Disclaimer: See Chap 1

Disclaimer: See Chap 1

Chapter 4: All Work, No Play

Danielle's life became very busy over the next week. Being the Maid of Honor in Jacqueline's wedding gave her specific obligations. Also she was personally training Utopia and also helping out at the manor. Henry too was busy. He was working with the guard getting them ready for the period of time without Captain Laurent. He also was working with his father and Leonardo in preparing the University. With all of these new projects, it was rare the royal couple spent time together. Henry was beginning to miss his wife terribly and vice versa. So with just 2 days to go before the wedding, Henry hatched a plan to get her away and spend some time together. All the plans were in place except one…Danielle.

Danielle had finished working with Jacqueline and the Queen on wedding plans. The wedding was ready to go without a hitch. She was on her way to the manor to work with Utopia. She was very excited as today she would try and ride him for the first time. If all went well today, he would then be transferred to the royal stables. He had calmed tremendously since Danielle started working with him, though he only allowed woman to groom him. So Danielle hired a personal groom herself for Utopia. Her name was Bethany and Utopia adored her too.

When she arrived at the manor she headed right to the barn and went to Utopia's stall.

"Good Afternoon Beth. How was your day? I trust you and Utopia had a good day."

"Good Afternoon, Your Highness. My day has been splendid. I think Utopia is as excited as you are."

"Please call me Danielle. You remember what I told you about formalities outside of Hautefort. Now lets get this beautiful boy ready for his ride. I will be right back."

Beth nodded and went to grab Utopia's saddle and bridle. Danielle headed into the manor to pick up a basket and her book. She was looking forward to spending time alone at the ruins. When she returned to the barn, Utopia was saddled and ready to go.

"Do you need help mounting? He is a rather tall animal."

"No thanks. I can handle it myself." Danielle grabbed the reins and mounted. Utopia shifted from foot to foot and nodded his head but steadied after a few soothing words from Danielle. She slowly walked him in circles and he responded with only the slightest touch. Happy with all she accomplished she bid farewell to Beth and took off at a lope toward the ruins.

What Danielle didn't know was that she was being watched. Hiding in the bushes was none other than Marc Laurent. Seeing Danielle and Utopia heading off, He took off using the shortcut Henry had shown him to the ruins. He arrived and saw Henry they're awaiting his return.

"Well? Has she left yet? Is her plans still to come here?"

"Yes. She left a few minutes ago. She said to her groom that she was off to the ruins but was going to stop by the river first. I feel she will be here shortly." Laurent could see the relieved look on Henrys face. "Oh, by the way, she looked magnificent on that horse of hers. If you are done with me I must be off to see my fiancé. Something about a wedding in two days or something like that."

Henry nodded his head and he left. He was imagining his beautiful wife atop the large black horse. He was lost in his own thoughts when he heard a horse nicker and Danielle's soothing voice. His plan was about to take place. He ran for the shadows and watched her approach. Laurent was right. She was magnificent. She was wearing riding gear but still looked as lovely as she did on there wedding day. He couldn't take his eyes off her. He also saw the look of surprise and wonder on her face as she dismounted and inspected the large spread of food before her. She nearly screamed when Henry came from behind her and wrapped his arms around her and kissed her neck.

"Good day, my love. I hope all is going well for you." He bent down and kissed her neck again.

Danielle turned and looked into his stormy gray eyes. "Henry, whatever are you doing here? I thought you were going to oversee plans for the university today."

He planted a long passionate kiss on her lips. "I am The Crowned Prince of France. I can take the day off whenever I please." He was using his royal tone that was normally saved for when he was in court.

Danielle giggled. "I guess that means Father gave you the day off. How considerate."

Henry smiled at her sheepishly. "Yeah, your right. Said something about an heir and better spend more time with the wife." He had a devilish grin on his face.

"Oh, milord. You are just too much. Now I am famished. Let me tie up Utopia and lets have some lunch."

While Danielle was tending to Utopia, Henry poured some wine and lit the candles. Danielle joined him and they discussed what they had been doing the past week. Henry asked how the wedding was going and how Utopia was coming along. She answered that the wedding was ready and Utopia was perfect. He had been trained previously he just needed a loving hand and good treatment. They also discussed the University and the upcoming honeymoon. After lunch was through, they went to a private corner and read Plato together. Soon it was growing late and both knew it would be time to return soon. Before they returned to the manor though, Danielle wanted to stop by the river. Henry was only to kind to oblige.

When they arrived at the river, Henry had found that Danielle too was full of surprises. She had been planning to come to the river to read after visiting the ruins and had set up a blanket under a clearing. She was glad to have found that spot as she had left it and she led Henry to it. She put her arms around him and kissed him passionately. He was only too happy to respond. He picked her up and carried her the rest of the way, still kissing each other. He then laid her down and began to slowly undress her.

"Milady, we should be getting back to the manor." He said with a twinkle in his eyes.

"Yes milord but I am the Crowned Princess of France and can have whatever I want when I want. Right now my dear husband, I want you. Now make love to me."

Henry was only too happy to oblige. They made love as the sunset and the sky became filled with a blanket of stars. Only when the crickets were chirping and the moon had already risen did the two pack the belongings and ride back to the manor hand in hand.

Stay tuned for Chapter 5: Baroness Jacqueline