My chest felt tight, and it wasn't just because my chest was being squeezed into a Corset. No, this pain was pure guilt. We stood inside the dress shop. I was behind a dressing shade, getting the life sucked out of me by a death trap, or maybe I'm just being dramatic.

The woman putting the Corset on me pulls tightly again. My ribs ache, and I grit my teeth in pain.

No, it's definitely a death trap.

She finally finished and helps be out from behind the shade. Aunt Adria nods in approval.

"This is of course just an example of this style, we can have our seamstresses create a more fitted one." The saleswoman addresses my Aunt.

Aunt Adria stands "Perfect, and make sure the corset is a bit smaller."

I gasp in horror "Please no!"

She doesn't blink and I shut my mouth, muttering to myself.

"A lady does not mutter, she speaks when warranted or stays silent." Adria states.

I stay silent. A wise choice if I do say so myself,

When my clothes are returned to me and that hells trap is off my body, we step out of the shops Charles is talking with a man who looks to be around his age. Something's different about him though. His outfit is more rugged, made of a deep brown leather. His back was turned to us, but as Charles notices us, the man turns to look at us. He was quite handsome, in a Sultry way that was entirely too obvious. He smiles charmingly as us and bows politely.

Charles pats the man on the back and introduces us "This is my dear sister Daria, Andy Aunt Adria."

"Aramis, lovely to meet you two." The man's voice is warm.

"I know who you are, or rather what you are. I want no part in it." Aunt Adria juts her head up and practically spits her words in his face.

She turns her head towards me "Go speak with your betrothed, I'm sure this man can show you the way. Trouble always finds trouble." Then she turns and leaves.

Aramis laughs and turns back to me "Well that went swimmingly, don't you agree?"

"I apologize for my Aunt, she is..." Charlie begins.

I finish his thought "crazy, to put it nicely."

"Don't be crude Daria" Charles warns. He didn't appreciate my need to be honest. Though when it came to Frederick, I couldn't find the same courage.

Aramis interjects "She said I could assist you with some directions?"

"Perhaps. But before we continue, what did she mean she knew what you were?"

He points to an emblem carved into his leather jacket.

Before he can explain, Charles perks up excitedly and speaks for him.

"He's a Musketeer, Daria!"

I look between them very confused.

"Remember, from that tavern? The stories?"

I remember.

"Oh yes, of course. The Kings errand boys. Or so we've been told." I joke.

Aramis laughs "That's one way to put it."

I explain to him why I need to find the Red Guards training ground. He agrees and the three of us begin walking through town, following Aramis's direction.

Charles gets excited and stops by the different sales stands we pass. Me and Aramis walk a bit ahead.

"So your engaged? No chance for me then?" He wiggles his eyebrows.

"I suppose not."

"If I may be so bold, a Red Guard, Really? Can't say I appreciate your taste in men."

"Wow thank you. What's wrong with the him?"

He puts his hands up "Nothing personal. It's just I know the Red Guard, the majority are a bunch of brute fools."

"Well I don't know much about the Red Guard, but I know Fredrick. He's a gentle kind."

"He may have been, but there no such thing as a gentle solider."

"Does that include a certain Musketeer?"

"Not gentle in war, but in other things yes."

I fake a gasp "Thank you for that unasked information."

Charles runs up to us, sweating. His sounds winded "Horse...Shakespeare..." are the only words that sound coherent.

"Shakespeare? You saw her? Where?" I help him stand up.

He doesn't say more but waves his hands towards a side off street. I hear a man yelling and a streak of white running past.

I don't think, I just start running after her. When I get on the street, I see the same man yelling. This time, though he has a rope tied around Shakespeare next and is trying the rein her in.

"Settle down you beast!" He shouts to her, but she just whines and fights violently back. He pulls the rope hard again.

My heart pangs at every cry she rings. Once again my feet are running toward the problem.

"Let her go!" I demand.

The man pulls the rope tight again "Who are you to be telling me what to do girl?"

"I'm the owner of that horse."

He laughs "Funny, because I just bought her this morning."

I hear running footsteps behind me. Charles and Aramis stand behind me.

"I bought this horse, she's mine." The Man reiterates.

"I'll kindly ask you return her to me."

He scoffs and pulls hard on her reigns.

That's it.

I kick my foot up and knock the rope from the man's hand. Then grab the lepels of his shirt.

"She is mine, now who sold you this horse?"

The man's eyes widen, and his points down the street to a familiar figure standing, chatting to a woman. I let him go and he runs off down the street. I keep my eye on the man but slowly walk towards Shakespeare. She is worked up and scared.

"It's ok girl. It's me. Shhhh" I calmly grab the rope and loosen it a bit. I run my hand down her main in slow pets. She calms.

"That was...interesting" Aramis pets her.

I forgot the two were standing there for a moment.

"Way to go little sister." Charles proudly smiles.

"Thanks, but I have something else I need to do." I hand the rope to Charles.

"Take her home, I'll explain later."

He looks to me with eyebrows knit "Daria, what are you doing?"

I turn my heel and begin to rush down the sidewalk, yelling my answer back to him.

"Exactly what I said yesterday, getting my Ring back."