D'Artagnan grasped Eadan around her waist and help guide her from the seat of the cart. He held her hand as she rubbed her lower back with the other and shook her head as the long day of traveling caused her bones to ache and her muscles to hurt. Osgar stepped off the cart and led the draft gelding toward the stables. He looked up as a groom took the gelding's lead, relieving him of his responsibility.

Evan jumped from the back of the cart as it was led away, grabbed his brother's hand, and walked in step with him toward his grandmother, who stood with d'Artagnan looking at the chateau.

"I've never seen anything so grand in all my days," Eadan said. Evening hadn't set, but the torches lining the walkway to the estate were lit. She could see activity in the gardens as chairs were set out, a fire pit was prepared, and tables set aside for meals. A platform was raised near the steps of the chateau and draped with elegant cloth and rosettes. "Is someone getting married?"

"It's the celebration for the hunt, Madame Eadan, and of course, the king's appreciation of your effort," Aramis said, as he lifted Jermaine from the saddle and handed him off to d'Artagnan, and then dismounted.

"The king certainly likes to grandstand, doesn't he?" Eadan chuckled and grabbed Jermaine's hand.

Two grooms took d'Artagnan's and Aramis' horses. Eadan lowered herself to her knees and forced her grandson before her. She looked at Jermaine, grabbed his chin and forced him to look at her.

"You will obey me, and Osgar, and you will be on your best behavior. Do you understand me?" She raised her eyebrows and met his eyes. "Do not get distracted with all the beautiful things, or the beautiful people, touch nothing."

Jermaine twisted his mouth and nodded. "Yes, Nana."

"I do not want to be embarrassed in front of the king and queen, Jermaine, and I will not lose my head over a broken vase or misplaced statue."

"Yes, Nana."

Eadan stood, dusted her skirt, and nodded. She took his hand and walked with him as d'Artagnan and Aramis escorted them to the estate.

"The king would never —" Aramis said, but stopped when Eadan raised her hand and pointed toward Jermaine.

"He doesn't need to know that."

Aramis smiled and nodded. He slipped her hand in the crook of his elbow as he walked. Osgar and Evan followed.

The chateau's guards bowed, opened the doors, and allowed them to enter. Eadan watched as staff rushed from one location to the next with fresh linens, dresses carried from the laundry and returned to their owners, and trays of food tray to be delivered to rooms with nobility. She paused when Aramis and d'Artagnan stopped and suddenly bowed. Eadan curtsied, unsure why and then looked to see the smiling face of the queen next to the comtesse. The royal guards surrounded the women and their ladies-in-waiting.

"Aramis," Anne said, "d'Artagnan, it is good to see you both." She smiled and stepped forward. "This must be, Madame Eadan?"

Eadan nodded, her voice caught in her throat.

"My husband is very much looking forward to meeting you and your grandsons," Anne looked at the boys and the young man before her, "such handsome young men."

Jermaine yanked on his grandmother's hand. "Is that the queen?"

Eadan rolled her eyes, turned a darker shade of red, and looked toward her grandson. "Jermaine, mind your tongue."

Anne smiled, her cheeks bright, and said, "Yes, young Master Jermaine, I am your queen."

"Do you like chickens?"

Eadan hid her face with her hand and shook her head. "My apologies, your Majesty," she said, "I have indulged Jermaine's overactive imagination. He makes it a habit of feeding the chickens every morning with his…" she paused, "imaginary friend, King Louis."

Anne giggled, as did Catherine. "How delightful. I happen to enjoy chickens, although, the king has ordered the deaths of all roosters within a mile of the palace," she bent at the waist and looked at the boy, "he enjoys his sleep. I'm sure you can forgive him for such an act."

Jermaine shrugged. "Roosters aren't chickens… they can't lay eggs."

D'Artagnan rubbed his nose to hide his smile. Aramis chuckled, but admired Anne for her patience, and he watched the actions of a woman who would one day make a wonderful mother.

Anne smiled and nodded. She looked up, caught Aramis' eyes for just a moment before she looked away and met Eadan's. "Perhaps you would like to join us for a little pampering," she held her hand for Eadan to take, "we ladies need time to prepare for the festivities tomorrow and our beauty does not wait on any man."

"My grandsons —"

"Will be seen to by the king's most trusted musketeers," Anne said. She placed her hand on Eadan's shoulder and guided her down the hall between herself and Catherine, They spoke and giggled as they walked.

Aramis lifted Jermaine and placed him on his shoulders. "Keep watch, young man."