It had been several weeks since Porthos had been reunited with his family, the Miracle Court, and then retrieved by Athos, Aramis, and D'Artagnan. I wish I had been there for Porthos, but alas, I had found myself on a detail mission by Captain Treville about fabrics for the King and Queen. I didn't dare complain, at least not openly to anyone but my brother and friends. Since then, I had been moody and on a depreciative kick.
I received a letter from D'Artagnan after I came back from the market. He met me outside the house. I handed Constance the groceries once I saw the look on his face and immediately became grave myself. Constance attempted to raise questions but I merely silenced her and walked off with my brother.
He led me back to the garrison, where we joined Athos, Aramis, and Porthos. I sat down, uneasily on the edge of my seat, waiting for D'Artagnan to speak about what was troubling him. He did, only after taking a letter out of his jacket and placing it on the table.
"Lene, this came today for you." D''Artagnan murmured as I sat up straighter. I went to take the letter, but my brother grasped my hand within his. "This will upset you."
"It is for me, is it not?" I questioned my brother. He nodded. Swallowing, I extracted my hand from him and picked it up. It was already opened, I glanced at D'Artagnan questioningly.
"I took the liberty to open it." D'Artagnan said. I nodded, knowing this need for security. Looking down, I shakily opened the letter and began to read.
Selene,
I am most disappointed in you. I cannot believe that you would play trickery like that and slip out of my grasp. You have not behaved as is befitting of your station, nor befitting your status in the world's eye. It will be my pleasure to ensure that you understand this once I have you back within my grasp.
And I also wish to offer my condolences about the loss of your father. That must be difficult for you to bear. I always promised you that I would be the one who would have the pleasure of removing life from your father. Unfortunately, this did not occur, but I still hold hope that I may do the same for your brother.
If you come home immediately, I will attempt to ease the punishment you will receive, as well as spare your brother's life. However, if you decide not to come back to me, I will have to begin the process of seeking you. And be sure to warn your brother what I am able to accomplish when I see fit. Also tell him that I will have a fate worse than that of your father.
You will be sure that you will never leave my side again, once I have you within my grasp. It will be my pleasure to break the wild and untamable streak within your body. You and I will finally be able to live in peace, without the interference of your father and brother.
Cannot wait to see you again Selene.
LeBarge.
Also, just wanted to inform you about the fate of your farm. It is no longer standing, vandals burnt it down the other night.
I stood up, crumbling the note in my hand, my entire body trembling. I could see my vision begin to distort as the tears were pooling in my eyes. I tossed the note onto the table before beginning to walk furiously away.
"Leo!" My brother called, I could hear him beginning to get up from his seat. I just waved him away before beginning my walk once more.
Three hours later I found myself walking along the River Seine, eating an apple. My tears had dried at least an hour ago, but I still wished to be secluded from my brother and his companions. Although I loved all of them dearly, I desperately needed to distance myself from Athos.
I could find myself falling for his charming good looks and his attitude. Never mind that we were both still technically married, I just didn't see a relationship forming between the both of us that was likely to continue. Aramis was handsome, however, he was too much of a player. Someone who I would constantly be unable to trust, especially when he left with the men for training or for a mission. And Porthos. He was loveable as well, but for me, he just seemed to fall into another brother category.
Speak of the devil and they shall appear. I was startled out of my thoughts by a hand descending on my shoulder. Spinning around I saw Athos standing there giving me a grim look. He motioned over his shoulder, and I moved closer to him, breathing in his scent of leather, cinnamon, and musk.
"Follow me." Was all that he uttered. Numbly I followed him. He led me to an abandoned stable on the outskirts of Paris.
"How did you find me?" I demanded of him, once he sat down on an old bale of hay.
"Whoa, calm down, Lene." Athos smirked, holding his hands up innocently. "I found you because the last time you disappeared, I was sent to retrieve you and just let you wander there until I met you on a side street. I realize and understand your need for seclusion, but the others were going to start closing in on you."
"Thank you," I smiled at Athos, my defenses crashing down as the reality of the situation set in. He was just trying to protect me. He could have given away my place of solitude in order for some peace and quiet tonight, but he chose to aid me in thwarting our friends.
"Sit," Athos motioned to the bale of hay that he was sitting on. With a thumping heart, I accepted his offer and sank down beside him. He pulled out a pouch of cherries and we began to share the delicious treat between the two of us.
"Thank you Athos," I didn't need to elaborate why I was thanking him, he just nodded and seemed to understand.
"Lene, you have cherry juice on your cheek," He pointed to my left cheek. Self-conscious I brushed at my cheek.
"Did I get it all?" I asked him. He shook his head, before leaning in closer to me and swiping it off with his own thumb. I shivered at the feeling of his rough fingers on my soft skin. He felt it and smirked at me before kissing the corner of my mouth teasingly. I sighed in pleasure, and he took that moment to plunder my mouth with his own.
Before long the both of us were kissing heatedly and passionately. We didn't even hear the door open to the barn, until a throat cleared. Breaking away from one another, I turned bright red and looked up, praying my brother hadn't caught us. Thankfully it was Aramis, who was grinning like the cat that caught the canary.
"Better hope D'Artagnan doesn't catch the both of you," He smirked looking at my disheveled appearance. I flushed redder than I already was.
"Is he on his way?" I asked quietly. Aramis nodded, before smoothing his hand down my hair, trying to help somewhat tame it.
"That's never gonna work." Athos said suddenly. "Come here, Lene." He stood up and unsheathed his rapier. I looked at him confused until I realized the plan. I as well got to my feet and began to dance with Athos while Aramis watched. This would be a great explanation for my disheveled appearance when my brother appears. My brother remained quiet the entire time we practiced until Athos disarmed me. My sword flew to land at his feet. When he handed it to me he captured me in a hug.
"You know we'd never let LeBarge take you without a fight?" I nodded hesitantly. He exhaled and ran a hand over my hair. "Well then trust in us, Lene. We won't let anything happen to you. I promise." I nodded as well and returned his hug tightly. Maybe things would be better, but more slightly awkward between Athos and I though.