Thanks, and a tip of the hat, too…

Evenstar Elanor… Evil author? LOL. Of course it would be "Luc" – that's the correct French variation of the name. I couldn't give Aramis anything other than prayers. His canon character in Iron Mask is a priest, so prayer would be central to his way of moving through the universe.

Utsuri… He is sad. Here he is begging for signs, and then he's too caught up in his own pain to see one when it happens. I think that happens to a lot of us. We are so busy focused on what is directly in front of us, we don't take the time to look to the sides and see what opportunities may exist there.

Angoliel… You're not the only one who wants to strangle Luc, and the list will get longer.

Mercury Gray… Louis huggles back There is some butt kicking coming, I promise!

Sweet A.K… As I said to Mercury, there is some butt kicking in Luc's future. Never you worry.

Chapter 18: True Colors

Natalie's hand rested lightly on Luc's arm as they strolled in the garden. Luc was feeling rather good about himself since Natalie had not seen him in the hallway and now he knew why Athos was so enamored with the idea of finding Natalie a husband. It made him feel like he had leverage, and he enjoyed that feeling.

Luc was talking about some of his assignments as a Musketeer. Natalie was only half listening; Luc enjoyed talking about himself very much and all his stories were starting to sound the same. Up ahead, she saw a rose bush with beautiful pink roses. It made her think of her mother's bush and she felt tears well in her eyes. The bush at the country house would be in full bloom now. This was the first time in her life that she hadn't seen that bush in bloom. She took her arm away from Luc and stopped. Reaching out, she cradled one of the full blossoms in her hand. Luc waited impatiently behind her, and glanced down the path. Ahead of them, he could see some of the King's entourage and any exposure to the King was welcome.

"My mother's favorite flower was a pink rose…" Natalie gingerly touched another bloom, running through dim memories of her mother. Not listening to her, Luc took her arm and tried to draw her away. When Natalie didn't comply immediately, he tightened his grip and pulled.

"Oh! Luc, you're hurting my arm!" Natalie looked at his fingers pressed into her upper arm and the red marks they'd left when he let go. An angry expression spoiled Luc's countenance for a moment until he blinked rapidly, replacing the fury with a sad, sorry look.

"I'm sorry, Natalie," he said. "I forget how strong I am sometimes. Come, let us go and see… Some of the King's companions are up ahead. Perhaps Christine is there."

"I would rather stay…" Natalie began.

"Oh, leave those silly roses." He pulled her along.

Natalie cast a look back over her shoulder. Silly roses? Has he heard nothing that I've said during our walks?

Luc didn't notice her hesitation for he was so intent on catching up with some of King Louis' more prominent courtiers. He was only interested in making certain he could spend a few minutes ingratiating himself into their good graces. The politics of court carried on day and night, and if he was going to become a fixture at court, Luc needed to be a player in the game. They caught up and Luc managed to start a conversation and it quickly turned to politics. Luc glanced around and saw Christine. He gestured her over.

"Christine," he said, his voice imperious. "Please escort Mademoiselle Natalie to where the ladies are gathered. Our discussions on politics are not suitable for a lady's ears."

Christine frowned slightly as Luc walked away. "Natalie," she said, "you've been spending a lot of time in the company of Luc D'Avignon…"

Natalie looked over to where Luc was standing with a few of the nobles from Louis' court before she answered. "He has been a very persistent suitor," she finally said.

"If he is persistent then he will probably ask your father for your hand. Would you want him for your husband?"

"He is from a good family, and he has a promising career as a Musketeer. And he is handsome enough…" Natalie looked at Christine sadly and her friend knew that there was only one man Natalie truly wanted for her husband; that man was not Luc D'Avignon.

"But?" asked Christine.

"But a few times, I've seen him watch people. When he looks at me, he is kind and attentive, but when he thinks I am not looking, his eyes change. He looks at other people meanly. I think he may only be pretending to be nice to me." Natalie's voice was soft and Christine could tell she was thinking of Aramis. They talked a little longer and Natalie sighed.

"You should tell your father that you don't want Luc to court you anymore. He would put a stop to it."

"Oh, Christine, I've already caused Papa enough trouble over my heart. I cannot upset him again."

But if you do not speak up, Natalie, I fear marriage for you will be akin to imprisonment in the Bastille, thought Christine sadly.

Finally, Luc strolled back over. "Shall we continue our stroll, Natalie?" He was smiling and genial.

"It is getting a little late, and I grow weary, perhaps you could walk me back to my room? My father will be expecting me for supper."

"Of course." Luc took Natalie's hand and walked away without even acknowledging Christine. When they reached Natalie's room, he took her hand and kissed it rather boldly and he stood close to Natalie. She tried to back away a little, uncomfortable with his proximity.

"Luc, you are most forward today." She tried to keep her tone light.

"You are so beautiful, Natalie, I cannot help myself." He lowered his head, looking for a kiss. She had put him off the other times he had tried and he was growing a little weary of being refused. Natalie turned her head slightly, avoiding his lips.

"My father would be most distressed over this, Luc. Please…"

He managed to brush his lips against hers, but Natalie put her hand on his chest. "Really, Luc. It would be unseemly to be caught by someone with a loose tongue. My father would be very unhappy with gossip of that nature."

"Very well," said Luc. His voice was a little tight and his smile, a hair pinched. "Then I will see you on the 'morrow, Natalie."

"Yes, of course. Thank you for a lovely walk today." Even as she spoke, Natalie hurried into her rooms and closed the door.

Things will be different when you are my fiancée, Natalie. It will not be so easy to refuse me then. As soon as I can find a few moments with your father, you'll be mine.

Well, Luc is about to make his move, and I'm sure my gallery of reviewers are ready to start pummeling him with rotten tomatoes and other such sundry items. But don't forget, the rain has ended… Anyway, please read/review and let me know what you think!

Disclaimer: The only things I can truly claim as my own are Natalie and Luc (and a few minor supporting characters). Everything else is borrowed with much respect and admiration for Dumas and the people who created various movie versions of the Musketeers.