Danielle woke to the sound of knocking on her door. It was one of Leonardo's servants who informed her they would begin their journey in one hour's time. She opened the door slightly and the servant gave her a number of new garments. They had been a gift from Leonardo who had been to the markets to find her some new clothes. She thanked the boy and laid the clothes on the bed spending time touching the material. They were not overly fancy, but they still marked her as a lady and not a servant. She looked at her bag of silver and decided she would give him some money… she was not going to be a burden to this great man.

She packed her clothing and was greeted by Leonardo in the dining room.

"Come child… we need to eat so we have enough energy for our journey" he spoke with a sparkle in his eye. He had always found this girl interesting, and he was pleased he would be able to help her. He was shocked to hear she had been sold by her stepmother and also disappointed in Prince Henry. He had spoken to the Prince but clearly, he had not the strength to go against his father.

'It is his loss… this girl has fire and will success where she will go' he thought

"Where are we going?" asked Danielle without any fear.

"I have been invited to a Kingdom called 'Rosnina' and it will take us a number of months to travel. Are you prepared? You may never see your home country again?" spoke Leonardo but was not surprised when she agreed to travel. He refused the silver she offered for her clothes and laughed when she tried to argue with him.

"Child… you will be under my protection and it was my pleasure to give these clothes to you. You will need your money later and it didn't cost me much." He told her firmly.

Danielle thanked him but was not going to accept charity but be a help to their group. She was introduced to the others and found he had collected many people in his journeys. There was a young girl called Sarah and Leonardo asked Danielle to look after the child during their journey. A horse was purchased for Danielle and she named her mare ' Charlotte'. She now was wearing her new clothes and felt confident. Their party was about to leave the village when they were stopped by riders from the palace. Prince Henry had been upset when he had discovered the great man 'Leonardo' had left and he had not wished him well in his travels. The Prince also suspecting the man was upset with his actions and cowardliness when it came to the servant girl 'Danielle'.

'Sir, I was shocked to hear you left without saying goodbye" Prince Henry spoke

"Your royal highness! I am embarking on another journey. I must congratulate you on your marriage but surprised that you are not with your wife?"

"Ahh Yes… my wife is overtired from the wedding and understands I needed to see you for the last time. I hope that you will visit us once again" he asked hopefully. His attention taken by a woman approaching the group and he gasped as he instantly recognised 'Danielle'.

"Duchess!" he spoke out of habit

"Your royal highness! I am Danielle de Barbarce" She lowered her head before walking her horse to the other men in the group. Prince Henry looking at Leonardo with a confused look. He demanded what had occurred and his heartbeat increased as he watched the beautiful Danielle speak with the other men.

"Ahh… you see Danielle is in fact a daughter of a noble but due to her family circumstances was sold as a slave. She was able to free herself and I had the fortune to offer her a place in my group. We are off to distant lands and new adventures" smiled the old man but didn't miss the paled look of the Prince. Prince Henry now seeing he had made an error and was married to someone else.

Leonardo placing a hand on the Prince's shoulder and reminded him he had made his choice. He servant passing him a scroll and he gave it to the Prince.

"This is a reminder to never make rash decisions and rule with a wise heart" Leonardo spoke quietly to the Prince. Prince Henry watching the group as they moved away.

The Prince finally opening up the scroll and froze… it was a portrait of Danielle…