"I don't like it. It's a peasant name."
The King did not care that his argument with Anne took place in front off the entire court, the ladies, gentleman, the cardinal and the Musketeers. Anyway most people were fixed on the tiny bundle, draped in white lace, in Anne's arms.
"It is traditionally French and a fine name beloved of many noble houses." Anne stroked her baby's forehead.
"The minor nobility," sniffed Louis.
"Nevertheless it is his name. His twelfth name."
Louis sulked. He was still sulking as they walked between their honour guard of Musketeers.
"The child has fourteen names," Anne said, "and this is but one which you object to. I have not objected to any others. And I have borne this child. I insist on this name."
The Musketeers bowed, their blue cloaks sweeping the ground.
"Rene," said Louis in disgust.
Aramis gave the King a narrow look. Athos stood on Aramis' foot.
Anne said nothing.
"A fine choice of all names for His Highness," said Treville.
Anne smiled.
As they passed Aramis, Anne nodded very coolly at him. He bowed low, and she wafted past.
At last the royal party, and their argument, passed into the next chamber.
"Well," said Treville.
Athos clapped Aramis on the back.
"Rene," said Porthos. "What's wring with Rene?"
"Nothing," said D'Artagnan. "Some of my best friends are called Rene."
Athos smiled.
"I don't get it," said Porthos.
Aramis put his arms around Porthos and D'Artagnan . "The day is done. We are triumphant. Let's celebrate."
"What are we celebrating," Porthos asked before Athos could hush him.
"Never mind that," said Aramis. "The drinks are on me."
"Oh in that case -"
Later, much later, Athos sat beside Aramis in a cavernous drinking house and said, "Rene, eh."
"What of it, Comte?"
"Nothing at all," said Athos.
They drank, and looked at Porthos and D'Artagnan arm wrestling.
"I have no idea," said Aramis in answer to Athos' silent question. "And it doesn't matter."
"You're right," Athos said, clasping his arm. "We are not our names, but our deeds."
"I'll drink to that," said Aramis.
They drank.