Traitor's Vengeance - Part Two
"Where are they?" King Francis ranted, as he stormed about the dining room. "I gave Henry explicit instructions to be here with Danielle, for breakfast."
"But they are only a little late Milord. I am sure they will not be too long."
"I do not care, they should be here now. How can I trust them to be King and Queen when they cannot even turn up to breakfast on time. I tell you what Marie, living forever looks like a very attractive prospect right now, if this is anything to go by."
"Oh calm down Francis. Now when they arrive, you must not be angry. Goodness knows what Danielle will think. I am convinced that she is quite terrified of you, and you ranting will do nothing to help matters".
Francis looked a little hurt. "Terrified of me. Why for heavens sake? I'm not an ogre."
"You must remember milord, that she has been princess for but a day. She knows nothing of Royal life and of your undoubted affection for your family. The only King she knows is the one who convict criminals and sells servants at court."
Francis could now tell that his wife was beginning to get a little cross with him. He sighed and sat down. He realised that of course Marie was right, she always was when it came to matters of emotions. He had never told her this but he was immensely lucky to have her for his Queen.
"They are awfully late though," Marie said, now getting a little irritated herself. As she rarely spoke in public nobody realised that her fuse was only a little longer than that of her husband's. Her sons lateness and lack of manners, vexed her greatly. Fortunately Francis always dealt with him.
"Perhaps we ought to send a page to check that they are all right. Maybe Henry has run away again and they have climbed out of the window." Francis said, controlling his anger better now.
"I think, milord, that being newlyweds, running AWAY from their chamber is the last thing that they will be doing." Francis blushed. He was unaccustomed to his wife speaking so bluntly about such matters. "I do not think that a page interrupting them would be a good idea."
Then the doors of the room opened and the arrival of the Prince and Princess was announced. The King and Queen stood up to greet their son and new daughter in law. Francis opened his mouth to say something to them, but Marie shot him a venomous look which made him keep quiet.
"Good morning Your Majesties," Danielle said while curtseying almost to the ground. Her movements were as graceful and her actions as confident as any courtier. If she did not already know, the Queen would never dream that only one day ago she was a servant.
Much to their surprise, Henry graciously bowed as his wife curtseyed and respectfully addressed his parents as 'Your Majesties'. The Queen was much taken aback by this uncharacteristic courtesy from her son. The King was so shocked, he had to sit down.
Henry escorted his new wife to her seat at the table. He pulled the seat out for her and gently kissed her forehead as she sat down. He then sat down beside her, even though a place had been set for him on the other side of the table. He called a footman over.
"From now on I want a place set out for me beside the Princess," he said. Danielle noted that yet again his voice had changed from the soft tones that whispered love poems to her, to the commanding regal voice, expected of a prince of France.
Francis shot a disapproving look at Henry, but he was too distracted with gazing at Danielle to notice.
Henry held Danielle's hand all the way through breakfast, which was awkward, but he managed it. It was as if suddenly he had conviction in everything he did that made him persevere with his actions. This was a quality that Francis feared he would never discover. He had no doubt that his son would be a great King, but there were things in his character missing. He now seemed to have found them.
"I trust the pair of you will join us at court today," the King said in an attempt to gain his son's attention. Danielle looked up, a startled expression on her face. She had not expected to be introduced into Royal circles so early.
Henry felt her hand tense up in his. He knew exactly why. She shows no fear in front of anybody, but the prospect of facing a room full of courtiers, most of whom were like Marguerite, obviously terrified her. "Actually father, we shan't be appearing at court for a few weeks," Henry said. Danielle relaxed a little.
"What do you mean? Of course you will, it's your royal duty to be there." Francis was ready to explode if he didn't get the answer he desired.
"We are to visit Aunt Margaret." The King looked puzzled at the mention of his sister, the Queen of Navarre. "I was to go alone, but obviously now Danielle will accompany me."
"I dispatched riders to Navarre last night," the King said. "Your visit has been postponed for three months. I shall expect the two of you at court this afternoon and that is my final word on the subject."