Please forgive any grammatical errors that may occur. I was writing with three teenagers, a three-year-old and four dogs running around yesterday-lol.
The Comtesse paced the floor of her ornate, gilded bed chamber, so angry and frustrated that she couldn't sit still.
I have a plethora of imbeciles working for me," she fumed. "They cannot do one relatively simple command I have given them. I have half a mind to send them all away, and obtain servants who will do my bidding."
Her thoughts continued in this vein as she restlessly continued to pace.
Then, she abruptly came to a halt as the realization hit her.
I need to do it myself, she thought. And I will make it slow. I will not kill him outright. He deserves to suffer first. For that, unfortunately, I may have to give my servants a second chance, much as I detest doing so, as I will need assistance. The one thing they have done well is keep my activities private. Maybe they will redeem themselves in the other activities, as well.
I first need to come up with a way to get him into my power. Somehow, he needs to come to my estate. It will have to be a clever piece of trickery, because he has rejected me, so he will not want to come.
Suddenly, she halted mid-step.
I have it! she cried aloud, almost triumphantly. He will be mine to do with as I please, a very satisfied smile lighting up her countenance.
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After a week, Aramis was constantly insisting he didn't need to stay in bed any longer as he got better. His brothers, familiar with the marksman's hiding any pain, just casually ignored the comments until they were satisfied that he really was better.
When Athos finally asked Aramis one day if he would like to join them for the midday meal. Aramis nodded so enthusiastically that it was hard for the swordsman to contain his grin.
They couldn't convince him after that outing that he needed any more rest, so he began working out with his sword and pistol, saying he would be riding on their next mission. They just decided among themselves that Treville could handle that decision.
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Aramis must have been very persuasive, Athos thought to himself. The marksman had a grin from ear to ear as he headed for their usual table to break their fast at the morning meal.
He could barely wait til he sat down to tell them he was on duty again, 'as of today' he finished.
They congratulated him, and enjoyed their meal.
Once done, they saddled up and headed for the palace for duty. Aramis was almost as enthusiastic as if it was his first time.
Patrolling the palace and then around the perimeter of its grounds, they noticed many people enjoying the beautiful day.
Someone in return was noticing and following their movements, a smile on her face as she strolled with her friends, but a heart full of malice hidden within.
Soon, she promised herself.
Turning to one of her friends, Helene, she linked arms with her and excused both of them, leading her bemused friend off on another path.
"What are you up to, Genevieve?," Helene asked in a low voice, so as not to be overheard.
The Comtesse, surveying the people out walking, smiled when she saw that the Musketeers had been delegated for palace duty, on the grounds, too. Perfect! she silently exclaimed.
"I need a favor, my dear friend,' she replied.
Helene, well aware of some of the past escapades of the friend walking closely beside her, slowly turned her head, asking, "What kind of a favor?" her voice revealing her suspicions
The Comtesse laughed when she heard the clear hesitation in Yvette's voice.
"Oh, do not be so worried, Yvette. I would not ask you to kidnap someone (not exactly, she thought), or kill anyone. I would just like you to befriend someone. Maybe let him think you find him attractive. He is, after all, known to turn the ladies' heads around the palace."
"And why would I be befriending him?" Yvette then asked. "That is usually a pastime of yours, not mine."
"I upset him badly by flirting with another gentleman, and now he does not wish to be in my company. All I need you to do is spend a little time with him, and maybe you can ask him to accompany you while you visit a friend."
"Why?" Yvetteasked, confused by her friend's request.
"I hope that maybe after seeing you several times, he will accompany you while you visit a friend, who shall remain nameless until you both arrive at Melisande's home, where I will be. Then, he and I can talk and mend our relationship."
Yvette thought about it, and decided there wasn't anything untoward with request. So, she nodded her head, saying, "All right. It seems simple enough."
They continued on their walk, their heads together, discussing how they would proceed.
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Aramis soon tired despite his protestations, and they returned to the garrison.
As they walked back through the streets of Paris, he wondered who the young woman whom he had see walking with the Comtesse.
She was attractive, and he knew he would remember if he had seen her before.
She must be newly arrived in Paris from the country, he decided. Most noble families had one or more estates scattered around the countryside. They would spend part of the year in Paris at the Court, then retire from the public eye to their estates.
He still didn't trust the Comtesse. She had obviously been spoiled since birth, as many of the children of the aristocrats were, and expected life to drop in their laps anything (or anyone, he amended) they desired.
He knew she highly resented him for rejecting a relationship with her. But he had no desire for her, and now she knew it.
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Later, the Comtesse congratulated herself on the plan she had conceived. Her friend was too naive for her own good, she thought. I would never fall for the story I concocted. But then, she chuckled to herself as she thought, her very naivete would make her believable to Aramis, and he would go along with everything she suggested.
He is mine now, she gloated.