Evening My Lovelies
Okay so we've got some angsty-drama today and I must say I'm quite proud of how it all turned out.
Notes On Reviews:
Deana: Thanks for the review - Glad you liked it, Aramis was definitely relieved to hear the news but things still have a way for our boys to be back to what they were. Enjoy the new chapter! x
Katie (Guest): Thanks for the review - Haha That's what I was hoping you would all think :) My little evil mind couldn't resist scaring you all a bit :) Glad you liked the cuteness and don't worry we have some hurt coming the musketeers' way fairly soon :D Enjoy the new chapter! x
pallysdeeks: Thanks for the review - Well Quentin wasn't going to stay gone for much longer... not with my evil mind in play lol :) As for whether D'Art's going to be a target... you'll have to wait and see and don't worry we'll be seeing Remy again soon as well. Glad you're looking forward to the new chapter but we've got a tiny bit of a wait before Quentin's plan comes into play as there was something I wanted to have happen first. Enjoy the new chapter! x
criminally charmed: Thanks for the review - Hmmm an interesting idea and not completely out of the realms of possibility given my evil mind but you'll have to wait and see... Quentin's plan should start either tomorrow or the day after. Enjoy the new chapter! x
f1gymnast: Thanks for the review - I was really looking forward to bringing Marshall into it and with him and Quentin teaming up our boys are definitely in danger :D Enjoy the new chapter! x
Debbie (Guest): Thanks for the review - The plan I have in mind with Marshall should give us some good drama and cute brotherly moments so hoping you're looking forward to it :D Poor Treville's not happy in general lately, think he needs a vacation. Glad you liked the cutesy moment, we've got some more coming in a later chapter :D Enjoy the new chapter! x
Maryg (Guest): Thanks for the review - We're deviating slightly from the plot today as I realized I kinda wanted this to happen before everything heated up again but worry not we'll be back to the coming drama in the next chapter or two :) Hope D'Arts reaction is a good one :) Enjoy the new chapter! x
Helensg: Thanks for the review - Trouble is indeed brewing :) Enjoy the new chapter! x
WelshEssex (Guest): Thanks for the review - Marshall and Quentin's plan will start in the next chapter or two and it's safe to say none of our boy are going to be safe :D Corinne needs to speak to D'Art before she sees Antoine so don't worry about them meeting before that conversation happens. I wont say what he's going to do but would he be the pup we know and love if he didn't do something a little bit reckless? :D Enjoy the new chapter! x
MicheeO: Thanks for the review - Remy will be returning to the story fairly soon so you can look forward to that :D Enjoy the new chapter! x
Lilac Lavender: Thanks for the review - Well when you send me such lovely daily reviews the very least I can do is give you cute cuddly/snuggle moments between our boys :D I was tempted to have had them sitting in silence glaring at each other but couldn't resist the cute snuggle moment. No doubt Porthos will tease them about it at some point but with things still a bit tense between them all it might be a bit before that happens. I did enjoy bringing back all those people and introducing Marshall. We're seeing a few other people today but not as many as yesterday. We've definitely got some evil drama coming our boys way, though it wont be happening for a chapter or two. Really glad you were able to review as I LOVE getting your reviews, they're always a great way to end my night :D Enjoy the new chapter! x
As always much love and many thanks for following/favouriting/reviewing/reading
Love you all!
Enjoy!
xxx
Chapter Forty-Six: Sins Of The Father
Athos was just beginning to debate getting up, not sure how D'Artagnan would react to their sleeping arrangement when he woke, when there was a soft knock at the door.
"Come in," he responded quietly whilst subconsciously moving in front of his still sleeping brother in a protective manner.
Entering the room Treville couldn't help the look he sent his lieutenant at his protective stance, something the man seemed unaware of until that point as he cleared his throat and forced his body to relax now he knew the arrival was not a threat to his brothers.
"How's he doing?" asked Treville quietly as he settled himself into a chair by the bed, his eyes remaining locked on the sleeping Gascon as he moved. He had meant to check on the younger man frequently throughout the night but had fallen asleep at his desk part ways through the mountain of paperwork he had been trying to make a dent in so this was the first time he had the opportunity to check on the musketeer since his brother's had brought him back and out of his uncle's clutches.
Curiosity filled Treville's face at the slight grimace that appeared on Athos's face at his question, though the lieutenant was quick to mask it.
"He's been better," said Athos tiredly, his gaze dropping to the younger man at his side, focusing more on the bandaged covered arm that could very well spell the end of the boy's highly promising career among them. "His fever seems to have broken during the night so that is one less thing to worry about."
Treville sighed in relief, "That is good news," he smiled before his eyes too, locked onto the boy's damaged arm. "What was Aramis's prognosis on that? Has the physician looked at it yet?"
Athos sighed, though his was more one of sadness and frustration than relief. "Recent… events have caused Aramis to miss his latest examination of it and he has been particularly tight lipped on its status. Doctor Pascal hasn't looked at it yet, though he did mention wanting to speak to Aramis regarding his care for it before he did anything so I am assuming he'll be testing it soon."
Nodding Treville clamped a hand down on Athos's shoulder. "Kid's stubborn and determined, he'll be just fine."
Athos grunted in acknowledgement though in his heart he didn't share his Captain's belief. For the swordsman Aramis's refusal to tell them anything regarding the state of D'Artagnan's arm was telling in and of itself. To him the silence was Aramis's way of protecting D'Artagnan against the pain of losing his dream of being a musketeer.
His darkening thoughts were interrupted by a soft groan of pain from the Gascon next to him as the boy began to wake.
"Morning D'Artagnan," stated Treville kindly as he saw the boy's eyes flutter open.
It took several seconds for D'Artagnan to realize he was nestled quite close to his mentor and when that sunk in an embarrassed flush erupted over the younger man's face, making both Athos and Treville chuckle in amusement.
"C-Captain," stuttered D'Artagnan as he tried to subtly edge away from Athos despite there not being anywhere else on the bed to go and that any sort of movement ignited a world of pain in his body from his injuries.
Athos seemed to recognize his protégé's discomfort and moved off of the bed and to the counter were a pain draught was waiting. He assisted the thoroughly embarrassed D'Artagnan in drinking it before settling himself in the chair next to Treville, knowing that a large proportion of the boy's discomfort came from the closeness of the two of them and not from his actual pain.
D'Artagnan blinked at this before letting out a soft breath. His mind was still trying to make sense of everything Athos had said to him last night and to really do that he needed space to think and so having the swordsman next to him wasn't helping matters.
"I hate to ask this," stated Treville, his voice cutting though the awkward silence and gaining the instant attention of the room's other two occupants. "But I have come to ask something of you D'Artagnan and it involves your uncle."
D'Artagnan visibly flinched at the mention of his uncle but unlike Athos he didn't quite catch on to what the Captain wanted to ask.
"No," stated Athos, his voice so firm and unyielding that it drew raised eyebrows and wide-eyes from both his companions. "You really going to ask he to do this now Treville?"
Treville sighed, "If I had any other choice no, but I can only keep his presence here silent for so long and I believe we can all agree it would be best if Miss Corinne heard the truth from D'Artagnan's lips rather than through rumors around the garrison and city."
"…You want me to tell her," said D'Artagnan, his voice just above a whisper as he struggled to ignore the thought in his mind that kept reminding him how much pain he would be causing her as soon as he admitted the truth.
Treville nodded, "He's been relentless in his demands to see her, I can't risk putting it off much longer but I need to know you can handle it. If you're not ready we have to figure something out."
Shaking his head weakly the Gascon took a large steadying breath. "No, you're right she needs to know and it needs to come from me… Could you have someone bring her here?"
"D'Artagnan," sighed Athos, his heart going out to the younger man, just knowing the upcoming conversation was not going to be a pleasant one for the boy.
"I'll have her brought to you in an hour," stated Treville with an apologetic smile, hating what he was asking the boy to do. "That'll give you time to prepare yourself," and with that he stepped out of the room.
True to his word an hour later a slightly confused Corinne was escorted to D'Artagnan's infirmary room. The Gascon was alone in the room, having all but demanded that Athos leave so they could talk in private.
"Charlie," smiled Corinne as she moved quickly to sit by her cousin's side, "You're looking better already."
Not believing that for a second D'Artagnan simply nodded, relishing in the moment of having her smile at him, knowing full well what was going to happen to her in mere moments time.
Frowning at the lack of response Corinne tilted her head to one side, "Charlie? What's wrong?"
"Do you trust me?"
Corinne blinked, "What?"
With a sigh D'Artagnan forced his aching body to shuffle into a slightly better position for him to see her. "Do you trust me?"
"More than anyone," she said honestly as confusion settled on her features.
Smiling a weak yet incredibly fond smile at the woman D'Artagnan nodded. "Do… Do you remember what Athos and the others told us? … About uncle Antoine?"
Anger flashed in Corinne's eyes at the mention of the accusation, though D'Artagnan noticed it wasn't quite as strong as it had been before. "Is this about me slapping your friend?" she asked through gritted teeth, "Because I apologized for that!"
D'Artagnan blinked, "Uh… no… but thanks… I'm sure he appreciated it."
Frowning Corinne took his hand in hers, "Then what's this about Charlie? You're worrying me."
"They're true!"
Silence filled the room after D'Artagnan's exclamation and it took a few moments for it to register in Corinne's mind.
"W-What?" she breathed, anger and despair warring for dominance within her. She knew D'Artagnan wouldn't lie to her, not about this but that helped little with her anger.
Offering the hand in his a gentle squeeze D'Artagnan began to explain how he had come to learn the truth, omitting the fact that the reason he had been out of the garrison to learn it in the first place was because he had shot one of his dearest brothers.
By the end of his explanation Corinne was in tears and her whole body was trembling so violently D'Artagnan was beginning to wish he had asked Athos to stay as it looked like the woman could be about to have a panic attack at any moment, something he was not in the best position to really help with.
"Y-Y-You're wrong," she whispered in between sobs as she violently shook her head. "H-He… H-He wouldn't… I was… H-He wouldn't"
Uncaring of the pain it would cause him D'Artagnan used what little strength he still had in his body to pull his cousin into a tight, one-armed embrace, whispering words of comfort into her hair as he let her cry into his chest.
After a while Corinne's sobs began to subside and so D'Artagnan pulled back before placing an object in her hands with a pained look on his own face that matched the one on hers but at a much lower intensity.
"He… He had this on him," explained D'Artagnan as he watched her eyes go wide at the object in her hands. "It's how I knew… I'm… I'm sorry Rinny."
As she stared at the simple pocket watch in her hands Corinne felt her anger rise above the despair threatening to overwhelm her and when she looked up her eyes held a fire that would have had D'Artagnan flinching back if he didn't know it wasn't meant for him.
"Where is he?" she hissed, her hands tightening their grip on the watch as she struggled not to snap at her cousin.
Recognizing her intentions a bitter, vindictive part of D'Artagnan couldn't help but smirk and the directions to the holding cells were out of his mouth before he could even think.
Standing up fast enough that she knocked over her chair Corinne stormed out of the room, one location in mind and one overwhelming thought in her mind. I'm going to kill him!"
"Lady Corinne," nodded Blaise as he watched the furious woman approach. From her demeanor he had gathered that D'Artagnan had told her the truth and part of him was eager to see what would happen next despite the pain it must be causing her.
"I need to see him," she demanded, her fiery glare burning holes in the cell door.
"Kinda gathered that girly," sassed Henri as he approached the duo, having planned on relieving Blaise from guard duty.
"Henri," sighed Blaise, having noticed the woman turn her glare onto his fellow musketeer before turning back to him expectantly.
"Captain said we can let you in once D'Artagnan's spoken to you, which judging by how you entered, he has."
"Again, glaringly obvious," remarked Henri with a smirk, thoroughly enjoying the fed up expression on his friend's face and the anger on the young woman's.
Choosing to ignore the second musketeer Corinne kept her attention on the one actively blocking her entry into the cell containing her father. "Yes he has, now can I see him or not?"
"If you're sure," said Blaise as he pulled the keys from his belt and began to unlock the door, not feeling any sympathy for what the man inside was about to experience.
Antoine's head shot up at the sound of his cell door opening and his eyes went wide as his daughter stormed into the room, her face like thunder as she glared at him… though what truly hit him were the hints of tears in her eyes.
"Corinne," he breathed, scrambling to his feet. "Sweetheart I don't know what you've been told but I promise I can explain. I –"
"I TRUSTED YOU!" screamed Corinne as she threw the pocket watch at her father's chest, tears barely contained as she glared at the man. "I believed in you! I defended you! Hell I slapped an armed musketeer for you… TWICE!"
Antoine blinked at that, not entirely sure how he was supposed to respond but Corinne wasn't done yet.
"I listened as they accused you of the worst things," she growled, her eyes dark with a fiery anger she only just had under control. "Of selling out our neighbors and friends to a slave trader! Of condoning the attack on our home! Of selling out your own flesh and blood, luring him into a trap just to pay off some stupid debt and I DEFENDED you! I yelled and screamed, told them all how you were a good man, that you would never even think of doing what they were accusing you of… But… but you did," tears began flowing freely down her cheeks now. "You did all that and more… Lupiac is destroyed; those who survived are now mentally scarred for life. Charlie almost lost both his arm and his life on several occasions and he still might have to give up his dream career because of what you did… and for what? To pay off a debt?"
"Corinne, please, just let me explain…"
"HOW!?" hissed Corinne, her frame violently shaking as her breathing became shallow.
"People we both grew up with are DEAD because of you! We've lost our home and I was almost… almost…"
"Corinne," murmured Antoine as he reached out to cup her tear stained cheek, only to have his hand slapped away as soon as it got close enough to her skin, the fire in her eyes only increasing as disgust filled her.
"DON'T TOUCH ME!" she screamed, quickly picking up the thrown pocket watch before storming towards the door.
"IT WASN'T SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN THAT WAY!" exclaimed Antoine as he watched his daughter walk away. "You were to be safe, that was part of the deal."
Spinning on her heels to face him Antoine was sure he had never seen a deadlier look of anger on anyone's face before.
"AND WHAT OF EVERYONE ELSE! I saw one of the men run his blade through Camille… She was six years old! You're 'concern' for me matters little when you signed our lives over to a group of men who care little about murdering a child!"
To her satisfaction her father seemed to flinch at her words as well as pale dramatically.
Turning on her heels she continued to the door, pausing with her hand on the handle to look over her shoulder, her teary glare aimed right at her father. "There are no words you could offer that would ever make me forgive you. Stay the hell away from me."
"CORINNE!" screamed Antoine as the door closed behind his daughter.
Outside the cell and out of earshot of the prisoner both Henri and Blaise were rushing to the younger woman's side as she collapsed several feet out of the cell.