For my fanfic "Three Musketeers": Thanks for all the constant reviews, encouragement and pointed taps on the shoulder when I get lazy!
Angoliel… Yes, Daddy's singing off the same song sheet, but as you'll see, he's still a wee bit out of tune.
Mercury Gray… It is a great movie, isn't it? There are so many fun parts. I promise you'll have a ringside seat for the butt kicking.
Evenstar Elanor… LOL. Hey, if she came across that way to you, then that's how it is. Every reader will get a slightly different impression of a character. Just so you know, I intended her to be a little spoiled but I didn't want her to be a full time brat (I mean, we all have our moments!).
Chapter 22: Aramis Returns
The sun was sinking lower in the sky. At least once each week, after the evening meal was complete, King Louis had a quartet of musicians play in the side garden. The crystal notes from the violins and harps drifted along the late summer breeze, and the members of Louis' court spent a few leisurely hours in the garden enjoying the serene music. And more often than not, servants bearing plates of sweets and pastries would circulate amongst the people.
Natalie and Christine walked up three marble steps to the edge of a fountain. It was relatively small, only about 12 feet in diameter and in the center, a sculpture of Aphrodite rose up out of the water. She was surrounded by six dolphins who all had streams of water shooting from their mouths up into the air. The rim of the fountain had places to sit interspersed with smooth, arched stones. They both curtsied when they came face to face with King Louis. His suit was white and had gold trim and he looked very regal and elegant.
"It is a lovely evening for some music, is it not?" he asked with a smile.
"Indeed," said Christine, "Your Majesty is very generous to provide us with such entertainment."
"I would be a stingy monarch if I did not spread some joy to those around me. Mademoiselle Natalie, tell me, where is your father? I know Athos has a keen love for music."
"I am not entirely certain, Sire," answered Natalie. "I know when I saw him before dinner he said he would be here…"
"Well," said the King. "Perhaps I tax your father overmuch with work if he is unable to escape from his office to join his lovely daughter for a recital."
Natalie smiled. "He is devoted to you, Your Majesty. My father would do whatever work you ask of him."
"Indeed, I know he would, but this evening is a time for music and relaxation. Perhaps I will send someone to fetch him if I do not see him shortly. But if you will excuse me?" Both women curtsied again as the King stepped away and went to visit with other members of the court. As he did, one of his other ministers caught Louis' eye and the King went to the edge of the garden. As protocol required, everyone stopped and offered homage to the King whenever he entered or left a room.
"Please," said Louis. "Continue. I will return in a moment."
The players resumed their tune, and Natalie and Christine sat together at the fountain to listen to the music. Natalie shut her eyes so as to truly absorb the sound but soon until a shadow fell across her. She opened her eyes to behold Luc standing in front of her in his full dress uniform. Natalie wasn't particularly fond of Luc, but she had to admit he looked quite dashing in his blue and silver tunic.
"Are you enjoying the music, Mademoiselle Natalie?" he asked.
"I am. And you?"
"The musicians are pleasant enough, but seeing you has put all other thoughts from my mind. Your beauty has eclipsed all others in my heart, Natalie, and I find I can no longer imagine my life without you. I spoke to your father and he gave me his permission to ask you…" Luc dropped down to one knee.
Natalie's eyes grew huge. Those who could see her thought it was from surprise. Oh no! she thought. No, Luc, do not ask me to marry you. Not in front of all these people… She glanced at Christine, feeling like a cornered rabbit with nowhere to run. Christine's eyes were just as wide, but there was nothing she could do to help.
Luc took Natalie's hand and kissed it. "It would please me immensely, Mademoiselle, if you would become my wife. Marry me, Natalie." He looked up as Natalie opened her mouth and smiled, thinking her to be overcome.
"Luc, I… I…"
"Ah, my swan. I know you're overwhelmed with emotion. Just a simple yes, and…"
"No."
"No?"
"Forgive me, Luc, but I must refuse. We have not really known each other that long, and I do not think you would be content with me for your wife."
Athos and D'Artagnan arrived just in time to hear Natalie say no, and both were relieved to hear that. No one else really noticed them for all other eyes were riveted on the scene by the fountain. This would be fodder for the court gossips for months to come. Luc D'Avignon refused by Mademoiselle Natalie! No one saw Aramis rush in, either, his blue Musketeer tunic billowing around him. No one save Athos.
"What is he doing here?" growled Athos, his anger with his friend flaring anew. "He will only make this worse!"
D'Artagnan grabbed Athos by the arm and turned him towards the fountain. "Mind your daughter my friend, not Aramis."
"You are refusing me?" Luc straightened and the angry light in his eyes made Natalie pale."This is just so sudden; I'm sure Mademoiselle Natalie…" Christine stood resolutely near her beloved Raoul's sister, and her words were meant to give Natalie a moment to collect her thoughts. But Christine could see the anger in Luc's eyes and she feared his wrath. Luc, however, only had eyes for Natalie.
"I ask for your hand – with your father's blessing – and you have the nerve to refuse me before the court? You deliver this embarrassment upon me? This public humiliation?" His hands were clenched.
"Then perhaps you should not have presumed so much, and asked in a more private setting," answered Natalie tartly with all of her father's bluntness. She was tired of Luc D'Avignon and wanted to be done with this.
"How dare you!" The ugly face that Luc had so carefully hidden over the past weeks erupted. Not thinking, he took one menacing step towards Natalie and grabbed her arm. From where he was next to D'Artagnan, Athos opened his mouth to shout but the instant before he could, the unmistakable hiss of a rapier leaving its sheath sliced the air. Luc stopped instantly as the rapier's icy tip grazed his throat.
What idiot buffoon would draw a sword against me? Luc's eyes flashed to the side only to discover that the idiot buffoon was Aramis.
"You will remove your hands from the Mademoiselle," said Aramis sternly. "Now."
Well, here we go ladies. I've got everything done and am just waiting to post the last few chapters. Hope you liked this one. Please read/review and let me know what you think!
Disclaimer: The only things I can truly claim as my own are Natalie, Jacques, 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.