Danielle loved caring for Susan and found the girl a delight. Susan loved stories and Danielle had created a story about a princess. Susan loved her story, and every night Danielle added a new element. Robert had finally told her Susan was the youngest daughter of the King. She had been raised in France for her own protection and it was now safe for her to return home. Danielle now understanding why they had four knights assigned for their protection.
"Why has she been living in France?" Danielle asked
"Rosinia for a period time faced instability and the King thought it was best his daughter live in another country. She was only two when she was given to a couple who travelled with her to France. The couple died suddenly, and the King decided Susan needed to come home" Robert explained.
"I think she a sweet child and I happy to see she will be returned to her parents" Danielle spoke. Sharing with Robert she had lost her parents when she was young. Robert commenting his own parents were dead and he had been raised by his Uncle.
"Have you always been a knight?" asked an interested Danielle. She had confessed to herself she found Robert an intriguing man and wanted to please him.
"I always wanted to be one. My Uncle didn't want me to be one, but I was determined. I convinced a knight to train me and eventually the King recognised my skills. I was knighted and sent to war. Danielle felt she there was something more about Robert and further pressed him .
"What is your last name? I only know you as Robert the Knight!" she simply stated
He looked at her and thought for a moment before answering…
"When I tell anyone my last name I am always treated differently. Promise me you will not do the same as I value your friendship" Robert pleaded. He waited until she nodded before continuing.
"My Uncle is the King. My parents died in an attack against the royal family and left me an orphan at the age of five. It was the main reason I wanted to be a knight so I could defend myself and my family. Danielle was taken back by this revelation but understood why he had not spoken about his true status.
"Are you a Prince?" She asked with a frown on her face.
"I am not a Prince and only called Sir Robert… why?" Robert ask and hoped she would forgive him for not telling her about his family. Danielle had paused for a moment to contemplate this revelation. She always thought he was more than a knight but treated everyone equally and with respect.
Danielle explaining what had occurred in France and her brief romance with the Prince. It had been the first time she had shared her experience and wondered why it was Robert she was telling. He grunted and told her the man had been a fool.
"Really?" her cheeks flushed slightly at his tone.
"Yes! The man you will marry you will be the most fortunate in the whole world" Robert spoke and suddenly got up. He excused himself and walked away to check the perimeter of the camp. Alexander seating himself across from Danielle who had frozen from the words spoken by Robert.
"My friend is not very good with his words… Sir Danielle. We have spent many years with only men and can appear to be uncivilised. Robert is a good man and loyal knight" Alexander had watched his friend struggle with his attraction towards the beautiful Danielle. Robert often appearing critical, but he wanted to keep Danielle safe. Danielle thanking Alexander for his insight and went to bed to meditate on Robert.
They had known each other for nearly two months, and she liked his protective nature. Even though he could be rough he had shown his care towards her. Leaving France had helped her gain a better perspective on her life. She had been lonely and longing for freedom from her home life. She saw the Prince as a way to escape but in reality, it was not possible.
'Is Robert the same?' she asked herself but knew in her heart that was not the case. She did find herself being pulled towards him but wanted to get to know the man more. She would guard her own heart as she knew she wouldn't survive another heart break.
While Danielle was contemplating her own heart so was Robert. He had fallen in love with Danielle and didn't know what to do. He knew there was something about her the moment she rode towards them that first morning. He admired her strength and enjoyed sparing with her. He did love teaching her to fight and particularly when he had to touch her. He tried to sleep but ended up getting up early knowing she would be going hunting. Since the boar attack Robert went with her and he didn't want to change their routine.
Danielle approached him and without saying anything they went hunting together. It was a comfortable silence and they moved as one through the forest. They returned with their game and were seated around the fire.
"Danielle… would you ever consider marrying?" Robert deciding to be direct.
"If I find a man who would love me the way I am" Danielle also deciding to speak her mind.
"You are perfect the way you are" Robert for the first time in his life attempted being romantic.
"Sir Robert… are you trying to tell me something" Danielle fishing further
"I think you are the most intriguing, strong and beautiful woman I have ever known" breathed out Robert.
"Strong… I like that… I think you are handsome, strong and would like to further explore the connection we seem to have" dared Danielle and was rewarded with a rare smile from Robert.
They agreed they would spend more time together before proceeding further. Their conversation was interrupted by Susan who wanted another story and her breakfast. Everyone noticed Robert had a huge smile on his face for the rest of the day.