Equals

Chapter 3

Christine recounted her information in Treville's office. The older musketeer nodding as she explained the situation of the couple at court. Treville had been a witness to the dirt and deviance that dwelt at court for long enough to know the dangers that Christine spoke of.

"You three, find this Viscomte," he instructed Athos, Porthos and D'Artagnan. "Perhaps the bridegroom got cold feet and saw this as an easy way out of an engagement. Aramis, stay with Christine."

"Sir, I'm fine," she said, but the Captain interrupted.

"You were with the Queen when this happened. Until we learn more information, we cannot be sure who the intended target was for this display."

"You don't think Christine – " Porthos began, his eyes narrowed.

"We don't know what the motive was for this attack. I won't have her left unprotected until we can establish the cause for this abomination."

"I am expected to be at court tomorrow. I have agreed to dine with the King," she said.

"The musketeers and palace guards will protect you while in the palace. However, I insist on a musketeer escort to and from the Palace grounds until this guilty party is caught," he said sternly, then softening his tone, "Please," he added.

She looked into the Captain's eyes and was shocked to see the worry that lingered in their blue depths.

She nodded at him and he replied with a curt "Dismissed."

Aramis placed a hand on her waist and guided her out the door behind the others.

Once the five had gone, Captain Treville let out a sigh as he shuffled some of the papers on his desk. Treville cared about all his men, and though he hated to admit it, more often than not his thoughts strayed to the wellbeing of these four, his best, and the ones he turned to for his most important missions.

When she entered into the life of his marksman and was embraced as a comrade and sister by the other three – and by the entire regiment, he thought – he could not help admitting his own fondness and protectiveness encircling Christine as well. She had suffered and she had served within this garrison, facing dangers and making sacrifices that a woman of her birth would never have been asked to make. She had become almost like a daughter to him, in as much of a way that those four were sons. He would sacrifice his life for any of them, so his desire to ensure her safety was only natural.

oOo

Athos, D'Artagnan and Porthos stood at the end of a great hall as the young Viscomte approached them. The man was pale and shaking. His eyes were red and puffy. Clearly, he had received word of the passing of his betrothed.

Athos stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Your Grace, we've come to ask you a few questions about your whereabouts for the past 24 hours," he said. "A woman was found dead at the palace," he said without preamble.

"Marie," he whispered, his voice breaking. He nodded sadly as his eyes filled with tears.

Athos hesitated, seeing the man's desolation, but proceeded. "We need to know if there's any reason someone would want to cause her harm."

Fear bloomed in the man's eyes as they swung around the room. He shook his head.

Athos glanced at Porthos at the man's reaction. "Are you certain?" Athos asked again.

He swallowed thickly, shaking his head again. "She wouldn't hurt a fly. How could someone do this?" the man cried.

"Do you know if her family has been told?" D'Artagnan asked, looking at the man.

"She doesn't have any family. Her parents have both passed. She was a maid here," he said by way of explanation.

"Who are you and what are you doing here?" cried a stern voice. The Comte de Coulombe marched towards the musketeers. "Can't you see my son is distraught?"

The young man's eyes widened as he saw his father approaching.

"Don't say another word Marius. I insist you gentlemen leave at once," the Comte demanded.

Athos' eyes sparked. "A young woman was murdered. Her body was desecrated and put on display like a petty criminal, cast aside like it was worthless. We are trying to bring the villains who did this to her to justice," he said coldly.

"If you can think of something, anything that might help us find her murderer, please let us know," said D'Artagnan, his eyes seeking the Viscomtes' as they turned and left the grand home.

oOo

"Aramis," Christine asked, turning to look at him as they entered the library on rue St. Germain. "What's wrong? What is troubling you?"

"I'm not sure," he said as he lowered himself onto the couch. She quickly took her place next to him, taking his hands and seeking his eyes. Taking his chin in her hand, she raised his face to meet her eyes.

"Tell me," she said, her blue-grey eyes sparkling with concern.

"I would if I could my love, believe me," he said, giving her a soft smile. "It's just a feeling I have," he said as he kissed the inside of her wrist.

Her eyes flashed in alarm. She knew to trust his instincts in these matters, but when he himself couldn't name the danger…

Seeing the concern growing in her eyes, he shook his head and smiled at her. "Come now, it's probably nothing. I shouldn't worry you needlessly."

She took his face in both her hands and kissed the worry lines from his forehead. He closed his eyes and she pressed her lips gently against his closed eyelids.

He smiled at her as she kissed both his temples, her hands moving to massage his neck. Instinctively his arms found their way around her as her lips breezed across his.

"I thought I was supposed to be comforting you," he said.

"Believe me, mi tesoro, I'm very comfortable," she breathed as she pulled him closer.

Further words weren't needed as he kissed her again, and any previous cares were forgotten. Laughing, she led him to the bedchamber.

oOo

Aramis and Christine were the picture of happiness as he escorted her to the palace the next morning, her arm gripped tightly in his, their fingers laced together. Porthos couldn't help grinning as he watched as the marksman led her up the stairs and taking her chin in his hands he kissed her. She blushed slightly before grinning at him as he kissed the inside of her wrist and made his way towards Porthos.

Aramis beamed at Porthos as he jogged towards him.

"So? Did you ask?" Porthos said. He couldn't keep the joy and laughter from his voice.

"Not yet," said Aramis with a grin. "Trust me, mon ami, when I do, you'll be the first to know," he said as he clapped his brother on the shoulder.

"I'll just listen for the wails of the women of Paris," Porthos said, a twinkle in his eye. Aramis laughed as they set off for the garrison.

Athos and D'Artagnan intersected them as they approached the garrison gates. The smiles on the brawler and the marksman vanished instantly.

"There's trouble. Another body has been found," said Athos.

oOo