I thought I would try something different. Firstly, there is unlikely to be any Aramis whump which will be a real challenge. I don't often focus on d'Artagnan in my stories and decided it would be fun to explore his relationship with Athos. There will be plenty of Aramis and Porthos as well because we also have the Cardinal scheming behind the scenes to prove a connection between Aramis and the Queen.

Suspicious Minds

Chapter One

Athos arrived back from the palace to find d'Artagnan grooming his horse. The young man seemed distracted and only looked up the second time Athos called his name.

"Are you alright?" Athos asked.

"Fine."

Athos raised an eyebrow, deciding not to challenge the unconvincing lie. "Is Treville here?"

"He's in his office interviewing some scion of a noble family who has purchased his commission."

The distaste in d'Artagnan's voice provided Athos with the answer to his concern. "You earned your place in the regiment through merit. You have nothing to prove and no cause to feel threatened.

"I don't."

Athos noted that d'Artagnan had turned his back so that he couldn't see his expression. "You know that Louis is always looking for ways to raise money. Selling commissions is common practice."

D'Artagnan gave a heavy sigh before turning round. "I know. It's just that this is supposed to be an elite regiment yet anyone can buy their way in. Half of them barely know how to use a sword and the idea of hand to hand combat is abhorrent to them."

"Then it is our job to teach them the skills necessary to become a good Musketeer."

"Did you…" D'Artagnan lowered his head. "Never mind."

"Did I purchase my commission? No, d'Artagnan. I didn't use my family name or influence to gain my place in the regiment."

"I'm sorry. I should have known."

"Why does this recruit in particular bother you so much?"

"I saw him when he arrived. He treated everyone he saw with contempt."

"He was probably nervous. Meeting Treville is no easy task. The Captain can be quite intimidating when he wants to be."

"That's true." The tension was easing as he listened to Athos' even-handed words and he began to feel as if he was simply being petty. "I will try to be less judgmental."

"Most of them turn into decent soldiers eventually."

"With a little help."

Athos was pleased to see that his protégé no longer looked so upset. "Have you seen Aramis and Porthos?"

"Treville sent them to deliver a message. They should be back soon."

"Then, if you've finished, I suggest we get in some sword practice before they return."

D'Artagnan cheered up immediately. He valued every minute Athos spent teaching him and he knew his skills were increasing as a result.

They returned to the yard but, before they could draw their swords, Treville appeared on his balcony.

"Athos. My office."

Athos shot d'Artagnan an apologetic look. "Wait here. I won't be long." He climbed the stairs and entered the office. He could only see the back of the man standing before Treville's desk. The man was tall, lean and had light brown hair tied at the nape of his neck with a black ribbon.

"Athos, this is…"

The man turned and Athos blinked in surprise. "Etienne?"

"Hello Olivier."

"It's just Athos now."

"You two know each other?" Treville asked.

"Yes." Athos' serious expression was overtaken by a broad smile. "He's my cousin."

"Well that makes things easier. I want you to take him under your wing for a few weeks. Oversee his training and show him what it means to be a Musketeer."

"It will be my pleasure, Captain."

TMTMTM

D'Artagnan waited patiently for Athos to return. He occupied his time by practicing one of the complicated series of moves that Athos had taught him. His feet moved in perfect harmony with his sword arm as he 'danced' gracefully across the yard. There was a visceral joy in the perfectly executed manoeuver. Two of the more senior Musketeers had stopped to watch and both gave him encouraging nods before they continued on their way. It had only been six months since he gained his commission and he still sometimes felt like a raw recruit so the acknowledgment was very welcome.

He looked up expectantly when he heard footsteps on the stairs. Much to his surprise Athos had his arms around the shoulders of the man he'd seen earlier. They were both smiling and Athos was talking, seemingly perfectly at ease. D'Artagnan had never seen him so relaxed around anyone other than his brothers and Treville.

"Athos?"

"Ah, d'Artagnan. I would like you to meet Etienne de la Tremoille, brother of the Comte de Lestocq."

"Pleased to meet you," d'Artagnan said, trying to stifle his surprise.

"The honour is all mine." Etienne bowed his head in greeting. The arrogance that d'Artagnan had witnessed earlier appeared to have gone.

"We're going to The Wren," Athos said. "Join us when Aramis and Porthos return."

"But I thought we were going to practice," d'Artagnan said, unable to hide his disappointment.

"There will be plenty of time for that another day," Athos said dismissively. "Tonight we celebrate."

"What are we celebrating?"

"I will tell you everything over a few bottles of wine."

D'Artagnan watched in perplexed silence as Athos and Etienne left the garrison.

TMTMTM

"What's the matter with you?" Porthos asked as he and Aramis dismounted.

"Nothing."

"You look like someone's died," Aramis said. He rested his hand on d'Artagnan's shoulder. "You'll feel better if you tell us."

"It's Athos." He saw the looks of sudden alarm on his brothers' faces. "He's well, it's just that…"

"Start at the beginning," Aramis advised.

"We have a new recruit and Athos obviously knows him."

"Athos knows lots of people," Porthos said.

"This one's a noble."

Aramis stroked his beard thoughtfully. "That isn't necessarily a good thing. We all know what Athos thinks of the nobility."

"They appear to be friends."

"That is strange," Aramis said.

"They went to The Wren."

"What're we waitin' for then?" Porthos asked.

"What was he like?" Aramis asked as they set out for the tavern.

"He seemed nice enough," d'Artagnan said, not wanting to prejudice them against Etienne before they even met him. He felt a pang of embarrassment about his comments to Athos in the stables. Clearly he and Etienne were close and d'Artagnan wondered if his disparaging remarks had made his mentor think less of him.

"Clearly he knew our friend while he was still the Comte de la Fere. I thought Athos had left that life behind him." Aramis sounded only mildly curious.

"Athos doesn't make friends easily. This man must be somethin' special."

They arrived at The Wren and Aramis pushed open the door. The odour of ale and unwashed bodies immediately assaulted his nose. "I'm surprised Athos brought him here. It isn't exactly the kind of place frequented by the nobility."

"No, but it is the kind of place where Athos feels at home," Porthos said with a grin.

Aramis looked around the crowded room, finally spotting Athos at a table near the back of the room. "Come on. I want to meet this mysterious friend of his."

"Porthos. Aramis," Athos greeted them cheerfully. "Might I introduce my cousin, Etienne? Etienne, these are my brothers. You have already met d'Artagnan. This is Porthos and Aramis."

"Gentlemen."

"Cousin?" Aramis took Etienne's hand and shook it warmly. "Athos never talks about his family. Perhaps you can tell us all about them."

Porthos also extended his hand and d'Artagnan thought he saw the slightest hesitation before Etienne grasped it.

"I'm afraid Olivier…Athos would have my head if I divulged his secrets."

"What brings you to the Musketeers, Monsieur?" d'Artagnan asked.

"The age old story, I'm afraid. My father drank away our fortune, leaving my brother and I as good as destitute. My brother, Charles, inherited and I was left to make my own way in the world."

"If you have no money how did you manage to purchase your commission?" d'Artagnan asked.

"D'Artagnan!" Athos looked at him reproachfully.

"No, it's a fair question. I found a patron."

"A rich widow, perhaps?" Aramis asked.

"We're not all like you." Porthos shoved him playfully.

"It would be indelicate to say," Etienne replied with a wink.

Aramis laughed. "Here's to rich widows." He raised his glass. "Welcome to the Musketeers."

As they all drank d'Artagnan studied Etienne. He felt an instinctive dislike for the man, which could be nothing more than jealousy. He had a sinking feeling that his relationship with Athos was about to change and not for the better.

Tbc