Suspicious Minds

Chapter Seven

Athos looked at the bottle of wine in front of him and knew he couldn't drink any of it. He was the senior officer present at the Palace of Fontainebleau and arrangements for the King's safety rested in his hands. He had finished briefing the soldiers who were permanently based at the Palace, doubling the guard for the night despite their muttered protests. Those not on guard duty had been despatched to the barracks to clean weapons and uniforms. Athos was determined that they would make a good showing when Louis arrived.

Now, despite his best efforts, he was left with time to reflect on recent events. He felt a pang of guilt when he remembered disowning d'Artagnan to his friends. The young man's actions had been rash and Athos had no qualms about standing up for his cousin, but he had the unpleasant feeling that he had over reacted.

He was starting to feel as if he was caught between two opposing forces and it was tearing him apart. It wasn't the first time that his old life had intruded upon the present although he wasn't proud of his descent into drunkenness in a vain attempt to obliterate the memory of his wife. This was different though. He'd been happy to see Etienne and hopeful of admitting him to the camaraderie he shared with his friends. Quite what had gone wrong was a mystery to him. Now he felt as if he'd been cast in the role of villain for taking his cousin's side. He licked his lips, gazing longingly at the solace that was so close yet so elusive. His hand hovered over the bottle before dropping heavily to the table.

He had deliberately chosen solitude so wasn't happy when he heard the door open and close and footsteps approaching.

"I've checked on the guards," Etienne said, sitting opposite him. "Everyone is where they're meant to be."

Athos acknowledged the report with a brief nod but kept his gaze fixed on the scarred tabletop.

"Are you going to drink that?" Etienne asked.

"No," Athos said. Etienne reached out to take the bottle and Athos caught his hand. "Neither are you." He raised his head and fixed his stern gaze on his cousin who looked ready to protest but then wisely opted to remain silent. "Get some rest," Athos advised. "The next few days will be tiring. The King has a great love of hunting and feasting into the small hours."

"Will Aramis, Porthos and d'Artagnan accompany him?"

"I have asked Treville to keep d'Artagnan at the garrison."

"You didn't have to do that for me."

Athos scowled. "I did it because he needs to be punished for his actions. It will give him time to reflect on the stupidity of duelling." And on his personal betrayal.

"It surprises me, cousin, that you have let the boy get so close to you. He isn't Thomas you know."

Athos slapped his hand on the table, ungovernable anger suffusing his body. "You have no right to speak of him that way. D'Artagnan might be young but he has proved himself many times over." He looked up at the ceiling and sighed heavily. "Forgive me. I find it hard to fathom why d'Artagnan would act so childishly towards you. He is a better man than that."

"Isn't it obvious? He is jealous of our friendship."

"But why?" Athos asked, utterly bemused. "I am friends with Aramis and Porthos and that doesn't provoke the same reaction."

"From what I've seen you all treat him like a beloved younger brother. Perhaps he feels that I am usurping that position." Etienne shrugged. "All I know is that he has taken a dislike to me and your other friends are supporting him."

"You are mistaken."

"Am I? Watch how they react next time you see them. They are protective of the boy and do not understand your rightful anger towards him."

"I will do as you say but I am certain you are wrong. Aramis and Porthos would never turn their backs on me."

TMTMTM

Athos was waiting on the front steps when the King and his entourage rode into view the next afternoon. He cast a critical eye over the honour guard, nodding in satisfaction at what he saw. He walked down the stairs accompanied by Etienne, faltering only fleetingly when he saw d'Artagnan amongst the Musketeer guard. The young man was flanked by Aramis and Porthos, both of whom looked solemn and, to his eyes, unfriendly.

"Welcome, Majesty." Athos gave a deep bow to his monarch.

"Ah, Athos. Is everything prepared?"

"Yes, Sire."

Louis glanced briefly at the guard before waiting for a mounting block to be brought over so that he could dismount. "I hear the hunting is spectacular this season," he said when Athos fell in beside him.

"So I believe."

"Pity it's too late to go out today," Louis said with a touch of petulance. He found the role of King to be tedious and hunting was one of his few means of escape.

"Your huntsmen and hounds will be ready first thing tomorrow," Athos assured him. "For now there are refreshments waiting for you in the great hall." He bowed again as Louis and his courtiers ascended the stairs. Once they were out of sight he turned away only to find Aramis waiting behind him.

"We need to talk to you," the marksman said.

"Why is d'Artagnan here?"

"He petitioned Treville. Despite your wish to distance yourself from him he is a good soldier."

"His recent behaviour suggests otherwise."

Aramis put his hand on Athos' sleeve. "He has his reasons. I only ask that you hear him out."

Athos looked at the hand and then peered at Aramis from under the brim of his hat. "I have already told you that I will listen to his apology."

"He has nothing to apologise for."

"So you are taking his part in this. I had expected better of you, Aramis."

Aramis flushed angrily. "You judge without knowing all the facts."

"Then enlighten me," he said coldly. It disturbed him to see that Etienne was correct. Aramis was supporting d'Artagnan despite the evidence of the boy's unforgivably bad behaviour.

"Not here. This is a conversation the four of us should have without outside interference." Aramis flicked a glance at Etienne who stood at Athos' shoulder.

Understanding the implication did nothing to improve Athos' sour mood. "Do not ask me to discuss such matters behind my cousin's back. He is the one who has been wronged."

"Has he?" Aramis tone was equally frosty. "I urge you to reconsider, brother. We will be waiting when you are ready to talk." He turned away and strode back to where Porthos and d'Artagnan were waiting.

Athos watched their expressions as Aramis said something then his stomach plummeted when all three turned away from him. It was only Etienne's presence that prevented him from going after them and demanding that they see his point of view. How could they be so blind to d'Artagnan's immature reaction to his cousin? Their pointed rejection cut him to the quick.

"I'm sorry, Athos. I had hoped that I was wrong about them," Etienne said sympathetically. "I am particularly surprised by Aramis' rejection. After all, he owes you so much."

Athos frowned. "What do you mean?"

Etienne took his arm and drew him away from the guards. "His liaison with the Queen. Surely you didn't think it would remain a secret."

Athos froze, his brain refusing to process what Etienne had just said. "I've no idea what you're talking about."

"The truth will come out, Athos. Do you really want to be dragged down with him?"

How could Etienne possibly know about the events at the convent? He had only been in Paris for a few days and there had been no slip of the tongue that could have alerted him to Aramis' treason. Athos felt an unreasoning panic grip him and refuse to relinquish its hold.

"The King should be informed of this treachery. Confess and throw yourself on his mercy."

The numb shock began to dissipate and Athos found enough fortitude to face his cousin with equanimity. "To accuse the Queen of such an act is in itself treason. Have a care, cousin, or you will find your head on the block."

"Think on what I have said," Etienne spoke softly and with complete self-assurance. "You will see that I am right. But, don't wait too long. Once the truth is established you will have no-one to protect you."

Tbc