D'Artagnan

A low moan caught the young musketeer's attention and he stopped his frantic checking of the surrounding to look at Lemay. The physician seemed to regain consciousness. The pain lines were becoming clearly visible on his too pale face.

"Doctor Lemay?", d'Artagnan asked with hope. The physician slowly opened his eyes. He blinked a few times.

"Doctor?", the musketeer asked anxiously. He tried to keep his voice low, not to discomfort the wounded man further. It did not help, as Lemay winced painfully.

"My head", he mumbled.

"Someone hit you… I guess you surprised him in your pharmacy and he attacked you. Do you think you can stand?", d'Artagnan felt insecure kneeling on the floor in a space full of furniture which could be so easily used as a cover.

"With your help", murmured the doctor. He palpated cautiously the side of his head and slowly started to get up. The musketeer pulled him on his feet. Lemay hissed in pain and he caught the Gascon desperately. It must have been too fast for the wounded man. He allowed Lemay to lean against him and waited patiently for him to regain his balance.

"I need to take a few things… that's why I came here…"

D'Artagnan skeptically looked at him and helped him towards a stool.

"Sit down and tell me what should I bring to you."

Lemay nodded after a moment, as it seemed difficult for him to understand the musketeer's words, but then he started to give instructions and the Gascon started digging through the dried herbs, little bottles, and jars. Finally, he found everything the physician wanted. He felt some unease that Aramis had not returned yet but he could not leave Lemay alone. And it meant that Constance was alone all this time.

Maybe not alone. The Queen is at her bedside. But is she the best possible caregiver? Unlikely. She likes Constance, but her medical knowledge… However, MiIady's presence may be reassuring. It's so strange she's our ally now. And somebody tried to kill her because of that. Probably one of Rochefort's men.

"Are we ready to go?", d'Artagnan tried to sound patient, but he knew he failed when Lemay got up murmuring some apologies. The musketeer helped him to the room when the ladies were left.

"What has happened?!", the Queen exclaimed anxiously.

"How's Constance?!", d'Artagnan asked with dread.

"I don't think there has been any change…", the Queen answered cautiously, "But I believe I've asked you a question…"

"Forgive me your Majesty!", d'Artagnan curtsied, "Doctor Lemay was attacked in the pharmacy. He took a blow to the head. We found him, and Aramis went after the criminal into a secret tunnel…"

"So I suggest that you join your companion immediately. These times the palace is not a safe place for a wounded man!"

"I will take care of Madame Bonacieux", Lemay offered.

D'Artagnan mumbled his thanks and rushed towards pharmacy. The room was dim, the herbal scent prevailing in the air. The musketeer cautiously crossed the free space. Between all these shelves and cupboards it was just too easy for an enemy to hide. D'Artagnan knew he should have probably secured the perimeter, but for one person it was simply quite impossible. So, well aware of the risk he was taking, the Gascon went directly to the entry of the secret tunnel. He took a deep breath and followed the dark corridor. The candle gave enough light to see that only a narrow passage was around him. There was no place to hide here.

A nice change… wait! Why does the flame act so weirdly?!

The musketeer stopped for a moment to observe the candle which seemed to dim. Undisturbed by the air flow, the flame was simply fainting.

The wax is probably faulty.

He reached the slightly open door and pushed them carefully. His action made no sound. He slowly approached, just enough to take a quick look inside, and froze.

It was the King's bedroom. Aramis was lying on the floor near the monarch's bed and Louis was still resting on it. Both seemed lifeless.

D'Artagnan barely registered that his candle had extinguished when he jumped into the room. While his heart told him to reach his brother, his head ordered him to save the King.

Head over heart, his mentor's words echoed in his mind.

He caught the unconscious (please not dead) monarch and went directly to the door. He managed to pull them open, although he started to feel a bit dizzy.

A poison…

There was no guard in front of the bedroom door, D'Artagnan had to reach another door at the end of the large corridor. It should not surprise him, as he knew that the King did not like to be bothered by the soldiers guarding his door. Finally, the musketeer reached the door. He felt like he was moving through a thick mud - his moves slow, but demanding too much energy from him. The guards, two musketeers, turned towards him and stood at attention. Only then they realised the odd scene they were witnessing.

"What?!", one of them exclaimed.

"He was poisoned. Fetch Lemay and take him out to fresh air! I must go back!"

I left someone much precious to me there …

They did not ask any questions. D'Artagnan inhaled deeply and ran back into the royal bedroom. Aramis was exactly in the same position he had left him. The Gascon tried to scoop in his arms to lift him. But it suddenly seemed too difficult.

I'm so sorry, brother…

D'Artagnan had to drag his brother out of the room, and do it quickly, as he was also fading, even though he tried hard not to breathe the poisoned air. The walls of the vast corridor started to move in, the black dots on the edge of the vision were slowly growing.

The young musketeer suddenly realized he felt to his knees. He desperately tried to get up, but his body seemed to betray him. He vaguely heard his name shouted, and then he felt that he was manhandled. He did not know if the person was a friend or a foe. His instinct screamed at him that he should check it but the soft blackness whispered promises were sweeter.

Suddenly, his breath hitched as something cold and liquid flowed down his face. Fresh air tasted sweetly. He gasped and gulped it greedily.

"D'Artagnan, are you with us?", one of the musketeer - Morineau was kneeling at his side, worry evident in his eyes.

"Yes…", the thick fog in his head was slowly clearing up.

"Good!", the relief was obvious.

"Aramis?!", the Gascon knew he should ask first about King's well-being, but he had done his duty. He had left behind an ailing brother to save the monarch. No more could have been demanded from him.

"Still breathing", replied Morineau, "But unresponsive."

"The King?"

"Lemay is working on him. He said there is no other medic he can trust, so…"

D'Artagnan nodded distractedly while he tried to sit up. He accepted Morineau's help and somehow made towards Aramis. He nearly wept when he saw his brother's too pale face.

"Mis… Please, open your eyes", he whispered, and a thought hit him. Milady! He scrambled to his feet and wobbly ran towards the room he had left the King's lover in.

He was quite shocked by the absence of any guards in front of the door. He primed his pistol and slowly opened the door. Three barrels met him the moment he peeked into the room. One of the guns was trembling so much!

He watched with immense relief that the weapon was being lowered. Claude smiled briefly at him.

"Good, you came. We have to get rid of two corpses. They came and tried to attack the ladies", he explained. That was when the Gascon saw bodies on the floor. It explained why the Queen was still holding a gun in her hand. D'Artagnan bet that she did not know how to use it.

"Your Majesty, the King has been poisoned."

"I know about it. The musketeer who came here for doctor Lemay informed me about it.", the Queen replied, the dignity in her voice nearly completely masking her fear, "How is my husband?"

"He's alive. Doctor Lemay is taking care of him".

I should have asked about the KIng's condition.

"Milady, I thing the doctor could use your help."

Green eyes looked at him for a moment quizzically.

"Of course, I'm his humble servant. Lead the way."

D'Artagnan was not sure, but he thought that was first time he saw the Queen unhappy at Milady leaving her.

A/N

My gratitude to Legate of Apples for precioius hints and correction.

Happy New Year to everyone!