"Yes, please?" I said and the door opened. The maid entered and said: "The king is waiting for you, he is celebrating a banquet in honor of those who saved him.", She said with a curtsey. When she looked up, she said, startled: "I can't let you go to the banquet with this hairstyle."

She led me to the barber's table and began to comb my hair and put it up. That took a few minutes and then the maid led me to the entrance of the ballroom.

I was surprised how many people were already there and I swallowed nervously. Then the 3 musketeers stepped out of the background with D'Artangan. They had talked to my father.

"Finally," said Porthos.

"You took your time," said Athos.

"That's normal for women, and look how nice she has made herself up.", Aramis said and I blushed a little because of the compliment.

"Aramis, you're not here to play the womanizer tonight, are you?" D'Artangan asked.

With a smile, I curtsied to the gentlemen when my father came up to me.

"How beautiful you are, my daughter," he said with tears in his eyes.

Then we heard three strikes of a wooden stick on the floor. At the entrance stood the crier, who announced us one after the other, with full name and title.

"Your Majesties, ladies and gentlemen:

Jaques de Fleur, his daughter Jeanne.

Charles d'Artagnan de Batz-Castelmore.

Armand de Sillégue d'Athos d'Autevielle.

Isaac de Portau

Henri d'Aramitz. "

I was a little irritated as I only knew the 4 as Athos, Porthos, Aramis and D'Artangan. I would never have thought that the 3 actually had a different name and that they only called each other by their nicknames. But in the other way it seemed somehow logical to me, with the sometimes really long names. We went before the king in the order in which we were named and bowed. After a nod on his part, we went to his right side, while Queen Anna was standing on his left.

"We have gathered here today to thank, on the one hand, the heroism of these 4 young musketeers, and Madame Fleur who saved our lives. Because of this heroism, Monsieur Jaques de Fleur is also being given back the title of count that was unjustifiably revoked. He and his daughter will be part of my court again and Count Jaques de Fleur will also be a member of my advisory staff. ", the king announced solemnly.

Those present cheered and applauded.

"Meanwhile, every man present here is allowed to marry

Madame de Fleur," added the king.

I stared at the king in disbelief. What was that supposed to mean now? My father did not miss this look and he turned to the king: "Your Majesty, was that really necessary?"

"Monsieur, how old is your daughter?" Asked the king

"Your Highness, in November she will be 21."

"Then it is time for her to be married. Other women at her age already have a family.", Said the king indignantly, "She has to be married soon, or you will return to your village."

Tears welled up in my eyes, and the musketeers couldn't hide that. As I began to sway, Portos caught me and sat me on a chair.

"That wasn't nice of the king," whispered D'Artangan.

"But he's right," said Aramis, "At her age she should have had a husband and children long ago."

"Whatever has kept you from it, you will not be able to get around it now.", Athos said, "Unless you want to go back to the village."

"No ... but ... I'd like to decide for myself who to marry." I said, sobbing.

"Well, that's not how it works here," said Athos.

"Look, I think a line has already formed," said D'Artangan.

I could barely see through my tear-clouded eyes how many people were queuing to speak to me.

"I have to get out of here," I muttered.

Then Athos grabbed my arm and pulled me outside onto the balcony, while the others kept all the admirers in check.

My knees trembled as we stood by the balustrade, so I sat on the balustrade and Athos then swung beside me.

"As bad as you think it is not to be married. Look how many men want to court you. Others would feel flattered," said Athos.

That was just what the right one said. But his soft voice somehow had a calming effect on me.

"It is time you took your place in society. You may have the courage of a musketeer, but you are a woman in spite of everything. You have other responsibilities. And besides ... I don't think you made for the fight All the blood and dirt and ... ", Athos cleared his throat and I had to smile.

"I know that I am a woman. But that the king is now linking my marriage to rehabilitation and has presented me as if on the serving plate, I found something ...", I moved my head closer to Athos to whisper to him so Nobody else could hear it: "Outrageous."

Athos shrugged his shoulders: "He is the king."

"I know.", I said with a sigh and looked at Athos for a long time. He returned my gaze and I plunged into his sky blue eyes. I felt that at that moment something was happening between us ... it was as if we were magically drawn to each other. Our faces approached ...

"Jeanne! Where are you, the gentlemen are getting impatient and the king is already grinding his teeth!" My father burst into the scene.

His loud voice had frightened us and Athos jumped off the parapet in no time at all. I wanted to do the same, but landed my heel on the hem of my dress and threatened to fall over. A sharp scream escaped me when I was caught. Athos had prevented the worst.