The power of the Nexus Hotel was strange and not always welcome, but on nights like tonight d'Artagnan couldn't wish for any place else. When was the last time Constance had looked so happy in Paris? When had any of them looked so unburdened? Even Athos looked lighter here, sometimes.

Had he known her thoughts, he would have suggested that they were also like a roller coaster, moving slowly and smoothly before flying down the ramp with twists and hoops, caught up in fear or excitement but, so far, nothing they hadn't been able to endure. He'd have liked that metaphor very much, especially when he looked at all the people who had stepped on nervous and left the gate smiling happily. They could ride any of it out.

"Are you suggesting I'm impulsive and prone to shooting things and asking questions later?"