(Author's Note: Hello everyone! I am back with a brand new fic! This is my first story for this movie, so I hope you enjoy! As always, reviews and constructive criticism are welcome! Thanks! ~The Rising Phoenix~)

Chapter #1 –

As I walk to meet with Henry; no His Royal Highness Prince Henry of France, to meet with the man who I've found has stolen my heart, my emotions are everywhere.

I almost hate Marguerite for burning the final book my father ever brought home to me – even after I gave up my mother's crystal glass shoes.

Both felt like a betrayal to my parents.

And that burned more painfully in my heart than the whip lashes which presently appeared across my back.

Speaking of, the scarlet dress I wore was unfortunately quite tight against. My back stung at every movement. That was at least keeping my head in reality, as I would have loved to get lost daydreaming about Henry's smile; become lost in his voice, in his eyes, in his touch…

I jump at a sudden noise, which further irritates my back.

I have a strong feeling the Baroness and Marguerite will make their move, and very soon.

I scowl with disgust at them; quite grateful that Jacqueline did not end up like them whatsoever. She was the saint of the family.

She really was a sister to me. I don't think that is a debt I could ever repay.

I sigh, knowing I should not keep up this charade anymore. It's not because my step-mother and step-sister are plotting…Henry simply deserves to know who I really am. It's time to tell him. Tell him all of it.

I cringe as I remember throwing apples at him…I hope he can forgive me for my deceit – even if my heart was in the right place.

As I reach the ruins; as Prince Henry indeed pours his heart out…Tells me I'm the reason he's found his purpose; tells me he wishes to spend the rest of his life with me…

I can't take the pain – physical or emotional.

I wish to tell him, but can't bear to hurt him. I try to leave, but he does not let go of my hand.

I muster up the courage to give him one last kiss as a "Contess." He deepens the kiss, only to wrap his arms right around my back.

I cry out in pain, as I attempt to leave him in pure utter confusion.

However, I pause – long enough for Henry to catch up.

"Nicole?! Nicole, what's wrong? Please tell me." His voice, and his eyes are of pure unabashed worry.

I squeeze my eyes shut tight as tears sting within them, and stream down my face.

"I'm sorry. So sorry your Highness."

"It's Henry." He gently corrects me. "Sorry for what, Nicole?"

"For…Everything. For the apple, for Thomas More, for Utopia…I should have just let you take my father's horse." I sobbed, as my knees finally buckled beneath me.

Prince Henry, the gentlemen that I somehow knew always existed (underneath the title and the slightly inflated ego) caught me under the arms, as he gently sat me down.

I sobbed harder into his shoulder, but then felt his body tense in realization of my words.

(A/N: Please Review! Thanks! ~TRP~)