Treville

The plan was a risky one but did they have anything else? Their enemy has once again proven to be truly dangerous. They were still one step behind. They were responding to his actions. If they wanted to win, this would have to change.

However, the current situation had a bright side too - his men seemed to be healing. He would not forget soon Aramis' cries and pleas, but they belonged to the past.

For now. You know how damaged he is. You know they've killed the man you recruited.

He has survived the massacre. He has forgiven me. He will finally bounce back from this.

Do you really believe in it? Have you seen it before?

He's stronger than this. He sacrificed himself for brotherhood and the brotherhood will save him.

"Captain?", an anxious voice cut into his thoughts.

He bowed reflexively.

"Your Majesty"

The Queen was standing in front of him, watching him intently.

He needed to tell her the truth not to hurt her any further.

"Your Majesty please do not mourn musketeers who are officially dead", he told her gently. Her eyes widened in alarm, he held her intent gaze.

She is so beautiful. How can I blame Aramis for loving her? She cares so much for him.

"Officially", she repeated, "So how do we act, Captain?"

"Rochefort sent men to kill them. The killer was blackmailed. Aramis decided to give him a chance to redeem himself. I am not sure it will work, but it's worth a try. My men are still working to reveal the Spanish intelligence network, but as far as I know there is no real connection between those people and Rochefort. The comte has just disappeared… but he's still plotting against… France."

"Against us", Anne whispered.

They were silent for a long moment.

"How's my husband?", she asked finally.

"His Majesty is safe. He's recovering but his grasp on reality remains somewhat weak."

I am not sure how he's going to react when he's truly lucid. I hope Milady will manage to explain the situation to him before he orders to execute us.

Who have I become if I rely on a former spy of the Cardinal?

"Captain… you've done your best. The King will understand it… even if it takes him a while.", she smiled sadly.

He heard a muffled sob from the adjacent room. The sound froze him.

Has Constance died? The Queen doesn't seem to be grieving but she has been raised to conceal her emotions.

To ask the question seemed suddenly so difficult. He wanted to avoid the struggle to keep d'Artagnan alive if his beloved died.

The quiet laugh surprised him but gave no relief. Grief could lead to madness. Some of his thoughts must have reflected in his eyes as the Queen smiled warmly.

"Constance is conscious. D'Artagnan is with her now."

Treville relaxed a bit. However the Queen should not be alone surrounded by men! It was highly inappropriate.

For some even more than being surrounded by assassins…

"I need your help, Captain", Anne said solemnly. Treville wished he could read her thoughts. Her eyes reminded him of the ice of mountain glacier. Their blue color was a warning, a lethal threat. He realized he had never seen his Queen like that. He had never doubted in her inner strength but never suspected to see anything so deadly in her eyes.

"I am here to serve, your Majesty."

"The spies are everywhere aren't they? I think it's high time to pray for my defender's health in the Cathedral. The Queen can show no fear. Am I right, Captain?"

No! You cannot act as a bait! No!

"It's forbidden to risk your life!", he stated.

"Is it? The people I could trust are wounded. Am I not an easy victim here? I want to challenge him and defeat him. I won't wait for a strike, afraid of every shadow."

"Your Majesty, I am afraid I cannot let you.."

"I am not asking for your permission but for your help, Captain.", she interrupted him, "I would appreciate protection of your men and your advice…"

Her intense gaze told him one - she had already made her decision and she would follow her plan even without his assistance.

"Very well. Since it seems impossible to make you change your mind, I won't abandon you."

She looked relieved and pleased.

"I suggest the mass for the victims. Those healing and those dead. I will insist on a week time between the announcement and a mass itself."

"Otherwise it will be suspect.", she agreed but she still was not happy with this.

"I am afraid my best men won't be fit for duty by then", he added worriedly. She needed to know that the Inseparables whom she trusted would not be able to defend her.

"I know.", she replied though some sadness was in her eyes, "How are they?"

"They're healing. Lemay is much relieved that Aramis has regained consciousness and is lucid. Still he needs time to recover. The same goes for Athos and Porthos.", after time of uncertainty and anxiety those indeed were good news so he was not surprised when a small smile played on Queen's lips.

"I'll make the announcement tomorrow", she decided.

Treville bowed slightly to acknowledge her words while his mind already worked on the trap they would set.

"Do you wish to speak to d'Artagnan?", she asked.

He nodded as he needed to warn the lad before the grief made him to act. The Queen gestured towards the inner door.

He knocked and heard the invitation. His musketeer was sitting on the bed, Constance leaning against him. She was still too pale but she looked far much better.

D'Artagnan made a confused face as he should have stood up quickly to greet his Captain but he did not want to disturb his sweetheart.

Treville smiled and gestured towards them to stay put.

"What I am going to say is only for your ears and you won't even discuss it between you, as secrecy is our only weapon.", he said. Both his listeners instinctively leaned towards him, their curious eyes fixed on him.

Constance's reaction reassured Captain that she was truly on the mend. He told them their whole plan using as few words as he could. There was understanding in their eyes and a readiness to act.

That woman should wear a pauldron…

"Constance you need to recover. There's no other task for you.", he said admonishingly.

"I won't agree with you, Captain. I can be hidden with Aramis and reload his guns."

"When have I said that Aramis will be in the Cathedral?!", he asked exasperatedly.

"We both know that", Constance replied, "and as the dead, we can grant you the surprise you'll need."

As much as he did not like to admit it, Constance was right.

A/N

Legate of Apples, thank you for betaing!