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fandom-imagines-stories · 9 months

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Knowing the Steps

Aramis x Reader (The Musketeers)

Words:3566

Summary: Keeping your relationship a secret can have its excitements, but during a ball, you wish you could be open about your love. Aramis tries to make it up to you.

Notes: Not going to lie, this was definitely inspired by watching Santiago as Count Vronsky. The dancing scene just made me melt! Anyway, I thought he deserved another fluffier piece since I write a lot of angst and drama for my musketeer boys. This ended up being a bit more bittersweet than I thought, but I like how it turned out. I also wrote this at work, so be warned, it’s definitely a little frazzled.

More Musketeers HERE

Dazzling fabrics caught candlelight with every sway in the dance. Music swelled. People laughed merrily in their conversations around the room. For most, it was a beautiful scene of joy and prosperity.

You, however, couldn’t be more bored.

“And when we arrived back at the manor, why I don’t think there’s been a grander celebration in all of Paris,” some lord you couldn’t be bothered to learn the name of boasted. He looked to your cousin, and bowed. “Other than yours, of course, your majesty.”

“Well, I have to say I will be very disappointed if I am not invited to the next, monsieur,” the king jested, looking around to make sure everyone laughed.

You forced an amused, airy sigh and wished for an excuse to leave. In your disinterested perusal, your eyes caught the glimmer of a hilt and the slight motion of a feathered hat. Suddenly, the party didn’t seem so boring anymore.

The musketeer standing guard at the other end of the room caught you looking in his direction, bowing his head as a sly smirk spread across his lips. And, for the first time that evening, your smile was real.

The person beside you cleared their throat, nudging your side gently. You jolted out of your daydreaming, relieved to find it was only Anne.

“Admiring the tapestry, hm?” She teased, motioning to the sewn decoration hanging above the group of musketeers. It was huge, gaudy, and far too elaborate to make any sense of, but you nodded as blush rushed to your cheeks.

“Yes,” you gulped, “It’s quite…. Um…”

“It’s awful, isn’t it?” She snickered.

You both had to contain your laughter, even covering your mouth with your hand to keep from squawking like a bird. Still, the sound must have traveled across the room for you could just see your musketeer grin over at you before turning to his companions.

Anne followed your gaze and smirked.

“Ah,” she mused.” Aramis.”

Your face reddened even more. “Who? I’m sorry, I don’t know who you’re referring to, your majesty.”

“Between the two of us,” she leaned closer to you, “he’s always been my favorite.”

This time, you weren’t quick enough to conceal your laughter and an embarrassingly loud snort rang throughout the room. Anne nearly doubled over. You were sure you had to be the color of a tomato by now.

Across the room, Aramis put a finger to his smirking lips, whispering,

“Shhh.”

Aramis winced as a hand swiftly smacked the back of his head.

“Why not be a little more obvious. I’m sure the king will appreciate you displaying your relationship with his cousin,” Athos scolded. “Go ahead. I’m not sure he’s noticed yet.”

“I think he’s busy frightening courtesans into laughing at his jokes,” D’Artagnan scoffed.

Porthos nodded. “Besides, the queen’s definitely noticed by now and hasn’t ordered your execution yet.” He smacked his friend on the shoulder teasingly. “So it must be alright.”

“Don't’ encourage him,” Athos sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Either of you.”

“But Athos,” D’Artagnan said dramatically, putting a hand on his heart for emphasis. “He loves her.” He and Porthos snickered like school girls.

Aramis rolled his eyes.

“Mock all you want,” he said, glancing back in your direction. “But it’s true.”

The four watched as the Duke of Rohan’s son led you out to the center of the room to begin the next dance. Aramis could see the disdain you were trying to hide and wished you were in his arms instead, that he could stand before everyone there and tell them he was yours and you were his. The jealous pang in his chest was matched by the admiration in his heart as you danced.

Porthos pat him on the back again, this time with a sympathetic smile.

“It’s alright,” he said. “She knows where her heart lies.”

The Marquess spun you around so you were once again facing the group of musketeer guards. Your eyes met Aramis and your face fell. How you wanted to run to him and forget who you were in his embrace.

“Are you feeling alright?” Your dance partner asked, his overconfidence chipping as your cheeks paled and you stepped away from him.

You could see your whole life before you. Loveless marriage. Leaving home. A lifetime of loneliness. Without Aramis. Your musketeer, gone forever in a joyous but distant memory.

“I actually feel a little faint,” you gasped, suddenly out of breath. “Excuse me.”

An annoyed frown passed over his face.

You scurried away, bumping into another pair as you rushed out of the room. Aramis forced himself not to run after you, worry overtaking all other thoughts.

“Something’s wrong,” he said.

“Someone else will handle it.” Athos gave him a stern look.

Sure enough, the four noticed the queen whisper something to a lady in waiting and started across the ballroom toward the door. She cast a fleeting glance at Aramis and he discreetly nodded in reply.

“I’m sure everything’s fine,” D’Artagnan tried to reassure him. “Perhaps a lace on her dress tore?” His optimistic tone was met with dark looks from the other three. “Right. I’ll walk around, see if I hear anything.”

Athos pinched the bridge of his nose. “We are all going to be beheaded.”

You laid across the chaise, your head buried in your hands to try and muffled your cries. You could just hear the quiet click of the door and a soft sigh.

“Oh, my dear.” Anne hurried to your side, placing a comforting arm around your shoulders. She pulled you to her chest like a mother would her child or a caring older sister. “I’m afraid I don’t have to ask, do I?”

“If I could stop my heart if only to keep it from beating for him, I would,” you cried. “But it’s his. His completely.”

“You poor, sweet girl,” Anne said, pushing back to brush a hair out of your face. “You never make things easy, hm?” She smiled at you. “But I guess love is never easy.”

You laughed through your tears. “Especially when it involves a musketeer.”

“You couldn't have at least fallen in love with a man from England or Italy or Spain to take you away from here. It had to be a member of your cousin’s guard?” She teased, glad to see your eyes brighten again.

“At least we know Louis likes him?” You grimaced.

“He wouldn’t if he knew Aramis had captured the heart of his favorite cousin.”

You laid your head back on her shoulder, again choking back sobs. Anne stroked your hair.

“What is it? Did the king say something?”

“He doesn’t have to,” you sighed tearfully. “I know what life holds for me.”

Anne’s heart ached for you, remember well the weight of obligation. The wish to love and to live according to one’s desires rather than the orders of another person. If she could spare you the life you were both born into, she would.

A quiet knock at the door alerted you and you hurriedly wiped the mess of tears from your cheeks.

“Who is it?” Anne called, her regal, commanding voice returning.

“Aramis of the King’s Musketeers.” Just the sound of his voice made your heart soar. “I was sent to… investigate a broken window.”

Anne turned to you, shaking her head as she walked across the room.

“You’re both going to have to be better liars if this is going to work.”

She opened the door, revealing the anxious musketeer in the hall. He bowed, flashing a smile.

“I trust things are all clear here, your majesty.” He said.

She gave him a stern, but warm, look.

“You have five minutes.” She glanced back at you. “Maybe ten.” Anne skirted around him and closed the door behind her.

You were across the room and in his arms in seconds. Aramis locked you safely in his embrace, pressing his lips to your forehead, your cheek, and lastly your lips.

“What’s happened? Are you hurt? Did that man upset you?” He asked between kisses.

You shook your head still blinking back tears.

“No, it isn’t that,” you said. “It’s nothing, really.”

“Please.” He laid a hand on your cheek. “Tell me what’s wrong, my love.”

You looked into his loving dark eyes and pulled him back to you for a kiss that said more than your words could. And he understood completely.

What started as a distraction and thrilling secret for both of you had become so much more. The more he fell, the more he knew how much it would tear him apart when things inevitably went wrong.

“I just felt so trapped,” you cried, laying your head against his chest. “So many people want a say in my life, especially my cousin! He can’t manage his own life, let alone mine.”

Had it been anyone else, you would have been punished for criticizing your king. But despite your relations, you tired of Louis’s childish impulses and complaints. Most of the time, he felt more like a young boy with a crown.

“But I suppose if I’d taken power as young as he did, I might act the same way,” you sighed, leading Aramis to sit with you on the chaise. “I just wish things were different.”

He brought your hand up, kissing the inside of your wrist while his mustache tickled your palm.

“We could leave,” he said softly. He turned toward the window, looking over the grandness of the garden with a lump in his throat. “Run away to Spain or England or anywhere, like we talked about.”

You pulled away, eyes wide with surprise.

“We were never serious.”

“Maybe I am this time.” Aramis kissed you again with more urgency than he ever had before. You both realized then how much he meant it.

You found yourself leaning into him, like a moth to a flame. Your hands trailed up his chest. A sigh escaped your lungs. Aramis chuckled, gently pushing you back with his hands on your arms.

“I should go,” he said. “Athos already wants to hang me and I don’t think the queen would appreciate me disheveling your appearance.” He fixed a loose strand of hair, tucking it behind your ear. “You look beautiful.”

“I suppose I should return as well,” you sighed. “Else the king will lose his head.”

You kissed a final time before Arams hurried out of the room, looking back at you with total adoration.

He checked to make sure there was no one in the hall, quietly clicked the door shut, and started back toward the ballroom.

“Monsieur Aramis,” the queen’s voice stopped him in his tracks.

He turned on his heel and fell into a deep bow.

“Thank you, your majesty. It seems that the window was a false-”

She held up her hand to silence him.

“I just need to know one thing if I’m going to permit this to continue.” she held her head high, her mouth set in a thin line. “As you know, Y/N is family and I love her like she was my own sister.”

“Yes, your majesty.”

“So I must ask you.” She stopped toward him. “Do you love her?”

Arams took a deep breath and stood a little taller, his determination and dedication clear in his eyes.

“Yes, your majesty.”

Anne watched him for a long while. He almost felt like a prisoner awaiting sentencing, but even in her seriousness, he could sense a kind of affection.

The queen nodded.

“That’s all I needed,” she said and dismissed him. She went back in to join you and he continued down the hall, unsure of a number of things, but absolutely sure of something much more important.

The guests had finally gone and Louis decided he’d cure his boredom by ordering a hunt. It came as a surprise to Captain Treville, however, to find that four of his musketeers had been requested to stay. The queen claimed that she was afraid one of her necklaces had been stolen and she knew that the four finest of Treville’s men would be able to solve the case.

They were waiting in the courtyard when Aramis felt a sharp smack to his shoulder.

“What. Did. You. Do?” Athos growled.

Aramis shrugged, rubbing the now sore spot. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Porthos sat beside him, holding Treville’s orders from the queen.

“Why would she ask for us to find some piece of jewelry?” He asked.

“Because it’s a lie,” Athos said, snatching the parchment to read it over. “I’m sure this is about something else.” He glared at Aramis, who held up his hands innocently.

“She seemed perfectly aware and alright with the situation.” He thought for a moment. “Okay, maybe not perfectly alright with it-” Athos threw the paper down. “But she certainly didn’t seem like she was planning my execution!”

“What’s all this?” D’Artagnan joined, a bright grin spread across his face.

“Visiting Madame De Bonacieux, were we?” Aramis teased.

“Don’t change the subject,” Athos snapped, handing D'Artagnan the letter.

“Oh, Constance mentioned something about this,” The youngest of them said. “Apparently we’re to meet her at the servant’s entrance near the gardens and she’ll take us to the queen.” He placed the paper back on the table. “She was very secretive about the whole thing.”

Athos frowned, thoughts of exile filling his head.

“Don’t you think she would have told the king by now if she wanted action taken against me?” Aramis asked.

Porthos scratched his chin. “Unless she wants to protect the Duchess from being discovered as well.”

“You know, Constance did say it was something very serious,” D’Artagnan added. He suppressed a smirk so as to not give anything away. He was under strict instructions from the queen herself not to spoil the surprise. Getting to watch Aramis and Athos squirm was just a bonus. He pat Aramis on the back. “We’d better get going. We don’t want to be late for our demise, do we?”

“That isn’t funny,” Athos growled.

Aramis didn’t say a word. Too many thoughts plagued his mind for him to speak. He just put on his hat, took a deep breath, and went to ready his horse.

You had never been to this part of the palace. Anne led you down corridor after corridor and refused to tell you where you were going. The king and most of his courtesans were away all day to hunt and the rest of the palace, including all of the queen’s ladies in waiting, were searching for her missing jewelry.

“Can you at least tell me why you’ve sent everyone running around for a necklace you don’t even like?” You asked.

“I have asked you to trust me,” she giggled. “That is a command from your queen. Now come on!”

You could remember the last time you’d seen her like this. Whatever it was she had planned, she was certainly being sneaky about it. You just couldn’t imagine what could bring you to this side of the palace.

Finally, Anne stopped outside of a large, ornate, but faded door. She smoothed out her dress, lifted her chin, and put on a very grave face.

“Now, I need you to look very serious. If you smile, it shall ruin the surprise.”

“Alright, but-”

She threw the door open and stormed inside before you could finish. Following her, the only expression you could muster was one of shock as you stared at the scene before you.

Aramis, Athos, Porthos, and D’Artagnan stood in the middle of a large, empty room with Constance leading them. At least three of the four men looked just as confused as you. All bowed as the two of you entered.

“I’m sure you’re all wondering why I’ve had Madame de Bonacieux bring you here,” the queen began, sounding as grim and stern as ever.

A chill ran up Aramis’ spine. Perhaps she had changed her mind. He wasn’t good enough. Of course, he wasn’t. You were a duchess. He was a soldier. How could the queen simply look the other way and allow this to continue?

You saw the growing panic on his face and touched Anne’s arm.

“Your majesty, what’s going on?” You asked.

She turned to you, finally smiling.

“Please,” she beamed. “Today I am just Anne.” She faced the men again, discarding her serious facade. “You’ll have to excuse the theatrics. Even a queen is allowed her fun, every now and then.”

“Forgive me,” Athos said, bowing again. “I don’t understand.”

“Is something the matter?” Aramis asked, looking over her shoulder at you.

You shrugged, feeling just as flustered as he appeared.

“Given the… circumstances of which we are all aware.” She glanced between you and Aramis, reaching back to take your hand. “I thought this would be the best opportunity for us to speak freely.”

Everyone looked about the massive room, the boarded-up windows allowing for a little light to stream in. Anne smiled.

“Don’t worry. This ballroom is part of the palace that has been sealed off since the past king died. No one will bother us here.”

Anne took your hand and motioned for Aramis to come forward, placing your hand in his.

“I may not have the power to dissuade my husband's stubbornness or change the laws of this world,” she said. You could see the hint of tears in her eyes. “But if I can give you this moment to be happy…”

Forgetting the rules of propriety, you threw your arms around her. For the first time in your life, it truly felt like you had family.

“Thank you,” you whispered.

“No matter what, my dear, your heart is always your own to give.”

You stepped back, finding yourself in the arms of the man you loved.

“Now.” Anne faced the rest of the group. “We may not have musicians or grand spreads of food, but we have good wine and good friends, so I thought we could make the most of things. You all spend so much time guarding these celebrations, you deserve to have one of your own.”

The four musketeers looked at each other.

Porthos shrugged. “Sounds kind of nice to me,” he said. He stepped forward. “I know a couple of tunes that don’t require any of those instruments that they have at the balls. Just our voices and hands.”

He clapped, the sound ringing through the space.

“Thank you for that demonstration,” Athos muttered.

“That would be perfect, monsieur Porthos,” the queen grinned.

And so the festivities commenced. Athos decided to watch the perimeter of the old ballroom, just in case, but couldn’t bring himself to refuse when the queen wanted to teach everyone a dance from Spain.

Aramis sang quiet Spanish in your ear while everyone clapped and swayed around the room.

The ballroom was alive with laughter and movement and joy. You were finally in your musketeer's arms, proclaiming your love to the people that mattered most to you. It was the most fun you- and the queen- had ever had.

There was no music, but there didn’t need to be. You twirled and skipped and sang and flew as if you were dancing amongst the clouds. Aramis put his hands on your waist and lifted you into the air, making your laughter echo all around.

“I wish it could always be this way,” he whispered, lips brushing your cheek. “I meant what I said. We could try.” He looked at you with such love and persistence in the face of obstacles that you knew he would leave everything behind for you.

But as you spun around the room, you saw his friends, his brothers, his purpose. His place was with them, just as yours was with Anne and your cousin. You could never ask him to leave.

“I love you,” you said, laying a hand on his chest. “And I will cherish every moment I have with you. But I will not take you from the life you love. Even if it means losing you. I can live with that decision as long as you are happy with them.”

Aramis sighed, leaning his forehead against yours, forehead against yours, forgetting the eyes watching the two of you. He leaned forward just enough for his lips to brush against yours.

“I’m sorry,” he cried. Aramis pulled you a little closer. “If I could change the world with only the love I have for you, I would.”

You lifted his chin so his eyes met yours. A bittersweet smile graced your lips.

“We may not have forever. But we have now,” you kissed him again, sweet but meaningful. “That’s enough for me.”

Aramis nodded and continued leading you across the floor in an unfamiliar dance, yet both of you knew the steps by heart.

Anne stood with Constance and D’Artagnan, both had already danced until their feet were sore. Athos joined them and noticed the queen’s saddened features.

“Is something wrong your majesty?” He asked.

She blew out a breath.

“I’m afraid I’m being rather cruel,” she said. “I’m showing them what they’ll never have.”

Athos shook his head, watching the couple with a deep understanding.

“No, your majesty,” he said as Aramis lifted you once again, a smile returning to both your faces. “You’ve given them something to hold onto.”

#the musketeers #aramis #santiago cabrera #armis x reader #the musketeers imagine #bbc the musketeers #anne of austria #queen anne #athos #porthos #d'artagnan

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