Treville*

Louis is playing a dangerous game with Phillipe. Worse, I have no idea why. With so much at stake Louis should be strong and steadfast, but he is not. He seems childish and confused. He shuts Anne...the Queen out constantly. He refuses to see her. Thankfully, he still confides in me.

Although, that would change if he knew. Everything would change if he knew. I've looked after her since she first arrived in Paris. I've watched over her from my rightful and dignified distance. But, I'll admit that during the war we grew closer. She came to rely on me more and more.

Her heart was broken from Aramis, and her faithful Musketeers had all been sent to war. Louis refused her, and I was the only man around. Perhaps that's why she became drawn to me? Convenience. But then, that doesn't explain why I was drawn to her.

If the King had been any other man and treated her like that...I would have rightfully called him out. Too many times I watched as he belittled her, and treated her harshly. She handled it with poise and strength. And I think that's what caught my eye. I love a strong woman.

I love her.

Even if she were not the Queen of France people would still have a hard time accepting us together. I mean, honestly I'm not a fool. She is young, and has much to live for, and her beauty... I am not as young as I once was. We would be ridiculed. I could never do that to her. Not that I would ever step out of line that far.

The other night was a mistake. I should have stepped back.

Walked away.

Denied her touch.

But, she's been denied so much already.

For one moment I felt her touch. The touch not of a queen, but of a woman. A woman who is so fragile and rare, but also so incredibly strong. If Louis is playing a dangerous game then the game Anne and myself are playing is downright volatile.

I could have lived with my feelings forever. Until they went away, or until I die. But now how can I? How can I go back when I know her touch. When I know that she feels the same way about me. How can I ever pretend? She thinks I'm a strong man. The men look to me...she looks to me...the King of France looks to me.

"Captain." Aramis called pulling me from my thoughts, "There's been no movement." He crouched down beside me.

I studied him, this man who I had come to cherish as a son. Did he still care for her Majesty? They share a connection...the Dauphin. Beyond that...It hurt too much to imagine how he would think of me if he ever knew the truth of my feelings for Anne. Events had lead him to the Musketeers again, and having him back had made me so happy.

The King had sent me on this mission, and I chose to bring Porthos and Aramis. D'Artangan was watching over the Garrison. I left Athos to protect her Majesty. Still, my mind wasn't anywhere near focused.

Louis wanted knowledge of his brother Gaston's movements and whereabouts. We'd been camped here for two days. Nothing worthy of reporting. I was perched at the top a hill overlooking his estate.

"I think it is safe to say that Gaston is not here." Aramis said while rising to his feet.

I followed suit, "Maybe not, but I still want to stay at least until tomorrow to be sure."

Aramis nodded and turned to go back towards our camp. I stood and followed him. What happened next is all still a blur...

I heard a shot.

"Aramis! Down!" I shouted.

I saw Aramis running back towards me. I waved him off. By then there was gunfire coming up the hill. I felt a white hot pain in my chest.

"Captain!" Aramis shouted. I looked up in time to see his face.

I tasted the metallic flavor of blood.

"I can't breathe." I sputtered.

My eyes darted frantically. I saw Porthos firing furiously in the opposite direction. Then, I closed my eyes and saw Anne's face. If this was to be the last sight I see in this world then so be it.

Anne*

Days passed with no word from Treville. No word from anyone. I could have settled my nerves but for the look on the face of Athos.

"Athos, please. You would tell me if anything had happened?"

"Of course, Your Majesty,"

His face was emotionless, but I knew better. He was worried. As was I. With only Athos here to protect me there was very little that could be done. At least Treville had chambers inside the palace, and his presence here was not questioned. Athos, however had seemingly no reason to be loitering around me constantly. Phillipe had called attention to Louis, and Athos was questioned. He stated that with the others gone away, he'd been charged with looking after the palace by Treville.

"Ah. Good man, Treville," Louis said gleefully.

My shoulders eased considerably. However, the lingering suspicious looks from Phillipe continued to make me uneasy. No, I wouldn't feel safe until Treville was back.