Chapter 4: A Question of Honor

Athos downed a shot, hoping the strong brew would extinguish the ache lurking in his pit of his soul. He closed his eyes conjuring the memory of Noelle beneath his body. He could still hear her sultry whimpers, feel her velvety canal swallowing him whole. He did not even realize it, but she had banish the dark memories of Milady replacing them with something fantastical.

He opened his eyes hearing pounding footsteps heading his way. Someone was angry or in a panic.

"Athos!" Captain Treville bellowed.

Athos meet him in the hall. "Captain?"

"I should have your head!"

Taken aback, Athos inquired. "I am not sure I understand. What crime have I been accused of?"

"Not accused, but condemned of! Rape!"

"Noelle?"

"Of course Noelle! How many others have you raped?"

"None and never! I did not rape Noelle!"

Treville clenched his fists, the vein in his forehead pounding with the angry beat of his heart. "She was examined by a physician and like the blood the scratches on your cheeks bear, blood does not lie!"

Keeping his voice calm, Athos explained. "She bled because she was a virgin. I did not rape her. I would never abased myself to that kind of brutish level. She gave herself to me willingly."

"Athos…" Treville said pacing a circle around the convicted. "You are an honorable man of admirable qualities. You have never lied to me in the past, why start now? Do you expect me to believe that a girl who detests men would willingly spread her legs for you?"

"It is not men that she loathes, but the concept of being forced to wed a man not of her chosen. I speak not with deceit."

"The girl claims you raped her. The physician who examined her backs her claim. Lerfore and her father erupted, blaming the king for ordering such a man as you to hunt her down. Due to Louis's faith in you, he has paid both the blacksmith and Lerfore gracefully and has ordered Noelle exiled to a convent so not to stain your reputation. The queen has interceded and requests on behalf of any child that may come that you do the honorable thing and make an honest woman of Noelle."

"I will not marry that deceitful wench!"

"The queen merely requests, I however order it. Whether or not you forced her, you still fucked a promised woman offending Lerfore and shaming your brethren. As a Musketeer it is your duty to wipe this stain clean. You will do this, Athos, if not for your own reputation than for mine and for your brothers in arms. Your reckless actions have disgraced the Musketeers' integrity."

"Get the bitch in front of a priest. We wed today."

Athos married Noelle within the hour. The wedding had been private and lifeless. Neither spoke until he led her inside his home.

"Make yourself at home." He hissed, turning to leave.

"Where are you going?"

He froze, gritting his teeth before turning to face her. "It is not I who answers to you, but you who will answer to me!"

This was the first time he had raised his voice at her. Even during their struggle in the woods when she had maimed him, he had not lifted his voice. His eyes were like daggers piercing into her flesh. He was searing and it was all because of her. She bit her lip, remaining silent. He glared at her a few seconds more before he slamming the door.

Athos headed straight to the tavern where he drank himself witless. During drunk binges like these people knew to steer clear of him, but tonight Aramis broke the unwritten rule. "Go home and consummate your marriage. You have a beautiful bride. Enjoy her!"

"I can't stand the cunning cunt!" Athos spat, staggering to his feet.

"You do not mean that!" Aramis called after him, but this time Athos did not agree.