The Three Musketeers (IN EDITS)

Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6

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They sat facing each other in their shared bedroom.

Emma played with her hands, sat on the bed as she tried to find the right words.

Arianne watched her, sat on the windowsill, as she tried to comprehend when she had seen at the old Musketeer's garrison.

Emma left Joachim du Plessis behind as she hurried away with Arianne, dragging her back to the house and while Arianne felt guilt for intruding on their private moment, she had to know what was going on.

Both Emma and Joachim could get into serious trouble if anyone else found out, particularly those living within the walls of the Royal Palace.

"How long?" Arianne asked quietly as Emma froze, looking at her. "How long have you and Joachim been sneaking around?"

Emma released a quiet sigh. "It started a year before Papa was exiled from the court..." She explained. "Joachim pleaded with me not to leave the court, suggesting marriage to keep me close but I had to be there for Papa." Arianne listened instinctively. "I couldn't stay...but I also didn't want to leave. Staying would be a risk and leaving meant...I would leave all of them...especially Joachim."

Arianne smiled slightly, before shaking her head. "While this is quite possibly the most romantic story I have ever heard..." Emma came to sit next to her. "He's a member of the royal court. Your family has been exiled. Your secret meetings look suspicious..."

"We know!" Emma moaned. "But...I love him too much to not see him..." She sighed. "We tried to live a separate life for a few months but it didn't work. We loved and needed each other too much and I can't let him go..." Tears had formed in her eyes and Arianne put her arm around her comforting her. "While I know I have to be here for my parents, I think of Joachim and the fact that I walked away from him when I could've been with him. You don't know what it is like to love someone and then to walk away..."

Arianne smiled slightly, her mind wondering to Christophe, her first and only love who she feared she would never see again. "You'll be surprised..." She mumbled as Emma sniffled in her lap.

She sat up suddenly and grabbed Arianne's hands. "I forgot...you do know. So, please...do not tell anyone. No-one, not even my parents, can know about Joachim!"

Arianne squeezed her hands. "You've kept my secret...I'll keep yours..." Emma beamed and hugged her. "But please...be careful. I will cover for you when I can."

"Thank you..."

After wiping their tears, they climbed into bed and fell asleep, talking about their time at Royal Court and how different but life-changing it was for both of them.

***

As the sun rose over Paris a few days later, Treville was awake early, preparing breakfast for the others as he prepared himself for an early day at work.

A heavy knock at the door made him frown as he walked over, peering through the window to see palace guards. His mouth was open in confusion and shock as he quietly called for his wife.

Maeva scurried down the stairs, tying up her robe. "What is it?" She asked quietly.

"There are palace guards at the door!"

"What?" Maeva peered through the window discreetly. "Why?" Her husband shrugged his shoulders as there were another few loud knocks.

"Monsieur Treville..." A man called from behind the wood, a deliberate sting removing his 'Captain' title. "We know you're home. Open this door."