Debut

[somanyopinions]

To think, an entire life could be bent toward the goal of grace and poise, yet still a person's self-possession could be utterly ripped from them in the space of an instant.

Anne's emotions, typically so tightly controlled, had spiraled helplessly from her grip, unraveling with each neat click of Rochefort's departing footsteps. Clutching onto Constance, she sobbed, shaking like she hadn't since she was a child, her mind so muddled with shock and fear that she found herself unable to move from the floor despite knowing, distantly, that to linger was further madness.

How had she not known? How had she not seen? What a blind and reckless little fool she had been, putting them all at such risk, throwing the Dauphin's lineage into question—

The Dauphin.

All at once Anne scrambled to her feet, light-headed and unsteady, and hastily gathered up her skirts to run into the hall. Her mind was racing— Constance. She could give the baby to Constance. There was little hope for Anne herself, but there might yet be time for Constance to flee, and she had escaped unnoticed with the Dauphin once before.

Breathless, Anne sprinted toward the nursery, only—

Only the corridor had changed, unfamiliar in the blink of an eye, pale sunlight exchanged for a dark and richly paneled hall. Startling, she tripped against a carpet runner and fell hard against the wall, jarring her shoulder with a wince. The fabric of her skirt still gripped hard in her fingers, escaped hair wild, she leaned there, eyes wide and muscles stiff as her heart hammered in her chest.

Comments

[armedagainstlove]

While Aramis might have his predilections for endearing himself to all sorts, Athos is nowhere near that skilled. He does, however, have the swiftness of efficiency and replies to her Majesty's request with a firm nod of his head. One hand remains on the hilt of his sword as he gestures towards the hallway. "This way, please," he says, easing her in front of him to give him the look in front of her and to guard from behind.

[somanyopinions]

How glad Anne was that, when she found herself in such a strange and implausible situation, she was at least afforded the decisiveness and pragmatism of some of the very few people she explicitly trusted. There was familiarity and comfort in following Athos' calm direction, and in striding down the hall with a purpose, Musketeers at her side.

[armedagainstlove]

Athos keeps his attention bound on the Queen, grateful for the distraction from his own personal woes. It gives him relief that he might have something apart from the constant, endless, interminable grief in his mind to focus on and he tries not to be happy for her problems. "I'm sorry you found yourself in such a position, Your Majesty," Athos begins, calm and polite as he arrives at the correct door. "But, if you are with luck on your side, this door is where you may return to Paris," he says, crouching to remove the small scuffed mark from the floor (placed by him to mark it, though only when he departs else he finds it a troublesome invitation for another door all-together).

[somanyopinions]

There was little to be said in reply to such sentiment; as the Queen, it wouldn't be appropriate to do more than simply acknowledge the kindness of the thought. She nodded, and then immediately reached for the door knob.

Taking care, she pulled and found with relief that the door gave way. Slowly, she peered just inside, mindful of what might be awaiting them on the other side.

Frowning, she leaned back again. "This is not the room I left," she whispered, still confused as to the workings of such a place.

[armedagainstlove]

Athos remains back so that he might give her the respect and room that she requires, but her statement causes some mild concern in Athos. He keeps his steady hand upon his sword as he glances through and finds that it is not what she is after, though he suspects it is still Paris -- simply a part of Paris he cannot identify. "Perhaps Aramis might have better luck?"

[somanyopinions]

"I fail to see how," Anne replied, her tone restricted from sharpness, but only just. The number of confusing events which had transpired over the last hour would have tried anyone's patience, even a Queen known for her mild demeanor.

"Is this or is this not a door back to Paris?"

[armedagainstlove]

"It is, Majesty," Athos confirms, though he does not know if she will like what she finds if they pass together through the door, for it might bring them to a part of Paris that will not suit the Queen well. "It has been for me, of course, but I am afraid the doors have occasion to move without our control. There is no sense to it," he says, with heavy criticism.