Protected by 3

One day I was having tea with the King and Queen and they were sharing a story about how they defeated the three musketeers. The thing about the musketeers is they always attack in 3's so each piece needs to be protected by at least 3 other pieces. The King and Queen were able to acomplish this with minimal number of pieces and with only the pieces found at the start of the game. (No extra queens)

How many pieces was it and what was the positioning?

Any ideas?

Ka1, Qb2, Ra2, Rb2?  is that what you mean? 

In that case the two castles would only be protected by two pieces, the king and queen.

I think I know what you want

It's bloody difficult......

For a while I didn't think it was possible, but last night I thought of a way...

Does the king have to be protected 3 times too?

Yes all the pieces you place on the board must be protected by 3 other pieces.

I cant do it ;(

picky picky. 

With only the original pieces this should be impossible.

It's possible and in Thalis post the king is only protected by the 1 castle and the queen.

I dont know. what's the answer?

I like this puzzle. First attempt, 9 pieces. Should I look for improvement?

quick question..does indirectly protecting a piece count? i assume it does..

:

Are batteries allowed?

If so, then the following

Sapp got it with 5, but here's with 6

Same pieces, different positioning