Shout outs…

Angoliel… Thanks for keeping me honest on the language. I will strive to be sharper looking for that…

Utsuri… Trust me, Aramis would not introduce Luc to Natalie. (and no, I don't know anything about the three day log in feature).

Mercury Gray… I like your idea. You may seem some elements of that show up in the story. Thanks for the suggestion! Fall in love with Luc? We'll have to see about that…

Evenstar Elanor… Boy, Natalie's pushing your buttons. I find her a little spoiled but not as much as you seem to… Just use Louis for the King, it will be easier for you.

Chapter 10: In the Presence of the King

Natalie tried not to stare at the gilded opulence that was Versailles. The marble hall was lined with portraits in gilt frames and porcelain vases from the Far East. There were tapestries and suits of armor from days past. As they approached the King's reception hall, guards stood at attention when they passed. She gripped her father's arm a little tighter.

"Do not fret, Natalie. I will be introduced and we will walk in together. Then it will be my responsibility to present you to the King."

She nodded but she was still nervous. A flourish of trumpets accompanied the doors swinging open. Inside the room, a long red carpet was lined with courtiers, ministers, ladies and clerics. At the far end, the King sat on a throne. He had just welcomed an ambassador from Spain and now waited to receive Athos and Natalie.

"Presenting Athos, Musketeer and advisor to the King!" shouted a herald from somewhere on the side.

Together they walked slowly down the aisle. Athos walked with his head high, looking straight ahead. Natalie tried her best to do the same, but she looked to the side a few times and felt overwhelmed. After that, she kept her eyes on the carpet ahead of her. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of endless eyes resting on her back, she felt her Father's hand tighten ever so slightly and she stopped walking. As he bowed she dropped into a curtsey, keeping her eyes firmly planted on the three steps that led up to the King's dais.

"Welcome back, Athos, we have missed your company and your advice," said the King.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Athos answered.

"And who is this young lady who accompanies you?"

"Your Majesty, may I present my daughter, Natalie?"

As he spoke, Natalie deepened her curtsy and held it for the appropriate count. Then she stood up as the King said, "Welcome, Natalie. We are all pleased you've accompanied your father to court."

She raised her eyes for only a moment. The King was very handsome. He had a warm smile and kind eyes. With his blond hair and regal robes, he really looked the way Natalie thought a king should look. Natalie smiled briefly and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty. I'm honored by your kindness."

The King raised his voice and pitched it to carry. "I trust the entire court will make you feel welcome here." Everyone understood the meaning. Louis stood and everyone in the room offered a gesture of respect. He signaled to a quartet of musicians and they instantly began to play, and from a side room several servants emerged carrying trays of fruits, cheeses and other delicacies for the court.

Louis stepped down from the dais. "Athos, walk with me for a bit." Then he looked at Natalie and offered the girl his arm. "Mademoiselle?"

Despite her surprise, Natalie gracefully took the King's arm. As the strolled, Louis asked her a few things about her country house. Athos walked on the other side, carefully staying close enough to be attentive to the King but far enough away to offer Louis some privacy. A few moments later, Louis started to ask Athos about the Spanish ambassador. When they saw Christine, Athos waved her over. The King gave Natalie's hand a gentle kiss.

"Thank you for your company, Mademoiselle Natalie. I fear my conversation with your father is about to take a very serious and very boring turn and I would not subject you to that." Natalie curtsied again and under an approving nod from her father, disappeared into the crowd with Christine. Louis watched her as she left, a small quirk at the corner of his mouth.

"Could you ever have imagined a place so grand, Natalie?" asked Christine as she handed Natalie a tiny sugared pastry.

"I tried to imagine what it would be like here, but this is beyond anything I could have painted in my dreams." Natalie looked around. All of the lords and ladies in their fine silks and shimmering pearls blended together like a kaleidoscope. And within that sparkling mosaic, Louis, with Athos close by him, mingled with the crowd. D'Artagnan materialized in front of them. They talked seriously for a short time until Louis waved them away.

"Enough talk of politics for now," he said with a laugh. "My guests will begin to think you're monopolizing my time."

"He seems to be settling into his role well," said Athos as the King walked away and greeted some of his courtiers.

D'Artagnan nodded and then said, "I expected to see Aramis here tonight. Have you seen him?"

"No," barked Athos, "and I have no intention of seeing him! If I do, I swear I will run him through with my sword, Musketeer or not."

D'Artagnan blinked in surprise for a moment, caught off-guard by Athos' vehemence. "What's happened to make you…?"

"I have no wish to talk about this any more, D'Artagnan," said Athos firmly but quietly. His first outburst had raised a few eyebrows near them. D'Artagnan had witnessed fights between the two old friends before, and he knew better than to argue with Athos – at least not until Athos had calmed down a little. But he knew where he might get some answers.

Several minutes later, D'Artagnan excused himself and left the room quietly to look for Porthos; they had another Musketeer to find. As he slipped out of the small ballroom he walked past a small group of younger Musketeers. They all saluted their Captain, but after Athos was gone, they returned to their intent observation of the court's young ladies.

"What do you think of Mademoiselle Natalie, Luc?" asked Jacques, a newly appointed Musketeer.

"Quite pretty. A bit provincial perhaps," answered Luc, but his eyes didn't leave Natalie.

"I've heard that Athos wants to find a husband for her," remarked Jacques.

"Really?" said Luc. "How interesting."

Okay, you've all finally met Luc, albeit briefly. I promise he'll show up more. Please read/review and let me know what you think. Hopefully I'll have another chapter up this weekend, too.

Disclaimer: Only Natalie and Luc are my creations. Everything else is borrowed for inspiration with much gratitude and respect.