Chapter 39
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I wore a skirt. I rolled up the front part of the skirt and tucked it in my belt. I wore my usual black corset and my purple shirt. Over it all my black jerkin and the musketeers blazon on my right shoulder. My hair was down. My hat was in my hand as I walked with Constance in the corridor of the royal palace.
"Don't you think we should at least warned the Queen of Milady true nature?" Constance asked me for the hundredth time.
"I've already told you what I think Constance." I stopped walking and faced her. "There's nothing we can do for now. She bewitched his majesty with her charms, now The King's besotted with her." I sighed. "I'm sorry but we can't do much."
"You are right. It's just…I fear she will hurt her majesty." She said conflicted.
"I know. I promise you, she won't do anything to compromise herself." I said resting my arm over her shoulders. "Come on, the Queen is waiting for us."
I haven't been at the garrison for days. I have been staying at the palace with Constance. The Queen has officially assigned as her escort. It was temporary but that gave me a reason to stay at the Palace. The only problem about this situation was Milady and probably Rochefort, too. My two least favorite person in the world. The first because she the reason why I ended things with Athos and the second because he is Rochefort.
However, lately there was woman whom everyone in France knew the name. Emilie Of Duras. Like Joan of Arc, she hears the voice of God who is commanding her to raise an army in the name of King Louis. This army is supposed to go in war against Spain. Now, it is a crime to raise and army without the King's permission. I've heard that the Musketeers were dealing with that problem. Emilie wanted an audience with the King which he refused of course but Anne wanted to talk to her. After all Spain was once her home and the Spanish are all her countrymen. She wants to put an end to this massacre.
As for Athos, I haven't seen him or heard of him for as long as I was here in the Palace. It was probably for the best. But it hurts more than I thought it would. Not to see him, not to be with him, not hearing his voice was painful. I didn't know that loving someone could be wonderful and hurtful at the same time. Some would say that love is worth the pain but I'm telling you, right now I feel more pain than I feel love and it's not worth anything. Maybe, I changed my mind one day. But not today.
I still don't know how I managed but I was able to see little of Milady. I didn't cross her path as much as I thought I would. I only caught glimpses of her. She was always roaming the corridor at night between her quarters and the King's chambers. She was his new favorite as you would say. This woman won't stop at nothing to get what she wants. And it was driving me mad. I was furious, sad, and hurt.
I have been feeling this for days. Constance tried to lighten my mood but it didn't work. For the young woman felt the same as I did. Let's not forget, just like me, she was in love with a musketeer. And like Athos, she was married but she never loved her husband, she only loved D'Artagnan. I mean there's hope for them. Few, small, just a shadow but it was hope nonetheless.
"Innocent people are dying all because of that foolish peasant girl who thinks she can talk to God." The Queen started as Constance and I were with her in her chambers.
"They say she speaks like an Angel." Constance said to this.
"Angel of Death." Anne spat out. "I can't stand idly by and watch my fellow countrymen slaughtered. If the King won't do something, I will have to."
"Why won't the King grant her an audience?" I questioned.
"His advisors won't allow it. They say it would only encourage her." Anne answered.
"Can't you talk to him?" Constance suggested.
"I've tried, many times." Anne exhaled. "But what I want is of little interest."
"I suppose it all have to do with his new friend?" I spat out the last word.
"He's captivated by this Milady." Anne confirmed what I already knew. "I'm told she knows…things. Bedroom tricks." Constance and I remained quiet. Anne needed to talk and we could see that. "I was so young when I married the King. We grew up more as friends than lovers."
"When you truly love someone, all the tricks in the world don't matter." Constance reassured her.
"I have tried so hard to be the King's friend and support." Anne chuckled. "But I know I have never pleased him."
"You're the mother of his son." Constance reasoned with her. But I knew better. Anne was a mother, yes. But of Aramis' son, not the King's.
"Yes." Anne replied looking briefly in my direction. "I am. Thank God. And for Dauphin's sake, Emilie's gospel of hatred has to be challenged."
"Are you ready to do anything to meet her?" I asked The Queen knowing well I will come to regret this decision.
"I wish to stop the slaughter of my countrymen." Was Anne's reply.
"I might have an idea." I said conflicted.
"I'm not sure this is a good idea." Constance said as we approached Emilie's camp. Anne and Constance were both dressed as peasants. I still wore my uniform but the blazon was hidden under my cloak.
"If the King won't grant Emilie an audience, I must." Anne replied. "What choice do I have?"
"You could have stayed safe at home. And so could I." Constance answered.
"That's why I'm here, Constance. To protect you both. Don't you trust me?" I asked her.
"Of course, I do. But I still think it's not the brightest idea you've ever had." Constance retorted.
"I want to be useful, Constance. To show the King there are some things only a Queen can do." Anne told her. "How do I look?" Anne asked us.
"Beautiful." Constance replied.
"That's not what I meant." Anne whispered to her. "I don't see any muskets or swords. These are just ordinary people. I'm sure they'll listen to reason."
"I won't be too sure if I were you, Your Majesty." I muttered taking the lead.
A group of men stopped us at the entrance of the camp.
"What do you want?" One of them asked us.
"We're looking for Emilie." Constance answered before I could.
"Who wants her?" A second one questioned us. He was sitting on the bridge.
"Three women who've seen the damage you've caused." Anne replied.
"Tell us your name." The same man asked.
"Emma de Sauvignon and these are my friends. Constance Bonacieux and Anne." I spoke this time.
"Well, we can't just let anyone see Emilie. It wouldn't be safe." The man retorted. He stared at Anne before saying. "I know you. You're her. The Queen. The Spanish Bitch."
"Mind your words in her presence, will you?" I told him threateningly.
"I am as loyal to France as any of you." Anne said for her defense.
"There is not a drop of French blood running in your veins." He said as he got up. I placed myself in front of Anne and Constance, cussing myself for even thinking of this stupid plan. "Who puts a fox in a hen house? Why are you really here?"
"We've told you..." Constance started.
"Take her!" He ordered his men pushing me towards them. I could have done something but it was too risky. It could do more harm than good.
They gripped our arms and led us to Emilie's tent. In this camp there were men, women and children. No one fits to go to war. Emilie is simply leading them to their deaths. And they are willing to die for her. For her cause that is just wrong.
"A present for you, Emilie." The man said as we stepped into Emilie's tent. "The Spanish Queen herself."
"Your Majesty." I turned my head in the voice's direction only to be meet with the sight of Aramis.
Emilie approached us. She briefly looked at Aramis before staring us down. She signed her men to let us free. "This man is a Musketeer. He deserted his regiment to join me. Do you know each other?" I threw a questioning glance at Aramis. He just shook his head lightly.
"He has been loyal in the past. I am sorry he has forgotten his duty." Anne answered her.
"Why are you here?" Emilie asked.
"I came here to talk to you. Not only as your queen, but as a woman and a mother." Anne replied. "Do you really believe that God wants this hatred and violence? You must know that our savior preached love and forgiveness..."
"I don't need a lectures on religion. My message is from God himself." Emilie replied to her.
"Look into your heart..." Anne tempted one more time.
"You should not be here!" Emilie shouted.
"We should just cut off her head and send it to her brother as a gift." The man who led us there suggested.
"I would like to see you try." I said standing in front of Anne.
"Lay one finger on her..." Aramis threatened the man.
"For a deserter, you show a high degree of devotion to the Queen." Emilie pointed out to Aramis. "Would you defend me with such passion?"
"Do you really think the King will tolerate any barbarity towards his Queen?" Anne asked them.
"We should hang her, in the morning, in front of the whole host." The old woman that was standing here quiet during the discussion finally spoke up. "Leave the King free to marry an honest Frenchwoman. He'll thank us for it."
"I think you underestimate the King's love for his Queen." I told her.
"Emma is right. That's madness. He'd send the Red Guard to slaughter us all." Aramis agreed.
"Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son for God." She continued. "The King should do likewise with his wife. It will inspire his people." If Emilie was sure she hears the voice of God. Then I'm sure this woman is the voice of the Devil.
Emilie stepped towards the Queen. "God will show me what to do. Until then...you will be our guest."
The three of us made ourselves comfortable. We took off our cloaks and started to make our bed for the night to come. As soon as I did so, Emilie's eyes laid on the blazon I was wearing on my shoulder.
"You are a King's musketeers." She stated.
"Yes. I am." I replied. "I have the Queen to thank for this."
"What did you do in honor to be granted this honor?" She questioned.
"I saved the Queen's life and helped the Musketeers on many occasions before becoming one myself." I answered to her. "I'm not here to harm you, Emilie. I'm only here to insure the Queen's safety."
"I know." She retorted before walking away.
I helped Constance making the bed. Aramis fixed a bowl of soup and gave it to Anne. "Here..." He glanced behind him at Emilie. "With the respect, Your Majesty, are you completely out of your mind?"
"It was my idea, actually." I whispered to Aramis.
"Not the best of them." Aramis countered.
"I'm quite aware of that." I retorted.
"Emma was only trying to help. I thought that Emilie might listen to reason." Anne replied to him.
"Faith has little to do with reason." Aramis replied. "If Emilie foresees your death tonight, God knows how I'm going to get you out of here."
"We are going to get her out of here." I corrected him.
Aramis stared at me for a moment before saying out loud. "You should try the broth. It's good."
"Take mine. I'm not hungry." Emilie said.
Aramis thanked her and grabbed the bowl that was sitting on a tool and handed it to Constance as I went to fix myself a bowl. Aramis left the tent for a moment as I sat down next to Constance. She brought the spoon to her lips and swallowed the soup. She then looked at Anne. "Aramis is right. It's good." She said before taking another spoon of the broth.
In the middle night, Constance started to cry out. Anne was already by her side when I woke up and Aramis was rushing inside. I got off of my small cot and moved to her side. Constance woke up with a gasp, sitting upright in her bed. She was sweating and panting. Anne rubbed her shoulder.
"Constance, what is it? You were crying out in your sleep." Anne questioned her.
"It was so real." She told us breathing heavily. "I was there and…"
"Shh, you were dreaming." Aramis assured her.
"I've never felt like it before." Constance continued. "I was so scared…"
"God granted you a prophecy." Emilie told her walking to us.
"You're wrong." Constance replied to her. "I hope you're wrong." Constance looked at Anne when she said those words.
I put my arms over her shoulders and rubbed her right arm. "It is over now. It's alright." I comforted her. Then Aramis and I exchanged a look. Something wasn't right here.
"We can't reject the truth when it is revealed." Emilie told her.
Constance looked at Emilie with a fearful gaze. Anne hugged Constance tightly as Emilie walked away.
The morning after, the three of us were waiting for Emilie to state her decision. I paced the tent while Constance and Anne were sitting on the cots. Emilie stepped into the room and Constance and Anne got up from the bed and I stopped my pacing.
"God has shown me what to do." Emilie declared. "You will return to Paris. Aramis will escort you. There is one condition for your release. The King must grant me an audience."
"I will do everything in my power." Anne promised her.
"Tell the King we treated you fairly. He has no need to be frightened of his people." She said before leaving.
Constance grabbed our cloaks and got out of the tent. I followed her not without looking at Anne and Aramis before doing so. I continued walking until Constance looked behind her and asked where the Queen was. And before I could answer she walked back to the tent. I tried to stop her but it was too late. When I finally reached her she was looking inside the tent with a surprised look and turned around quickly. Anne joined us after a few seconds.
"You know all my secrets now." Anne told Constance. "You carry my life in your hands." She said before leaving us.
Constance looked at me for a moment. "You did know, didn't you?" She accused me.
"Yes, I knew…for a long time." I replied sheepishly. "At least you're not the only one who carries her life their hands." I smiled at her tightly before steering her away from the tent.
"Ladies…" I called to Anne's maids. "Escort the Queen to her apartments." I ordered them. I skipped the last steps followed by Aramis and Anne. Anne gripped Aramis' hands before following her maids in her chambers.
Constance was about to follow her but Aramis stopped her. "Constance, you know Lemay, right? The surgeon?" He asked her. "You find him. Bring him to the Garrison."
"Why?" She questioned Aramis.
"I think this soup caused your nightmare." Aramis told her.
"We all shared the same meal." Constance said confused.
"The broth you've had was in Emilie's bowl. And you two had similar dreams." I replied to her.
"It might be coincidence but let's find out." Aramis added.
I followed Aramis out of the palace. "I'm coming with you." I called after him.
"You're coming back to the garrison?" Aramis questioned me.
"I went to the Garrison these last few days. You just didn't see me." I answered him.
"You did?" Aramis raised his eyebrows.
"Yes, you can even ask the Captain. I went to have my new assignment as the Queen's escort." I retorted. "I'm just good at avoiding people."
"People or Athos?" Aramis asked me cautiously.
"Both." I muttered.
"We think there might be something in it that gives you nightmares." Constance explained to Lemay as he poured some soup in a bowl.
"And how do you expect to establish that?" Lemay asked us.
"You are a man of science." Aramis replied.
"I'm a doctor, not an alchemist." He retorted and sighed. "But I will do what I can."
We left Lemay for a few hours, waiting for him to find anything. I went back to my chambers for a moment. Everything was as I left it. Nothing has moved, nothing. Except for a bottle of wine on my nightstand.
"He has spent most of his free time in this room." Aramis said behind me.
"Aramis, don't." I stopped him shaking my head.
"He loves you, Emma." Aramis continued.
"And he loves her too." I countered.
"You have the chance to be happy, Emma. Don't throw it away." Aramis said resting a hand on my shoulder.
"I'm not throwing it away. I'm...Athos needs time to sort out his feelings." I sighed. "Their relationship never really ended. He needs closure. A real one."
"Aramis! Emma!" We heard Constance called out. We both rushed out of the chambers. "It's Doctor Lemay."
We ran down the stairs and followed Constance into the small room in which we had left Lemay. Lemay was on the table completely unconscious.
"Get some fresh air. Breathe." Aramis said as he helped Lemay to get outside.
"Thank you." Lemay thanked him. Constance gave him a goblet of fresh water.
"What did you find?" I questioned him.
"I tried the soup." He replied to me. "Minutes after, I slurped it. I experienced a series of remarkable of delusions. I believe the broth contains a powerful narcotic drug, probably derived from a species of wild mushrooms.
The Captain, Porthos, D'Artagnan and Athos were back at the garrison. Aramis and I stepped outside.
"Our orders are to arrest her." The Captain said. My eyes rested on Athos' form immediately. His back turned on me.
"They won't give her up easily." D'Artagnan replied.
"We're outnumbered ten to one." Athos added.
"We know her secret." Aramis said bringing their attention to us. "And we know a way she'll come willingly."
"We give her what she most wants. An audience with the King." I finished well aware of Athos' burning gaze on me.
We fetched Emilie from her camp and made her believe that the King wanted an audience with her. When we arrived at the palace, the truth has been revealed. She has been arrested for the Ambassador Perales' death. For which, she was actually innocent. The King as allowed Treville to handle Emilie's case in his own way, as long as the mob is pacified.
The real purpose of all this was for Emilie to discover the honest truth. That she has been drugged for years by her mother. All we wanted was to help her.
"Am I to be burned?" She asked as she turned around discovering Constance in the cell with us. She knelt down on the ground in complete fear. "Dear Lord, don't let them send me to the fire. I am not brave enough." She prayed tearfully. She got up suddenly. "I never even met this man Perales. Well, how could I have murdered him?"
"You didn't." I simply answered her.
"Then why am I here?" She questioned me.
"We want to help you." Constance replied.
"Your visions are from soup, not God." Athos told her.
"We think you've been drugged. Perhaps for a long time." Constance continued.
"Your mother's been poisoning you." Aramis said to her softly.
"My mother?" She asked with disbelief. "My mother loves me. She would never hurt me, I don't believe you!"
"I heard that Athos has some experience in these matters. He will watch over you." I told Emilie. I felt Athos' eyes on me but once again I avoided his gaze.
I spent the night at the Garrison. Tréville announced me that my assignment as the Queen's escort will be over if I wished it to be. To which I answered that I loved this position but I will gladly come back to my other duties. Porthos, D'Artagnan and I celebrated my return at the garrison with some wine at one of the taverns. And after this, I went to bed. Dreading the moment I will have to face Athos once again.
Seeing him today made my heart beat crazily against my ribcage. As if my heart knew that the object of its desire was at arm's reach. I wanted more than anything to jump in his arms and tell him how much of a fool I was. That I was wrong to end things between us. This was all I wanted at this moment, at the sight of him. But I didn't do any of those things, I stared blankly at him. I avoided his gazes, stares. I even avoided direct conversation with him.
It might have been exaggerated. It might have been stupid. But it was all I could do at this instant.
I went to the market the morning after. It was something I usually do in the morning. And I haven't been there for the time I was in the Palace. And yet, I regretted it once I was there. Seeing Athos and Milady talking in the market was enough to make me run away from the market, from the garrison and everything. But I didn't. I couldn't run away forever. No matter how hurt I was.
