The Kidnapping of Constance and Cardinal Richelieu's Machinations
The narrative intensifies when d'Artagnan's landlord, Monsieur Bonacieux, enlists his help to rescue his wife, Constance, who has been abducted, likely by Cardinal Richelieu's agents. Constance, serving as the queen's linen maid, is privy to sensitive information, making her a valuable pawn in Cardinal Richelieu's political games. He aims to undermine the queen, who has rejected his advances, by revealing her secret gift of diamond studs to her English ally, the Duke of Buckingham. D'Artagnan's successful rescue of Constance leads to a romantic involvement, further entangling him in the cardinal's plots.The Quest for the Queen's Diamonds
To protect the queen's reputation, Constance beseeches d'Artagnan to retrieve the diamond studs from the Duke of Buckingham in England. The journey is perilous, with the cardinal's spies hindering the musketeers' efforts to aid d'Artagnan. Upon reaching England, d'Artagnan learns that two diamonds are missing. With the duke's assistance, he acquires replacements and returns to Paris, enabling the queen to outwit Cardinal Richelieu at the ball. The queen expresses her gratitude to d'Artagnan by gifting him a valuable diamond ring.D'Artagnan's Dangerous Liaison with Milady de Winter
In the midst of political intrigue, d'Artagnan becomes involved with Milady de Winter, a seductive agent of the cardinal. After rescuing her from her brother-in-law, Lord de Winter, d'Artagnan is seduced by Milady's charms. A concocted letter from Milady's supposed lover, the Count de Wardes, leads to a clandestine meeting. This encounter exposes Milady's duplicitous nature and her past connection to Athos, who had believed her to be executed for her crimes. The musketeers, learning of her deceit, decide to sell a sapphire ring given to d'Artagnan by Milady to finance their military campaigns.The Siege of La Rochelle and Milady's Retribution
The narrative shifts to the siege of La Rochelle, where d'Artagnan and the musketeers are caught up in military action. Milady, seeking revenge, attempts to poison d'Artagnan, but her plan fails. The musketeers discover her plot to assassinate the Duke of Buckingham and witness her imprisonment by Lord de Winter. Milady's resourcefulness allows her to escape, and she proceeds to a convent where she fatally poisons Constance. Her string of crimes culminates in her capture and execution by the musketeers and d'Artagnan, who act as agents of justice.D'Artagnan's Promotion and the Musketeers' Unbreakable Bond
Following these events, Cardinal Richelieu, appalled by Milady's actions and recognizing d'Artagnan's valor, recommends him for a lieutenant's commission in the King's Musketeers. D'Artagnan, in a gesture of loyalty, offers the position to his friends, but they each decline, choosing their own destinies. D'Artagnan accepts the promotion, completing his transformation from an aspiring musketeer to a respected officer. The enduring friendship among d'Artagnan, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis is epitomized by their enduring motto: "All for one, one for all."