Roderick Beaudoux walked into the sleeping quarters as the sun had just started to light up the sky.

He took everything off but his pants, flopping down on the bottom bunk and sighing heavily. "I feel like I've been trampled by a dozen horses." He mumbled into his pillow. "It can't be morning already,"

Atticus Blanchet followed in suit, casting off his attire save for his pants. "I feel like I've been trampled by two dozen horses." He mumbled, running a hand through his strawberry-blond hair as his green eyes searched through his chest of belongings. "My body is stiff and sore. What I'd do for a massage right about now."

Roderick glanced over at Atticus and shook his head. "I'm sure you do. Why don't you ask one of your little maids to give you one? That's what you always do." He teased, picking up Atticus' shirt and tossing it at him.

Atticus caught the shirt and laid it on the floor beside him. "I can't. They're all busy. Madame L'Armay has insisted no one socialize with them while they work. She said we can't afford any slacking or anyone else leaving." He mocked her voice when speaking about her.

Roderick raised his eyebrows at what Atticus had said. He crossed his arms over his chest. "You mean you don't want to face her wrath again. If I recall, the last time you got involved with a maid, it was during the morning of the king's birthday ball. You had snuck off to a closet and were making out with the maid and Madame L'Armay found you."

Atticus shuttered, shaking his head and closing his eyes. "Don't remind me. I can hear her voice and her words. I've never been that scared in my life and I've faced down swords and pistols. Hell has no fury as a woman scorned."

Vallis rolled off the top bunk and planted his feet on the ground. "Ah, morning Roderick," He noticed the dark circles under his eyes which meant he didn't get any sleep or good sleep. "You seem exhausted."

Roderick rolled his eyes. "Gee, thanks for stating the obvious, Vallis. I haven't slept in two days and spent 45 hours on horseback." He sarcastically said, shaking his head.

"How far did you travel this time?" Vallis questioned, wondering how far they went this time. "Last time you were gone for a month, and the time before that two weeks."

Roderick looked up from pulling on a shirt and sitting down on his bed. "The outer east edge of Gascony." He replied shortly, leaving out the part where he dropped by and saw his mother and sister.

Vallis let out a whistle as he leaned against the wall. "That is far. No wonder you are exhausted. Your father brought news about another village being attacked, such a shame this keeps happening." He frowned, crossing his arms over his chest.

Roderick blinked a few times, taking in what he had just said. "Another one? My goodness, I wonder who is doing all these attacks. Every day it's growing closer and closer to Paris." He shook his head, disappointed this was happening. "I worry that Gascony may be next or even Paris - it seems nowhere is safe anymore."

Vallis mulled over Roderick's words and hummed. "Could it be bandits or a militia group? I think the latter with the rumors I have been hearing." He speculated, rubbing the side of his face.

Atticus cut in, as he always did. "I would place my money on the latter as well. It would be more plausible this is a statement of some sort. I'm no investigator, but I do believe that this isn't done by some amateur bandits, not even professional bandits would be so bold as to move closer and closer to Paris." He explained, feeling confident in his words.

"Let's just hope we can catch them before they do any more harm." Vallis mumbled, wishing more than anything that this would end. "No one has died yet, but the next attack could result in death."

Roderick nodded, running his hand through his hair yet again. "Let's hope Father and the other can figure out what is going on."

Vallis wanted to move on to a different subject and he had one pop into his head. "Your father is going back there sometime this morning to do some investigation and to deliver much-needed goods."

Roderick hasn't seen his father in two months. "Hmm, I'll try and catch him before he leaves. I don't think I'm going to be getting any sleep before working practice." He groaned, running his hands over his face.

Vallis walked over and laid a hand on Roderick's shoulder, throwing him a smile. "We can always cover for you and Atticus if you want to try and at least get a few hours of sleep." He offered, knowing how important sleep was for musketeers.

Roderick weighed his words. "I think we'll pass." He shuddered at the thought of a particularly memory of his trainee days. "Falkland's wrath is not something I want to experience again."

Atticus pushed past him pulling on a clean shirt. "Speak for yourself, Roderick. I'll take you up on that offer Vallis. I've got to sleep at least for an hour or two or else I will pass out during morning training. Say it's some morning thing." He suggested, flopping onto his bed.

Roderick threw Atticus a furrowed brow as he watched him bury his head into the pillow. "You know Falkland will see through whatever excuse is given," He then paused as he thought about it. "But he could be lenient and let's hope he is or else you'll have laundry duty."

Bastian Moulin blew his black hair from his brown eyes. "Roderick, did you hear by chance that your sister is in Paris? I am not sure what for but she had a duel with Vallis here. He was bragging about it yesterday." He asked in a sing/song voice, a smirk on his lips.

Roderick whipped his head towards Bastian then looked over at Vallis. "Wait, my sister? Kate? KATE dueled you? How did it go? I know she is only as good as what our father had taught us. Did she happen to kick your butt?" He asked in a teasing manner, feeling a sense of pride welling in his chest.

Vallis mockingly laughed. "She humiliated herself. She ran off like a scared dog with its tail between its legs. She was decent but lacked. I gave her suggestions but I am not sure she heard the laughter of the crowd." He threw his fellow musketeers a sympathetic look.

Roderick buried his hand and shook his head in dismay. "Oh goodness, poor Kate. I wonder where she is. I am pretty sure she can here to become a musketeer and it didn't turn out in her favor. Perhaps she had gone back home?"

Vallis shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. "I wouldn't know. I put on another show shortly after she left. She did go towards the stables though, not sure if that is much help. Chances are, she left Paris and is venturing back to her farm in Gascony." He replied, figuring it was the best option for the girl.

Roderick shook his head, laying out on his bed. "Hmm, that possibly means she took her horse and went back home. I'll ask Mother in a letter tomorrow if she came back. By the time Mother gets the letter, Kate would already be back home. I do feel bad for her though." He mumbled the last part.

Vallis climbed up onto his bunk and looked down at Roderick. "I feel bad for her too. Thinking she could become a musketeer and humiliate herself in front of everyone? That had to be awful! I could never imagine!" He dramatically exclaimed, rolling onto the bed and placing his hand over his chest.

Roderick grabbed his pillow and smacked Vallis in the face. "This is my sister you are talking about. "He tossed his pillow back onto his bed and crossed his arms over his chest. "Be respectful at least and don't turn into Bastian!" He chided the younger musketeer.

Vallis caught the pillow mere inches from his face and tossed it back. "How am I being disrespectful? I haven't said any crude remarks about her!" He defensively exclaimed. "I was only telling the truth. We all know women can't be musketeers. It's not suitable for them."

Bastian nodded his head, agreeing with what Vallis had said. "Why would any girl want to be a musketeer anyways? It is hardly glamorous and they may even break a nail or get blood on their clothes."

Vallis looked over at Bastian, knowing he drove a good point. "Perhaps because she's the only girl in her family for at least seven generations? So, of course, she'd want to become one and carry on the legacy of her family." He turned to Roderick, his tone laced with haughtiness.

Roderick wanted to say something back, but he bit his tongue and decided to let it go. "You could have at least been gentle. She's not used to anyone but her family critiquing her swordsmanship." He said with a frown.

Vallis shrugged his shoulders as he sat down and pulled on his boots. "Sometimes you have to give tough love and she needs to hear what I say. I wasn't mean to her." He nonchalantly said, and walked towards the door, grabbing his sword. "I'll see you, boys, at breakfast," With that, he left.

Bastian looped his arm around Roderick's shoulders and threw him a smile. "Forget about it. Don't be so sensitive." He said, pulling away and walking away from Roderick. "Now come on. We have to get to breakfast before all the good stuff is taken."

Roderick sighed heavily and shook his head as getting dressed. "I'll be there soon." He passively said, watching Bastian leave with the other musketeers for breakfast. "Oh, Kate. One day you'll show them." He mumbled under his breath.

He couldn't wait for the day his sister showed them up and kicked their butts.

⊱ • ⊰

Kate was lying in wait until Vallis came out of the training grounds. She was using her break not to have lunch but to ask a favor of Vallis.

She grabbed his arm as he passed and pulled him into a corner, knowing this was the only way she would get a word with him, privately.

Vallis gasped, surprised that someone had gripped him. "Whoa-" He yanked his arm away from Kate. "What is your -" He paused when he looked down and saw it was none other than Roderick and Gallo's younger sister. "Oh, Kate, to what do I owe this pleasure?" He smiled, looking down at her.

Kate frowned, placing her hands on her hips. "Don't do that." She snapped. Clearly in no mood to play this game, whatever game he was playing.

Vallis thought it'd be fun to lay dumb and mess with her a little. "Don't do what?" He asked, feigning innocence, trying to look as clueless as he could muster. "I don't know what you're talking about?"

Kate narrowed her eyes, his charming side was shining brightly that made her want to shield her eyes. "Be charming." She replied, jabbing her finger at his chest with a frown on her lips

Vallis placed his hand on his chest, mocking surprise. "Oh? You think I'm charming?" He teased, a grin growing on his face. "Roderick and Gallo's little sister thinks I'm charming?"

Kate mustered up the best mono expression she could find. "Don't flatter yourself. I don't think you're charming, but everyone knows you try your darndest to be." She pointed her finger at him, narrowing her eyes.

'She is immune to my charms. Such a pity. She is a Beaudoux after all.' Vallis thought to himself with a heavy sigh. "I thought you would have left by now." He said, moving on to another conversation, crossing his arms.

Kate rolled her eyes and shook her head. "No, I didn't leave. Why? Are you intimidated that I didn't? I got a job at the castle instead -" She paused, realizing she was getting off track. "Wait, you don't need to know that. I can come here because I need to talk to you." She explained, getting back on track.

Vallis skeptically narrowed his eyes at Kate, then looked around to make sure there wasn't anyone else around. "Talk to me?" He questioned, pointing his finger to himself with a quizzical look.

Kate sucked in a deep breath and clenched her fists at her side. "Yes," She began, pausing briefly to collect herself. "Well, it's more of a request," She was trying to keep her dignity as she asked this of Vallis.

Vallis was surprised that she had a request for him, his wide eyes and puzzled expression mirrored his inward feelings. "A request? I'm interested," He said, giving her his full, undivided attention.

Kate took a deep breath and gripped her skirt. "Can you not tell anyone I work here or better yet act like I'm not the Kate who was humiliated by you?" She asked hesitantly.

Vallis's lips turned up into an amused smile as he listened to her request. "Ah, so that's why you waited for me. And to think I had something else in mind." He teased, but then noticed Kate seemed taken back and sighed. "I'm teasing. Don't be so serious. Now, why would I agree to that?" He asked, wanting to know why.

Kate gritted her teeth, knowing what she had to say. "Because it was foolish of me to think I could be a musketeer," She painfully told him, sacrificing her dignity. "And I don't want to be made fun of while I work as a maid. I also would appreciate it if you called me Katherine."

Vallis pursed his lips and crossed his arms over her chest as he thought about her request. "What's in it for me?" He asked, knowing he could get out of it.

Kate had prepared for this very moment. "I would - er - owe you a favor - just one!" She forced out those and held out one finger in front of her, emphasizing her reply.

Vallis chuckled, not believing his ears. "Hmm, you would owe me a favor if I comply?" He inquired, wanting to know more about her request and if she was serious.

Kate was dead serious, her mono expression was clear as day. "Yes, and it can be anything, just nothing that would get your butt kicked by my brothers." She warned, making it clear that she could do anything as long as it wouldn't infuriate her brothers.

Vallis was taken back. She was serious. "I've never been asked a favor by a girl before." He mused, trying to compose himself after faltering. "Deal." He agreed but continued before she had a chance to speak. "And I know just the favor."

Kate played with her hands behind her back as she chewed the inside of her cheek. "And what would that be?" She asked hesitantly, trying to hide how nervous she was.

Vallis could tell she was nervous about his request. "A date." He simply replied, knowing that was hardly anything big.

Kate's jaw went slack and her eyes went wide. "A date? You want to go on a date with me? Roderick and Gallo's baby sister? You do realize if they found out they'd kick your butt." She asked in disbelief, shaking her head as she tried to comprehend it.

Vallis chuckled, waving her off with his hand. "What they don't know won't hurt them, right? Ignorance is bliss. Don't read too much into it. Think of it as a learning experience to act more like a lady rather than - a clumsy farm girl." He knew it could benefit her from this.

Kate wanted to counter him but she knew he was right. "I can't argue with you about being clumsy but there is nothing wrong with being a farm girl!" She shot back, pointing her finger at him.

Vallis put his hands up in front of him. "Never said there was." He defensively said, not wanting to get on her bad side. "So, you do agree to go with me on a date? Saturday night? How does that sound?" He inquired, hoping it was a good time for her.

Kate knew that was five days away, so it wouldn't be too bad. "Fine. I'll go out on a date with you Saturday night as long as you keep your word." She replied, crossing her arms over her chest.

Vallis was offended, well, he pretended to look offended by her words. "My dear, I've never broken a promise. I swear I will comply with what you have asked of me." He meant every word, even though he was sounding a little pompous with his tone.

Kate sighed, feeling better than she wouldn't break his promise. "Now that we've got that all cleared up I can try and squeeze a little bit of food in for this break." She mused, placing her hands on her hips.

Vallis bit his lip to keep from chuckling. "I will provide you with a dress and jewelry, you can keep it. Just think of it as a gift since I know you don't have anything nice enough for where I'm taking you." He said, already picturing what she'd wear.

Kate's eyes widened and she waved her hands in front of her. "Oh no, you do not need to get me a dress. I'm sure I have something I can throw together -" She began to say, only to be cut off by Vallis.

Vallis shook his head and put his hand out in front of him. "Tsk, tsk. Stop right there. I will provide a dress and jewelry. End of the story. Just think of it as a gift." He insisted, not taking no for an answer.

Kate knew she was not going to win and sighed. "Fine. I don't have time to argue. Thank you for agreeing and have a good day." She nodded and pivoted on her heels and walked away.

Vallis grinned and cupped his hands around his mouth. "Good day to you two, Katherine. Don't forget to speak to your brothers about the issue too!" He called, knowing she also needed to make sure they wouldn't expose her identity to everyone.

Kate waved him off with her hand, not even bothering to turn around. "Yes, yes, I will." She passively said, not in any more mood to deal with him.

Vallis chuckled as he watched her go. He had never met a girl like her before and he liked her spirit.

He turned on his heels and walked away, going to eat some lunch with his fellow musketeers, since his day was only just beginning.

• ⊰ • ⊱ • ⊰ • ⊱ • ⊰ • ⊱ • ⊰ • ⊱ • ⊰ • ⊱ • ⊰ • ⊱ •

A/N:
I just say, I am pretty proud of this chapter. I'm also happy with how this story is shaping up. It's got me proud, like right up there with Finding Home and Shipwrecked Princess proud. I've got a lot of ideas flooding into my brain for this and I'm excited to share them with you.

Chapter Talk:
I may or may not have grown attached to Vallis. Originally he didn't have much character or was seen that much in the original draft. But, he's not all that bad and I kinda love how I'm writing to him. Yeah he's a bit of a womanizer but he isn't half as bad as Bastian. I'm interested in seeing where I take him with this story.

Thanks for reading!