Author's Note: Here it is... oh, it has come to my attention, it is d'Artagnan not D'artagnan... so I will be using that hencforth and change the previous ones in time. You will be delighted to know, I have half of two chapters left to write and then about 12 to type up and send off to my betas... feedback as usual and thanks to Heather who had to to do this one by herself. Meg

Silk blankets covered the ground. Servants were scattered about distributing food of fruit, cheeses, meats and pies. Musketeers sat eating and enjoying themselves. Everyone was having a good time, everyone but Cardinal Mazarin. He hated picnics, especially ones with musketeers.

King Louis sat eating on his throne along side him was the 'Queen Mother' Anne. She even looked happy today. On the young King's other side was a young girl of 15. She had red hair and deep, blue eyes. No doubt, she would be the future queen. She looked happy but sensible, and Mazarin did not like her. King Louis stood and everyone fell silent. "To start today's celebrations, two of my musketeers, Siroc and Ramon, will perform a show of their sword fighting." He clapped his hands and everyone joined in.

"Your majesty," Siroc said bowing. Ramon bowed as well. They took their positions and then drew their rapiers, turning to each other they bowed once and then Ramon struck the first blow. Siroc was sent backwards a little before regaining his footing as he struck back. Silver blades crossed and struck in the midday's sunlight.

"Perhaps, mi amigo you need some more training time? Captain Duval should arrange something for you." Ramon smirked, dodging Siroc's blade. Laughter came from the audience.

"Perhaps you need a hair cut?" Siroc responded as he took a small piece of Ramon's hair with his sword. The audience laughed again, enjoying the show. Siroc turned to see Mazarin; he had a sinking feeling he knew d'Artagnan and Jacque were not where they said they were.

King Louis stood up again. "Thank you, that will be all for now." They bowed and stepped down. "It is time for music," Louis said. He took the girl's hand as the music stared up and led the small group of people dancing.

A sudden movement caught Siroc's eyes and he turned to see a horse and rider came up to Mazarin. Ramon walked over to Siroc who nudged him. "Let's go check that out." Ramon had cheese and bread in his hands and his mouth full, so he only nodded. Mazarin was heading away from the party into the woods. They started to follow when the music stopped and King Louis once again stood up. "I have an announcement to make…"

Mazarin looked back and saw that everyone was busy. He had hoped his absence would not draw unwanted musketeer attention. "Your grace, this report just came through." The man handed him a paper and backed off. Mazarin studied the letter.

"You checked the credentials?" Mazarin asked him.

"Of course your grace," he said as he bowed.

"Go make sure no one is watching." Mazarin demanded. The man turned and went to the party and Mazarin opened the letter.

"Your grace, I did as requested. When I arrived at the D'artagnan estate, they were gone. I found their tracks and followed until I reached the lone tavern on the road to Le Havre. The owner was gracious enough to answer all my questions and I have discovered that D'artagnan was described as a gentleman and a lady accompanied him. They are making their way for London. I have located the ship and arranged to travel along side of them in secret. Send further instructions to my contact in London."

Mazarin smiled. Yes, they would never know there was a spy onboard with them; his contact was a master of disguise. One thing bothered him though. This lady, who was she? Laponte was supposed to be with him. Mazarin scratched his chin thoughtfully. He would need to think about it and send out further inquires.

His guard came back. "Your grace, everyone is listening to the King's announcement of his upcoming marriage."

Mazarin turned; he knew Louis would want to marry that silly little girl. "We should return to the party, the king will want us there," Mazarin said.

Siroc spotted Mazarin quietly coming back and he turned to Ramon. "We must find some way to discover what that was about."

Ramon nodded and said, "Yes mi amigo, but you are the genius."

King Louis took his mother's hand. "…and so we celebrate. I command you all." Everyone went back to the food and the music started back again.