Author's Note: Yes, I know realisticly it would not take that long to go to England, but it IS my story, and for my purposes... I needed a long voyage. Thanks to Heather and Nicole my wonderful Betas. Feedback as usual. Meg

Jacqueline sat in the carriage in the lavender silk dress. She wore a white cloak over it. D'Artagnan wore a deep purple vest over his white tunic and she noticed the color brought out his eyes well. The drive was quiet, as they were both nervous. She did not know what to expect after their last meeting. 'Then it is you who are the fool' rang in her mind. Would he be upset to see her? Oh God, he will know… Jacqueline panicked as the palace came into view. He knew Jacque was coming, not her. D'Artagnan sat next to her, misgivings of his own about Charles and how this would go. The carriage came to a stop and a servant appeared.

"Milady, my lord," the man bowed. "King Charles wishes to see you immediately after you eat the tea he has ordered on your behalf. He regrets not eating with you as he is in an important meeting." Jacqueline's hand flew to her stomach; she could feel it turning in nervousness. D'Artagnan took her hand, offering her a smile of support.

King Charles studied the pair as they were shown into the throne room. "Jacqueline, milady, it is good to see you again." She curtsied nervously as he walked down and kissed her hand. "My dear," he said leaning in. "I know about your disguise. I figured it out in the rescue of your friend." Charles gestured to d'Artagnan who watched them, his eyes narrowing slightly. Jacqueline relaxed a bit as Charles walked over to d'Artagnan. "D'Artagnan, it is a pleasure."

D'Artagnan bowed. "Your majesty, we brought the treaty and jewels as requested." D'Artagnan handed the king the box.

Charles waved them away and a servant appeared taking it. "Yes, yes. I am sure you and the lady are tired. I have important business to attend to, but I shall like to see you tomorrow for dinner." He turned to Jacqueline, "Both of you of course." D'Artagnan bowed and Jacqueline curtsied again, as a servant appeared to take them to their rooms. "This way please," he said to them.

After being shown to their rooms, they had been left alone. Jacqueline had wandered around in her room a bit, or rooms rather. There were three of them, all connecting. There was a sitting room, a parlor, and the bedroom and each of them was large enough for a whole family. She had been in awe, until she walked over to the vanity and floor length mirror. She discovered a note attached to it.

Dearest Jacqueline,

Please accept these as my gratitude for traveling the long distance here to England. I have had these rooms prepared for your convince.

Sincerely,

Charles

Jacqueline took the necklace and earrings from the note and stared at them shocked. They were diamonds, and not just any diamonds but the rare blue kind. She had heard about them, but never seen them.

Jacqueline had been thinking about what it all meant when a servant appeared to escort her to dinner. After dinner, she had been too tired to think and had fallen asleep quickly. After breakfast, she and d'Artagnan had been escorted on a tour of the palace and its extensive grounds, with a brief outdoor lunch in the middle.

So, by the time it was over, they returned to their rooms to rest for an hour before preparing for dinner with the king. Jacqueline put the jewels on that Charles had given her and stared at herself. The jewels were heavy. She looked down at d'Artagnan's ring. It was nothing compared to Charles' jewels. A soft knock startled her and she turned. "Come in," she said.

D'Artagnan walked in and stopped as he took in her rooms. "I guess he's expecting you to stay here awhile." His voice sounded somewhere between sarcastic and sad.

"Your room's not…"

He stopped her, "its fine, Jacqueline. Besides, he's trying to win you, not me." Jacqueline looked down at the floor and d'Artagnan caught a glance at her new jewels. "I do not think even Queen Anne has such jewels." He meant it to sound funny, but it did not come out right.

Jacqueline touched the necklace, her face flushing. "I'm wearing them so as to not offend," she paused. "They are too big and heavy," Jacqueline finished.

She gestured toward the chair and he sat down looking again at her rooms. "Fit for a Queen," d'Artagnan stated.

Jacqueline's face paled. "I am not…"

D'Artagnan stopped her, holding his hand up. "You deserve it, if it's what you want. I would never take that from you."

Jacqueline looked at him, frowning. "Maybe I do not love him. Have you stopped to consider that?"

D'Artagnan looked at her a little taken back and opened his mouth to respond when a servant appeared. "Milady, sir. King Charles requests your presence for dinner." The two got up and followed the servant.

"The papers are in order and the treaty signed. Your journey has been long and hardly over, take tonight to rest." King Charles said as the tea and chocolate torte were brought in. The meal had gone about as well as expected. D'Artagnan had been quiet and the two men seemed to be eyeing each other. Jacqueline's hand flew to her stomach once again and she stood up. "Excuse me your majesty, I will be right back."

Charles turned questionably to d'Artagnan. "She had trouble adjusting to the ship's movement. She must still be feeling the effects." He shrugged as he finished.

Charles looked a bit alarmed. "The journey back will take half the time. You will travel on one of England's new ships; they are more advanced."

D'Artagnan nodded and then stood, wishing to leave on his own than have the king finding some way of dismissing him. "As you said, it has been a long journey and is not over. I will retire with your permission, your majesty." Charles nodded to him, and he bowed as he left the room.

Jacqueline returned a few minutes later, confused. "Where's d'Artagnan?" Charles sighed, "He retired for the night. Milady, I want to take this chance to speak with you alone." Jacqueline felt her face flush as she nodded.