Author's Note: I amputting a warning, on this one.Some of you may NOT like this chapter. Anyways... thanks to Heather and Nicole as usual. Remember, no feedback, no chapters for awhile. Meg

After Jacqueline left, d'Artagnan paced the room as he thought. Finally, he got up and went to see King Charles. The attendant showed him to the living area of the king's suite and he waited, determined. King Charles came out clothed in a robe, obviously he had retired for the evening already. D'Artagnan knew it was late, but it must be done. "You majesty," he bowed. "Forgive the lateness of the hour, but I must speak to you about my arrangements on the ship." Charles raised an eyebrow at him, but said nothing. "Jacqueline will make the right decision, the one she deserves and I wish to make that easier on her, and I wish to spare her a tearful goodbye." D'Artagnan paused. "I wish to have the treaty and papers ready and for me to be gone at first light."

Charles sighed. "I will of course make the arrangements, but Jacqueline will never forgive you if you do not say goodbye."

D'Artagnan looked at the floor. "I will leave a note explaining why, she will understand."

Charles smiled inwardly to himself. "I will make the necessary arrangements now."

D'Artagnan bowed. "Thank you, your majesty."

D'Artagnan did not sleep, and so when the first light started to come into view, he was up. He pulled out the note and held it to his chest as he quietly walked up to an attendant. "Give this to Jacqueline Roget when she wakes," he said. The attendant bowed.

King Charles was dressed and held out a box. "For King Louis of France. D'Artagnan, have a safe trip."

"Take care of her. The promise I made to her brother falls to you now," he said as he bowed. Charles nodded. "She will be taken care of, and you both have my vow as king." Charles waved over his attendant. "Show him to the carriage." The attendant bowed and led d'Artagnan to the carriage.

D'Artagnan looked up at the window of Jacqueline's suite and sighed. "Goodbye, my love," he said as he blew a kiss to her.

Jacqueline woke midmorning, as the sun poked through her window. I know what I must do. Now, how to tell him. She had made her decision; she knew what she wanted. A soft knock invaded her thoughts. The attendant entered. "Milady, breakfast is being served."

Jacqueline sighed."Send for d'Artagnan."

The attendant looked nervous. "He left early this morning, milady. He did leave this for you though." He handed her the letter and Jacqueline took it. He left early echoed in her mind. Left, but why? She tore opened the letter and read.

My dearest Jacqueline,

By now, I have left and you are wondering why. Last night you were torn between two decisions, and I have helped you make it. I want your happiness and this is what you deserve. You would have chosen it anyway given time. I know your sense of duty, and do not worry the treaty and papers will be safely delivered to King Louis. I hope you will forgive me for not saying this in person; I wanted to spare you an emotional goodbye. I will think of something to tell Duval, Siroc, and Ramon. Please write soon and let me know you are well.

Your devoted friend,

Edmund d'Artagnan

Jacqueline felt the tears fall as she realized she would never get to tell him goodbye. He left for me, her heart said. She walked to his room, hoping he would still be there, but he was not. It was empty and her stomach twisted at the thought. He was gone. She turned to the attendant who had followed her. "Send for Charles, I must speak to him immediately." Her voice was strong, but devoid of emotion now.

A man in a dark cloak watched as d'Artagnan boarded the slick ship. He followed a short distance behind. She will no doubt be coming soon, he thought. The man was not worried. He carried along a single trunk and boarded the ship showing his papers. He entered his room and pulled out his clothes for his disguise and smiled to himself, he had a plan that would give Mazarin what he wanted, and give him a little pleasure as well. He wandered the ship looking out over the dock; it was almost time to sail.

D'Artagnan entered his cabin. It was the same size of the last one. At least this time it will only be about a week. That thought made him a little happier. Jacqueline, she was no doubt with King Charles. They were probably announcing their engagement at this very moment. She will ask me to come for it that was disturbing. Could he do that? He did not think so. He would do anything for her; he loved her but he could not watch her marry someone else. I will do anything for you but that.

He had done the hardest thing in letting her go. He would go back to the musketeers, to France and live out his life. That is what was best. He was sacrificing his happiness for hers, and he felt good knowing he had done the right thing. He climbed into the bed and shut his eyes. He needed some sleep since he got none the night before.