Hello there!

Thanks for checking out my story! I don't own any of the characters but I am playing off a plot point of the BBC show The Musketeers- which I just cant get enough of! This is my first time writing for this series, and my first time returning to writing in a year, so let me know how I'm doing! I promise to update regularly as I am one step ahead of you J

So for now, I bid you adieu!

"Well where in gods' green earth could that pompous windbag be at this hour!" King Louis the X111 of France whined to Captain Treville as he paced back and forth on the satin red rugs of his bed chambers.

Bowing his head so that the king could not see his exasperated expression, Treville offered yet another futile theory to subdue his king, "Perhaps it is the worsening weather your majesty?"

King Louis shook his head furiously from side to side, his black locks swinging around his face as he came to an abrupt halt and swivelled to face Treville, his hands on his hips, "I may have been inclined to think as such without quarrel, captain-" he began, pursing his lips in annoyance, "-however, you and I both know, that none of my guests live so far away that they should be an hour late! For the king no less!" he huffed in finality before commencing his demented pace once more.

Sighing at the immature outburst, Treville clasped his hands more firmly behind his back and continued to dredge up more creative excuses for his king, shaking his head minutely before staring up at the beautiful art painted across the chamber ceiling; and almost wishing he could trade places with one of the figurines.

Lord knows it was like working with an overgrown four year old holding such a position as the kings second. Even his best musketeers -who were troublesome at the best of times- didn't give him nearly as much ear ache as this particular baby-sitting task did.

"One cannot travel in haste if the journey is made treacherous, your majesty, even if the cause for such a brave endeavour is your splendid royal ball" Treville supplied, his attempt at flattery perhaps giving him an edge in the battle of words.

Taken off guard by the unseen compliment, King Louis slowed his tempered pace slightly and collapsed in his favourite golden crested armchair, the inflated pillows making a slight whooshing sound at the abuse.

"It would have been more splendid, mind you, had my guests decided to join us" he stated in a slightly more subdued attitude, pouting at the arm of the chair and settling on picking at a loose golden thread.

Rejoicing inwardly, Treville relaxed his stance and applauded himself on silencing his king, taking advantage of the peaceful moment to massage his left temple against his growing head ache and ponder on the whereabouts of his men.

Suddenly a booming knock rang through the chamber, echoing off the walls and interrupting the blissful silence- to Treville's great dismay.

King Louis reacted in an instant, jumping up from his chair, his eyes alight with glee, "Finally! They've arrived!" he announced and rushed from the room, taking a right down the carpeted hall towards the flight of marble stairs that lead to the large oak doors of the palace.

Within no time Treville witnessed from the balcony the marvellously dressed ladies and gentlemen of noble birth and royal connections were pouring through the grande entranceway doors, wearing the latest colourful fashion and delivering generous gifts to their king through the flustered servants.

Maids and butlers in black and white hastily bustled around to fulfil their every needs, offering silver platters of wine or cakes while the musicians began to play a beautifully slow piece to set the mood for the evening; the sparkling chandeliers above casting a subtle glow across the marble floors and golden walled décor and lighting up the ballroom below.

The king took to each guest like a bee to honey, greeting each one merrily with his heavily pregnant

Queen Anne in tow, a spectacle that easily mirrored one of a four year old boy giddily dragged his mother around by the arm.

Smiling slightly, Treville took to the stairs in attempt to shadow his king and meet up with his men whom had just entered; their black leather uniforms standing out against the hues of red, blue, white and yellow gowns that flooded the area.

Each wore a similar expression, slightly uncomfortable at the prospect of dealing with arrogant royals and slightly dismayed at being able to watch others drink food and wine but not have any for themselves.

As Treville finally caught up to the back of his king, he ushered a butler over to call for his mens' attendance by his side; as he himself could not leave his duties as body guard. Scanning the sea of painted faces and fluttering hand fans, Treville saw it would be quite some time before he caught a glimpse of his men again.

Sighing slightly, Treville sought comfort in the idea of how his men were as equally unpleasant about the ordeal, grinning at what it must feel like for them to have unlimited wine within their reach but not allowed to touch. He stifled a snicker at the thought as he swiped a passing glass and downed it before anyone could notice.

I promise this story will pickup with more thrilling action from this point on, I just get very caught up in detail and plot establishment- so I hope I didn't bore you too much!

It would mean the world to me if you reviewed!