The sequel, Pick Pocket is now live! So I thought I'd tempt you guys with a little Epilogue...

Epilogue

Her footsteps echoed down the empty room as she approached the Cardinal's desk, but he didn't look up, intent on his work. She would just have to wait until he was done. After all, she was his to command. He spent a good few minutes scribbling away, his quill working over the paper, scratching loudly in the silent room, until he was satisfied, blotting the ink before melting wax to seal his letter. And still, the woman stood and waited.

"You called for me," She finally asked, sounding only slightly irritated. Her voice had a musical quality to it, one which would bewitch many a common man. But he was no commoner, and he saw straight through her games.

"Athos is recovering well, you may be pleased to know,"

"And why would that please me?" She replied sharply, red lips pressing together.

"You tell me," He smirked, before continuing. "The girl, the cut purse, what does she call herself-"

"Claude,"

"Ah yes Claude. She knows of my involvement,"

"Surely if she knew, she'd have told someone by now," The woman ventured, but the cardinal was already shaking his head.

"Perhaps she's unaware of the significance of the information. But Dalvaux told her something, I'm sure of it. I could see it in her face today," His voice had a sharp edge to it. "See to it that she does not repeat his words,"

The woman inclined her head slightly, before turning to sweep from the room.

"And Milady," The Cardinal stopped her suddenly. "If the Musketeers were to falter in her downfall...well, that would be most advantages, wouldn't you think?"

Yes. Most advantageous indeed.

Go read sequel now!