“That bad?” Athos offers a self-deprecating smile, and when Aramis grasps his elbow, he instinctively leans into the touch. Never has it seemed so easy to imagine pressing their lips together - not even with passion or need, but with a simple appreciative gentleness. But that is not what they are to each other.

He takes a breath to steady himself. “I am afraid le paon will have to provide the mirror, if he truly finds it necessary."