Wow. Got y'all riled up with the last chapter, didn't I? I was called evil, not cool, and then supremely, unequivocally evil… and I also apparently caused a fainting spell. Really hit a home run with that one, didn't I? Anyway… MANY THANKS TO…
Evenstar Elanor… No, the Cardinal didn't stop. I actually searched on the web for straight up Christian marriage vows. There wouldn't have been really any other option in France at this time, so I wanted it to sound authentic. And I've been to some Catholic weddings that have been VERY long winded.
Utsuri… I hope this update came soon enough to get me out of the "not cool" dog house.
Angoliel… D'Artagnan fans Angoliel to revive her so she can read about the kiss.
Mercury Gray… "Supremely, unequivocally evil." You say the sweetest things about me.
Chapter 32: The Kiss and the Comte
You may kiss the bride.
For a moment, Aramis' courage nearly failed him. But it did not. He slid one arm around Natalie's waist and cupped her cheek with the other hand. She looked up into his dark eyes, completely trusting, waiting, and put her hands on his shoulders. Aramis stopped when his lips were a feather's width away from Natalie's. Her breath was warm and he felt her fingers tighten on his arms in nervous anticipation. His heart was racing as he crossed the last remaining space between them.
As he kissed her, Aramis felt Natalie relax in his embrace ever so slightly. Chaste and gentle to start, the kiss blossomed between them. Aramis' arm tightened, drawing Natalie closer against his body, and he shivered for a moment when her fingers ran up the back of his neck and into his hair. Her lips began to part beneath his and he started to respond.
The Cardinal cleared his throat softly.
A little tiny part of Athos screamed inside as he saw a hint of the passion between them, but he allowed his face to betray none of the sudden tightness that constricted his heart. The assembled guests clapped enthusiastically as the now blushing bride drew back slightly from Aramis. They turned and smiled widely at the guests. The King and Queen Mother left the chapel first and the newly married couple walked down the aisle arm-in-arm behind them. They were followed by the rest of the guests.
Outside, two carriages were waiting. The first – the one that had brought Natalie to the wedding – took the King, Queen Mother, Aramis, Natalie, and Athos to the wedding feast. Sitting between Aramis and Athos, Natalie held both of their hands, a scene the Queen Mother found quite charming. The second carriage carried Christine, Porthos, and D'Artagnan.
Once they reached the banquet hall and guests began to arrive, Aramis and Natalie were swept up in greeting guests as everyone wanted to wish them well. Athos watched from a distance, his face slowly shifting from contentment to melancholy.
"Are you well, Athos?"
Natalie's father turned to face the Queen Mother and bowed. "I am well, you Highness, and I am very happy for my daughter."
"As I am; Monsieur Aramis is a good man and he will be a good husband to her. Yet when I came over, I am certain the look upon your face was sadness."
A tiny smile quirked the corner of Athos' mouth and he said, "I will not try to deny it. I was thinking of my wife Josette, who died of fever some fifteen years ago. I still remember how I felt the day I married her, and I wish she could have been here to see how happy Natalie is, and what a lovely woman she's become. Natalie looks a great deal like her mother."
Across the room, D'Artagnan took a sip of wine and watched Athos as he talked to the Queen Mother. Then he glanced at Aramis. How I envy you my friend. You can spend the rest of your life with your new wife. Each night, you can hold her in your arms and tell her how much you love her. He looked back over at Anne of Austria. The Queen Mother caught his look and smiled, and then she lowered her eyes lest anyone see the adoration in her eyes.
Anne and I can never marry. We can never even show our love for each other in public, for in the eyes of France that would be treason. She is the Queen Mother, and I am but a common Musketeer. I thank God each day that Louis understands – and accepts – what exists between us. After taking the throne and assuming the identity of Louis, Philippe had quickly discerned that D'Artagnan was in love with his mother, and that his mother was just as enamored of the Musketeer captain. All three of them knew that the relationship could never be made public, but the King did what he could to allow them some stolen moments alone with no prying court eyes. Both Anne and D'Artagnan were grateful for that.
But I cannot help but wish that I could take Anne in my arms before King and court the way Aramis can now do with Natalie. D'Artagnan's inner musings were interrupted as King Louis called for attention. The people stilled and silence blanketed the room.
"The wedding banquet will begin in just a moment, but before we commence with the feast, I wish to present two gifts; one for the bride and one for the groom," said Louis. The crowd drew back slightly so that Aramis and Natalie remained in the center with the King. D'Artagnan joined Athos and the Queen Mother to find out what Louis had planned.
"Natalie, over these past months your company has been a refreshing breeze at Versailles," said the King. She dipped slightly in response to the kind words as he continued, "And I have heard some delightful tales of your childhood from your father. I give you this gift so that even in the coldest winter months, you will still be able to look upon your beloved butterflies." Louis handed Natalie a small box with a ribbon around it.
"Oh, your Majesty! It is beautiful… you are far too generous," gasped Natalie when she looked inside. Nestled on a tiny silken pillow was a brooch in the shape of a butterfly. It was wrought from golden wire and the body was made of emeralds. Caught in the delicate mesh of the wings were tiny diamonds, emeralds and sapphires.
Louis smiled, pleased that she liked the gift. "I would not want the point of the pin to ruin your lovely gown, so I will have the brooch watched by one of the Musketeers and delivered to you tomorrow…" Louis looked to the side. "Perhaps your father?"
"I would be honored." Athos took the small box and tucked it beneath his tabard.
"And now for your gift, Aramis," said Louis. "Kneel."
Aramis' brow knit for a moment, but he obeyed his King without hesitation. He dropped to one knee in front of Louis and kept his eyes on the floor.
"Aramis, you have served France with unswerving loyalty, and today I would thank you for your service."
"Your Majesty," said Aramis, "I have only done my sworn duty as a Musketeer… Defend France. Protect the King."
"And you have defended France in more ways than anyone else will ever know," said Louis. He put his hand on Aramis' head. "And today France will reward you. From this day forward, I name you Comte du Vannes, and this title shall pass down through your family for all times."
Aramis looked up, startled. The King had just bestowed a title on him. He was now a count! And not just any count; Vannes was small but it was rich in orchards and vineyards. It was a princely gift, and it also bordered Athos' estate in the country. The King gestured for Aramis to rise and when he was on his feet again, Natalie took his hand and entwined her fingers through his.
Louis smiled, satisfied and pleased that he had managed to surprise them so pleasantly and so thoroughly. "I am exceedingly pleased to present to my court Monsieur and Madame d'Herblay, Comte and Comtesse du Vannes."
The guests began to cheer and applaud, and both Aramis and Natalie looked rather stunned. A smartly dressed butler materialized near the King and bowed deeply before whispering in the King's ear. Louis clapped and announced in a loud voice, "Let the wedding feast begin!"
Well, I hope "The Kiss" was worth the wait. I had fun writing it. I have a few chapters left before I think I'm all written out on this one… I'm glad you all still seem to be enjoying the ride. The more I write about Aramis, the more I adore him. As always, please read and review… I love the feedback (even when you're all keeping me honest!).
Disclaimer: a few of the characters (like Natalie) are mine, but the vast majority I've borrowed with much respect and appreciation to Dumas and also to the screen writers for Man in the Iron Mask (I believe Christine is actually their invention… in Dumas' work, I believe she is Louise.)