Chapter 28

Thanks for reading this story. Thanks to NicoleR85, Jennifer, dg101 for their reviews. Thanks to all the followers and the one who favourited this story. Hope you'll like this new chapter.

New Chapter, read, enjoy, and review.


The musketeers were back from their little errands in town. Catherine and I have moved to the dinner room and were having lunch.

"Can you bring plates for the gentlemen please?" Catherine asked to the servants in the room. They nodded and withdrew themselves.

"So what did you find?" I asked them sipping from my water.

"Not much, I'm afraid." Athos replied sitting next to me.

"No one knows what Grimmault has in mind." D'Artagnan continued.

"Or where he went." Aramis added.

"Surely, we have a mean to stop him or to draw him out." Catherine asked. I think she's starting to like this. Even if it's dangerous.

"We might." Porthos replied. "But not everyone agrees with this plan."

"Who doesn't?" I asked.

"Athos and D'Artagnan." Aramis replied. "Porthos and I know the danger but we also know that you can manage it."

"And what is the plan?" Catherine questioned.

"Lure Grimmault out." D'Artagnan grumbled while the servants set a plate in front of him. "And for this we need you."

"That's why you both disagree?" I asked both of them.

"And that's why we'll find another solution." Athos replied.

"And if there's not other solution. And if this is the only option we have." I countered. "We have to stop Grimmault because he won't miss next time."

"And that's exactly why I refuse to use you as bait." Athos said calmly.

"Then use me." Catherine blurted out.

"What? No!" I exclaimed.

"You don't have to worry." Catherine assured me. "You're not the only woman who can face danger in this family."

"No. No, not in a million years." I said. "You're the only family that I have left and I can't lose you."

"Emma, everything will be fine. Your friends will be here to protect me." She said softly.

"I said no." I snapped getting up. And winced at the slight pain in my stomach. I left the room and went outside in the garden. The fresh air was helping to calm down.

Maybe, Catherine was right. Maybe, I should let her do this but I just can't. I just found her and even if I wasn't really happy about it, I'm getting use to have a family again. And I don't want to lose her.

"Pansies and sunflowers. Strange combination." I heard Athos said behind me.

"I know." I sighed. I felt him took my hand in his. "Let me do this. I'm a musketeer. She's not."

"She won't change her mind." Athos said. "She is as stubborn as you. I think it runs in the family." Athos joked.

"That's not funny." I replied to him.

"Emma, you know we'll protect her." Athos faced me.

"I know, we will."

"We?" Athos raised his eyebrows.

"You didn't think I will let you go without me." I smirked.

"Emma, you're still hurt." Athos pointed out.

"I know but I won't stay here while she's risking her life." I countered.

"You are an infuriating woman." Athos declared.

"And you an infuriating man but you don't see me complain now do you?" I smiled. I pushed his hair away from his forehead. "Athos, are you sure about this?"

"Trust me, nothing will happen to you grandmother." Athos replied.

"This wasn't what I was referring to." I sighed. "I mean are you sure about us?"

"Why wouldn't I?" Athos answered. "Because you come from the court of miracles. Because you used to steal for a living." He ran his thumb across my cheek.

"Yes, basically." I smiled.

"I've never been so sure." Athos kissed me on my forehead. "And you should never doubt it."

"I won't." I kissed him on his lips. The kiss was soft at first. Then, the kiss deepened and became more passionate. I couldn't stop the moan that escapes my mouth. Athos pulled me into him. I pulled away to breathe. I leaned my forehead on Athos'.

"We should go back inside." Athos said with a hoarse voice.

"Yes, we should." I agreed.


We left two days later to Toulon. I felt better so I was able to ride. Catherine came with us. Grimmault was still in Toulon. According to the Duke, Grimmault has a small cottage. The Duke was a great help these last two days. He has some men who travelled from Bordeaux to Toulon, to keep a discreet eye on Grimmault. The plan was to let Catherine go and talk to him and the musketeers will stay up close, me including. What surprised me most was Catherine's determination. She was ready to do this and she proved to me and the musketeers that she'll be able to do this. She could use a musket and a sword. The plan was for her to be bait. She would go on the excuse to confront him and to take revenge for what he did to me. We will be close enough to keep an eye on her and not too close to be seen.

Once we arrived in Toulon, Catherine has sent a message to Grimmault to meet him on neutral ground. He answered after a few hours that they will meet in a clearing between his house and the town. Catherine agreed. The musketeers and I weren't reassured. It's clearing that Grimmault obviously know and he had his own men.

"Alright, what do we do now?" I asked in the inn we were staying.

"We go to the meeting." Catherine replied.

"But he knows the place. We can't go without knowing if you're safe." I countered.

"But we need to stop him. We don't have any other choice." Catherine retorted. "If it was you, you would go no matter how dangerous it might be."

"But I know the danger." I argued.

"So do I." She yelled back. "Emma, everything will be fine. Stop, worrying about me."

"Easier said than done." I grumbled.