After packing up some essentials, we prepare to ride. Aramis and Porthos help Athos onto his horse. His leg will be fine soon enough, but the soreness will be around for a few more days.

Athos and I haven't spoke since their arrival. In truth, I didn't know what to say. There is an attraction between us, that is clear. But if I am to live somewhere anew, it should be without attachments. Right?

The trip back to Paris was filled with more questions to Athos from Armani's and Porthos. They joked about it. I kept to myself mostly, doing the one thing I excel greatly at. Overthinking.

It was mid day when we arrived back at the Garrison. We stables the horses, and the men went to go talk to Treville. Who requested to see them upon arrival.

I walk over to where Shakespeare stands happily in her stall. He neighs when she sees me. I pet her, and treat her to an apple.

"Eat up girl, we will be on the road before nightfall."

She neighs again, and bumps me with her muzzle. I laugh and pat her once more.

Athos, Aramis and Porthos return down to the yard.

"Your turn." Athos states.

"How is he. Happy? Mad?"

"It's cute you think that man has ever been Happy." Aramis jests.

Athos gives me an encouraging look before I set up the stair. I walk into Trevilles office, head held high. He looks just as stern as ever.

"I was told you were the one to rescue Athos. Well down, musketeer. Well done." His voice is calm, and proud.

"Thank you sir."

"Is there anything else?" He asks me when I don't leave. He tends to the paperwork before him.

"Yea sir, there is."

"Out with it then."

"I am leaving."

"Excuse me?"

"I no longer wish to be a Musketeer, Sir."

He stands face reddened "What kind of horseshit is this? Musketeers aren't some sewing circle of old maidens. You don't simply join, you transform. You may leave this place, La Vielle, but you will never not be a Musketeer."

"Of course, Captain."

He leans on his desk.

"You have quickly become one of my best Daria. It would hurt this unit greatly to see you gone. Is there anything I can do to get you to remain?"

"I don't believe so, sir. Plus, the more people hear of my involvement in the Musketeers, the more dishonor it will bring to them."

He scoffs "if I cared a lick about what people said of my men, I wouldn't have let half of them join in the first place. These are my men, and woman. You're a damn fine solider. Your father would be proud."

Tears brim on my eyes. I push them away.

"If this is your choice, then I must respect it."

"Thank you, Captain. It has been an honor." I hold out my hand for him to shake.

He laughs and pushes it away. He pulls me into a big hearty hug. One I return gratefully.

When he pulls away, he clears his throat.

"Like a said. Once a Musketeer, always a musketeer. If you ever find yourself back in Paris, we would love to have you back."

He gives my hand a final shake, and dismisses me. I begin my to leave the Yard, to go see My Brother. I hear footsteps behind me. When I turn, Athos, Aramis and Porthos stand side by side by side.

"What are you three doing?" I put my hand on my hip.

"Cherish every moment, remember?" Porthos reminds me.

"Right."

I turn and begin to walk again. A hobbled Athos comes to walk beside me. I slow my pace to make it easier on him.

"Thank you." He says through gritted teeth.

"Of course. How are you?"

"The leg is feeling better, just sore."

"I'm glad."

A familiar sweet voice rings out over the street.

"Musketeers!" Constance waves us down, running to meet us. She's as cheery as usual.

The men bow politely to her.

"Are you heading to my Fathers?" She asks.

"Yes, I have to talk with Charles."

"Mind if I join your journey?"

"Of course not."

The five of us begin our trek again. Constance has her arm intertwined in mine.

She leans over and whispers to me.

"You are in the same dress as when we last saw you."

"Yes, I am." I quickly catch her up on where I've been, while leaving out Athos's personal connections.

"Well I am glad you are home. I've missed you, greatly. Besides the Queen, you are my only other friend."

My smile drops a bit, something she notices right away.

"Are you alright?"

"There is something I must tell you." I tell her of my plans.

Her cheery tone drops to a softer one.

"Oh?"

"I will right you regularly, I do cherish our friendship very dearly."

He gives me a tight smile but squeezes my arm.

"Of course."

Soon after, we arrive in front of the Bonacieux house.

"You can go ahead Constance. I'll be in, in a minute."

She waves goodbye to the Men and heads inside.

"I should onl—" I start, but we all go still when a scream rings out form the house.

We all run inside and find Constance on the ground of the kitchen. He father lay against the wall beside her, blood coming from his head.

"What happened to you Father?" She asks him.

He looks a bit dazed but is able to explain.

"A woman who called herself Milady De Winter came to the door. She pointed a blade at me. She asked where Charles was, he came down when he heard the disruption. She held the long blade to his neck. She said to tell Daria that is she wanted to see her Brother live, she'd meet her in the alley they last saw eachother, tonight. She said you have to come completely alone or she will kill him. Then she hit knocked me out with the hilt of the knife."

I take all of the instructions in.

"Do you think he will be okay, Constance?"

She inspects her father's wounds and nods "I can clean up the blood, he will be fine.

It turn to my fellow Musketeers.

"I'm going."

"We all are." Athos insists.

I shake my head "You heard her demands. I won't risk my brothers life. Plus, you are in no condition to fight. I have to do this alone."

"Absolutey not."

"It wasn't a request. This is my Brother we are talking about." I plead to each of them.

"Fine." Aramis decides for the group.

We help get Mr Bonacieux off the group and cleaned up. As the night falls, I leave everyone there and set off to the Alleyway. When I arrive, I'm met with a chilling sight.

Charles is tied up and has a knife against his throat. The knife is held by the same woman in Athos's locket.

"Milady. Anne. Whoever you are. Let him go!" I demand.

She laughs, a crude empty laugh.

"Anne? I see the bastard finally told you."

"My brother has nothing to do with any of this."

She pulls him closer to him, pushing the blade further into his neck.

"But that's not true. You love him, which makes him entirely valuable to me."

"What do you want?"

She smiles to herself "I want you to do, what I failed to last time."

She pauses and whispers the last part.

"You're going to kill Athos."