Author's Note: Thanks for all the reviews, I know people here are reading... the next few chapters have been sent to my Betas, so you may all rejoice. Also, I have written everything but the last 6 chapters... as usual, feeback and thanks to my beta's Nicole (Seer at and Heather. Meg

Dawn was turning into daylight as they neared King Louis' cottage. The rough path changed suddenly, becoming smoother. Jacqueline turned her head from D'artagnan's chest where she had been lying so she could see. The cottage was bigger than D'artagnan's and had a beautiful garden. A servant came out to meet them and take the horse. "Lord Hepburn, Lady Hepburn," he bowed to them as D'artagnan helped Jacqueline down. "The guest room has been prepared and turned down, what time shall you be wishing to dine before you leave?"

D'artagnan took Jacqueline's hand, "Around ten, right sweetheart?" he asked her and Jacqueline got the feeling he was enjoying this far too much.

"Yes, dear," she said smirking back at him.

"King Louis said this is the last leg of your wedding tour. I remember being just married…" the servant said as he took their trunks. He escorted them up the stairs and to the second door on the right. "Here you are milady, my lord." He bowed again and put their trunks in the room before leaving them alone.

"Well sweetheart, you take the bed." D'artagnan said as he pulled the blanket up and carried it over to the couch.

Jacqueline turned to him, "Thanks Edmund." She then laid down on the bed and closed her eyes. D'artagnan closed his eyes only after determining she was asleep and safe. Little did they know that a certain man in a dark cloak was passing by, stopping only to determined they had been there before continuing on to the ship dock to book passage. After doing that, he secured clothes and sent off a report to Mazarin.

Jacqueline opened her eyes. D'artagnan was still asleep. She watched his breathing for a minute. Suddenly there was a knock. D'artagnan sprung up, sword in hand, alert. Jacqueline had to cover her mouth with her hand to keep from laughing. "My lord, milady? The meal has been prepared and the horse is being brought around."

D'artagnan put his sword in his trunk and grabbed some clothes. D'artagnan's back was to Jacqueline as he began to change, obviously unaware she was there. She knew she should not look, but she could not turn her head as he stripped off his shirt and put on his red velvet vest. He then pulled off his pants and replaced them with a matching pair. He then struggled with his necktie, and Jacqueline walked over and put her hand on him and tied it for him. D'artagnan did not protest, but allowed her. His eyes watching her intently heart pounding in his ears, as her small fingers slid against his neck, ever so lightly. "Thank you Jacqueline," he said and she turned away as he handed her a dress for herself.

D'artagnan turned so he did not see her, making her feel guilty about watching him. It was a red dress made of silk; it had pearl beading worked around the neckline, sleeves, and just below the waistline. She put on the white gloves and matching hat. She then turned to him; "I'm ready."

He turned to her. "Milady," he offered his arm, which she took. They walked down the stairs and to the parlor. Fresh fruit and bread were laid out. Jacqueline ate in wonder as hot soup was brought, next came salad, and then cold meats and chesses', and finally a chocolate torte. Jacqueline had never seen so much food. "Excuse me, my lord. I've taken the liberty of attaching yours and the lady's trunks on the horse. You may leave when ready." D'artagnan nodded, "Yes, thank you." With that, he waved his hand and the servant disappeared.

Jacqueline broke the silence. "Well, I'm glad we can get off this horse finally."

D'artagnan laughed, "You tire of sitting in my arms already, milady?"

Jacqueline glared at him briefly and then turned. The dock was in sight and a tall ship with huge white sails stood in the water. D'artagnan gave the horse over to a servant and they walked over to the captain. "Milady," he said taking her hand and kissing it.

Jacqueline could feel D'artagnan's hard stare at the man. "Captain," she replied. "Lord Hepburn. I have received King Louis' letter; the cabin has been prepared, if you need anything else, let me know. I am Captain John Baskerville."

D'artagnan nodded, "Captain, I'm sure everything is in order, so we would like to board. It has been a tiring journey for me and the lady."

The captain nodded, "Yes, of course my lord." D'artagnan and Jacqueline followed a servant with their trunks onto the ship and to the cabin. It was large with a sitting room of table and chairs and a large bathroom. There was only one bed. Jacqueline turned to him, "Edmund, I…"

D'artagnan stopped her by grabbing her hand. "I'll sleep on the floor, I insist." He then grabbed a pillow and blanket and got on the floor. Jacqueline stared at him, before climbing onto the bed. She wished he did not have to sleep on the floor, but she was fast asleep before she could think anymore.