After half an hour of remaining there Danielle went to Gustave's home to
change and then proceeded into the direction of the manor. When she got
there Rodmilla, her step-mother, approached her about her mothers dress and
then locked her inside a small chamber where groceries were kept. As Henry
got back to the castle his mother started to talk to him "Engaged?" Henry
and his mother discussed information which she found out from Rodmilla de
Ghent. "Mother, she is not engaged". "How do you know dear?" "Because.."
Henry gave a sigh and lowered his head "..She a peasant". The queen looked
both puzzled and shocked. "Mother, she, she lied to me. She pretended to be
a courtier, and I like a fool believed her" replied Henry to his mother's
silent question.
Since a child Danielle wanted the Cinderella story to happen to her after
she read her father's books. She once again began to cry in the dark, cold
chamber realising how much she had hurt the one she truly loved. She was
alone but heard the voices of her step-mother and sisters as they left for
the masque, which Henry was supposed to say who he would like as his wife.
"Henry, I heard you wanted to speak with me", "Yes father, I do." Henry did
not greet his father but instead stared into the distance out of a near-by
window. "I know who I wish to marry".
The trumpets roared with sound as the royal musicians played to begin the
king's speech at the masque.
"Welcome friends, honoured guests on this joyous occasion. Not only to
honour senior De Vinci but also tell you of a long awaited decision." As
his fathers speech continued Henry became more and more convinced he did
not want to marry the sister of his love. He wanted to save Danielle from
her life of slavery and make her a queen when the time came. ".so without
greater ado it is my greatest honour to announce the engagement to our son,
Prince Henry to." The king was stopped short as he felt his sons hand on
his shoulder. As he turned around he saw Henry shaking his head. Henry knew
he loved Danielle, she taught him so much and she loved him to for being
him and not for the crown, which so many people were after. He ran down the
red walkway and out onto a horse as he set off for the de Ghent manor.
