In the King's bedroom, the three musketeers where finishing up. They had Louis gagged and tied up. His eyes where flashing with anger.

"Don't worry, your majesty," said Athos. "We have a prison for you, where you can rest peacefully."

Porthos tossed Louis over his shoulder and they disappeared into the passages.

"What just happened?" asked D'Artagnan.

"I have no idea," said Celeste as she handed Michelle over to the maids. She turned and seemed to by studying the King and his mother. "How long has it been since Anne ever attended a ball?"

"Years," said D'Artagnan, watching them closely. He glanced at Celeste but her pretty face was puzzled.

Anne leaned forward. "I retire now. Wait two waltzes, then retire to your room and spend the night in safety. We have much to talk about, and we have the rest of our lives to do it."

"Good night, mother."

"Good night, my son," said Anne. She rose to her feet and glided down the steps.

Celeste stepped backed into the ballroom, her eyes on the King as she wove her way through the crowd toward him.

He nodded when he saw her and beckoned her.

D'Artagnan turned and hurried to the other doorway. He stared at Anne, with undying love in his eyes. "Anne! You look…" Suddenly, he remembered himself and bowed deeply. "My Queen."

"D'Artagnan." Anne took his hand, not caring who saw.

"I have never seen a sight more beautiful than you, tonight."

"We have much to talk about," said Anne. "Tomorrow." She squeezed his hand and let go and moved toward her room.

D'Artagnan turned and went back into the ballroom.

"Stand here with me," said Phillippe. "Please."

Celeste did as he asked. But she kept her face schooled into a cold mask.

D'Artagnan studied her. She didn't look like she liked being where she was. His eyes went to the King. He was baffled but his eyes narrowed.

Phillippe watched as D'Artagnan stared at him for a long moment, then called more guards and gave them some quick instructions. The guards turned and hurried away. "Oh no," he said softly.

Celeste had seen what was happening. Her heart began pounding. It looked like their game could be up. She would have to be on her best acting act. "Listen to me, Phillippe. You may not understand what could happen next. But go along with anything I do. Please, understand. I'm not betraying you."

Phillippe had no time to ask any questions.

D'Artagnan moved through the crowd and bowed at the King. He looked at him carefully and saw nothing unusual. He glanced at Celeste.

Phillippe looked at D'Artagnan, keeping his face cold. "Yes, D'Artagnan?"

"Sire, we have an emergency, of security. I must ask you to accompany me."

"The ball," said Phillippe. "I cannot leave right now."

Celeste's heart was skipping beats. She saw what D'Artagnan was doing and felt like screaming at him. Shaking him. Didn't he see? Did he understand?

"I must insist, Sire," said D'Artagnan.

Phillippe stood and followed D'Artagnan. Celeste hurried after them.

"What's happened?" she asked.

"I have no idea," muttered D'Artagnan. "But something just did."