And So It Begins Musketeers Pre Season 1

Chapter 23

Richelieu was feeling relatively pleased with himself. Only one more day to go, and there had been no sign of Gaston, or the meddling Musketeers. With any luck, they were up to their necks in snow and may never make it to Paris at all. As to his other plans, Rochefort was entertaining the King beautifully, and had become a firm favourite with the Spanish contingent. The Queen seemed less enamoured, but then she was not a stupid woman, and not necessary to his subterfuge.

The King was signing his morning papers, the two men alone, a moment's peace away from the constant chatter and gossip of the court. Louis' attention was waning, and his impatience was beginning to show.

'My brother should have arrived by now. You do not think he has declined my invitation do you, Cardinal?' For a moment Richelieu considered the question. Surely not even Gaston was stupid enough to ignore an invitation from the King of France, especially if it extended the hand of forgiveness.

'No, Sire, I doubt that very much. The weather has been dreadful, and many of the country roads will have been impassable. I am sure he is merely delayed.' He smiled as he observed the mounting irritation upon his monarch's face, knowing who would bear the brunt of Louis' anger.

'Treville should have sent the invitation sooner, I knew waiting so late was a poor idea.' He looked toward the window, where the city remained a blur of white. Sighing, he talked as if to himself. 'It was such a good idea. Hold a party to which I could invite Gaston; I need not show any sign of remorse for my treatment of him, no mention of his deeds, and yet it allowed me the perfect opportunity to reunite with my brother.'

Richelieu turned to the King, his eyes narrowing, now paying much closer attention to Louis' mutterings.

'Indeed, it was a very good idea, Sire.' He wondered how he could phrase the question he wished to ask, without first having to force the King to own up to the fact that it had not been his idea – for the First Minister was now quite sure it had not. 'Of course, family rifts are complicated, but very sad. One should try to make reparation if possible, and of course the first to offer conciliation is the greater man.' Louis beamed at the Cardinal.

'That is exactly what d'Coucy said.' Louis looked slightly contrite, realising what he had revealed. Richelieu kept calm, continuing to smile at the King, he needed to know exactly what the Baron d'Coucy had said.

'Indeed, Sire, that was very foresighted of the man. I did not realise he had been in court of late.' He feigned only mild interest, in the hope it would encourage the King to speak.

'No, he has been absent for some time. However, my valet was taken ill quite suddenly some months past, and d'Coucy offered to take his place. I was very grateful. It seemed the man had suffered a similar fate with his own family. He, too, had a brother who had upset him greatly, causing a painful rift. He told me he planned to hold a party, to celebrate the Christmas festivities, and send his brother an invitation. He explained it was a good way of offering an olive branch, without having to make any sort of apology.' Richelieu raised an eyebrow, before gently pushing the King to elaborate.

'What a fortuitous situation. And did d'Coucy suggest it would be a good way to heal the rift with Gaston?' The King shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

'I seem to recall that he may have mentioned the Queen's upcoming birthday. He thought a party would be cheerful at a rather dull time of year, and I believe he did mention my brother in passing.' The fact Louis would not make eye contact with the Cardinal, told him all he needed to know. His brain was racing ahead, trying to decide if this d'Coucy was in league with Gaston, or just a meddling old man.

'Will the Baron be joining us for her Majesty's party?' Louis looked puzzled for a moment.

'No, I believe he has been called back to his estates in the country.' Brightening again, he added: