How Dare You!
As they approached Treville's mansion Philippe, the regent came out of the large gate with Treville right behind him. Corinne had seen the regents face many a times in the country newspapers.
"I am sure you will take care of the matter, Treville" Philippe was saying. His voice was hard and cold with a tinge of cruelty but at the same time it was responsible and promising. A perfect voice to deceive people into believing him Corinne thought. Her observer's instincts kicked in. She didn't find this person a very reliable one.
She turned her mind towards the older man behind him. A sturdy man with grey hair and hazel eyes set in a determined and caring face. Yup. He definitely was the same person her father used to describe as captain twelve years ago.
"You can count on it. Me and my men will take care of it right away." Treville replied to the regent in a warm and deep voice.
Suddenly Philippe caught sight of Corinne near the gateway behind Alphonse.
"Lost your way young girl? You probably can't have any business with these ruffians." Philippe snickered.
"I've come to meet monsieur Treville as I want to become a musketeer." Corinne replied her eyes set on Philippe. She didn't want to talk to this man more than needed. She really had started to detest him.
Philippe laughed. "Poor lass. Hurt your head in the morning today? Ha! A musketeer! Girls can't be musketeers!" Behind him his big brown dog growled in agreement. Corinne eyed the dog. She certainly didn't like this dog any better than his master.
"What did you just say?" Corinne's voice had suddenly become quiet. Quiet meant dangerous. And when Corinne got dangerous no one back in the country would dare to get in her way. But Philippe didn't know that. He was asking for trouble.
"I said girls can't be musketeers." Philippe sneered. "and neither can you"
"How dare you?!" Corinne exclaimed her anger getting the best of her and she unsheathed her sword. "say that once again and you're a dead rat." Her voice shaking with anger. Before Corinne did anything else she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Come on Corinne we have more important things than this." As Corinne looked behind she recognized the expression of total loathing on Alphonse's face – an expression she hadn't seen since they were kids and someone had tried to hurt her.
Alphonse directed Corinne towards Treville. "Sire, this is the girl I was talking about, you know, D'Artagnan's daughter."