It had been 7 years since her bothers death. Seven long years Isabelle had been fighting the scum of Paris, biding her time before she was skilled enough to face the one who had brought about his death. 7 years of her life spent living and breathing for the day she could avenge her dear brother. It was always the dream of the last time she saw him, riding away from their family home straight backed and beaming proud, that woke her from otherwise peaceful sleep. How she wished she could see him just once more.

Isabelle was now used to little sleep. She rose, Rene's wide smile still in her minds eye, and prepared herself.

Dressed once more in her standard, flowing dress, her hair braided neatly and pinned delicately to her head, she attended the market, picking out the most delicious smelling fruit and the freshest mutton.
She paid her next months rent to the landlord, pressing the extra coins into his palm with a smile.
She had always been smart with money. The money earned from her fathers lands and farm went straight into an account with a money lender in her town, earning a steady sum of interest as the amount accrued. Each month he sent her an allotted amount, which paid for food, rent and a generous amount of wine to dull her pain, to help her sleep.

People pitied her, she could hear them. They pitied the orphaned, husband-less woman, swiftly approaching an age which she would become a spinster forever. They were nasty behind her back, the other women. She had no need for a husband. She could earn her way on her own. But women will gossip, and so they chose her as their topic. She avoided the eyes of any and all musketeers who happened to walk near her, lest one of them recognize her despite the time that had passed.

She knew she was not unattractive. Her almost black hair, pale skin, and bright, shining green eyes made her stand out among crowds, though she tried to hide as much as possible. She had not cut her hair since the day her brother died, and it now reached below her buttocks, beautiful, dark ringlets that were envied by many who tried to mimic. She wore green often, because she knew it made her eyes shine. On occasions when she needed a man to believe she was weaker than she truly was, she was grateful for her delicate limbs that betrayed none of her true strength.

She had suitors call occasionally, but she made it clear she was not a woman of wealth, nor was she interested in finding a husband.

She wanted no distractions from the result she wanted. She would not be swayed.

I've almost finished writing this one, should be 6, maybe 7 chapters at the most. I hope you're enjoying it so far. Those of you who have read the original Alexander Dumas books may recognize a familiar name, therefore may be able to pick where this is headed.
To those who have followed, Thank you! It makes me so happy to know you're enjoying this enough to want to keep updated!
Please review and let me know what you think! All mistakes are my own.

once more, thank you for reading :-) 3 enjoy!

aj x