Kate thought as she walked down the path towards the palace. It seemed like a straight shot from the stables, seeing as she could see it from where she was.

She stopped in her tracks when she heard cheering and swords clashing? 'Is there a fight?' She asked herself, turning her body towards the sounds.

She walked down the alley between the two houses and straight behind a crowd. She pushed her way up, excusing herself as she did and standing on her tippy-toes to see over the people.

Four musketeers were showing off their skills by mock fighting with each other. Each move they made was fluid, like pouring out mercury. Every moulinet, riposte double, and displacement was so natural to them. It was like a dance between the silver blades, the clashing sounded like music.

'Wait, Roderick and Gallo told me some musketeers got bored and started doing mock spares with exaggerated moves that passed time and lifted the mood. It also gave them a chance to keep an eye out while pretending to be so focused on the mock spare.' She thought to herself, pushing through the crowd a bit more. 'I wonder if Monsieur Falkland knows about what they're doing. I know he doesn't like musketeers being haughty and showing off their skills, especially if there was a chance someone could get hurt.'

One by one, a single man disarmed each of the others with a flourish of extravagant moves displayed with such grace. The man took off his hat and bowed dramatically. His black hair bounced in its little curls. "Thank you, thank you. You are all too kind." Vallis Dumas' voice held the uttermost pride. 

His golden-brown eyes looked over to his fellow musketeers and walked over, helping each one of them up before patting them on the shoulder. "Nice work, men. Next time, one of you at least put some effort into disarming me instead of pretending." He said, turning around. 

He clears his throat and sees all those gathered around. "Is there any man in the crowd who would be willing to challenge me?" He asked, looking around, hoping that someone would raise their hand. They had all seemed so into it, but now the time has come. It seemed they had fallen silent.

He inwardly sighed and thought. 'This is why we were short on musketeers. Many young boys dream of it, but when the time comes, they make excuses on why they can't be one. I don't blame them, though. It's not everyone's cup of tea. It is noble to serve your king and your people, making Paris a safer place to live, but it isn't for everyone.'

Kate looked around, murmuring amidst the crowd. Minutes passed, and no one stepped forward. She took a deep breath and stepped out from the crowd. "I will, monsieur!" She said, placing her hands on her hips.

Three musketeers (excluding Vallis) looked at each other, whispering to themselves. They started to laugh, which made the crowd join in with the laughter. All who were there - even the women - were laughing, nudging each other, and mocking her.

Kate shook her head and walked over to the barrel where the spare rapier was laid out. She picked up one and unsheathed it, holding it in her hand. It may have been smaller than theirs, but she knew size mattered not.

Vallis looked at the other musketeers before looking back at Kate, swinging his sword, finally realizing why she looked so familiar. "Ah, Kate, is it? Your brothers speak of their sister, who is dead set on becoming one of us. No other female here would have as much gumption as you have to duel moi." He said, seeing the similarity.

Kate narrowed her eyes a little at his words. No matter what, he said she wouldn't let it affect her. "So, you have heard of me. It isn't gumption but dedication to prove I am just as worthy as you to become a musketeer." She declared proudly, placing a hand on her hip. 

Vallis gave an amused smile, jabbing his sword at her. "You are the only one willing to try and become one. Your brothers always speak about you. It becomes tiring some days. But, since no one else is willing, you will do." He mused, resting his word in the palm of his hand. 

"Well, Katherine, prove us all wrong that you do have what it takes." He said, taking his stance, his fingers smoothing out his mustache. "I, for one, am interested in seeing how fair." He took his stance. "En garde." He said, holding his rapier in the air, the sun reflecting a glint off the tip. 

Kate looked at the awestruck crowd and smiled happily. "En garde!" She also said, getting into position. She narrowed her eyes a little, adjusting her grip on the handle. She shifted a little on her feet, trying to push away an ounce of nervousness inside her. 

She took one step, jabbing her blade towards Vallis, then slashing upward towards him. 'He's stronger than he looks, much stronger than my brothers . . .'  Her thoughts trailing off.

Vallis parried her move, blocking it with no effort. He didn't even have to move from his stance. 'This is simply a child's play. She lacks energy and is no doubt clumsy on her feet, being unable to smoothly transition into moves. Her jabs and slashes are weak and slow. Her pose wasn't correct either.' He analyzed Kate as their swords danced.

Kate stumbled to the side, realizing he had anticipated her move, pushing her sword away from him, and took a few steps backward. 

She grunted and lunged at him, stabbing her sword towards his torso. Vallis stepped to the side, missing her stab towards him, and he watched as she tripped and fell onto the ground.

He laughed and placed the tip of his sword on her back. "My dear, you said you wanted to be a musketeer? Tsk, I must say I expected better from you. Each move you made was sloppy, not to mention you are way too far away to deal any harm." He told her to withdraw his sword. "You don't seem confident, unlike what your brothers bragged about."

Kate let out a low growl as she listened to his words. 'Mocking me? Oh no, he won't!' She thought as she gripped the handle and flipped herself to her back, quickly getting to her feet and doing a combination of slashing and jabbing as she spun around, having pivoted on her feet.

Vallis let out a surprised gasp as he blocked her move, just barely. He smirked a little as he stepped closer, swiping his sword towards her torso, which she easily blocked, making their swords clash against each other. 

He slashed again, and she blocked his move, slashing back. She seemed to be gaining confidence. However, he could tell she was slowly letting her guard down. He slashed his blade towards her, only for her to block it and push it away.

He waited for the perfect moment when she came close to him and swiped his foot, taking her feet out from under her and knocking her down on her butt. Her sword skidded across the ground and took the feet of the crowd. She groaned as she hit the ground. She rubbed her bottom, which hurt from the fall.

He pointed his sword at her neck. "I was impressed with you. However you, my dear, are finished. If you want to be a musketeer, you need years of training, not to mention a girl could never join. I suggest you go back to your farm, I can hear the cows calling for you." He taunted as the crowd began to laugh louder. 

Kate got to her feet and brushed herself off. She darted for her tapestry bag and rushed back towards the way to the castle. She pushed through the crowd as they contoured to laugh and make jokes about her. 

Her cheeks burned as she got further and further away hearing their laughter drown out. The taunts and cruel words echoed in the back of her mind. 

She managed to turn a corner and avoid the few vegetables that had been thrown at her by a few punny boys. 

'This is humiliating! How could I have had so much pride that I forgot all my brothers taught me! All their training just let my brain and I be humiliated by a musketeer! I should have focused on learning from his movies rather than trying to gain the upper hand. I'm such an idiot. How could . . . I embarrassed myself . . . like that.' She sniffed, her eyes were all clouded with tears that were forming. 

She tried to hold back her tears, but she couldn't. She let the water flow, tears streaming down her cheeks as she choked out sobs. 

'My worst fear had come true. How am I going to show my face and perform a noble deed now? Everyone will just mock and make fun of me, prohibiting me from accomplishing my goal. How can I redeem myself from this embarrassment? I suppose I could lay low and let everything pass. They will eventually forget.' She took a deep breath and ran one hand through her hair after wiping her tear-stained cheeks with her palm.

She held her head up high as she walked towards the entry for the castle staff. She pushed open the huge mahogany doors and stepped through them, letting them close by themselves behind her. 

She looked around the room she was in. It was a little washroom that led into the massive kitchen. "Um, hello? Is anyone here?" She called out, her voice echoing.

Madam Vanessa L'Army walked through the doorway, her brown eyes focused on Kate as she smoothed down her black hair. "Yes, may I help you?" She asked, crossing her arms and looking her up and down. 

Kate placed her hand behind her back and took a deep breath. "Oh, I was wondering if there was an opening for a job? I am looking for a job, and I heard that there may have been an opening?" She asked. She felt a bit intimidated by the lady. She seemed very abrasive.

Madam L'Armay simply eyed the girl a bit more before she spoke. "I'm Madame Vanessa L'Armay, head of the castle staff. We do have a few openings for maids at the moment. Pray tell, what brings you here for a job? Where are you from? How old are you?" She asked each question without any pausing. 

"I'm Katherine, although everyone just calls me Kate. I came for another job, but that one fell through, so I was hoping my journey here wasn't an entire waste of time. I come from Gascony, my parents are dairy farmers, and I am eighteen." She replied shyly, pushing a lock of hair behind her ear.

Madam L'Armay was impressed with all she said, although it did ring a bell. "Dairy farmers, you say, that wouldn't be the Beaudoux Dairy Farm, would it? If I recall correctly, the husband and sons are here as musketeers, leaving the wife and daughter, which I wouldn't suppose you are the daughter?" She asked, placing one hand on the table.

Kate pushed some hair behind her ear. Was it that obvious who she was? "Oh, um, yes I am she, and yes, my brothers and father are indeed musketeers." She admitted. Well, once again, this was embarrassing for her. She chewed the inside of her lip and raised her shoulders a little bit, looking off to the side.

Madame L'Armay crossed her arms seeing how coy Kate was being. "Oh come now, there is nothing to be embarrassed about. They are very respected, and if you are anything like them, we would be happy to have you. Do answer me this: What is the real reason you left your farm?" She pressed on. 

Kate was taken by surprise. "Um, well, I am sure you already know the reason, and as embarrassing as it is, I know the laws prevent it, but I want to prove I can." She admitted averting her gaze into the shiny floors.

Madame L'Armay pitched the bridge of her nose. "Dear goodness girl," She shook her head gently as she listened. "Some do know yes, others have known but have forgotten since they have more pressing problems to deal with. Never be afraid to stand your ground on your dreams." 

Kate's brain seemed to stop working after hearing what she did. "Wait, you don't mind, I want to be a musketeer? But almost everyone laughs at me, even women say it is not a job for females." She pointed out, knowing she had gotten a lot of laughs growing up. 

Madame L'Armay placed her hands on her hips. "I may be middle-aged, but that doesn't mean I hold the same views. Yes, I do find you want to be a musketeer a little unorthodox, but who am I to judge your dream? One day, women will be able to have whatever job they wish, which, if I ever had a daughter, I would want them to pursue their dreams no matter what anyone says." She admitted with a small smile.

Kate rubbed the back of her neck. "I did not expect this at all. Forgive me if I seem to be at a loss for words. Both you and Monsieur Falkland seem to be encouraging towards my dream. Although you two never say it to anyone else, it is nice to know I have a little support." She said, having a hard time believing this was happening.

Madame L'Armay rested a hand on the table, leaning on it. "Indeed, support goes a long way. However, for now, I do suggest that if anyone asks you, you simply say that you were a child and children always have big dreams. It will save you a lot of trouble you do not want." She said, jabbing a finger at her.

She then paused, realizing there was another suggestion she could give her. "Or, you could go by Katherine and find an excuse not to say your surname. I would also suggest letting your brothers know to treat you like a stranger." She explained, crossing her arms over her chest.

Kate nodded. She had no plans on telling anyone anyway. "Thank you, Madame L'Armay, now um, about the job? Do I have it or . . . ? Sorry if I am being a little presumptuous, I just am nervous." She sheepishly admitted. 

Madame L'Armay gave an amused smile, looking the girl up and down before turning around and walking over to a cupboard. "My dear, you indeed have the job. We are short-staffed as I had said previously, with the prince's coronation coming soon, we need all the help we can get." She said, opening it up and pulling out a uniform. 

She walked over and handed it to Kate, along with another set. "You have two pairs, so you always have a clean pair. I will four you to the servant's quarters so you can change and drop off your belongings. You will be sharing the rook with three other girls."

Later, she followed behind her, looking around at the vast hallways of the castle. She walked through a side door and out into the back courtyard and down a path. To her, it seemed similar to the way she went to the barn. Of course, the ways in and out must've all been the same.

Madame L'Armay opened the door to a medium-sized four-story building nestled between two apple trees. "You will be staying in one of the rooms on the third floor. There is a spare bed that you will be taking." She said, picking up the front of her skirt and walking up the stairs. 

Kate hurried to keep up behind her, trying to memorize her route. "Um, Madame L'Armay, what time do I get up for work, and when do I go to retire for the night?" She asked, knowing she has to remember not to be late for her work.

Madame L'Armay pulled out a skeleton key and put it into the door, turning it. "Five is when you will get up, so by six, you will be working up until midnight." She entered and stopped in the middle of the room, turning to Kate.

Kate made a mental note, setting down her bag on an empty bed. "Thank you," She set her uniform down beside it and then opened the chest at the end of her bed. "I will be sure to make a note in my journal about it." She said, putting away all but one of her uniforms

Madame L'Armay turned to leave the room. "After you get settled in, in about half an hour, come meet me back at the servant's entrance. I will introduce you to the other girls whom you will be living and working with." She said, not giving Kate a chance to reply as she said they key down on the desk. "Always lock the door when you leave." She called, closing the door behind her.

Kate opened up her bag and pulled out her garments of clothing and undergarments, laying them into the bottom of the chest. 

She turned to the desk and opened up the drawer. She placed her journal inside. Next, she laid down her stationary and set up her ink and quill on the table. 

She set her little chest with some of the trinkets she had collected, or most had been given to her by her father in the drawer on the desk, at the bottom.

She then got dressed in her uniform, struggling a bit, but she was able to look presentable for her first day. 

"Focus on getting through the day. Keep your head down and do your best." She told herself, looking in the mirror. She brushed out her hair and put it up in a bun, tying it with some leather string she had in her pocket.

She walked over to the desk and picked up the quill. She dipped it in a little ink and quickly scribbled down. 'Dear mother, 

By the time you get this letter, you will probably realize air hadn't become a musketeer. That time will come, but in the meantime, I am working at the palace, and hopefully, I will be able to perform a brave and noble deed, proving I am worthy to join the musketeers You will also be getting the sixth draft of this letter because I most likely will be rewriting it over and over to get it perfect, and the first time around, my handwriting is barely legible. You are also wondering why I am rambling on about this. I am just super nervous about working at the castle. I know it isn't my plan, but if I can prove I am worthy, then so be it. Please don't be disappointed in me for this, I just want to achieve my dream and this may be it. I love you.'

She put away the quill and put the paper into the drawer. 'I'll finish this later tonight, then send it off in the morning so Mother can get it soon and rest her worries.' She thought with a smile.

She walked to the door, simply looking back around the room before she left. 
Locking the door behind her, she took a deep breath and made her way to where Madame L'Armay had told her to be. 

She had her fingers crossed and said her prayers that the rest of this day would go well.

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

A/N:
I must admit, I love what I have so far. This is another one of my babies I am very passionate about, and I hope you enjoy it. I have a lot planned, and I do have a lot of change from the original draft. The original draft needed much work and was a bit cringey if you asked me.

Chapter Talk:
Kate tried to duel Vallis, but alas, she was no match and ended up embarrassing herself. She has much to learn about being a musketeer, and perhaps she could learn from what he said. Yes, he may be a prideful man, but he obviously sees potential, not that he would ever admit it.

Madame L'Armay was previously a rude and cynical person, but I thought I needed to change it and make her more motherly and supportive. Since she is quite protective over the palace staff, especially the maids and it will come into play much later into the store.

Thanks for reading!