Treville*

I opened my eyes to a bright room. My old offices at the Garrison. My mind immediately went to the pain in my chest. It seemed dull at the moment. The room was empty, save me. My eyes grew heavy and I closed them for what felt like a moment. Soon enough I was awakened by Aramis.

"Aramis." I mumbled. My mouth was dry, and every breath hurt.

"Captain. How are you feeling?"

"Thirsty." I choked out.

He brought me some water, I sipped as best I could. Everything hurt. He sat in a chair beside my cot.

"What happened?" I asked as I rested my head back on the pillow.

"We were attacked. We were not the only ones watching Gaston's home, apparently. You were shot." He pointed to me.

"I am aware of that part." I said dryly.

"Yes well, Porthos and I dug the bullet out at camp and brought you straight here after. You're very lucky, Captain. A few centimeters over and we wouldn't have been able to save you."

I noticed for the first time that my arm was in a sling.

"My arm?"

"It's just to keep you from tearing the stitching." He said.

Just then there was a knock on the door. Athos entered...followed by the one person who could truly stop my heart.

"Your Majesty!" I tried to get up, but failed and the pain almost had me cursing in front of the Queen.

"Stay where you are, Treville." Her commanding voice was a soothing balm to me.

"We don't need you getting yourself hurt even worse." Athos said pointedly.

I breathed in slowly, "You shouldn't be here your Majesty."

She gave me a sly glance, "Treville, are you ordering your Queen?"

"Of course not, your Majesty." I rested my head back against the pillow and closed my eyes. I wanted to subtly see any exchange between Aramis and the queen, but I just couldn't keep my eyes open. I couldn't stay alert.

I remember coming to and seeing the men huddled in a corner. A fire was going. A chair was pulled beside my bed and sitting by my side was Anne. She touched a damp cloth to my brow as I opened my eyes

"Your Majesty-" I began but she silenced me.

"Shh. You should be resting."

"I don't want to miss you." I confessed in a whisper. I cursed myself. It must be the alcohol they've been giving me. I hoped the others didn't hear.

"I'm not going anywhere."

"The King?"

"He's hunting. But never mind that, you're going to be moved to the palace soon. I'm going to look after you." She whispered.

I wanted to argue. I really wanted to protest. I wanted to say how dangerous it was for me to be in a weakened state around her. I was barely able to resist my feelings when I was at my full capability, but there's no telling what I might say now. Obviously.

Unable to control myself, not even thinking I reached for her hand and covered it with mine. It was so small. She closed her other hand on top of mine. Her delicate fingers began to trace each of my knuckles. I wanted to beg her to stop. What if someone saw?

My eyes couldn't stay open again. They were so heavy. I could hear her telling me to rest. So I did, and hard. When I awoke I was in a bedroom at the palace. There were servants and a physician all talking around each other. Then suddenly a hush came over the room as the doors opened.

"Your Majesty," I tried to force myself to sit up, but again I couldn't find the strength. It was humiliating. Louis came to stand beside my bed, and Anne was not far behind.

"How are you feeling Treville?" He asked.

"Better. Thanks to the Queen for providing me such excellent care."

"Nonsense, Treville. You are a Minister of France. You shall of course have the best care. The Queen was quite right to bring you back here." He said.

I was taken aback by his compliment to Anne, and so was she. The look on her face told me everything. It was shining with pride at finally being recognized by Louis. I hate to admit I was a bit jealous. I was even more angry at myself because I had no right to be jealous. She is a wife. A mother. The Queen of France. I have no place feeling anything towards her.

Louis had a word with the physician and then they left me to rest. My mind was wandering though...Louis looked pale. He didn't quite seem like himself. Anne sent me one last look before being ushered outside the room.

Days later Louis appeared unannounced in my chamber. He was looking pale and drawn, and I had a feeling that whatever he was about to tell me was going to change our lives forever.

"You are a dear friend, Treville. But, if you tell the Queen, or anyone else what I've told you I will hang you without a second thought,"

The words of a dying king lay sharp and cold at my feet.