Hi, guys. A new chapter. I know it's been a while. Haven't forgotten my stories, just brainstorming and trying to get things updated mentally.
I'm working on a new FLASH fanfic about Cisco, by request! Love my baby Cisco. It's going slowly, but it's in the process, so stay tuned.
The musketeers had kept riding all night, keeping away from the public roads, venturing through woods, and avoiding small towns where news of their rare presence would certainly spread across the countryside before they reached the coast. They'd given their horses brief rests but kept on.
"Are you alright, Constance?" D'Artagnan asked once they'd made it safely out of Paris. She was mounted behind him astride Buttercup, her slim arms wrapped around his waist.
"Y-yes." Constance breathed. "I'm alright."
"We must make for the coast." Athos said. "We need to cross the Channel as soon as humanly possible."
"Aye." Aramis agreed.
"It would not be wise for you to attempt to return to the palace, lass." Porthos addressed Constance. "Not tonight. It would be impossible for you to make it without the Cardinal's spies flying to his eminence about your every move."
"I agree." Aramis said. "Best to stay with us, for the time being." Constance nodded.
"Come." Athos spoke up. "We have a long trek this night."
Constance lightly slept part of the way, her small face resting on the back of D'Artagnan's shoulder. D'Artagnan couldn't help smiling at her warm contact, even though they were running for their lives, with peril possibly lurking around in every shadow. His face glowed red with blushing, and his heart thudded profusely. Constance smiled in her sleep. D'Artagnan gripped her small hands under his right one, his left holding Buttercup's reigns. He squeezed Constance's hands.
Porthos and Aramis exchanged knowing grins between each other. But for the sake of reaching their destination at first light, and to keep their trained alertness on scale, they avoided teasing D'Artagnan at least until later.
Besides, Aramis's thoughts drifted to Felice. Was she okay? How was Buckingham or his lackeys treating her? She must be so scared, and confused! And if Milady was truly behind it, then Felice was a mere pawn in her larger, sinister plan. Mostly, Aramis was worried about how the Englishmen were treating his little friend. He didn't trust that prissy Buckingham. He had no reason to. Buckingham had seemed as if he fancied Felice back at the castle, another little toy to play with for his personal pleasure. Aramis gripped his cross necklace, whispering prayers for Felice's safety. Dear Lord, shield her from their suggestive intentions, and protect her from their filthy behavior! Oh my g-, don't let them torment her!
D'Artagnan was also thinking of Felice, praying that Buckingham didn't use for his entertainment. If she was put to shame under that cavalier's watch, D'Artagnan would never, ever forgive himself! But until they reached London, he could not help her, except with prayer.
For now, his present duty was to catch a ship to take them across the English Channel without hindrance, and keep Constance safe at all costs.
After having spotted the Cardinal's soldiers in the small towns they ordinarily may have passed through, it was decided that they should make for the harbor at Calais. They met up with Planchet on the edge of a forest, mounted on his horse, and a load of food stuffs. The rotund man complained a lot about how they'd left him behind while they made their heroic escape, irking the musketeers until D'Artagnan convinced him that his role as the red herring was the most vital part of their escapade for survival. After that, Planchet kept babbling about what a great job he'd done.
"Merci, rascal. Now we shall be inflicted with his endless chatter all night!" Porthos scowled at D'Artagnan, who shrugged. "Shut up, Planchet."
At sunrise, they'd nearly reached the Calais harbor. They agreed that it was best to leave their horses at the livery in town and handsomely paid the stable-master for a prolonged stay. Then they kept a low profile, marching through alleys, trying to reach the docks. Finally, they were across from the docks. Aramis risked a glance around, scouring for potential trouble. He found it.
"Jusaac, with a lot of help." Aramis told his friends when he rejoined them. D'Artagnan gripped Constance's arm.
"How the h- did he get here so fast?" Porthos growled.
"Now what?" D'Artagnan groaned.
"We need a distraction." Athos pointed out.
"I'll go." Aramis suggested.
"I'll go." Porthos shook his head.
"I'll go." Planchet offered. They stared at him incredulously. "Probably not."
"Wrong. Wrong on all counts." Constance interjected. "You'll need every sword you can get where you're going. I can't help you there, but I can help. Right here, right now." She said confidently.
D'Artagnan's face dropped, disheartened, his eyes larger than their normal size, round with worry. He leaned in closely to her. "If they catch you-" He spoke in a warning tone.
"They won't." Constance shook her head.
"Constance, listen to me! If they catch you..."
"I'm the queen's lady in waiting. You, on the other hand, are a wanted fugitive, and about to steal from the most powerful man in England. Which one of us should be worried? Go. Save your sister. Go, so that you can come back." Constance finished.
D'Artagnan chewed inside his cheek. What if The Cardinal's men caught her? If they treated her as they had treated his sister...He wanted to stroll through the palace gardens with her. He wanted to gallop with her astride Buttercup's back in the green fields of Gascony, Constance's slim, silky arms clasped safely around his waist, her long, golden hair blowing in the wind, and her sweet little voice giggling as they rode the wind along the countryside. He wanted to dance with her at the Royal Ball. So much he wanted to do with her, say to her, but there wasn't time!
He gently cupped her chin and kissed her lips. She returned the affection fervently The fear in his eyes hadn't lessened when they gazed back at each other. Constance, however, smiled warmly, as if he'd just asked her to join him in an exciting adventure. She said, "Now, give me that hat."
D'Artagnan nodded. Porthos went back to the stables to retrieve Buttercup, as Constance put on D'Artagnan's leather riding gloves, his heavy black cloak, and his feathered hat. D'Artagnan pet Buttercup on the head. "Look after her, girl." He whispered. "She'll treat you well, I promise."
"We'd best hurry." Athos reminded him. Porthos held Buttercup's bridle sturdy as D'Artagnan assisted Constance onto the horse's back.
"Hide now!" Constance told the musketeers. Once she was sure they were out of sight, she ushered Buttercup to trot out into the open crowd around the docks.
"A very brave girl, that one." Aramis whispered with admiration.
"Mmm-hmm." D'Artagnan grunted. "She is." Will she be alright? Please protect her!
"D'Artagnan!" Jusaac called out, having spotted her. Constance dug her heeled slippers into Buttercup's sides, cantered her up the cobblestone streets and around the corner, away from the water, away from the ships. Jusaac and his band pursued her.
"Let's move out! Come on!" Athos commanded. He, D'Artagnan, Aramis, and Porthos carefully stepped out of the alley and headed for the ships. Planchet waddled after them, bearing the food.
The next chapter will involve Felice and Buckingham.