Lost in the pages

Worry and fear

"Estelle... Estelle" I groaned as I heard Aramis's voice "Come on" I opened my eyes "There we go" snow was falling around us; he helped me sit up

"Ow" I raised my hand to my head

"No" he moved my hand and replaced it with a handful of snow

"Aramis" I suddenly remembered where we were and what had happened and had a feeling of panic "Are you hurt? I heard shouting and gunshots" I looked him over

"No I am perfectly fine; but that can't be said for the two Red guards that had followed us" He moved his hand and I saw the red of my blood on it and got wide eyes "Athos isn't going to happy with me, can you stand?"

"I think so" I nodded he stood up and helped me to my feet. I gripped onto him as I swayed a little "Just a little dizzy" Hades nudged me

"Hades never left you" Aramis smiled "I think he likes you as much as his master does. We need to get back to the city, Can you ride?"

"I think so" He helped me back on to Hades back I took a few deep breaths as he pulled himself back on to his own horse. We took it slower back to Paris my head was hurting but the fresh air was helping.

We came into the courtyard at the Garrison, two stable boys came out and took the reins of the horses. Aramis came and lifted me down; I looked up at him and hugged him

"Thank you for coming today"

"You don't need to thank me, I am just glad that we got there and back in one piece" He put his hands on his hips

"Aramis" we both looked around as Captain Treville's Squire came down the stairs "Captain Treville wished for you to join them at the Palace when you get back" he looked at me "And for you as well Constance has sent a gown for you, I put it in Arthos's room" I looked at Aramis

"We had better get cleaned up and got to the Palace" He shrugged

I walked into Athos's room there was already a fire blazing in the hearth and a bowl filled with hot water" I stripped out of the men's clothes that I'd been wearing and washed the day off of me.

There was an emerald green dress laid on the bed that was so pretty in the candle and firelight. There was a small mirror over the fire I walked over to it and looked at the cut on my head and winced a little at the bruise that was around it. what I wouldn't give for some modern foundation. I put on the dress and groaned as I tried to fasten my corset.

I bent and put on the shoes and picked up the cloak that the Queen had loaned me and came out and knocked on Aramis's door he opened it

"Estelle I was just getting my hat" He frowned at me "Are you feeling alright?"

"I just have a sore head but I have another problem" He tipped his head "Well Constance isn't here and I really can't tighten a corset on my own"

"You want me to... I... I'm not sure if Athos" he rubbed the back of his neck

"I'm asking you to tighten the corset not loosen it, I'll deal with Athos" I groaned

"Very Well" I stepped into his room and he tightened the corset for me "do you have the gift for the Queen?" He asked as we walked down the stairs to the waiting horses, Hades pawed the ground on seeing us

"I do" I nodded patting the side of my dress.

"Then let us go to the palace" He looked at the two stable boys "we will just take Hades" they nodded taking his horse back to the stables He swung himself up on to the saddle and reached down pulling me up in front of him

"Why just Athos's horse?"

"Because I am sure that my friend will wish to be as close to you as soon as he can" he chuckled "You were very brave today, even with not knowing anything the Queen should forever be in your debt"