Ever After: Remix Story
Chapter Four: Gustav
Gustav was starting a new painting when there was a knock on the door. It was Prince Henry.
"Henry, it's good to see you" Gustav said. "Won't you come in" Henry stepped inside the house.
"Guess who I just ran into" He said. Gustav set the paints down and turned to face him. He was sure he knew who the prince had run into today.
"Who?" He asked, pretending to be interested in his painting.
"Danielle De Barbarac" Henry said. "Is she here?"
"Why would she be here?" Gustav asked. Henry looked confused.
"She said she was visiting you" He said. Gustav sighed. He knew that it was up to Danielle to tell Henry the truth.
"She visits me from time to time, but I don't know where she is staying. She doesn't want anyone to know" Gustav told him. "She like to go out into the wilderness and swim" He hoped he hadn't blown her cover. Henry looked at him suspiciously.
"I get the feeling that you and Danielle are keeping something from me" He said softly. Gustav sighed. He didn't want Henry to be hurt.
"Look, it is better coming from Danielle. She's embarassed about it and She skin me alive if I told you. When I see her, I can try to get her to tell you. I promise you, she will tell you eventually. She's been hurt and she can't stand anymore pain" Gustav warned his friend. Henry nodded.
"I understand" He said. "I hope she tells me, but I won't push her" He smiled suddenly.
"Well, I'd better be going. I promised Signor Da Vinci that I would meet him by the lake. He has an invention to show me"Henry said. "Nice painting" He left quickly, waving goodbye and got on his horse.
Rodmilla De Ghent was lounging when there was a knock on the door. It was her spy.
"What news of the engagement?" She asked
"Cancelled." He replied. He held up an invitation to a Masked ball which would be held in five days. "Rumour has it he must find himself a bride before that very night."
Rodmilla smirked coyly.
"Well, that doesn't give us very much time." She opened her coin purse and dropped several coins into his hand. "I shall need to know who the competition is, every move he makes, his agenda, and any other titbits you might pick up." He smiled and leaned close.
"He's playing tennis with the Marquis de Limoges tomorrow at noon." the spy whispered. Rodmilla smiled as well and went back inside. Rodmilla quickly got Marguerite and told her of the invitation and cancellation. Jacquelin, Marguerite and Rodmilla spent hours searching for something that Marguerite could wear.
" What's wrong with this one?" Rodmilla asked holding up a dress.
"It's blue" Marguerite complained.
"Henry loves blue" Rodmilla said. Marguerite frowned.
"Than fifty other girls will be wearing the same color" She complained.
"Very good Marguerite" Rodmilla said. "Perhaps if I knew what you were looking for!"
"Something fit for a Queen" Marguerite screeched. Rodmilla thought for a moment.
"I know just the thing" She said. "But we must speak of this to no-one."
"oh I do love a good intrigue" Marguerite said as the two girls followed thier mother. She led them to Danielle's old room and opened a beautiful chest. inside the chest was a silk gown of white and silver. There was also a pair of beautiful glass slippers.
"Oh, perfect!" Marguerite exclaimed, holding up the dress.
"Oh, look at these shoes." Jacquelin said picking them up. "Where did you get these?"
"They're Danielle's dowry, for her wedding." Rodmilla replied. Marguerite laughed.
"Cinderella? Married? To who, the chimney sweep?" She asked. Jacquelin frowned.
"If that dress is hers, perhaps she'll want to wear it to the ball." She suggested. Rodmilla turned to her sharply and Marguerite nearly fell over.
"Since when does a royal function include commoners?" Marguerite asked. Jacquelin had had enough.
"She's not a commoner" Jacquelin spat. "She's a courtier, just like us"
"Not anymore" Rodmilla said sharply. "And you would do well to bite your tounge"
"I won't" Jacquelin said. "Danielle is a part of this family and..." Just then Danielle walked into the room.
"What's going on?" She asked.
"We were airing out your dress... for the masque." Rodmilla said quickly. Danielle was surprised. They had never been kind to her before.
"You wish me to go to a masque?" She asked, still stunned. Rodmilla nodded.
"Of course. After all you are our family" She said sweetly. Jacquelin stared at her mother and sister in disgust and stormed out of the room.
"What's the matter with her?" Danielle asked.
"She doesn't want you to go" Marguerite said softly. Danielle stared at Marguerite for a moment before exiting the room. Something about all this didn't add up. Jacquelin had always been nice to her. She sighed and went out to continue her chores.