Afternoon My Lovelies

Again, not entirely sure why I've left this so long to update considering it's been done for a few days now. But on the plus side, I realized that we're right near the end of this story so I've decided to have a writing day today so will be updating new chapters once they're finished so fingers crossed there should be a bunch for you to read today as I'm hoping to get this story finished.

Notes On Reviews:

Debbie (Guest): Thanks for the review - Yeah Ethan's definitely determined to throw the muskys under the bus with him if he can and we'll be seeing how that'll turn out now :) Enjoy the new chapter! x

beeblegirl: Thanks for the review - We'll see how the King handles this new announcement today, I'm hoping you'll enjoy how this goes :) Enjoy the new chapter! x

pallysAramisRios: Thanks for the review - Yep :) Ethan was determined and we'll see how the King handles the news now. Enjoy the new chapter! x

WelshEssex: Thanks for the review - Ethan knows he's going down and is determined to hurt the muskys as he goes. He couldn't care less about Corneau, this is just his own form of revenge. The inseparables are definitely going to be upset they missed D'Art waking up but they'll return to him soon. Enjoy the new chapter! x

As always much love and many thanks for following/favouriting/reading/reviewing

Love you all!

Enjoy!

xxx

Chapter Seventy-Seven: Judgement I

From his spot behind Treville Issac felt his heart drop as he heard Ethan's declaration. He didn't care about his own fate, he had resigned himself to all the possible ramifications before he had acted on his anger and his earlier words to Treville still remained true now, he didn't feel any remorse or guilt for what he had done to Corneau. No, his current state of unease came from Ethan's use of the word 'men' meaning the red guard was planning on throwing Favier to the wolves as well, something he was desperate to avoid at any cost.

"Don't" hissed a voice by his side as he felt a hand grip his wrist. Favier, who had spotted the look on his brother's face knew the man well enough to know he was about to step forward and take full blame for what happened in an attempt to save Favier from any repercussions, something he wasn't about to let happen, not if there was a chance Treville could save them.

Ignoring the quiet, almost inaudible argument happening behind him Treville stepped forward after Ethan had finished his declaration, his eyes hard and cold as he glared daggers at the restrained red guard. "Your Majesty," he began, sending up silent prayers that he could protect his men from suffering even further because of Corneau. "He is clearly lying in hopes of saving or prolonging his life whilst taking down the very men that captured him in the first place!"

"What do I have to gain by lying Treville," sneered Ethan with a smug smirk on his face, "I knew my fate was sealed the moment your men captured me. The is no saving my life, the law claims me but it also claims theirs," he stated as he nodded towards Issac and Favier who had thankfully finished their hushed argument and were now standing emotionless as they watched the scene, although Treville could see the pleading look hidden in Issac's eyes to save his brother.

"I may be going down," stated Ethan as he continued to smirk, "But they're going down with me."

"He admits it!" exclaimed Treville as he turned to face the King, desperation beginning to creep up inside of him.

"So your man Issac there didn't butcher Corneau in the same way Corneau had his sister butchered before delivering the killing blow?" asked Ethan mockingly, silently relishing in the way Treville paled slightly at his words, "All while the man was still gagged and restrained?"

"Captain Treville?" pressed the King as he looked down at the musketeer Captain before glancing towards the two accused men briefly before looking back to the Captain who looked resigned yet still defiant as he glared at the red guard.

"You will direct two of my guards along with a physician of my choosing to where you had Corneau buried," stated the King, knowing he couldn't ignore the red guard's claim even if he wanted to. Corneau may have deserved what he got but if the musketeers killed a restrained man then it was murder, not justice. "They will ascertain the validity of this man's claims… In the meantime, the accused will remain in the Bastille," when Treville went to protest the King was quick to add, "I will not have you sending them out on some distant mission in an effort to save them if they are guilty Treville."

With that King Louis nodded towards his guards, two of which pulled a willing and still smirking Ethan out of the room whilst several others made their way over to the musketeers, most of whom looked shocked at what was happening, only to react the moment the guards stood in front of the pair.

Ignoring the cries of outrage from his brothers-in-arms around him Issac felt his own fear grow as he watched a palace guard roughly grab Favier by the arm, pulling him away. Without thinking beyond the immense desire to protect his brother Issac broke his silence, shouting loud enough to silence everyone else in the throne room.

"FAVIER DIDN'T DO IT, I DID!"

Favier felt his heart drop at his brother's words. He had fully planned on accompanying his brother into whatever punishment the King sought to deal out but it seemed his protective brother had other plans.

Breaking free of his own restraining hold Issac stormed forward to stand before the King, Ignoring calls of his name from both Favier and Treville.

"Corneau had my baby sister butchered for the sake of us learning a 'lesson'," spat Issac, venom dripping from his voice. "So when the rest of the men were busy dealing with Etienne I stole Corneau away from the camp. Like Ethan claimed I enacted on him every wound that had been dealt to my Ines's body."

"And your friend's part in all this?" questioned the King as he watched the man with an emotionless stare.

Resisting the urge to turn around and look at his beloved brother Issac took a steadying breath before continuing. "Favier arrived just before I delivered the final blow. He tried everything to talk me out of my plan, even tried to physically stop me from killing Corneau but I was a fraction faster."

"Is," breathed Favier from his spot behind his brother, tears forming in his eyes as the gravity of his brother's situation slowly began to sink in.

Ignoring his brother and the pain his voice caused his heart Issac remained firm and straightened his stance as he added, "The Captain arrived shortly afterwards and can confirm that whilst I was covered in Corneau's blood, Favier was not." His explanation of events paused for a moment then as the King looked towards the Captain who, reluctantly nodded in agreement to Issac's words. "Ines was the only blood family I had left," Issac continued to explain, "She may hate me for what I did in her name but I never will, nor will I ever feel guilty for doing so. I tortured and killed Corneau Your Majesty, me and me alone."