Thank you to all of my reviewers!
Evenstar Elanor… I'm now unevil? I'm so glad. I'd probably go with the Anne from your AP Euro Class if you're looking for accuracy… although I think the Anne from the movie is more fun.
Utsuri… So pleased that you're enjoying the story so much.
Angoliel… No need to be sheepish, m'dear. D'Artagnan doesn't mind at all… in fact, he's rather flattered. (And thank you for saying the chapter was totally wicked!)
Mercury Gray… Be careful with the hints about orchards and vineyards… remember Athos has been a widower for a long time (and Louis has both in spare…)
Chapter 33: The Banquet
The banquet hall was festooned with garlands and flowers. One table at the front was draped with a white linen table cloth with a silvery blue overlay. One section was even overlaid with gold silk, marking where the King and Queen Mother would dine. Athos, Porthos and D'Artagnan would sit to King Louis' right, while on his left, next to the Queen Mother, Aramis, Natalie and Christine would be seated.
China with a fleur-de-lis pattern was set at each table and delicate stemmed goblets awaited the fine wines that would accompany dinner. The guests all took their seats at long banquet tables set on the floor perpendicular to the main table. Aramis leaned over and whispered to Natalie.
"Are you enjoying the day?" he asked.
"Oh, yes," she said with a smile. "It is all I've ever imagined." She reached out and covered his hand with her right one. A glint of gold on Natalie's finger drew his attention. He lifted her hand and saw she was wearing his old fleur-de-lis ring. The one he'd given her years ago.
"The ring I gave you…" he murmured.
She smiled. "It is the first grown-up gift you ever gave me, and aside from my wedding ring now, it is my most prized possession because it was yours." Aramis found he was touched by the gesture and he raised her hand to his lips. He kissed her hand once and the ring once before releasing her fingers.
Moments later, servants were pouring wine and champagne and platters of food began streaming in from the kitchen area. Plates of vegetables coated in a light oil and spices were followed by baskets of crusty baguette rolls and soup. The vegetable soup was thick and warm with a delicate flavor. Natalie forced herself to eat her soup slowly, despite how hungry she was. After several spoonfuls, some of the hunger abated and she reached for her glass of wine. As she did, King Louis stood.
"A toast!" he cried. "A toast for the new Comte and his lady… may you always be blessed with long and happy days together." He raised his glass high and was matched by the guests.
"Long and happy days," the crowd cried in unison. Aramis and Natalie touched glasses and both had a long drink of their wine. Shortly after, more food began to arrive. There was pheasant with a walnut stuffing, suckling pig, roast beef, and tiny game hens in a rosemary glaze. Bowls of potatoes, herbed carrots, and beans followed immediately after. And just when it seemed there could be no more food, the servants began to bring out platters filled with desserts.
The first was a special cake just for Aramis and Natalie. White frosting was decorated with flowers and there was a delicate berry jam between the layers. The other guests were treated to platters with crepes and mousses, brandied apricots and fruit tarts.
From the other side of the table, Natalie could hear Porthos' booming voice praising the food and drink, telling tales and making merry. She smiled, loving the jovial sound of his voice. Before long he was telling tales about Natalie, how he taught her to shoot a bow and arrow, and sounding for all the world like a very proud uncle.
King Louis leaned forward. "Aramis?"
"Yes, your Majesty?"
"Are you and your lovely wife finished with your desserts?"
"Yes, thank you, King Louis."
"Excellent. Then we shall adjourn to the ballroom for the remainder of your reception." The King stood. "Honored guests, we now retire to the ballroom for the remainder of the evening's entertainment."
As the guests moved, an army of servants swarmed into the banquet hall to clear away the dishes and food. In the ballroom, a quartet of musicians struck up a tune as soon as the King entered. Once all of the guests had the opportunity to find a comfortable spot in the room, the musicians began to play the notes of a lively group dance. It was an intricate patterned dance that switched partners every few steps. This gave nearly everyone a chance to dance with the bride and groom.
There were also some acrobats who performed during the short interludes when the musician rested. They were nimble and daring, and several of their stunts made the guests gasp in astonishment. They even performed a short comical skit about a man who thought he'd misplaced his money purse that made Natalie laugh out loud. Just as Aramis offered Natalie another glass of wine, the musicians returned to their seats and prepared to play again.
"Would you mind terribly if we rested for a moment and just watched this dance?" she asked.
"Not at all," smiled Aramis who was actually grateful for the momentary reprieve. He could not remember the last time he had danced so frequently.
"Captain," said King Louis, who was standing not far from Natalie and Aramis.
"Yes, your Majesty? What do you require?" asked D'Artagnan.
Louis raised his voice very, very slightly; just enough for the courtiers surrounding him to hear. "I must step out for a brief moment, but I wish the party to continue while I am gone. I bid you escort the Queen Mother in the next dance until I can return to partner her."
"As you wish, your Majesty," said D'Artagnan. And thank you… by making this dance your request, it is – perhaps – the only way we can share a public moment together. Aramis smiled. He, too, understood what the King was doing and it made him admire the young man even more. Louis stayed long enough to watch D'Artagnan escort the Queen Mother to the floor and nodded in approval, lest any one at all suspect that D'Artagnan dared too much.
Sitting close together, Aramis and Natalie, watched the couples glide across the floor. For a split second, the swirl of gowns parted and Natalie saw Christine and Jacques. Christine was laughing. Natalie smiled; she remembered how happy Christine had looked when she was with Raoul. Tonight, her eyes had a similar sparkle, and Natalie was happy for her.
Soon, Aramis stirred restlessly in his chair. He leaned over to Natalie and whispered in her ear, "I appreciate all the King has done, but I find myself yearning for some quiet time alone with you."
Natalie blushed. For quite some time, she had been thinking of the kisses she and Aramis had shared in the garden, and she was quite ready to share some more of them… with her husband. She didn't, however, quite know how to tell Aramis that. Her low laugh and sudden color told Aramis everything he needed to know.
"If you ever wish to be alone with me, you need to but whisper it in my ear," he said softly.
She turned her head, so close that her lips nearly brushed against him. "I wish to be alone with you." Her voice gave him chills.
They both got up and walked over to where the King – who had returned after two dances – was conversing animatedly with Athos, D'Artagnan, and Porthos. D'Artagnan and Porthos guessed what this visit heralded and both shifted their eyes to Athos for a brief moment.
"The hour grows late, your Majesty, and with your permission we would bid you adieu for the evening," said Aramis.
"Of course," said the King with a smile.
"Thank you for a wonderful day, your Majesty," said Natalie. "I will remember it forever."
They bid goodnight to the others. Aramis put his arm around Natalie and escorted her out of the room. The newlyweds disappeared out the door and Athos downed a gulp of brandy. As he did, Porthos clapped him on the shoulder and said, "I wonder how long it will be until we get ze news that you will be a grand-Papa?"
Athos sputtered as he choked on the brandy.
This just isn't going to get any easier for Athos, is it? He'll adjust… one of these days. Please read and review… and just so you know, the next chapter will probably be the last. I'm part way through and Angoliel (who is one of the Queens of the Steamy Scene) has graciously offered to give me a few pointers.
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.)