The gathering was a merry one. Reunited with her ladies and rid of the odious Racaut forever. Anne insisted they all descend to the inn's main room to eat and celebrate before their journey home. They occupied one end of the room. Locals drank and rolled dice at the other end, and in the middle, couples linked arms in country dances to the music of a fiddle, flute and tambourine.
Anne watched them wistfully. Her entourage marked her out as a lady of importance but her identity was still being guarded. She sat neatly and watched the dancers and made conversation with the gallant men who had rescued her.
And then she decided. She fixed Aramis with her face and said, "Let me show you a dance I knew as a girl."
"You are still a girl, madam." His easy charm! But he had not consented.
She smiled. "Who will dance with me." It was a command.
"I don't really," said Porthos.
"Me neither," said D'Artagnan.
"I can hardly refuse your majesty," said Athos, "but it might not be -"
"Then you, monsieur Aramis. Be my partner."
Aramis rose, and bowed. Anne blinked coolly at him and gave him her hand.
"Here," she breathed into his ear as they mingled with the crush of dancers, "I am just Anne."
"And I am Rene, your majesty."
She whispered it.
He clasped her close as they were lost among the throng of revellers. She said nothing - did not protest at this familiarity. He put his cheek to her hair and breathed her in, and she allowed herself to relax against him. "Rene," she said.
"No one calls me that any more," he said.
She smiled. "I won't let your friends hear. A man with a mysterious name never likes the illusion spoiled."
She put her hand on the back of his neck. "A queen must maintain the illusion at all times."
He did not know what to say. Was it an invitation, or only a faster way to the noose?
She met his gaze, and he watched her slowly lose her imperious stare and soften, become just the girl in his arms, a beautiful girl who was unmistakably asking him to kiss her.
He moved a little, so that she could evade him, or slap him around the chops for his impertinence, but she only came closer and brought her mouth to within an inch of his lips.
He whirled them around so that they occupied a dim corner, their backs to the room, and then he kissed her, cautiously at first, for who knows how a queen prefers to be kissed? Only a king - But then she trailed her hands over his face and neck and down his back, and parted her lips that she might taste him, and then all restraint was gone.
The music jangled and drums rattled. Around Aramis and the Queen, dancers and drinkers enjoyed the freedom to celebrate.
She was the most magnificent women he had ever known. Her mix of command and desire left him breathless. And it was obvious to him where this would lead.
Anne knew it too. "Come to my room," she said.
"Impossible," he gasped as her hands found his waist. "Your honour -"
"I will manage it," she said. "Bring your friends now, I am tired and wish to go up. I need Odette, where is she?"
She chuckled at his consternation. "I am your queen," she said. "I will manage this."
He looked at her in open admiration. Hesitated. Kissed her again with unabashed desire, then released her and bowed. "Command me."
She held out her hand, her chin lifted, and it was the icy queen Aramis escorted back to the others.
"I am tired, and will retire," Anne announced. Her ladies rose at once. "Musketeers of the King's guard, accompany us."
Athos and the others exchanged glances. Aramis in particular got the benefit of a hard stare. But they went with Anne to the hall outside her chamber, at which point Anne sent her ladies off with various small tasks, and the Musketeers lingered, not yet dismissed.
Xxxx
"I have commands for each of you," said Anne. "Turn your backs."
"Madam?"
"I am tired and wish to speak without being watched. Turn please."
They obliged, exchanging glances.
Anne approached D'Artagnan. "Stand watch at my door all night," she whispered from behind him. She repeated this command to Athos.
Aramis was next but Anne spoke too low for her instruction to be heard. He moved away down the corridor.
Last was Porthos. "Seek out Odette," Anne said. "She favours you. Go now!"
Porthos nodded, amazed, and went downstairs.
"I will retire now," said Anne to D'Artagnan and Athos. "Remain outside my door all night. Odette will come to wake me in the morning. Do not disturb me before then."
They began to turn but she said sharply, "I do not wish to be looked at!"
They heard her chamber door open and close. D'Artagnan and Athos were alone.
"Well, that was odd," said D'Artagnan.
"Not really," said Athos. He turned his face to D'Artagnan and smiled.