Hey, everybody!
I promise I have not forgotten my Fanfiction stories! I would publish a new chapter every day if I could! But so much has been going on with our lives, plus annoying writer's block for several of my stories.
Constance was standing beside D'Artagnan's hospital bed, lightly stroking his sweaty forehead with her own damp handkerchief. His fever was lightening up but he wasn't out of the woods yet. She squeezed his limp hand. "You'll make it, Ser Rascal." She murmured, her eyes welling up.
It was so quiet in this section of the hospital wing that it reminded Constance of a tomb. Worst of all, was the silence of her impetuous lover lying at her side. She'd scolded him multiple times for his silly, country boy wit and his persistence in pursuing a courtship with her, notwithstanding position in society. But all in all, he was a noble-hearted man who desired justice and lived to insure that honor and chivalry were not dead. How she longed to hear him say one of those ridiculously endearing lines to her right now! What if he never said them again? An ache rose in her chest to imagine life without D'Artagnan!
"I suppose I was a bit haughty with you from the start." Constance bit her lip, clenching his listless, clammy hand. "I did not wish to snub you, D'Artagnan! I swear I did not. I was trying to spare you disappointment. You see, I never thought you would socially be permitted to pursue me. So," Constance wiped at her eyes, "I did everything in my power to discourage you. I didn't want you to be hurt, D'Artagnan! You don't know how much I wanted to accept every time!
'I didn't want you to chase something impossible. But, I fear that I hurt you all the more, snubbing you and causing you to believe that I didn't really care! Forgive me, D'Artagnan! I do care. So very much.' " She stooped over and kissed his forehead.
The nurse and the doctor appeared inside the room. Constance quickly wiped at her eyes. "Mademoiselle, is the lad-" The nurse asked, wide-eyed.
"N-no." Constance shook her head. "He still breathes." She walked to the opposite side of the room as the doctor and the nurse examined D'Artagnan. Constance tried to dry her tears. Captain de Treville and Athos approached the door but Constance halted them to wait before coming inside the room. The two men waited outside the hospital room but peered in, anxious to hear any updates on D'Artagnan's condition.
The doctor took D'Artagnan's pulse, listened to his lungs, checked his wounds, and tried to rouse him but the injured youth remained as unconscious as ever. The doctor straightened up with a sigh, and quietly gave the nurse some instructions. Then he approached the audience at the door.
"How is he?" Athos asked quickly, entering the room.
"Ahh, Master Athos." The doctor bowed. "He is a very sick boy, I am afraid. His fever is down, thank God. I am astounded, gentlemen, that he survived the night! That is a miracle in itself. However, I would not be throwing a celebration as of yet. There is still great risk of infection. And as I said last night, the lad is incredibly weak. He is not safe yet. We must break his fever, and prevent infection. He is on a shaky limb right now. We'll have to watch him closely.
'I suggest you all head home and get some rest. We have some long days ahead. The young Gascon will be well-looked after here, I assure you. You'd all best take a respite.' "
"The doctor is right, Athos." Captain de Treville suggested kindly. "I'll walk you home."
"No." Athos said firmly.
"Athos-"
"I said, no!" Athos growled stubbornly. "Rochefort is still out there. D'Artagnan doesn't deserve to be lying half-dead in that damn bed. I'm staying. Anyone who wishes to challenge me on that point can save their breath. You all do what you want. I'm staying here."
"As you wish, Monsieur Athos." The doctor sighed. "But I strongly advise you to keep your temper in check. After all, this is a hospital, a place of healing, not a battlefield."
"I understand." Athos nodded. The doctor and nurse departed. Captain Treville took Athos by the arm.
"Athos, you haven't slept all night. You need to go home." He told him adamantly.
"I'm not leaving D'Artagnan." Athos shook his head.
"Neither am I." Constance spoke up softly. "I will remain with him, Sir. I'll look after him. If you would be so kind as to send a message to the queen, to request her permission to be with D'Artagnan. I am sure she'll understand."
Captain Treville sighed heavily. "It appears I am outnumbered." He said. "Very well. But I shall return in a few hours. I wish you'd reconsider, both of you!"
"Not happening." Athos and Constance said at the same time then gave each other quizzical looks.
"Don't end up as patients, that's all I ask." Captain Treville tipped his hat then left.
"My lady...Constance...there's no need for you to stay." Athos insisted once they were alone.
"Need, Sir? I wish to stay." She corrected him. "Besides, you shouldn't be alone at a time like this."
"Don't worry about me." Athos brushed it off. "I'm fine."
"Of course." Constance said coyly. Her eyes went back to D'Artagnan and she sat on the bed next to him, tenderly gripping his hand.