Trudging through the forest Donna was quickly becoming inpatient as her shoes became caked with mud, "when are we going to get there," she whined slipping again. Catching her before she met the wet dirt the Doctor steadied her, "here, hold on to me," he suggested, taking her arm in his, "it's at the edge of the forest, about two meters now." Rolling her eyes, Donna held tighter to him as she slid again. He wrapped his arm around her, "maybe this will help," he told her bringing her body closer to his and slowing his speed. If Donna fell he would never hear the end of it.
"Halt," a loud voice boomed as galloping grew louder. The Doctor turned on his heels placing himself between Donna and the horsemen, "what are you two doing on the King's land," the head guard questioned. Smiling the Doctor pulled his psychic paper out to show them, "were just travelers. Come to see the castle by royal invite. Here are our papers of induction," he announced. The guard took read the words, "Lord Smith and Lady Noble," he read aloud, "yes I see. What happened to your carriage?"
Donna moved out from behind the Doctor sensing no danger, "his Lordship broke it," she remarked shooting him a glare. The guard watched her, not interacting, but waiting for the Doctor to answer, "stuck in mud, wheel came off," he lied. Motioning to one of his men, the lower ranked guard dismounted from his horse, "your lady," he announced. Looking over at Donna the Doctor grinned, "I'm not his lady," Donna added tired of being ignored by the men causing the Doctor to shoot her a look of concern as she made her way to the horse. Helping her mount the horse his hands were planted firmly on Donna's waist as he lifted her opting to lead her horse himself rather than entrust one of the men to do it.
Making it to the edge of the forest Donna gasped at the sight before her. Just over a green clearing was the most beautiful castle she'd ever seen made of red brick, "it's beautiful," she panted, "you like," the Doctor smiled proud of himself. Donna nodded eagerly, "yes very much so," she confirmed as they were led through the surrounding village and into the courtyard. Having made it in through the gate the Doctor slowed the horse to a stop, assisting Donna off. As she dismounted with the aid of gravity she slipped within his hands causing their lips to brush against each other, "oi, you aren't poisoned," she snorted before smacking his hands away.
"You must change before being presented to the King," the armed guard informed them causing Donna to smirk waiting for the Doctor's response. Smiling the Doctor turned back to the guard, "I'm afraid we only have our travel clothes, the rest is in the carriage," he retorted. The guard looked the both of them over, "surely the chamber maids could find something suitable," he pointed out. Not missing a beat, the Doctor grinned, "I'm fine although I agree that the lady must be presentable for the King," he smirked noticing the glare Donna set on him. "I'm fine too," she huffed not easing her look. With a wave of the hand the guard motioned for a fellow to accompany Donna, "take her to the chambermaids," he ordered.
Following along with the guard Donna looked back at the Doctor briefly, "you'll pay for this," she mouthed before turning and allowing herself to be whisked away. The man wasn't much for talking but thankfully there was so much beauty to be seen around her. The castle was breathtaking, as far as she could see were stone walls with intricate tapestries hanging everywhere. They came to a door on which the guard leading her knocked. A young blonde woman answered the door, "Thomas, what are you doing here," she whispered shocked. The dark haired guard removed his helmet, "official business my love," he said, "Mark has sent us here for you to prepare this lady properly to presented before the King," he informed her. The blonde girl looked over Donna, "I have something that should fit her," she replied, "wait here," she instructed Thomas taking leading Donna through the door.
"Hello, I am Margaret," she introduced herself to Donna, "lay your things on the chair while I fetch you a dress," she ordered. Donna took a deep breath looking around the darkened room, only lit by a fireplace, as she began taking off her jacket and shoes, "I'm Donna," she told Margaret. Returning with an arm length royal blue gown Margaret smiled at her, "new to the court I take it," she questioned. Donna nodded, "yes. My mate and I were just traveling. I've always loved castles so he wanted me to see King Henry's in all its glory," she explained. Margret paused, "mate," she asked unsure what this meant. Donna pondered what word to use to get her point across as Margret waited patiently, "you might want to remove more," she suggested holding up the corset that Donna would need help into.
Nodding shyly Donna began to peel off her shirt and trousers, noticing Margret eying her bra oddly she removed it too making sure to cover herself, self conscious of her body. Smiling understanding Margret went behind her, fitting the corset on, "this 'mate' of yours, is he your betrothed," she inquired. Unable to fight the laughter Donna noticed how restricted she was by the corset immediately, "no, no, we just live together and travel," she corrected her as the corset was tied off. Helping her step into the royal blue gown, Margret continued her line of questions, "you aren't betrothed nor do you wear a ring of marriage. Do you two live together in a familial way," she asked sliding the dress up over Donna's midriff. Shoving her arms down the long sleeves Donna answered, "I guess you could say that. He has sort of become my family. I want to be with him forever," she reminisced missing the look of scorn on Margret's face.
Finishing the buttons in the back Margret looked at Donna's hair, "may I," she inquired, "your hair is so beautiful," she complimented. Donna nodded feeling weighed down by the dress. How did they do it? And they hadn't even put her shoes on yet. Styling Donna's hair Margret continued on her line of questioning, "do you think he will ask for your hand," she pushed causing Donna to chuckle, "no. He's not the marrying type," Donna replied leaving Margret confused. "Are you," she asked. Donna paused thinking about the question before her, "I thought I was. I would love to have children but it would take a lot to get me to leave him," she said dreamily. Placing a hair piece a top Donna's head Margret finished her design, "I think you are ready for the King," she announced.
Standing up Donna stood before the mirror glimpsing herself for the first time and began to cry, "do you not like it," Margret worried. Donna shook her head, "no. I love it," she whimpered, "I'm beautiful," she cried looking at the image before her. The corset had pulled her waist tighter, forcing her chest to appear bigger and the sleeves elongated her arms. Donna hair was pulled up with auburn ringlets falling across her shoulders as her bangs drifted off to the side of her face. She had never seen herself look so good before, having never thought of herself as beautiful it was almost like she wasn't staring at her own reflection but a trick of her mind instead. Hugging Margret unexpectedly she profusely thanked her before leaving with Thomas to find the Doctor and be presented to the King.
Seeing Donna the Doctor was intensely jealous of her Ginger hair but he also found himself confused at how his breath caught in his throat and the way his body wanted to react toward his best friend, his best friend whose womanly assets were directly in front of his face, "blimey," he proclaimed when she was within earshot. Donna shot him a glare, "oi watch it spaceman," she growled nervously clasping her hands together and rolling her shoulders in to cover her body causing the Doctor to frown. "You look beautiful," he declared with a little too much amazement hinting in his voice. Grinning he took her hand in his, bowing before her. He lightly brushed his lips across her hand, pursing them as he planted a kiss, "my lady," he whispered into her skin causing Donna's cheeks to redden complimenting her auburn ringlets. She curtseyed batting her eyelashes, "my lord," she replied glowing despite the ridiculousness they were displaying. "Ready to meet the King," he smiled offering her his arm. Taking it Donna moved closer to him, "you bet."