Danielle Stands Up for Herself

Preface—Danielle Stands Up for Herself

Someone asked the question, "What if Danielle had stood up for herself at the masque?"

When Danielle arrived at the masque and the Prince ran to where she was standing, I believe in response to Prince Henry's third question, "Then you are not engaged?" Danielle, instead of saying, "No, I am not," should have replied, "How could I be? Nicole de Lancret was my mother. My name is Danielle de Barbarac and the Baroness Rodmilla de Ghent is my stepmother. Will you please let me explain?"

Then, I believe, Prince Henry would have listened to Danielle and everything would have been fine.

However, even if Danielle had waited until the scene with the Baroness, I still believe there could have been a way to save the day. Even on the assumption that Prince Henry would have acted the way he did and turned cold toward Danielle.

Of course, with all the yelling by the baroness, the outbursts from the King, and the questioning by Prince Henry, it would have been difficult for Danielle to say anything. However, when Henry said, "Tell the people who you are," I believe Danielle should have ignored his request and simply said, "The baroness locked me in the cellar to prevent me from revealing her conspiracy to force Your Highness to marry Marguerite, but Signore da Vinci opened the door and let me out."

Then, I suppose there would have been a lot of hullabaloo and posturing by the baroness. However, I believe that sentence by Danielle would have been a nightmare for Rodmilla and Marguerite. It certainly would have put Rodmilla on the defensive. Furthermore, it would have raised so many questions, not the least of which being "why was Signore da Vinci involved?" I cannot imagine anyone, not even the Prince, walking away from that intrigue and refusing to give Danielle an opportunity to explain in private.

However, if Prince Henry still kept asking her to speak in public, Danielle should have said, "Your Highness, I must insist on explaining in private, because I refuse to say in public things that would embarrass the Royal family. I will be on the balcony if you wish to hear the whole story." And then walk away.

Now at that point, it would not have been possible for Prince Henry to be from the planet earth and not want answers. "What conspiracy could force the Prince to marry Marguerite?" And, "What is it that would embarrass the Royal family?" Therefore, Danielle would be guaranteed an opportunity to speak with Henry in private, which was her goal in the first place. Regardless of the outcome, at least Danielle would have had her revenge on Rodmilla and thwarted her plans for Marguerite to marry Henry. Since Danielle's goal was to be alone with Henry so she could explain without the noise from Rodmilla and King Francis, the exact answers to the questions she raised in Henry's mind were not important and might have been very simple. In response to the plot to force the Prince to marry Marguerite, Danielle might have responded by saying, "By spreading lies and rumors about Marguerite's competition, Rodmilla knew you would marry Marguerite as the only choice left." And to explain how the Royal family might have been embarrassed, Danielle could say, "I thought Your Highness would be embarrassed if people found out that a servant girl was able to deceive you."

If Danielle had been allowed to explain to Henry, away from the threats and intimidations of Rodmilla and King Francis, I believe Henry would have understood and accepted Danielle. However, in that event, Danielle would not have ran away and lost her glass slipper, the essence of the Cinderella story.

Nevertheless, between the assaults of Rodmilla and the intimidation of King Francis, Danielle's position was very precarious. Therefore, it is understandable that she did not respond with near perfect answers.

However, I thought Danielle should not have conceded so easily; so, I also wondered, "What if Danielle had faced up to Henry and defended herself after Rodmilla attacked her at the Masque?" This story is what I believe to be a plausible sequence in which Danielle stands up for herself before running away and losing her glass slipper.

In several scenes, I was able to use the words, with only a few modifications, from the original story.

Chapter 1 starts with the fanfare and Danielle's entrance into the ballroom. Except for minor modifications, I followed the book and/or movie up to, but not including, when Henry was going to walk away from Danielle after saying, "I've heard enough."

Author's Commentary

It should be understood that the movie "Ever After" is not historically accurate. The story takes place during the reign of Francis I (1494–1547, king of France (1515–47). His son, Henry II of France (1519-1559), married Catherine de Medici (1519-1589). However, without conflicting with the movie "Ever After" (except after Danielle arrives at the masque ball), I will make an effort to be historically accurate with medieval locations, names, customs, etc. This includes using a medieval map to verify that the names of the cities used in the story existed at the time. The surnames used existed at the time; however, the titles and first names are fictitious.

Note: Although I am an engineer and not a history major, I made an effort to be historically accurate by looking things up on the internet. However, Charlie Hayden in her 2006-01-15 review and others pointed out a number of historical mistakes, especially regarding the type of dress common to the time period and about Nobles performing which, according to Charlie Hayden, they would not have . While I'm willing to make minor corrections the errors pointed out by Charlie Hayden would require a replacement or major rewrite of at least thirty percent of the story. That is more than I willing to do.

The story takes place during the early 1500s. There were treaties with Spain in 1526, 1529 and 1544; however, Henry would be twenty in 1538. Our calendar, the Gregorian calendar, was instituted in October of 1582 and dates were advanced ten days to correct the error in the medieval year that had accumulated up to that time.

In medieval times, prior to the Gregorian calendar, people determined time by feast days. There were so many feast days; it was astonishing that they could keep track of all of them. People might have honored a feast day by reciting a short prayer. Seldom would there be an actual celebration or feast.

In keeping with medieval practice, when appropriate, I decided to use feast days as a basis for dates, followed by the Gregorian calendar date in parentheses ( ). A ball would usually be on the eve of a feast day. For example, the invitation that Rodmilla received said the masque ball was on the Eve of the Feast of Saint Jude. The Feast of Saint Jude is October 28. However, in medieval times, based on a medieval calendar, it would correspond to October 18 on the Gregorian calendar. Therefore, the masque ball was October 17. Since Henry and Danielle went to the Franciscan library on a church day (that is, Sunday), using the below time-line (Date-Day-Events), one can determined the day of the week and the date from the time of the apples to the masque.

DATE – DAY - EVENTS (Perhaps the year 1536)

Oct-12 Thr - Apples & King announces Masque in 5 days

Oct-13 Fri - At the River

Oct-14 Sat - Tennis & the chicken

Oct-15 Sun - Monastery and gypsies (Church Day)

Oct-16 Mon - Amboise

Oct-17 Tue - Masque Ball

I will make reasonable efforts to make sure that any dates used in the story will be consistent with the above time-line.

Chapter 1—Danielle Breaks Her Engagement

The fanfare sounded as Henry and his father stood. Marguerite and Rodmilla jumped up and down for a moment, nervous beyond belief. Jacqueline and Captain Laurent hurried from the buffet table to watch the announcement. King Francis cleared his throat. "Friends, honored guests, it gives us great pride on this honored occasion to announce the engagement of our son, Prince Henry, to . . ." He never finished the sentence, for Henry's hand clamped onto his shoulder. The King turned to his son and, without warning, found his eyes riveted on the apparition standing at the entrance to the gardens.

The torches glinted off her pure golden hair, piled atop her head in masses of ringlets. From the shoulders of her gown stretched white gossamer wings. The gown itself was a fantasy of fragile white silk and golden bead-work. Her eyes glowed behind what seemed like a delicate white mask studded with diamonds. She was breathtaking.

Danielle had not expected every eye on the Kingdom to be on her. She had thought she could slip in, get a bite to eat and discreetly reveal her story to the Prince.

"Breathe, just breathe." Nobody heard Danielle's whispered words to herself as she straightened her shoulders to face the crowd. The entire party came to a standstill at the sight of her. An angel, perhaps, or maybe a faery? Nobody could guess, but everyone noticed the Prince's reaction, especially Rodmilla and Marguerite, who both tried almost unsuccessfully to mask fury.

Directly across the room was Henry. For a moment he stood as if paralyzed. Then he broke the spell by jumping from the dais. The crowd opened up before him as he ran across the ballroom to the staircase where the beautiful arrival was standing.

King Francis turned to his wife in confusion. "Who is she?" He voiced the question of the whole crowd.

"I suspect she is the Comtesse Nicole de Lancret."

Henry reached Danielle, his eyes wide with disbelief. For a moment he stood looking into Danielle's eyes. Henry shook his head in amazement. "Tell me it is really you."

Danielle took a deep breath. "I have come disguised as myself." The crowd was hanging on to their every word. Danielle had not expected nor wanted this sort of attention.

"My mother said you were getting married!" Henry was so overjoyed to see her he could think of nothing else but the face in front of him.

"She was misinformed." Danielle steadied herself. "But there is something I must tell you, now, before another word is spoken." she said as Henry took another step up the stairs.

"Then you are not engaged?" Henry blurted out, gripping her hands.

The heat between them was almost unbearable. "No, I am not."

Henry smiled radiantly at her. "I was about to make the worst mistake of my life! Come, there's someone I would like you to meet." She took his hand and lifted up her skirt slightly to make her way down the staircase. The silver satin slippers glowed like stars, dazzling the crowd.

The bell began to strike midnight—an ominous warning.

"Henry, I must speak with you!" Danielle's panic was growing. She knew she had to tell Henry before meeting his parents.

"Whatever it is, my answer is yes." Henry was too caught up in leading her to the dais to listen.

"Oh, and look, look! I invited the Gypsies."

Danielle glanced their way and smiled, but her nerves were in such a state that she could barely breathe.

The crowd parted as the couple crossed the room to the royal dais. Suddenly Danielle felt a sharp tug on her wings. She tottered.

Appearing like a demon from hell, Rodmilla ripped off one of the gossamer wings and shrieked, "HOW DARE YOU!" The crowd gasped in shock at this behavior.

"No!" Danielle said as she shrank back in horror.

Henry got between them, Danielle cowering behind him. "Madame, contain yourself!" He was completely appalled at her behavior. What was this?

"She is an impostor, sire!" Rodmilla's voice rang out loud and clear. The crowd watched this drama unfold with mute horror.

"No!" Danielle's eyes filled with tears and thought, "Not like this . . .oh, God, not like this!" She watched her entire world, her entire life shatter before her very eyes.

"Her name is Danielle de Barbarac, and she has been a servant in my home for the past ten years," Rodmilla spat out, her eyes in narrow slits.

King Francis stepped from the dais and in a booming voice said, "A servant Henry! Is this some kind of joke?"

Henry's face was crimson. "Baroness, you are on dangerous ground!" he warned.

"Ask her yourself!" Rodmilla shot back. She's a grasping, devious little pretender, and it is my duty, Your Highness, to expose her for the covetous hoax she is!"

Henry turned to Danielle, confused and embarrassed. "Tell these women who you are," he said, nodding encouragingly. "Tell them."

Danielle turned and met his eyes. She wanted to die, right here, right now. She looked at Henry, pleadingly, grasping for the right words. Finally, in a voice barely above a whisper, she asked, "May we speak in private?"

For a third time, Henry failed to let Danielle explain. "Just tell them who you are," he practically begged; his voice unsteady.

Danielle was mute.

Taking advantage of Danielle's silence, Rodmilla aggressively grabbed Danielle shoulder and says, "Bow before royalty, you insolent fraud!"

"My God," Henry said, stunned. "It can't be true … Nicole?"

Danielle's voice came out at the same time her tears did. "Nicole de Lancret was my mother and the Baroness de Ghent is my stepmother, Your Highness." Very softly she asks once more, "Please, Your Highness, we must speak in private?"

The hushed crowd began to murmur excitedly, pressing in closer.

Before Henry could consider Danielle's request, Rodmilla quickly replied, "She is a common servant, Your Highness. Her parents are dead and I have fed and clothed her for the past ten years."

Realizing that she was the girl with the apples, Henry let go of her hand and stared at her in shock and disillusionment. "The apple, that was you?" Henry asked, as the crowd pushed in closer.

"I can explain!" Danielle burst out. To herself, Danielle asks, "Why did it have to happen this way? Why was Fate so cruel to me? Please, at least let him listen to me…"

King Francis glared at all three of them. "Well, somebody had better!"

Henry started backing away from Danielle, his voice cold, cynical. "First you're engaged, and then you're a servant? …"

Seeing Henry's withdrawal and hearing the anger in his voice, Danielle finally regained her composure. Before allowing Henry to continue, Danielle, with determination in her voice shouted, "THAT'S ENOUGH!"

Henry was about to dismiss her and leave but, stunned at her loud outburst, he paused.

"Four times I have asked to speak to you tonight and all four times you have refused to listen. I release you from your proposal. I refuse to marry a man who will not listen to me."

Taken aback, Henry replied, "Proposal…what proposal?"

"Fine, that must have been someone else at the ruins at Amboise yesterday." Then softly, "Your Highness, where is that compassionate young man who proposed to me yesterday at Amboise?" Then continuing with emphasis, "I must be blind to confuse you for him."

Somewhat subdued, Henry replied, "You lied to me."

"I may have misled you, but only to save a man's life. However I did not lie. It was not I who chased you across the courtyard and demanded a name—any name. I came here tonight to tell you the truth, but you would not listen. Instead of being honorable and settling any misunderstanding in private, you choose to listen to the lies and distortions from the Baroness. How can you be so shallow?"

There were gasps from the crowd. That anyone, let alone a servant, would so insult the prince was unthinkable. Pounding his scepter on the floor, King Francis boomed angrily, "No one speaks to the prince in that manner!"

Danielle turns and curtsied to the King. "Please forgive me Your Majesty. How very inconsiderate of me for not realizing that His Highness, Prince Henry, would need you to protect him from a young mademoiselle."

There were muffled laughs and King Francis glared in their direction. He was beginning to become irritated. He believed that girl had just mocked him, making him feel foolish enough without people laughing about it. Protocol demanded that adolescent girls be given some leeway, but this girl was pushing the limit. King Francis was about to give her a severe warning but, after a short pause, Danielle continued, "And how silly of me to believe that I should be shown some consideration for saving your son's life."

King Francis was stunned by that revelation. "You saved Henry's life?" he asked.

Danielle ignored the question. She knew it was perilous to take on the King of France, but by now she was blazing hot. It would be almost 100 years before Shakespeare (1) would articulate her fury with his immortal phrase, but Danielle did not need Shakespeare to express her temper. With eyes flashing fire, she turned to Henry and said, "Yesterday morning you thanked me for saving your life. How quickly you forget. Saint Paul said, 'Love is patient and kind.' What a fool I was to believe you loved me, for you are neither. Saint Paul also said, 'If you have all things and have not love you are nothing.' Perhaps I should have rescued my gown instead of you. That way I would have saved something rather than nothing."

The crowd listened silently in shocked apprehension. Never had anyone, even high-ranking nobles, dared to take on the King and speak to the Prince in such a manor. A few glanced at the King. Maybe Danielle hadn't gone too far, but she was definitely living on the edge. In any event, Henry was reeling from Danielle's accusations. Danielle had shamed him for not listening to her, but he was also angry with her for embarrassing him in front of the world. However, since Danielle had so rudely pointed out to the crowd his statement that she had saved his life, he was finding it difficult to think of a good response.

Before he could think of something to say to justify his actions, Danielle continued softly, "Your Highness, five minutes ago when I believed you to be that wonderful man I fell in love with, if you were a carpenter I would have gladly married you, and I would have willingly gone with you anywhere, even to the Americas." And continuing with emphasis she said, "Now, I will not marry you at all."

Henry felt everyone's eyes on him and did not appreciate being rejected in front of the world, so he replied, "I never asked you to marry me."

"Your Highness, you are the Dauphin and future King of France and I am your loyal servant (2). Therefore, if you say you did not propose, then I must agree. What you did say, while looking into my eyes at Amboise yesterday, is that because of me you have found your purpose in life, that you no longer imagine living it alone, that I am unlike any girl you have ever met, and that tomorrow night at the masque, you will make that known to the world. Then you kissed me. I only hope the next mademoiselle who believes you are proposing has your words witnessed and in writing so as to not be mislead."

"You are twisting my words." Henry was exasperated because, no matter what he said, Danielle was making him appear foolish.

"And what about your actions, Your Highness, do they not also speak volumes?"

The crowd had gotten very quite and pressed in even closer, listening to their every word. Henry could feel them anticipating his response. He was trying to think of a good comeback but all he could say was, "And what about my actions?"

"Your Highness, I am just an ignorant girl so please forgive me if I got the wrong impression from your actions and words tonight when, upon seeing me, you stopped the King from announcing yet another engagement, after which you ran to me, took my hands, looked into my eyes and told me you were about to make the worst mistake of your life. Well, Your Highness, so there can be no further misunderstanding, let me make myself perfectly clear. As the future King of France, you will always have my devotion and loyalty (3) but, as a man for a husband, I will not marry you because frankly Sire, I can do much better."

Then with her head held high, Danielle turns, takes several steps, but with her anger dissipated and on the verge of tears, she begins to run away.

There were more gasps. The crowd was aghast that anyone would dare speak to Prince Henry in that manner. There was also some snickering, loud enough for both the King and prince to hear, at how Danielle had rejected and put Henry in his place. Quite a few of the courtiers had been rejected and rudely dismissed by the Prince, and they were not displeased to see him get similar, or worse, treatment and especially from a servant girl.

Henry was in shock from an overload of emotions—anger, embarrassment, and shame. Henry knew he should have listened, but he was furious at Danielle, not only for speaking to him as she did, but even more so, for embarrassing him by making it appear that it was she who was breaking an engagement. Before Danielle had started her outburst, Henry was about to reject her, but Danielle had rejected him first. How dare she do that to him? Now he couldn't help feeling rejected, which caused him to want her even more. This was a new experience. Never in his life had he been rejected; he was always the one doing the rejection, never once considering about how it felt to be on the receiving end. He considered running after Danielle but his pride wouldn't let him. As a final insult, Danielle had shamed him in front of the crowd. First, in pointing out how he hadn't listened, then belittling him over his lack of appreciation for saving his life.

It was several seconds before King Francis spoke. Even before he heard the snickering, that girl had put him in a foul mood. He was irritated at the manner the girl had spoken to both him and Henry, and his first reaction was to have the guard stop that girl and bring her back for a severe admonishment on proper behavior. King Francis would allow children and adolescent girls certain privileges but she continued even after he had warned her. Nevertheless, the girl was right, for if she did save Henry's life she was due consideration and any punishment would seem inappropriate. Yet it didn't seem right to let her get away with such outrageous insults, especially if she was a servant. However, if she is a servant, she neither sounded nor acted like one. Things didn't add up. For all he knew she could be related to a duc. With the delicate negations with Spain, the last thing the King needed was to upset any of the nobles. King Francis looked to the Queen but she just shook her head.

King Francis decided to do nothing and to be grateful that the girl was finally gone. After all, she was not a frequent visitor to court. For certain, this spectacle and embarrassment to the Royal family had continued for much too long. Did he just hear that girl, at first identified as a comtesse and then a servant, publicly break an engagement with his son, the Prince of France? Not only that, Henry didn't disagree that she had saved his life. If those were the facts, then why didn't he know about them? That boy had a lot to explain and King Francis was going to get to the bottom of it all.

"Henry, come here… NOW!" King Francis added when the Prince didn't immediately react. The King motioned to the Comte de Bayard, his senior and most trusted advisor.

Speaking to Henry and the Queen, King Francis said, "Let's go to my quarters, we have a matter to discuss. To Comte de Bayard the King said, "I want you to find all you can about that girl. Do it discreetly, but I want a written report by breakfast this morning."

Almost blinded by tears, Danielle ran through the gate, past the colorful flags, to the drive.

Leonardo da Vinci slowly made his way up the drive, weaving in between the carriages parked there. His breath was always taken away by the sight of Hautefort, but this night it looked more lovely than it ever had. The flags were floating gracefully in the slight breeze, and the torches barely flickered. The air was filled with the slight smell of fireworks and he sniffed for a moment.

Suddenly, a flash of white attracted his attention; he watched as a young woman came running from the castle and across the drawbridge. In her haste she tripped and fell just as she reached the outside gate.

A slipper fell off her foot.

"Danielle." Leonardo cried out. But she didn't stop and disappeared into the darkness.

Leonardo hurried forward and picked up the glass slipper, still warm from her foot. What could have happened to make her flee like this? He made his way into the ballroom. It didn't take long to find answers.

As soon as the Royal family had departed, the place had become abuzz with comments.

"Did you see the look on Prince Henry's face? It was priceless!"

"I've never heard anything so ludicrous—the Prince proposing to a servant!"

"Even worse! He didn't know who or what she was. Why, he didn't even know her name!"

This had been the most scandalous and exciting occurrence in years, and everyone, it seemed, had something to say.

In response to the questions, Rodmilla and Marguerite used every derogatory term possible in their description of Danielle. Before Danielle came and spoiled everything, both were certain that the King was about to announce Prince Henry's engagement to Marguerite. Marguerite had been frustrated, angry and in a near panic when Prince Henry ran up to Cindersoot. After years of maneuvering and planning, Rodmilla was barely able to contain her fury that Danielle had done this to Marguerite. After Danielle left, Marguerite was still concerned that Danielle had spoiled her best chance but at least she was convinced that Henry would never consider Danielle again. Rodmilla was not so sure and would soon get rid of Danielle once and for all.

Jacqueline never had so much attention. She was flooded with questions. Who was that girl? Was she engaged to Prince Henry and did she save his life? What is her name? Is she a servant? Isn't that the same girl that the Prince fell all over after she rescued a servant? Did you say she is your stepsister? She said her mother was Nicole de Lancret… Was her mother a comtesse? What did the Prince mean when he called her "the apple"? Did she and the Prince meet at Amboise yesterday?

Jacqueline answered as many questions as she could, but numerous questions she was unable to answer. Except for what Danielle had said that very night, she didn't know about any engagement at Amboise. She did not know how Danielle was "the apple," nor much about Nicole de Lancret. All she knew about the rescue of the servant was what she had heard.

Comte de Bayard looked around. Rodmilla and her daughters would be the best source of information, but there could be others. Comte de Bayard asked Angelette, his wife, to find Barron du Bellay, a lawyer, and his wife Genevia. Then he quickly assembled members of his staff-Pierre, Nicolas, Jacques, and Anton.

As soon as they all were together, Comte de Bayard said, "I've asked you here because the King wishes to know everything about that girl before breakfast. If I heard correctly, I believe her name is Danielle de Barbarac and that her mother is Nicole de Lancret. Baroness de Ghent and her daughters, Marguerite and Jacqueline, should be able to provide most of the information. Barron, I ask that you question the Baroness de Ghent. Angelette, Genevia—I believe you two should question Marguerite and Jacqueline. I believe all three should be questioned separately so that their answers are not influenced by one another.

"I wish to impress on everyone that any information is confidential and is to be obtained discreetly. Pierre, Nicolas, Jacques, Anton—I want you to mingle with the crowd and find out whatever information you can. Does anyone have any questions or comments before we start?"

"The girl did say that Baroness de Ghent was her stepmother. The Baroness was the second wife of Auguste de Barbarac, and as I recall he had a daughter who would be about the girl's age." Genevia replied.

"That's right, and the girl did say her mother was Nicole de Lancret. It was about 20 years ago but I remember Auguste's first wife was named Nicole. You may remember, dear, we met her at a ball given by le duc et la duchesse de Montaigne." Angelette said.

"I do remember. They were newlywed and a very lovely couple. Nicole was very sweet—a striking young lady and not someone you would forget," Comte de Bayard replied.

"So, it appears that her name is Danielle de Barbarac and that her parents were Auguste de Barbarac and Nicole de Lancret. Jacques, I want you to check and see if there is any information in the records. Unless someone has something else to add, let's get started."

"Marguerite, I wonder if you could help me for a minute?" Genevia asked.

A moment later, Pierre said, "Baroness de Ghent, Comte de Bayard would like to see you, will you come with me please?"

As soon as Rodmilla entered the anteroom, Comte de Bayard said, "Baroness de Ghent, I believe you know Barron du Bellay. Would you like any tea or wine?"

"No, thank you. What is this about?"

"As the King's advisor, it is my responsibility to know what goes on in the Kingdom. I was hoping that you might be able to provide me with some information about Mademoiselle Danielle de Barbarac. I have urgent business elsewhere, but if you would tell Barron du Bellay, he could fill me in later."

"Of course, if I can be of any help." the Baroness replied sweetly.

As Comte de Bayard was leaving, Barron du Bellay said, "Baroness, I'll try not to take much of your time, would you like to have a seat?"

"Good for you." Leonardo thought, amused at Danielle actions. Still, he was upset at the prince for not giving her a chance to explain. Thinking that, if he talked to the boy, the relationship might be saved, he wrote a note requesting to see the prince.

Anton noticed and told Comte de Bayard that Signore da Vinci was carrying a slipper that looked like the ones that sparkled brilliantly when Danielle lifted her gown.

"Signore da Vinci," Comte de Bayard inquired, "I believe you have one of Danielle de Barbarac's slippers. I was hoping you could provide me with some information about the young lady."

By the time Danielle had returned home, it was raining and her dress had been ruined. The white glittering paint on her face had washed away, revealing red-rimmed eyes and tear-stains running down her cheeks. Nothing mattered anymore. She banged on the door but nobody heard her. So after a few seconds, Danielle sank to the bottom of the steps. Exhausted, frustrated, and, above all, brokenhearted, she was unable to contain her crying. "If only Henry had listened," Danielle thought, but she knew that she had had numerous opportunities to tell Henry the truth. Yes, she was afraid of how he might react to the truth but that would have been forty times better than the humiliation she had suffered tonight. Even at the masque she had had a chance to tell Henry the truth. If only she had insisted and refused to move until he listened to her.

Notes to Chapter 1

1 "Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned / Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned." While I and many attributed the quote to William Shakespeare, it comes from a play called the "The Mourning Bride" (1697) by William Congreve. Thank you Mara Roberts for this information.

2 Danielle expresses her loyalty to Henry's position as the Dauphin.

3 Before attacking Henry over their personal relationship, Danielle again expresses her loyalty to him as the future king of France. As angry as she is, Danielle is still careful to not allow her fury to leave herself open to a charge of treason. Danielle must have realized that it would have been awkward for King Francis to claim she had committed treason for her remarks regarding her personal relationship with Henry after she had clearly expressed her devotion and loyalty to his position as the Dauphin and future king of France.