Duty Calls

Chapter 16

Constance’s POV

Milady and I are currently hiding in the bushes behind a tent. But it’s not just any tent. It’s the Cardinal’s tent. I am clinging to the dagger that I’m holding in my hand. Yes a real dagger and I can use it. Milady showed me some tricks. We’re gonna do it! We’re gonna take revenge! I never knew that I might have this kind of a dark side, but I don’t feel anything but the pain over my loss anymore. Losing D’Artagnan has been too much for me and now the thought of revenge, of justice, is the only thing that’s keeping me alive. That’s keeping me going. This tent is located quite a bit away from the other tents. The Cardinal might not have wanted everyone to hear and see what he’s doing, but this is gonna be his doom. His well-deserved doom.
At the entrance of the tent there are two guards. Milady’s gonna put them both out of the way without anyone noticing. She gives me a quick nod and I do the same gesture. Then she jumps out and slices both of the guards’ throats before they can even react in any way. Well actually I haven’t exactly seen how she sliced their throats because I closed my eyes, but we’ve talked this plan through. Then we both sneak in the tent. Great, the only one in here is the Cardinal, just as we’ve wanted it to be. He jumps up from his chair.

“Constance, what are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be with D’Artagnan?”

“Don’t you dare saying his name! You killed him and you’re gonna pay for it!”

“He’s dead? Look, I didn’t even know that. So this is about revenge, right? Then when exactly have I killed him? Cause I don’t really remember.”

“He and Athos were on Buckingham’s ship. You killed them!” Milady hisses.

The Cardinal only raises his eyebrows.

“Why on earth were they on that ship? Well as you said… it’s Buckingham’s ship. Apparently most of the crew, including Buckingham himself, managed to escape the ship. I have spies. They told me that there are survivors, but only Englishmen among them.
Listen to me, Ladies. I do believe that your loved ones didn’t die because of me! Don’t you see? Buckingham killed them. He has to be punished for that!”

Milady and I exchange a look. I think the Cardinal might be right and I can tell that Milady has the same opinion.

“You are gonna lead us to him.” She states.

“I am sorry, but this won’t be possible. My presence is required in Paris. But Jussac is going to fulfil that serious and important task in my place.”

Milady stares at him suspiciously for a moment before finally agreeing.

“So be it.”

“Wait behind the tent, I’ll send him to you immediately.”

We do as he says and exit the tent in order to wait at its back.

Cardinal’s POV

Great, just great. They are going to kill Buckingham whom I don’t like anyway and Jussac is going to lead them to him only that he can destroy this annoying treaty. And war will be upon us!
My plan of leading France to war might still become reality!

“Cardinal, you asked for me?” Jussac’s voice reaches my ear.

I turn around to face him. Then I tell him my plan.