Multitasking while making jam has not been my wisest decision. I wanted to have this posted much earlier, but it just didn't happen. My apologies! Thank you all for your wonderful feedback, for reading, and continuing with me on this journey. There is so much more to come!
On with the ride...
"King Louis knows his own mind," Henry said, and watched a flock of sparrows flutter within the branches of the willow tree that threatened to lean into the Seine.
"He's a good king," Athos said. He removed his hat and ran his fingers through his hair. He shifted uncomfortably and grasped the brim and tapped it against his thigh.
"He depended on Richelieu," Henry said, and cleared his throat. "The cardinal had a way of benefiting France when all else failed." He turned with a knowing smile. "Of course, everyone in Europe knew he was a pompous ass."
Athos choked back a chuckle and nodded, and though he tried to hide his smile, he couldn't and listed to the water slap the banks.
"I have no doubt, Captain," Henry suddenly grew somber and scratched the back of his neck, "that you and the Musketeers will protect the king and everything he holds dear — my concern — however, is just how far are you willing to go to protect his emotional state?"
"The king is our priority, Your Highness, no matter the cost," Athos said. "What is it you're implying?"
"General Raboin — the king's cousin — is not to be trusted, Captain." Henry squared his shoulders and looked at his guards. "I've had several interactions with him over the course of the years, and each interaction has proven to be less than honorable. I told the king what I knew for certain… and, despite not having proof — I am certain that his compromising character will not benefit France, but instead… Spain." He looked at Athos. "My spies are very reliable, and if they bring me information, I will not hesitate to act on it."
"And if they're wrong —"
"They have not been wrong yet."
Athos frowned, licked his bottom lip with the tip of his tongue, and said, "What do you believe him guilty of?"
Henry took a long deep breath and glanced at the palace gardens in the distance and said, "I believe he is guilty of treason. I believe he has sold himself to the Spanish for land, gold, and a young wife."
"There has been no mention —"
"Captain," Henry interrupted, "France is at war. France has been at war for years. But instead of facing an enemy on the battlefield, your king has been fighting through letters, meetings, and treaties. You are months — if not weeks — away from facing an enemy on the battlefield that has been fighting for over a decade. You are looking at bloodshed and the loss of your men," he said. "King Louis has managed himself well over the course of the years, but he needs men who will protect him, no matter the cost."
"Just him?"
Henry quirked a smile. "If France loses this fight, Captain Athos of the King's Musketeers, Spain, will become Europe's most powerful empire. For your sake — and mine — we cannot let that happen. The king seems to have faith in you and your men. Even if you are small in number, he believes in you to do the right thing." He paused and took a long deep breath as he smelled the fresh air. "I will endeavor to do the same." He turned and said, "you have a very stoic presence about you. I might have considered you to be a son of nobility — am I wrong in my assumption?"
Athos grew uneasy as he walked beside Henry toward the carriage, but he suddenly turned when the sound of a splash echoed and Amalia screamed.