Her flattery landed on fertile ground; the ripe and eager heart of young D'Artagnan was bent on doing what was brave and true, and the thought that he and he alone might be the one trustworthy enough to guard the queen took hold in his heart.<br/><br/>"Indeed, I would be honored to watch over the jewel of Paris and to keep her safe from harm. Yet..."  he eyed Milady, "you have not answered my humble question. How is it that you and she are in correspondence, or that she would accept your recommendations on my behalf? Understand that I do not doubt the sincerity in your words."<br/><br/>He drew his fingertips across the top of her hands as he gazed into her eyes and smiled. "And yet I could not refuse such a desperate request, Milady.  If she desires me as her guard then I would be a fool to request her. You may let her know that I am at her command."