Be warned, this chapter is not nearly as humorous as the others and contains quite a long depressing tale from Aramis' p.o.v. I hope you don't mind the change in pace but we have to start this plot conflict somewhere, right? ;)
From his perch on the second floor balcony, Aramis had a clear view of all the bustling activity below, feeling slightly detached as he marvelled and judged at how different they all were from himself and the world he lived in.
Aramis could never understand how someone could lead such a privileged life and yet only care for their own prospects, their immense riches and power used and abused for selfish purposes as they continued to remain completely ignorant of the outside world.
How could they live so live freely and yet keep themselves caged by their status?
They were walking contradictions as far as he was concerned, yet they remained happily unaware of their true state as the continued to abuse what they could while trying to hide behind false images of kindness set by society- of which everyone saw through regardless.
They were all the same and weren't worth the effort- all but one that was.
Aramis honed his sights in on the one such person, the diamond in the rough, a woman of both great status and kindness of whom presently stood loyally by her husbands side.
It was her generosity and kindness alone that had stolen his heart months ago and continued to hold him under her spell.
Aramis knew that for her, he would travel to the ends of the earth just to keep her happy and safe- a promise which he knew was why he could not allow himself to venture too near her presence, as it ran the risk that perhaps one day he may lose his patience or wits and attempt to save her from the arranged marriage she found herself ensnared in.
Had it been any other woman he may have risked it all just to remain at her side but alas, her unique position demanded that she stay apart from him.
And so it was through his utmost respect for her decision and responsibilities as her Majesty, Queen Anne, that he loved her from afar.
Though this battle of wits with his own mind continued to rage on day and night, Aramis had never regretted the short time he had had with her that night long ago, even if it had left them both dangerously compromised.
The child she now carried was theirs and would no doubt become the heir to the throne someday, leaving the royal bloodline tainted forever, though no one were any the wiser but his confidant and brother, Athos.
Of course, he had never intended his selfish actions to leave such a significant impact on the people of France; his romantic tendencies and notoriety for disarming the opposite sex with his charms never leaving him to think of changing his ways- though in this unique case he had attempted nothing of the sort.
Looking back to his days of 'innocence,' Aramis fondly recalled many a night he could be found escorting an attractive woman on romantic date, or else telling long tales to his comrades in the local tavern about his humorous dealings with their husbands.
However, it was when his duty lead him to cross paths the lost love of his youth, only to have her die in his arms that Aramis was reminded that not all love was so giving and kind, his emotional distress leaving him to spiral into misery.
It was in this weakened state that Queen Anne, the woman whom he had been protecting, had sought to comfort him in some way.
There had always been a certain connection between the two, something similar in tales of woe, wisdom and kindness that they shared like no other, using their power over others to be protect and care for rather than abuse or destroy.
Therefore it came as little surprise that night, months ago, that Aramis had slept with the queen- much to Athos' horror.
And now here he stood, torn between two realities, one true, the other a charade as he watched over his queen from afar as he must always stay, his shoulders feeling the constant burden of what his moment of weakness would now mean for her safety as well as the empire of France.
It tore him apart inside that he may never hold his unborn child in his own hands nor visit to see how they would grow nor offer his guidance or support as normal fathers would.
It was enough that he must bare to watch his beautiful queen waste away her youth in this prison of a palace and only stare at his soul mate from afar as he did her. It was such a cruel world.
Aramis took a shaky breath as he tried to drown out his sorrows, brushing a gloved hand through his greasy black curls, before setting his hat down on the railing and looking out at the ball once more.
He was supposed to appear merry, he could not have guests questioning his miserable attitude nor could he risk the suspicion of Porthos or D'artagnan. The shame and horror he would feel from their reactions would be a devastating blow he could not handle in such a public place.
And so he pulled his mask back into place as he had done these past months, building himself up to be strong and mighty as were expected of the kings musketeers.
They would all be fine, they would all get through this just fine Aramis reasoned.
It was agony that yes, he may not be able to touch his secret family, but at least he could watch, protect, take comfort in the fact that his unborn child would be well cared for, educated and have all the opportunities in the world ahead of them.
His lovely Queen Anne was the one and only choice with whom he trusted to see that his child be raised well- and he would protect them both every step of the way. That was all he could really ask for right?
With Athos' loyal, undying support in his times of uncontrollable misery, Aramis found small comfort and happiness, if the Queen of France could hold up such a big masquerade, while carrying the child of another and enjoy a ball all at the same time, then damn it all, he sure as hell would.
And with that, Aramis slowly began to feel the pressure ease back off his shoulders once more, feeling truly happy since they had come to the palace, despite his earlier jokes with his brothers.
Unfortunately for Aramis, his gradual assent towards a more happier, optimistic outlook was cut short by a sudden shriek from below, followed by a slight commotion in the area of their royal majesties.
Aramis heart froze in his chest, as a lead feeling filled the pit of his stomach, his keen eyes desperately searching for Queen Anne alongside her flustered King Louis.
Racing down the stairs, mirroring the actions of D'artagnan on the opposite staircase, Aramis silently punished his wandering eyes and self obsessed woes moments before. He had not been paying attention! This was his fault! How could he have been so careless! -his mind screamed.
As Aramis reached the scene of commotion at the same time as his brothers, Athos took charge and demanded a head count of the people in their protection; that being the majesties, their maids and three family royals.
As each musketeer set upon their difficult task of tracking faces between the now slightly bewildered looking guests, Athos took the time to notice Treville was not there to help them.
Even more alarming, Queen Anne had gone missing…
DUN DUN DUUUUUN! XD …Where is Anne? Was she kidnapped? Stabbed and lying on the floor unseen? Taking a walk to get some fresh air? Simply escorted by a butler to the bathroom? ;D…..Sorry, another cliff-hanger I know- but I have to put action in here somewhere, don't I? ;)
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