Chapter Four

"These are our servants, Your Highness," Marguerite said, as she led the prince and his following of guards through the market place.

"Really? Oh, I'd loved to meet them,"

He was led over to the stall, where two old ladies stood.

"Ladies, you know His Highness," Rodmilla addressed her servants.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," spoke the prince.

Both women fell into a stiff curtsy. Danielle stood from where she was leaning down. She just barely managed to keep a hold of the chicken she had picked up as she came face to face with the prince once again.

"Your Highness, I believe you've already met Danielle," chuckled Rodmilla.

Henry gave a small smirk in Danielle's direction. "Of course, how could I forget?"

He bid good day to each of them and continued through the market place with Marguerite.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

The next day, Danielle was out in fields with Da Vinci's flying invention, which Maurice had found in their tree. She was conversing with Gustave who was painting.

"It's horrible, Gustave. He says that I'm a great source of amusement for the time. Well, what happens when that time ends. Shall he have me killed?"

"Maybe you won't ever stop being a great source of amusement to him. I know you never have to me,"

"Gustave!" She playful hit him on the arm. "But he knows all my greatest crimes,"

"Yes, and soon he might be your brother-in-law,"

"God help us all if Marguerite ever becomes Queen. Though they both seem right for each other,"

"So when they marry, will you go and serve them at the castle,"

"Are you joking? Me, the incompetent servant working in the castle. No, I shall stay at the Manor and try to fix it,"

Gustave looked into the distance and noticed someone coming.

"So if you ever see him again, you would…"

"I have no idea. Our meetings are so unpredictable,"

"Well, guess I'm up for a front row seat in this one, because he's coming this way,"

Henry and his entourage galloped over to them.

"Hello Danielle,"

Danielle bow, as did Gustave.

"Marguerite is not home, Sire, but should be home soon,"

"Actually, I'm here to see you,"

"Me?" she asked in disbelief.

"Yes, I have something to discuss with you. If you would accompany me somewhere,"

"Uh…" Danielle shot a look at Gustave, who just shrugged.

"Of course, Sire,"

"Wonderful,"

Henry helped her up onto his horse.

"Nice painting," He said and started off back the way he came.