The next morning...

Constance came awake slowly, with work hardened, loving hands cupping her body. She could feel him along the side of her body, warm and solid. She could feel a certain part of his anatomy that was also warm and solid all on its own, nudging her insistently.

"If you keep that up" Constance whispered with a giggle in her voice "I won't be able to walk, let alone ride back today."

"I wouldn't mind staying a bit longer. I mean, we are on our honeymoon according to Aramis anyway." D'Artagnan said smiling as Constance turned to face him, her hand wandering over his muscular chest.

"D'Artagnan, I can't. I need to get back to the Queen and the palace."

"I know." he sighed "But I can dream can't I?"

"Yes, you can." Constance started to get out of bed "But I have to get dressed."

D'Artagnan watched her get out of bed and rolled his eyes. He put his arm behind his head "You know" he said "you are the most beautiful and dedicated woman in France. And I love you."

"Stop it D'Artagnan." Constance replied "You'll make me blush, but say it again."

"You are the most beautiful..."

"No! The other bit."

"Oh, I love you." He smiled at her with a loving look in his eyes, those dark brown eyes that left her feeling like melted wax.

"Good! Now get up, we have to get back."

...

Aramis woke up to a warmth that he usually did not. A small, warm body lay across his chest. Then he remembered, he was in the Queen's chambers, not in Marguerite's or someone else's and he needed to get out before they were discovered.

He had woken once before, in the convent, with Anne sprawled across him and that time Athos had caught them. Anne wasn't aware that had happened but if he was discovered by anyone now, it would mean his death and exile, at best, for Anne.

He moved Anne gently so as not to wake her. If she did, he would find it hard to leave her. He managed to shift her over to one side of the bed without disturbing her. Aramis climbed out of the other side, looking for his clothes. He quietly went about dressing until he heard a small sound behind him. He turned to see Anne, her head on a pillow, watching him.

"You're ruining the view." Anne said sleepily.

"I'll move then." Aramis chuckled softly.

"No, you need to take your pants off and get back into bed that would be the best idea."

"Anne, I need to leave. If we are caught.."

"I know. I just wish we could stay like this forever."

"Forever? Forever is a long time." Aramis said continuing to get dressed.

Anne got up from the bed, the dappled light playing over her body. After last night, she felt no shame in standing in front of him naked, she only felt well loved. She reached for him "Stay Aramis...please."

"Anne, I want to! You don't know how much I want too but I can't. I have to go to..."

"To protect me."

"Yes!" Aramis looked into her eyes, those clear blue eyes he could drown in "I will go because love you. You are more precious to me than anything, remember that." His hands reached out to cup her face. Anne nodded, a single tear streaking down her cheek, as she stood on tippy toe to kiss him one last time.

...

Aramis had just closed the door to the Queen's apartment when D'Artagnan and Constance appeared. "Did you two have a pleasant night last night? And the journey back was, I assume, uneventful?" Aramis asked as they walked towards him.

D'Artagnan smiled a cheeky grin at him as Constance stepped towards him and kissed his cheek. "Perfect." she replied.

"Good...good." Aramis said "I'm glad." Constance stepped back to D'Artagnan's side and looked at Aramis. He smiled at both of them.

"And you Aramis? Did you have a good night? Being on duty and all." D'Artagnan asked, as Constance raised an eyebrow in Aramis' direction giving him a knowing look.

"Yes," Aramis answered looking slightly uncomfortable with the close attention that Constance was giving him, "on duty...here...all night." He pointed to the spot on which he stood.

"Well I should go and see to the Queen." Constance said, breaking the atmosphere surrounding them. D'Artagnan stepped over to and put his arms around her and kissed her softly and sweetly "Send me word when I can see you again or come to the garrison." Constance nodded and then walked over to the door, where she knocked quietly.

"Let's go Aramis, someone else can take over now." D'Artagnan said clapping him on the shoulder.

"Yeah...someone else." he replied absentmindedly as he looked back to the door. They both started to walk away from the doors but they stopped when they heard the them open once more. They turned to see Constance and Anne standing there. "Thank you!" the two ladies called to their gallant Musketeers. D'Artagnan and Aramis, each wearing a special smile for their lover, bowed to them both before turning back and continuing their journey back to the garrison and their duty.