"How is your fencing technique?" Athos asks Philippe.
We have one day left before the masquerade where Louis will be exchanged for Philippe. Over the last few days Athos has been working with Philippe and me on the ways of royalty. It has been quite the expirence, but not without its challenges.
I ponder this as I sit on a bench in the warm sun watching Athos and Philippe train.
"I was quite good at one point, but I am out of practice," Philippe shrugs.
"Nonsense. One can never forget how to fence," Athos waves him off. "Do your best to keep up."
Athos draws his sword, as does Philippe. Athos doesn't waste a second, he immitiatly jabs at Philippe. Philippe easily blocks the attack, parrying Athos' sword and pushing it to his left.
Athos nods, "Good." Once more he advances on Philippe, his sword coming down from above this time. Philippe raises his own sword, they connect with the ting of metal. Athos smiles.
Suddenly move by move turns into a full sparing session. Athos, even at his much older age moves with such astounding agility, however, Philippe moves just as fast. At first he is only blocking jabs from Athos but after a few moments he begins to advance. Now, Philippe jabs as Athos. With every offenseive move Philippe takes a step forward, forceing Athos to retreat, giving up ground. Faster than I can blink Philippe disarms Athos', his sword flying through the air. It sticks itself into a tree a few steps away and stays there quivering as Philippe points the tip of his own sword at Athos' chest.
"Excellent work, Philippe. I believe you are better than the King himself." Athos admits.
Philippe shoots me a wide grin and sheaths his sword. "M'lady," he bows.
Athos stands there for a moment, catching his breath. "You two had better had inside. Those storm clouds will be upon us soon," he nods towards the dark clouds beginning to gather in the sky.
Philippe offers me his hand and I take it gracefully. He tucks it gently into the crook of his arm and leads me into the house.
"Your finale lesson," Athos stands, hands on his hips, his gaze jumping between the two of us. "Is dancing."
I look to Philippe, slightly horrified.
"I-I've never danced before..." I stutter.
"Nonsense, you'll do fine. Just follow me," says Philippe. "Let me guide you."
The Musketeers had hired in a bard and cleared the room of its furniture, leaving a large space for us.
Philippe takes my shaking hand and sets it on his shoulder.
"What if I step on your toes?" I whisper.
He shrugs, "Then I will keep dancing."
He takes my other hand, holding it gently as he sets his other at my waist.
"You look beautiful," he whispers as music starts to play. He rubs soft circles in my side with his thumb.
Suddenly, we're off. He steps and I follow, he pushes me away, spins me around, then pulls me back in.
We whirl around the room for several minutes, as we dance and spin in circles, I find myself enjoying it.
I laugh as we spin and spin. Philippe pulls me closer our bodies touching as we stop spinning.
The music dies down as he leans in, capturing my lips in a soft kiss.
"I love you," he whispers.
We pull apart as the Musketeers clap.
"I believe you are ready," Athos says.
A/N
I'm so sorry for the hiatus. I finished my first semester of college and I needed a break. But I'm back! I hope you liked this chapter! The next one will be out soon!
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The Man in the Iron Mask and the Girl in the Iron Chains
Adventure(Inspired by the movie 'The Man in the Iron Mask') He was imprisoned unfairly and enclosed in an iron mask. She was forced to care for her lover in the dark Bastille. Then, six years later, a miracle occurs. They are broken out of prison by three h...
