Slightly longer chapter this one. I did leave it in an evil place last time. ;)

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Hope you enjoy this chapter. :)

Chapter Forty-One

The musketeers stood still, numb with the shock at what they had just heard. Rochefort may be evil but that would not be a reason to lie about something like this in front of the King. Aramis was gone.

'I know how hard this must be to hear,' Louis said with honest sympathy in his voice. 'Perhaps it is best that you get some sleep before I see the Duke tomorrow.'

'Thank you, Majesty,' Tréville recovered first as he looked to the heartbroken men beside him.

For once Louis seemed to understand the emotion flooding the room and the still forms of the remaining Inseparables. 'Goodnight,' he said quietly forgiving the men for not bowing as he left.

Rochefort watched with glee as the Inseparables shattered before his eyes. His main goal of luring Anne closer had appeared to have failed but an unexpected bonus was the breaking of the Inseparables. Not too bad a result.

Rochefort left the room with the still stunned musketeers stood in place.

Tréville looked at his men and saw D'Artagnan staring back at him with tears in his eyes. Tréville moved across to him.

'It's not true,' D'Artagnan mumbled.

'It can't be,' Porthos spoke suddenly.

'Hang on a minute,' everyone turned their attention to Athos. 'Rochefort said that Aramis was still alive when he saw him last night. It hasn't been confirmed that Aramis is dead.'

'He was bad before we left,' Porthos said sadly. 'That fever was only goin' to get worse.'

'Athos is right,' Tréville said firmly. 'Let us not mourn him until we know for certain that he is no longer with us.'

Tréville headed for the door as the others glumly followed. Although they had been alone in the room none of them had wanted an audience for their grief and the palace could easily provide that. They moved quietly along the hallways as they headed for the exit so they could return home and find out the truth. A truth they weren't sure they wanted to know. They passed into the Queen's chambers and were soon faced by Queen Anne herself.

They bowed to her and Anne saw the state they were in.

'What has happened?' she enquired as she waved her ladies away to give them some privacy.

'Your Majesty,' Tréville looked her in the eye. 'We have apprehended the Duke and he is currently secure in the Bastille.'

'Then why do you all look so sombre?' she asked as her fear started to grow. Had something happened?

'Rochefort has just informed us that Aramis wasn't expected to make it through the night,' Tréville said with emotion in his voice. Anne studied the others and saw that they all looked heartbroken. But this couldn't be right. Aramis' fever had broken when she had left. He was recovering.

'Did he say when this information was received?' she asked as a thought occurred to her.

'Last night when he visited Aramis,' Athos answered quietly and with a quiver in his voice that Anne had never heard before.

Rochefort must have been there before her because he had not arrived while she had tended to Aramis. 'Then, I'm happy to tell you that Constance sent me note saying that Aramis' fever broke in the night and that he was almost 'back to his usual self',' she said doing her best to look slightly confused. 'There were exclamation marks,' she added.

The effect of her words was instantaneous. D'Artagnan toppled into Porthos who was close enough to the wall that he could lean on it propping them both up. Tréville exhaled deeply and his left hand rose to cover his mouth but it was Athos' reaction that surprised Anne the most. His knees buckled beneath him and he was forced to grab a nearby table so he didn't crash to the ground.

It took a few moments before anyone dared to speak. Anne knew that they all cared deeply about each other but she was still surprised by the depth of feeling that had caused their reactions to the news.

'He's alive?' Tréville asked quietly as if he had misunderstood her words.

'From what Constance told me, yes,' Anne smiled warmly.

Athos somehow regained his balance and managed to stand without clutching the table. Porthos pushed off from the wall still holding a rather limp D'Artagnan and then tried to get the younger man standing on his own. D'Artagnan seemed to finally snap out of his trance as he swayed slightly before regaining his balance.

'I should inform His Majesty,' Tréville looked slightly shocked by the news that Aramis was recovering after preparing himself for the worst.

'I will do that, Captain,' Anne said softly. 'I think the four of you are needed elsewhere.'

The musketeers were still in somewhat of a daze as they began to truly realise that they would encounter Aramis alive, although not completely well. He was alive.

'Wait,' D'Artagnan stopped after they had disappeared down a corridor. 'Did we just forget to bow before we left?'

'Yeah, I think we did,' Porthos sounded hesitant.

'I'm sure Her Majesty will forgive us this once,' Athos pushed past D'Artagnan and Porthos who had stopped.

'I agree,' Tréville commented as he urged the other two forward.

Athos suddenly stopped and the reason became clear.

'Such a shame about Aramis,' Milady drawled and yet there was a hint of sincerity in her voice.

'Rochefort told you?' D'Artagnan growled.

'Actually, the King,' she said importantly.

'It seems that Rochefort may have been hasty in declaring Aramis' demise,' Tréville said coldly.

'He's alive?' Milady looked stunned and yet there was a glimmer of hope in her eyes which surprised the men.

'If you move, we'll find out soon enough,' Porthos growled as he strode towards her and Milady surprisingly jumped out of his way with no comment.

The men passed her to descend the staircase but Athos stood facing his wife.

'You almost sound as if you care,' he stated while staring at her coldly.

'Aramis dead would not be a good thing,' she stared right back at him.

'Why would that be bad for you?' his expression was icily cold.

'Rochefort is a menace,' she stated as she searched her husband's face for any type of reaction. 'He fears you. All of you. Should one of you be gone then that would strengthen his position.'

'You mean that he does not favour you, so if we were to stop his rise and favour with King Louis...that would be better for you,' Athos' expression had hardened slightly as he knew his wife only ever thought about herself.

'That is always a bonus,' she admitted. 'But Aramis' death would destroy you. However much I tell myself I want you gone, I'm not so sure that is what I want anymore.'

Athos just stared coldly back.

'Nothing to say, Athos?' she sneered. 'You never were very good at conversation.'

'I generally speak when I have something to say,' he stated dryly as he turned and descended the staircase after the others, leaving Milady stood frustrated at the top of the stairs.

'Hurry up!' Porthos sounded agitated as he held Roger ready for Athos as the swordsman approached the horses.

'You could have left without me,' Athos raised an eyebrow.

'Next time I will,' Porthos kicked Flip into action causing the others to hurry their own steads along. All of them eager to see Aramis again.

Aramis sighed as his trembling hands couldn't hold the mug of broth Constance held firmly in hers.

'I can't feed myself,' he mumbled shaking his head slightly looking rather despondent.

'At least you're being fed,' Constance smiled warmly as she managed to lift the mug to his mouth for him to drink. 'Would you be this mopey if the others were here?' she asked cocking her head to the side.

'Yes,' he admitted quietly while failing to stop his smile when he thought of the many times his brothers had nursed him and he them.

'Come on,' she coaxed. 'A bit of bread,' she said as she dipped the bread in the broth and got him to eat a few pieces. He knew his stomach wouldn't take much solid food but he should be ok with a few pieces of bread.

'I'm so tired,' he huffed. He always hated being ill or injured. He always felt so useless.

'You need rest,' Constance said quietly as she realised he couldn't eat anymore. He was steadily increasing his broth intake and with the bread she was satisfied that he had eaten enough.

The door opened and Gabriel and Vasselin came in.

'You're awake,' Gabriel said enthusiastically and rather too loudly making Aramis wince. 'Sorry,' the musketeer apologised in a much quieter voice.

'You know how to put us through the wringer, don't you?' Vasselin quipped making Aramis smirk. Neither man seemed at all surprised to see Constance in the room.

'You got the Duke?' Aramis asked.

'Yep,' Gabriel sat in the chair on Aramis' left side. 'Smarmy bugger, isn't he?'

'I think they all got a punch in,' Vasselin smiled. Aramis didn't need to be told who 'they' were as he returned the smile. His brothers would no doubt have caused the Duke some pain but Tréville would have kept them in check.

'Wish I'd been there,' he said with mischief in his eyes. 'If only to see his shock that I was alive.' Aramis then gave a rather large yawn making the two musketeers smile.

'Rest,' Gabriel gave Aramis' shoulder the lightest of squeezes.

'Yeah,' Vasselin nodded. 'You'll be partying when the others get back,' he winked. Both musketeers left the room and Constance helped Aramis to lie down again.

'Do you need a pain draught?' she asked as she saw him wince.

'No. Not for now,' he huffed as his eyes closed and sleep took him again.

King Louis was in his chambers playing chess with Rochefort, who had to be careful, as the King had left his queen wide open and Rochefort could easily make check-mate in two moves if he chose to. There was a knock at the door.

'Come in,' Louis called in a bored voice. He really wasn't up to anything remotely taxing this evening.

Queen Anne entered smiling at her husband. In truth, it wasn't the sight of her husband that caused her to smile. She had been struggling to hide her joy at Aramis' recovery all day.

'Anne,' he called as she moved to take an empty chair next to him. 'Are you feeling better?' he enquired.

'Much, thank you,' she smiled back. 'I have also had some news from Constance about Aramis.'

'Really? What's happened?' Louis looked eager to hear the information which surprised Anne slightly. She supposed even he would be affected by the devastation of the musketeers when they had heard the Aramis had most likely died. Neither of them noticed Rochefort's posture tense as he sat in his chair. The fact that Queen looked happy suggested only one thing. Aramis had beaten the odds.

'Constance sent me a message that Aramis' fever broke last night,' Anne was doing her best to not seem so happy but it was rather difficult. 'I would have told you sooner had I not had trouble sleeping.'

'Oh,' Louis looked happy and then worried. 'We told them Aramis had likely died,' he said looking guiltily at Rochefort.

'We gave them the facts as we knew them,' Rochefort managed to say as he inwardly cursed Aramis. How could he have survived? He was practically dead! That musketeer must have more lives than a cat!

'It's alright,' Anne reassured them, taking Rochefort's expression for guilt over misleading the musketeers. 'I told them what Constance had told me and I said I would update you straight away.'

'I suppose they're on their way to see him now?' Rochefort enquired having managed to get a hold on his anger.

'Yes,' Anne smiled.

'Well, maybe we need some brandy to celebrate,' Louis announced as he moved to the door and ordered a servant away.

'Forgive me, sire,' Rochefort stood. 'I think it would be best if I retire. I'm not feeling quite myself.'

'Oh. That is a shame,' Louis said looking rather mystified.

Rochefort bowed and left as he scurried back to his office. He had some serious clearing up to do.

Constance sat in her chair by Aramis' bedside. She was tired and yet she was happy. He was sleeping soundly and was eating as well as could be expected. His skin no longer looked as grey as it had just a few hours ago. Although he still had a long recovery ahead of him, Constance was no longer plagued with worry. She was sure he was through the worst of it now.

She heard the arrival of horses in the courtyard and wondered whether she would finally see the men Aramis called his brothers. She waited but she heard no-one ascend the infirmary steps. She moved over to the window and saw many musketeers in the courtyard but none were the men she was expecting.

She realised after a few moments that the men she was looking for had probably gone to the palace with the Duke and that was why they weren't back yet.

She turned and saw Aramis sleeping peacefully. Maybe it was best the others weren't here yet as they would disturb his rest.

About half an hour later she heard more horses but far fewer than before. The pounding footsteps on the stairs told her who was coming. The door swung open loudly as Porthos finally came to a stop half-way across the room with his eyes fixed on one place in the infirmary. Or to be more specific, one person. D'Artagnan quickly followed and Athos brought up the rear. All three of the panting as they stared at the only occupied bed.

Constance placed her hands on her hips and cleared her throat gaining their attention.

'Did you have to come in here so nosily,' she looked at them sternly. 'You sounded like a herd of elephants!' she glanced over at Aramis who was miraculously still asleep.

'How do you know what a herd of elephants sounds like?' D'Artagnan asked with a cheeky grin as he approached her.

'Well...' she floundered. 'They're big and heavy aren't they? They would make a lot of noise,' she said defensively.

'Assuming they could climb stairs,' Athos responded drolly with a quirk of an eyebrow causing Porthos to laugh. Constance shot him a scowl and Porthos stopped laughing but he couldn't stop grinning as he walked over to Aramis who still oblivious to his visitors.

At that point D'Artagnan enveloped Constance in a hug that she hadn't realised she needed. She felt herself finally relax in his arms as she buried her head in the crook of his neck.

'Thank you for looking after him,' he whispered as Constance couldn't help the relief she felt. The tears fell before she knew it but she wasn't ashamed. She didn't care that Athos and Porthos could see as well. Whether she liked it or not, she was part of this family.

She sobbed into D'Artagnan's shoulder for a few minutes as he rubbed her back soothingly, telling her how grateful they were for her help. Athos and Porthos turned their attention to Aramis to give them some privacy. Porthos held Aramis' left hand while Athos had his right. Aramis continued to sleep but the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest reassured them that he was ok.

Tréville came in a few minutes later and did not look at all surprised at the scene before him. He moved over to the end of Aramis' bed and watched the marksman sleeping.

Constance moved away from D'Artagnan and wiped her eyes and tried to compose herself while D'Artagnan took another chair and placed it next to Athos. His hand moved to Aramis' knee to be in contact with his brother.

Tréville moved over to Constance and gave her hug. 'Thank you for looking after him so well,' he said quietly. His eyes were slightly teary as they drew apart. 'I assume there is absolutely no point in me telling you three to alternate watching him and rest yourselves?'

The smirks said it all.

'You know where to find me,' Tréville said as he nodded and left.

Once Tréville had left Athos quietly moved over to Constance and took her hand in his before pulling her into a surprising hug.

'Thank you,' he said quietly as he held her tightly. 'I bet he's been a terrible patient,' he pulled back as Constance laughed.

'He always is,' Porthos quipped as Constance found herself on her fourth hug. 'You don't take any nonsense though.'

She pulled back and looked at all four of them. 'He scared me last night. I thought he wasn't going to make it. I don't know what I'd have done if he had died.'

'He likes a bit of drama,' Athos said with a smirk. 'Don't you?' he nodded towards Aramis.

'No fun otherwise,' came the surprise response from the bed.

'How long have you been awake?' Porthos dashed back to his chair as Constance moved closer.

'Not very,' Aramis said sleepily. 'You're back then.'

'Obviously,' D'Artagnan quipped with a smile as Aramis managed to send a small glare down to the younger man.

'I'm sure you're all hungry so I'll see if the kitchen has anything,' Constance said as she rolled her sleeves up. Before anyone could protest Gabriel entered carrying a large pot of stew while Vasselin carried a plate piled with bread and cheese.

'Captain said you'd be hungry,' Vasselin smiled.

The musketeers looked back at Aramis but it seemed his waking had only been temporary as his eyes were closed again and his breathing was even once more.

D'Artagnan moved to dish out the stew but Constance waved it away saying that she had already eaten.

After the musketeers had eaten they realised that they had been far hungrier than they thought. None of them had eaten much since leaving Aramis.

Dr. Lemay arrived after they had finished their meal and he moved straight towards his patient.

'I'm sorry I was called away to deal with a sickness at the palace,' he looked nervous as if he expected them to shout at him for being called away.

'We understand,' Athos said quietly as he moved so Lemay could get better access to Aramis.

Aramis remained asleep while Lemay checked the cuts which were red but showing no sign of infection returning.

'Is he eating?' Lemasy asked Constance who was hovering nearby.

'He's had a fair bit of broth and managed some bread earlier,' she said cautiously.

'Well that is good,' Lemay smiled.

The door opened again as Dr. Jardin entered and he was rather surprised at the gathering around Aramis' bed.

'You must be Dr. Jardin,' Athos moved across to shake the perplexed man's hand. 'Thank you for checking up on him.'

'Yes,' he said as he still looked staggered at the amount of people in the room. 'I just came to check how Aramis was progressing.'

'Constance tells me he has been eating and so far it doesn't look as though the infection is returning,' Lemay smiled.

'Well that is good news,' Jardin smiled warmly. 'Gave us quite a fright he did.'

'You don't have any pain draughts do you?' Lemay enquired as he searched his own bag.

'Yes, I brought some,' Jardin withdrew two vials from his bag.

'Thank you,' Lemay nodded.

A groan came from the bed as everyone turned to Aramis who was trying to push himself up. Porthos quickly moved over and lifted Aramis under the armpits as D'Artagnan fluffed the pillows against the headrest and Porthos propped Aramis up against the pillows.

Aramis blinked a couple of times as he registered who was in the room.

'I knew I was popular,' he smirked drowsily and yawned.

'Are you in pain?' Dr. Lemay asked.

'It's bearable,' Aramis replied quietly.

'That means yes,' Athos said with a tired sigh glaring at his friend.

'I'll leave it on the side,' Dr. Lemay left the vials on the table by Aramis' bed. 'I must be off but I'll be back in the morning.'

'Me too,' Jardin chorused. 'I'm very glad to see you recovering Aramis. I was perhaps a little too hasty in believing that your time on this earth may have been over. I'm sorry for doubting you.'

'No need to apologise,' Aramis gave a small smile.

'Yeah. He's weird,' Porthos stated matter-of-factly causing a ripple of laughter around the room.

'I'll see you tomorrow,' Lemay said as he walked across to the door.

'I wish you all the best,' Jardin smiled as both men left the infirmary.

There was silence for a moment before it was punctuated with the sound of a yawn from Constance. She was sat on one of the other beds and her own eyes were starting to close.

'Constance,' Athos called. 'Would you like to rest in one of our rooms? We can have the sheets changed if you want to sleep,' he gave a rare warm smile.

Constance knew she was fighting a losing battle as she was shattered and she knew her eyes were closing.

'If nobody has any objections...could I maybe sleep here?' her voice was hesitant as if she feared they would say no.

'Of course you can,' Porthos smiled.

'If you're sure you won't be uncomfortable?' Athos said making it clear he had no problem.

'Get some sleep Constance. We will try not to wake you,' D'Artagnan settled the matter with a smile.

'You deserve it for being my guardian angel,' Aramis smiled with a yawn.

Constance quickly removed her boots and snuggled under the sheets in the bed she had used the night before. In minutes she was fast asleep.

'What happened with the Duke?' Aramis asked quietly as he winced slightly careful not to disturb Constance.

'I left-hooked him, Athos right-hooked him and D'Artagnan kicked him,' Porthos reeled off as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

'I'm sorry I missed it,' Aramis grinned.

'Tréville told me I couldn't punch him,' D'Artagnan had a mischievous look in his eye.

'But he didn't say you couldn't kick him,' Aramis said after a moment's pause.

'Exactly,' Athos drawled. 'That reminds me,' Athos reached around his neck and undid the ribbon there before revealing Aramis' beloved crucifix from under his leathers and scarf. 'I believe this is yours.'

'You...you...'

Athos stood and tied the crucifix around his brother's neck as Aramis held it in the palm of his hand. Tears were welling up in Aramis' eyes as he was reunited with his precious gift from Anne.

'I thought I'd never see it again,' he sniffed as Athos placed an arm around his shoulders.

'That's how I knew for certain that the Duke was involved,' Athos said quietly. 'He was wearing it when we left his manor to find you. I resolved that I would get it back for you,' Athos pressed a quick kiss into Aramis hair and moved so Porthos could hug his brother. D'Artagnan followed soon after as none of them commented on the tears rolling down Aramis' cheeks.

'We even managed to pray for yer,' Porthos grinned. 'Well Athos did.'

'I may have said the words but they were for all of us,' Athos stated as only he could.

'It seems He was listening,' D'Artagnan squeezed Aramis' knee affectionately.

'Thank you,' Aramis managed to say after he had pulled himself together. 'Where's the Duke now?'

'He's in the Bastille and the King will see him tomorrow, not that he has much of a defence,' Athos said quietly.

'Hopefully, he will expose Rochefort as the traitor,' D'Artagnan added.

'You mean the King didn't see him tonight?' Aramis asked looking slightly perplexed.

'No,' Porthos confirmed.

'Let's hope Rochefort doesn't get to him,' Aramis said looking dejected. They all knew Rochefort would do anything to stop the Duke revealing his true nature.

Rochefort was livid with himself. He should have finished Aramis while he had the chance! With Aramis recovering and the Duke most likely to 'out' him as the traitor he was in a mess. What would his beloved Anne think if she knew the truth? He had to take drastic action. NOW.

Rochefort gathered the items he would need and dressed himself in clothes less attributable to a man close to the King. He didn't want to be recognised if he could avoid it.

He found out from the red guards that had escorted the Duke to the Bastille exactly where the Duke was being held inside the prison. Once the men had gone he realised that the particular area of the Bastille was a place he knew rather well and would certainly be advantageous to his plan.

He waited until well into the night as he left the palace and made his way towards the prison. The Bastille wasn't too far away from the Louvre and by travelling on foot he would be far less noticeable than if he had ridden.

He moved past the main entrance which was guarded by two men who already looked as though they would pass out before the night was through and quickly made his way to the South wall, where he found the concealed entrance which would take him into the area of the prison where the Duke was being held.

He moved unobserved through the door and found himself in a very dimly lit hallway. There were torches but only a couple. It took a moment for Rochefort to regain his bearings as he began to look for the Duke of Épernon's cell.

He found the cell that his guards had told him contained the Duke and listened at the door. He looked through the window and could see the Duke asleep in his bed. The Bastille was rather more comfortable than the Châtelet as it tended to be reserved for those used to finer conditions.

Rochefort removed his lock picks and in seconds the lock clicked open and woke the Duke in the process.

'Who are you? What do you want?' the Duke demanded and then relaxed as Rochefort lowered his hood.

'This is a fine mess we're both in,' Rochefort said as he glared at the Duke.