both realised that they had left the brand uncovered a second too late and the other musketeer's eyes had noticed the strange mark on her shoulder. She hastily covered it with the bloodstained handkerchief.

'What happened?' asked Aramis.

'Nothing. I just fell.'

They weren't convinced one bit and it showed on their faces. Athos turned to them. 'It's fine, I've got it covered. Keep an eye on Richelieu.' They nodded and left the room.

'Tell me.'

He sat next to her and kissed the top of her bare shoulder.

'I've ruined your handkerchief' she whispered tremulously.

'I never use it' he reassured her.

She took it back and buried her face in a clean corner, soaking it with tears.

'He knows' she whispered. 'He knows everything. I'll never be able to get away from him.'