Before I start this, I just wanted to thank everyone who has been reading this story! It really means a lot to me. You are truly amazing and your kind words help inspire me to keep writing. Thank you and enjoy! :)
"Oh, Arabella, you look as beautiful as ever!" The Queen complimented as she hurriedly walked across the room, with a trail of maids following behind her.
"Oh, thank you, Queen Anne." Arabella said as she smiled at herself in the mirror. She looked absolutely enchanting in the midnight blue and gold dress and shoes. She had never worn anything more extravagant in her entire life. Half of her hair was pulled back and held together by the beautiful rose barrette the Queen had given to her.
She couldn't wait to see D'Artagnan but dreaded the moment when she would have to leave him and help Buckingham and Milady carry out their plans.
"Well, It's about time I should be going downstairs to meet my husband and greet the upcoming guests." The Queen said as the guard opened the door of her chamber. "You may join me if you'd wish, or you may walk around a while before joining us in the ballroom. Which would you prefer?"
"Oh, I think I'll be walking around for a while. Thank you, Your Majesty." Arabella smiled.
"I shall see you later then." The Queen said as the two parted ways at the top of the staircase.
Arabella slowly made her way through the hallways; admiring each and every portrait she passed by. When she passed by a mirror, she noticed she not only saw her reflection, but someone else's, as well. Buckingham.
She turned around and saw him standing there.
"Arabella, why are you walking around all by yourself?" He asked her.
"Trying to pass the time. And dare I ask; why are you walking around all by yourself?"
"Oh, for a reason you shall find out tonight." Buckingham grinned.
"Yes, well, I should return to the King and Queen now. If you'll excuse me..." Arabella said as she walked away.
"So, do I choose the vest that makes me look dashing or the vest that makes me look like I have at least some prestige?" Porthos asked as he studied two vests laid out for him.
"Oh, Porthos, what does it matter?" Aramis said as he put on his black leather gloves.
"Hmm… I'll wear the second option." Porthos said.
"Enough of that nonsense. We need to quicken our pace." Athos said as he grabbed his hat.
"He's right. We don't want to arrive to the ball and be late." Aramis said.
"Right. Where is D'Artagnan?" Porthos asked.
"Outside." Aramis said as he looked out the window.
D'Artagnan was standing by Buttercup, wearing his black musketeer outfit and hat. He was the first one ready and was really growing impatient. All day he had been anxious for the ball.
"Just a few more hours, boy! We're the Musketeers! We can be a tad bit late." Porthos laughed.
"What?" He heard D'Artagnan yell.
Aramis laughed as he opened the door and walked outside. "Porthos is just trying to anger you, D'Artagnan."
D'Artagnan sighed and crossed his arms. "I'm not really in the mood for that, thank you very much."
"Temper, temper, boy." Aramis said as he got on his horse.
D'Artagnan said nothing and got on Buttercup. "Porthos!"
Porthos walked out. "I'm going, boy!" He said as he got his horse.
Athos slowly followed behind. "Planchet, I don't know when we shall be home, so don't worry if we arrive late." He said.
"Alright, Sir!" Planchet said and closed the door.
Athos looked at D'Artagnan, who glared at him for a moment and looked away. The two hadn't spoken since their conversation earlier and Athos was beginning to think it all silly. If the boy couldn't face the truth, then he would have to face the consequences.
The Masquerade Ball had begun and the guests were pouring in. Everywhere you turned; people were standing wearing extravagant outfits and masks. You could hardly tell who was who. The King and Queen looked absolutely brilliant. The two were wearing purple and had purple and white masks that stood out in the crowd. They were making their way around the room, greeting their guests and socializing.
The ball room was dim lighted and filled with candles held on by beautiful detailed candle sticks. Gold fabrics and banners draped the room. The grand staircase was filled with flowers and candles. Everything looked as though it were from a dream. Everyone was having a splendid time. Everyone except Arabella.
Arabella was standing in the corner of the room next to the orchestra. They were playing such beautiful, elegant music that Arabella so desperately wanted to dance to. She couldn't enjoy herself the whole night, though. Buckingham and Milady were somewhere in the room or somewhere in the palace, hidden by disguises, so no one would recognize them. Guests were also introducing themselves to Arabella, since rumor had it that Arabella was to be come the Queen's new lady-in-waiting. Almost everyone knew who she was now, even with her mask on.
Arabella's mask was just like her dress. The mask was midnight blue and had detailed designs of gold. On the side of the masks were black and blue feathers that the King and Queen added for her. She had received many compliments on it, so far.
One by one, Arabella studied the couple that elegantly danced by her. Seeing them smile at each other or stare into each others eyes through the masks. She quietly sighed and watched the orchestra.
"Ah, Athos!"
Arabella looked up and saw the King and Queen walking towards Athos. If Athos was here then the other Musketeers would be here, as well.
"It's a pleasure to see you again, Monsieur." Queen Anne said.
Athos smiled. "Likewise, Your Majesty."
"And where are the others?" The King asked.
"Oh, they are-"
"I'll have some wine, served in your finest goblet please!" Porthos said loudly to the butler.
"Well, there's Porthos." Athos smiled.
"And I." Aramis said as he joined Athos' side and bowed to the King and Queen.
"Good evening, Aramis." The King said.
"Good evening, Your Majesty. You and your wife look absolutely wonderful." Aramis said.
The Queen smiled. "Thank you, Aramis."
"And there's D'Artagnan." The King interrupted.
Athos turned around and saw D'Artagnan walking towards them. Athos suddenly felt in need for a drink so he decided to join Porthos.
"Excuse me." Athos bowed.
"Of course. Enjoy your evening." The Queen said.
"Thank you." Athos said and walked away.
"D'Artagnan, welcome." The Queen said as D'Artagnan walked up to them.
D'Artagnan bowed. "Thank you. The palace looks lovely, Your Majesties. More grand than I had thought."
The King smiled proudly. "Why thank you! That really means a lot and- Oh! Hello, Monsieur!" He said as he walked away to another guest.
D'Artagnan shrugged his shoulders and smiled at the Queen.
"How are you, D'Artagnan?" She asked.
"Can't complain, Your Majesty."
"And are you planning on dancing and enjoying the evening?"
"Well, I plan to…"
"Good, because there is a certain young lady here who would like to dance with you." The Queen whispered.
D'Artagnan smiled. He knew who she was talking about. "Where is she?" He asked.
The Queen smiled and nodded to her right. "Enjoy yourself, D'Artagnan." She said and joined her husband.
"Thank you." D'Artagnan said as she walked away. He straightened up and looked to his right. In the corner was Arabella, who was nervously playing with a strand of hair and shyly smiling at him.
D'Artagnan felt as though his heart would stop. Arabella looked even more beautiful than he had imagined her to be. She looked absolutely beautiful and breathtaking. How earnestly he wanted to dance with her and just have her to himself during the whole ball; and he was determined to do just that. He walked over to her and gently kissed her hand. Arabella couldn't help but blush.
D'Artagnan looked at her, hand on his hips and asked. "Now, tell me, why is a beautiful girl like you standing in the corner of a magnificent ball, such as this?"
Arabella smiled. "I was waiting for a certain someone to arrive, so I may be able to dance with him."
"And has your special guest arrived?"
"Unfortunately." Arabella laughed.
D'Artagnan smirked. "Then, my Lady, may I have this dance?" He asked as he saw the orchestra prepare to begin again.
Arabella nodded and left the corner to dance with him. The two bowed in front of each other. Arabella placed a hand on his shoulder while he placed a hand on her waist. As soon as the music began, the two began to sway and gracefully dance to the music.
"I thought you couldn't dance?" Arabella asked.
D'Artagnan chuckled. "I'm very observant so, I learned fast."
"Of course you did." Arabella smiled and looked to the couple dancing near them. Porthos had his arms around a blonde woman and the two were laughing immensely.
"Porthos seems to be enjoying himself." Arabella laughed.
D'Artagnan looked in his direction. "Well, that is what he had intended to do."
Arabella smiled and nodded and the two were soon dancing in silence.
D'Artagnan soon looked into her eyes. "You look very beautiful, Arabella."
Arabella looked at him. "Thank you. You look very handsome."
Smiling, D'Artagnan began to lessen the space between them.
"I have been looking forward to seeing you all day, since you left so early."
"Oh, yes, well, I had to arrive here early."
"I know. I was just worried. Athos was saying-"
"Athos? What was he saying?"
D'Artagnan felt that he shouldn't bring it up again so he dropped the subject.
"Never mind. It doesn't matter. What matters is that we're together and enjoying ourselves."
"Hmm… Yes, we are." Arabella smiled, dropping the subject as well.
D'Artagnan soon leaned in further as if her were about to kiss her, but unfortunately, the song had concluded and now all attention was suppose to be focused on the King and Queen.
Arabella pulled away and looked at D'Artagnan. "Let's go stand next to Athos and Aramis." She said.
Reluctant, D'Artagnan nodded and followed closely behind her. Athos was standing in the corner with a beautifully decorated goblet of wine. Aramis was standing with him. Aramis smiled when he saw Arabella and D'Artagnan walk over. Arabella stood next to Athos and D'Artagnan stood on the other side of her. Porthos soon joined them, accompanied by the blonde woman he had danced with.
"On behalf of my wife and me, we would like to thank everyone who has joined us tonight." The King cheerfully said as the crowd of people cleared the center of the room for them.
The crowd along with Arabella and the Musketeers clapped.
"As you know, we have been living in fear for sometime…"
Arabella began nervously playing with her hair but D'Artagnan gently put his hand on hers so she would cease doing so.
The King continued "But tonight, we forget our worries and our troubles and our fears. Tonight is a night of celebration." The King added.
The crowd began to cheer.
"Let's all make this a night to remember." The King smiled and raised his goblet of wine.
The people in the crowd that had drinks did the same and others clapped and cheered. The music once again began to play.
"And that is exactly what I intend to do." Porthos smirked as the blonde woman giggled.
Aramis looked at him and rolled his eyes.
"Porthos, you are a strange one."
Porthos laughed. "Oh, Aramis, you are too. Aramis, Athos, Arabella, and boy-"
D'Artagnan scoffed.
"This is Mademoiselle Penelope."
"Good evening." Penelope giggled. The men bowed and Arabella curtsied.
"Ah, you are Mademoiselle Arabella, yes?" Penelope asked.
Arabella nodded. "Yes, I am."
"How lovely to meet you! I've heard so many good things about you from the Queen. Are you thinking of accepting her generous offer?"
The Musketeers looked at Arabella. They hadn't known of the Queen asking Arabella to be a Lady-In-Waiting.
"Only time will tell, I suppose." Arabella answered.
"C'mon, Penelope. Let's dance!" Porthos said happily as he took her with him.
"Yes, Porthos." Penelope laughed. "I shall see you soon then, Arabella!" She called out as she followed Porthos.
Aramis laughed.
"Why don't you dance with someone, Aramis?" D'Artagnan asked.
"Oh, I'm not ready to dance yet." He said and drank his wine.
"And why aren't you dancing, Athos?" Arabella asked.
"You shant see me dancing, ever." Athos said.
"Aw."
"Well, you two can remain here at the mercy of your wine, while I dance with Arabella." D'Artagnan smiled as he took Arabella's arm in his.
"Do as you'd like." Athos mumbled.
"Enjoy yourself, boy." Aramis said.
D'Artagnan not only danced one dance with Arabella, he danced many dances with her. Occasionally taking a break to get a drink but right after, it was back to dancing for them. Both were really enjoying themselves, tremendously.
"Let's go outside to the garden! Please?" Arabella heard a woman ask.
"Alright, my dearest. The fireworks will begin soon, as well." A man answered.
The fireworks. The start of the fireworks would be the time when she would have to leave and meet Buckingham and Milady. She suddenly felt nervous and D'Artagnan noticed.
"Arabella, is something wrong?" He asked.
"No, I just think I'm dizzy from dancing so much." She lied.
"Would you like to go outside to get some fresh air?" D'Artagnan asked.
Arabella nodded and D'Artagnan took her outside with him. In the distance they heard Aramis and Porthos laughing.
"Ah, Athos, Aramis and Porthos are over here." D'Artagnan said.
"Oh, should we go to them?" Arabella asked.
"I'd rather just stay here with you."
"So would I."
D'Artagnan smiled. "Let's sit on that stone bench over there."
Arabella walked over to the bench and sat down. D'Artagnan sat next to her. "Are you having a good time?" He asked.
"I'm having a wonderful time."
"Thanks to me?" D'Artagnan smirked.
Arabella laughed and rolled her eyes. "Possibly."
"I'll give you a straight answer. Yes, I'm having a wonderful time thanks to you."
"Oh, D'Artagnan, you're sweet."
D'Artagnan looked at the night sky. "I know."
Arabella grinned. "You're also very full of yourself."
"It's good to be confident, isn't it?" D'Artagnan smiled.
"I suppose." Arabella said as played with the sleeves of her dress.
D'Artagnan looked at her and kissed her on the cheek. Arabella then looked at him and kissed him. D'Artagnan sighed happily and held her hand in his. That did it for her: She was going to tell D'Artagnan about Buckingham and Milady's plan before she had to leave. Even if she had to help them, it would be a lot of help to tell him so he can tell the Musketeers and try to also prevent Milady and Buckingham from hurting anyone.
"D'Artagnan, may I ask you something?" Arabella asked.
"Anything." D'Artagnan answered.
"Remember what you said about B-"
"D'Artagnan, Arabella, the fireworks are about to begin!" Aramis called out as the clock tolled the hour.
"My patience is wearing thin." Milady sighed as she stared out the window to the gardens.
"Don't worry. Is my sister out there yet?' Buckingham said.
"Yes. She's been there with that boy." Milady said.
"Excellent." Buckingham smiled.
He and Milady had been hiding in one of the palace's towers and had killed the guards that had tried to stop them before they could get to tell king and queen of their presence. Anxiously, they were waiting for the bell to strike 8 o'clock.
"You don't think she'll tell them about our plan, do you?" Milady asked.
"Of course not. Once the bell strikes 8'o clock, we hurriedly go the garden where the fireworks are and commence our plan."
Then the bell tolled and Milady grinned in the darkness of the tower.
"And now, we commence." She said as she walked towards the door.
"After you, Milady." Buckingham smiled.