Returning to the Inn, the three mean sat over a quiet dinner, Aramis absently pushing the stew around his bowl with a spoon.

"We should leave at first light," said Athos. "With luck, we can be in Paris in six days. Five if the weather holds."

"You alright?" asked Porthos, eyeing his friend from across the table. Aramis did not hear him. Porthos cocked an eyebrow at Athos who looked away with a slight shake of his head. The big musketeer narrowed his eyes at the swordsman who pretended not to notice the scrutiny.

Porthos tried again. "'Mis," he said, reaching out and placing a hand on the marksman's. Aramis raised his head, cloudy dark eyes meeting ones full of concern.

"Sorry," he said. "Did I miss something?"

Porthos shot Athos a concerned look.

"We were just discussing our preparations in order to leave in the morning. I hope to put a lot of distance between us and here in the first few days of our journey," said Athos, his eyes watching the marksman over the brim of his glass as he took a sip.

Porthos scowled at Athos before turning back to look at Aramis.

"Or we can wait an extra day," he said.

Aramis shook his head. "No," he said. "We have a duty to the King. We shouldn't put that off any further," he said absently. His brow furrowed as he stared into the distance.

"Aramis, are you okay?" said Porthos seriously, giving the marksman's hand another squeeze. Athos put his glass down and also looked at the man, blue eyes stormy as he grappled with what he knew.

Aramis looked from one man to the other and shook his head sighing softly. He ran his hands through his curls. "I'm fine," he said. "Just sad. That's all. That's the second time I've said goodbye to her like that. Both times it felt like it would be the last time I'd ever see her again." Sighing again and running his hand once more through his hair Aramis stood. "I think I need to get some air," he said.

"I'll join you," volunteered Porthos. Aramis shook his head.

"Thanks mon ami," he said, "but I could use just a moment." Porthos looked a little deflated, but nodded his acquiescence.

Athos caught the marksman's eye. "We'll begin packing our things. Don't wander far. We should get as much rest as possible before we start off. It's not an easy trip," he said.

Aramis smiled softly, noting the concern in his brother's eyes he tried to instil some confidence in him.

"Don't worry," said Aramis. "I just need a little time. I'll be in bed shortly. I'd like to just step into the church before we leave," he said, and stepped away from the table and out the door.

Alone in their room, Porthos rounded on the lieutenant as they prepared for bed.

"Alright," he rumbled lowly. "You better tell me what's going on."

Athos looked back at the big man who had fire and concern in his dark eyes, and sighed.

"There isn't much to say," he replied. "The sooner we can get Aramis away from here and back to Paris, the better."

Porthos' eyes flashed. Athos sighed again.

"So far it is nothing," said Athos. "It may perhaps simply be anxiety on Annabella's part. Our tenure here has been tense for her." Porthos raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"Annabella seems to think that tensions between Aramis and her father may actually be worse than appearances. She had indicated that having him return to Paris as quickly as possible would be best for everyone."

"Was she in danger?" asked Porthos, alarmed.

"No, she didn't think so," said Athos, a hint of worry in his voice. "She made me swear I wouldn't tell Aramis. She was afraid that he might act rashly and might do something reckless…"

"An' you believe that? That not telling him is the best solution?" he asked incredulously.

"I swore, Porthos. Annabella said that removing Aramis would remove the tension. Think about it. You know Aramis better than anyone. What would he do if he thought that Annabella or her son were unhappy in any way because of the General?"

Porthos paused for half a second, "He'd kill 'him." He said flatly. His words sank into the silence.

"That's right," said Athos. "And then he would be hanged for murder."

"She's protecting him," said Porthos thoughtfully.

Athos nodded. "She's trying to defuse the situation. With Aramis removed from the equation, she can control the situation with her father."

"All she has to do is never see him again." Porthos growled. "We need to tell him," said Porthos. "He needs to know…"

"I know," said Athos. "We will. On the road, when cooler heads can prevail. So far there is no threat, you see? It's a fear and a suspicion, but it is better to be prudent than sorry."

Porthos nodded glumly in agreement. "I know," he grumbled. "But 'Mis is not going to like it. I've never seen him as happy as he is with the boy. It's his family now Athos."

"I know," he said gravely. "That's why this will be difficult for him, and easier if there's some distance between them." Both men grew quiet, neither one comfortable or wanting to inflict this inevitable devastation upon their brother. They sat silently, waiting to hear his boots climbing the stairs to their room.

oOo