Traitor's Vengeance - Part Three
Nearly every courtier and noble in the province had turned up to court. There were no prizes for guessing why. The prospect of having a whole day to gawk at the servant who had captured a princes heart was too delicious to miss.
"Are there always this many here?" Danielle asked Henry as they spied on all of the anxious looking nobles.
"No. It's very rare to get this many people here."
"Then why today?"
"News travels fast among the courtiers. I doubt there's a soul in the land who doesn't know of our marriage."
"Really, not a soul. Do you think that they will all be here to see me?" She was trying to sound confidant, but Henry could tell that she was terrified. He pulled her close to him and began to stroke her hair, breathing in it's soft scent. Her neck smelt of the remnants of last night's perfume.
He stopped thinking about what was facing them in that room and began to think about last night. A night that he would never forget. What he wouldn't give to be able to take her up in his arms and carry her back to their bedchamber.
The trumpets sounded and the King and Queen made their entrance into court. Danielle pulled away from Henry and wiped away a tear from her eye. "I can't put it off any longer. It's time for me to do my royal duty." She linked arms with her husband and allowed him to lead her through the door.
As they floated down the centre of the room, Henry took hold of her hand. He could feel how tense she was. "Don't worry," he whispered. "Just breath." Danielle smiled at hearing this advice that she had given to herself on countless occasions over the past thirteen days.
Henry was astounded at the show she put on for the crowds. She was the very essence of sophistication and gracefulness. It took most courtiers many years to master the elegance of movement that came naturally to Danielle.
They showed their respect to the King and Queen of Spain and to Henry's parents before making their way up to their positions one step behind Francis and Marie. Henry softly kissed Danielle before finally standing behind his father. He never let go of her hand though. This was a sign of defiance to all of those who insisted he marry where he did not love.
There were many looks of disapproval around the room at this open show of affection. Henry did not notice though. Danielle was the only thing in his field of vision.
Danielle however saw every scowl, heard every snide remark and could feel the chill atmosphere that had descended on the room as soon as she entered. She was terrified that she would do something wrong, but she did not show it. She had nothing to prove to these people. She was a princess. All but the royalty were her inferiors.
As the King went about his business Danielle was simply required to stand there and observe. She noticed that every time Henry looked at her or squeezed her hand the Queen of Spain got a disdainful look on her face. She was obviously less than pleased at her daughter running from the altar but what had she against Henry marrying?
After what seemed like an age the court business was concluded. Danielle wanted to run from the room, away from the prying eyes, but she knew she couldn't. Besides what would she do? Henry had to go and meet with the Spanish envoy, so she would be alone.
"Danielle my dear why don't you come and walk with me?" the Queen cheerfully said. "There is a wonderful place in the garden I wish you to see." Danielle could see that she was trying to be gentle in introducing her into royal society and she was immensely grateful for it.
"As you wish Your Majesty," she replied with a slight curtsey. The two of them set off on their walk with at least fifteen courtiers following. They all wanted to hear what Danielle had to say, and to see how she would acquit herself. Many hoped to see her make a fool of herself. Many were disappointed.
"Francis and Henry are going to be quite some time with the Spanish envoy, I believe," the Queen said, in a tone that very much suggested she was used to such interruptions in her day. "We shall have time to have a chat over tea."
"I shall enjoy that very much Your Majesty," Danielle replied. The Queen looked uncomfortable when Danielle addressed her so formally. She leaned over and whispered so the courtiers could not hear her. She was used to having these women around her but she did not like talking of family matters in front of them.
"Please dear, call me Mother, I shall feel so much more comfortable if you were to treat me as my own daughters do." Danielle smiled. She had dreamed for so long for a mother who would treat her as she treat her own children. She had never dreamt however that the woman in question would be the Queen of France.
Danielle noticed a small group of ladies watching her intently, nervously. It was obvious that they wanted to introduce themselves to her, but they looked to scared. Or at least all but one did. the other stood tall and looked her straight in the eye. She had a noble, but arrogant stance that reminded Danielle so much of Marguerite and Rodmilla.
"Excuse me mother," Danielle said politely." But could you please introduce me to those ladies there." She made a motion towards them, being careful not to point. "They look to be my age, and I would so like to become acquainted with more people at court if I am to attend."
The Queen looked at her rather embarrassed. "I am afraid my dear that I am not personally acquainted with these particular ladies. Indeed I need introducing to them myself."
At this point one of the pursuing courtiers stepped forward and spoke. "It would be my great honour, Your Royal Highness, if you would allow me to make the introductions as these are ladies I am familiar with."
"By all means, please do. If you would excuse me mother, I shall find you later." The Queen gave an approving nod. She was obviously pleased to see Danielle doing her best to settle in at court.
As Danielle approached the small group of girls, she suddenly began to feel very regal. She truly felt for the first time like a princess.
When the group realised that it was they she wished to address they nervously curtseyed to her. All hopelessly unsynchronised. She had seen Marguerite and Jacqueline like this many a time.
"Ladies may I present Her Royal Highness the Princess Danielle," her guide said. The girls again curtseyed, with little more success than the first time. Danielle acknowledged them with a slight nod of the head and signalled to her escort that she should continue. "Your Highness, May I present Comtesse Eloise de Lanscon, Comtesse Yvette Martingac, Comtesse Adèle la Martine," then she paused before introducing the last girl. The one she had noticed as rather haughty earlier. "And finally may I present my daughter, Comtesse Sabine Madeleine Desirée of the House of Bruge." This final girl curtseyed with grace that was lacking the others, but Danielle could tell that she would need to be won over.
"It is a pleasure to meet you ladies," Danielle said. She had picked up some tips on speaking regally from Henry and up to now she was doing quite well. The name de Bruge rang a bell with Danielle. It was as if she and Sabine had met somewhere before. "Sabine, am I right in thinking that de Bruge is a Belgian name?"
"Yes, Your Highness that is correct."
"Then you may have been acquainted with my step mother the Baroness Rodmilla de Ghent." She shuffled uncomfortably. This answered Danielle's question. She must know of Rodmilla and Marguerite's fate or why would she act so?
Danielle was about to excuse herself from the party when she saw Henry walking towards her. A broad grin broke out on her face. She had to use every ounce of restraint she had to stop herself flinging her arms around him. Then she noticed the stern look on his face. "Henry my love, what is the matter?"
"We must talk immediately. There have been some developments with Spain." With that Danielle made her excuses to leave. Eloise, Yvette and Adèle looked worried, but Sabine just gave a little smile. An expression that would haunt Danielle for some time.