Night was falling when Aramis's carriage pulled off the road and into the trees.
The musketeers and Phillippe piled out and found a much grander carriage waiting for them. Aramis hurried them inside.
"Whose carriage is this?" asked Phillippe.
"It was mine," said Porthos. "But since you are about to be King, it is yours."
The carriage started off at a swift pace.
"Alright, said Aramis. "We've got to get dressed."
There was a large bundle of elaborate clothes on one side of the carriage.
"Phillippe first," said Aramis.
They began dressing Phillippe in a masquerade costume.
"Remember, Phillippe," said Aramis. "Nobility is born in the heart."
"Hold your goblet with two fingers," said Athos.
"And make love as if you don't care," said Porthos. "The way Kings do. And fart whenever you wish."
Aramis tucked a note into Phillippe's pocket. "Remember, all you have to do get through tonight. Smile and nod a lot and of you get stuck, just wave and announce, 'Continue.' In the morning, you will hand this note to D'Artagnan, pardoning Athos and instructing that he, Aramis and Porthos be brought to the palace as your advisors. And all will be well."
"What about Celeste?" asked Phillippe. "Will I see her?"
"Yes," said Aramis. "She will be at the ball. Stay close to her. If she's not close by, order D'Artagnan to find her and bring her to you."
"Will she know…"
"She will," said Aramis.
Phillippe nodded nervously.
Aramis grabbed more clothes and handed them out. "Now the rest of us."