Richelieu's Revenge
Chapter Eleven
The King made them wait until mid-afternoon. Porthos endured it with a stoicism that Athos admired. All efforts to persuade him to return to the garrison failed. Finally they were summoned before the King. The Queen, looking pale, sat by his side and Richelieu stood by his shoulder like a malevolent crow.
The King's gaze roved over Treville, Athos and Porthos, narrowing when he beheld the injured Musketeer. "Well, Treville, I have made my decision. The actions of your men were reckless and reflect poorly on the regiment. By rights they should be executed." He paused. "However, I am aware the duel didn't actually take place. I have also taken into account the fact that it was a Red Guard who issued the challenge and that it all arose from an earlier incident where Porthos was injured. Your men, Captain, will stay in the Chatelet for a week. Maybe that will give them time to reflect upon their actions."
"Your Majesty is merciful," Treville said.
"Best you remember that, Treville. Any further incidents will be harshly dealt with. I suggest you bring your men under control or you might find yourself unemployed."
Treville bowed, followed hurriedly by Athos and Porthos. Athos noticed that the Queen looked weak with relief while Richelieu was scowling. The Cardinal's expression quickly cleared and he looked at them impassively. Athos wondered what he was thinking. He had been thwarted twice and was unlikely to let matters rest.
"May I have leave to convey the news to Aramis and d'Artagnan?" Treville asked.
"Oh, I suppose so."
"Thank you, Sire." Treville bowed again and backed away from the throne.
Once they were in the hallway all three of them broke out with relieved smiles.
"I detect the Queen's hand in this," Treville said. "Her influence with the King is substantial now that she is to bear a child."
Only Athos, who knew the truth, felt apprehensive. By championing the Musketeers she was likely to make the Cardinal suspicious. He would have to warn Aramis to be very careful and wished there was some way he could make the Queen aware of his unease.
"Richelieu has lost again," Porthos said with satisfaction.
"Which makes him even more dangerous," Athos warned.
"We can worry about the Cardinal another time. I'm going to the Chatelet. Athos, get Porthos back to the garrison. Aramis would be very unhappy if he thought this escapade had delayed a recovery."
Athos and Porthos acquiesced. There was nothing more they could do anyway. They parted company and Porthos walked slowly towards the horses.
"I'm goin' to have a few things to say to Aramis once he's released. He must have been out of his mind accepting that challenge. He's lucky the King's in a good mood. On any other day he and d'Artagnan could have been shot."
Athos sympathized. "He was maneuvered into a corner. He couldn't have refused without compromising his honour. Besides, he'd just been looking for an excuse. You know that."
"Stubborn fool," Porthos said, but it was said with fondness.
"It takes one to know one," Athos said as they arrived at the horses. "You know as well as I do that you shouldn't have come today. Here, let me help you."
Once in the saddle, Porthos swayed with weariness. "I could do with a lie down."
"I'm sure we can arrange that. Try not to fall off until we get back to the garrison."
"You're all heart," Porthos grumbled.
Athos, with a slight tilt of the lips, led the way home.
TMTMTM
As the time wore on without any news Aramis began to lose hope. He could see the same realization on d'Artagnan's face but the young man expressed no fear. Aramis was devastated by the knowledge that he had brought a premature end to a promising life. D'Artagnan had it in him to be the best of them all and now would never get the chance to prove that. Also wearing on his mind was the fact that he would never see Athos and Porthos again. They had been his lifeline on more than one occasion and he didn't think he had done enough to express his gratitude.
When the door opened and Captain Treville walked in Aramis hurriedly scrambled to his feet.
"The King has commuted your death sentence," he said without any preamble.
A slow smile spread across Aramis' face. It was mirrored exactly by d'Artagnan.
"So we're free?" d'Artagnan asked.
"Not exactly. You will spend the next week here and I hope you will use the time to consider the stupidity that landed you here in the first place. Any more trouble between the Musketeers and the Red Guard will have deadly consequences."
"Thank you, Captain." Aramis held out his hand and Treville clasped it firmly.
"I think you should thank the Queen. Yesterday Louis wasn't showing any signs of leniency."
Aramis looked at the floor, not wanting Treville to read anything in his face. He felt a warm glow knowing that Anne had spoken up for them. She had given him the greatest gift – the chance to see his child.
"I'll see that better food is sent in for you," Treville said. "Beyond that I can't do anything to make your stay more pleasant."
"We'll manage," d'Artagnan assured him. "Thank you."
"Stay out of trouble. I'll see you in a week."
TMTMTM
Richelieu was frustrated. Just as he'd thought he'd won luck had swung in favour of the Musketeers. If only the Queen hadn't interfered! She was known to be soft hearted but the fervor with which she had fought for the lives of Aramis and d'Artagnan had been a surprise. Was it motivated by more than simple loyalty?
He'd been watching her and Aramis for some time, ever since he had come upon the two of them together on the day her pregnancy was announced. Had something happened at the convent? It seemed quite coincidental that, after years of barrenness, she should now be bearing a child. Had they committed the most heinous form of treason? Was her child a Musketeer's bastard?
Louis would never believe him without solid proof. He decided to send an emissary to the convent to speak to the nuns. Maybe one of them had seen something. If Aramis and the Queen had slept together it was likely that Athos knew but Richelieu had no hopes of the man confessing as much. No, the weak link was the Queen herself. He'd seen the furtive glances passing between her and Aramis. Perhaps once the child was born they would do something to betray themselves.
In the meantime he could still make life difficult for Treville and his men. The King had made it clear that one more incident would result in severe repercussions. It would be eminently satisfying to deprive Treville of his post as Captain. Had he been too subtle up to now? Was a more direct approach warranted? He certainly owed d'Artagnan for his deception. The boy had even managed to fool Milady and that was quite a feat. He wondered briefly where she had disappeared to. It was an annoyance. She could have helped him to plot his revenge. He quickly dismissed her from his thoughts and settled down to plan his next move.
Tbc