Four months passed since Danielle had fled the Manoir de Barbarac, and Henry, along with Laurent and a team of riders, had set off on their journey to explore the rural areas of France.
Danielle became quite accustomed to the life on the Manoir de Lorraine. She felt as if she belonged to a family again. She had even stopped trying to avoid Albert, much to his relief, and began forming a friendship with him. The two soon became strong confidants and were almost like brother and sister. Marie always looked upon them with the pleasure of a mother finally seeing her two children get along. She also knew that the time for Albert to end his visit, and leave the manor, was coming too soon. Already, he had extended it far beyond his usual stays. Marie was only relieved that Danielle would be there to keep her company. However, despite Danielle's fast adjustment to her new life, there wasn't a day that went by without her thinking of Henry at least once....
Henry, on the other hand, hardly had much time to himself. After each week, he had to pack up from whatever town he had been staying in, and leave for another one. Sometimes his stays were pleasant and he was amazed at how little he really knew about his people. But in others, people were against the monarch and tried to make his stay as miserable as possible. He usually managed to change the minds of those skeptics by showing them that he was willing to work and learn from them, and later keep them always in mind during his reign. Others were not so willing to change. But, there wasn't a day that Henry didn't think of Danielle. He saw her in the face of every villager, and every child. Her voice constantly dwelled in his mind, replaying every word. The first time they had met she had called him arrogant, saying, '"Excuse me, sire, but there is nothing natural about it. A country is defined by its everyday rustics, as you call them, and their position demands respect."' Now he truly understood and appreciated her words. He always imagined her beside him, hoping that she could see the difference he was making in himself, and how he was changing. He liked to believe that she would be proud of him.
Meanwhile, Rodmilla and Marguerite, both of whom were excluded from almost every affair in society, were spiteful. Monsieur le Pieu, aside from having an unaccountable and disgraceful number of concubines, neglected his new wife and step daughter. They both spent their time clinging on to their former lives, still unwilling to give up the ideal of climbing the social ladder and somehow making Marguerite queen. Rodmilla always thought that, as soon as Henry returned from his travels, she would somehow make her way into his good graces again and achieve what she'd always wanted. Especially now that Danielle was out of the way.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ~*~ ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Usually, Albert could tell what Danielle was thinking. It was absolutely amazing how strong their new friendship was. But, over the past few months he realized that there was something that she was keeping back from him. And he knew it had to do with her past. He had already recognized that fact that Julie DeLoin was not her real name. Sometimes, he would call her that and she wouldn't respond. It had been like that the first few weeks. He wanted to help her, and to find out what was weighing on her mind.
One time he met her in the library, reading 'La Comédie Divin,* and sat in a chair next to her.
"You don't mind if I disturb you for a moment, do you?"
Danielle smiled at him and set down her book, "No, not at all. What's on your mind?" Impatiently, she blew away a lock of her brown hair. It was always falling into her face.
"You know I'm leaving at the end of this week to return home, correct?"
Danielle's eyes darkened for a moment and she fidgeted in her chair, "I knew you were going to be leaving soon," she said slowly, "- but I didn't think it would be this soon."
"Well, I've stayed away long enough, and the men looking after my home for me are getting restless."
She nodded and chuckled a little bit, "It's going to be so quiet around here without your incessant mischief."
Albert rolled his eyes. "I'm not the cause of all this chaos. But, I am concerned about leaving you with my mother so long. You might drive her insane."
"Ha!" But leaning back in her chair, she wondered if he was being serious. "You really think so?"
"Don't worry, Julie. I was only teasing. My mother is delighted to have you stay with her, and -" he added, sighing heavily in a mock sorrow, "- quite frankly, I think she's going to be relieved to see me go." Danielle, somewhat pleased, only laughed at him. "No, no. I'm serious! I never had another sibling to contend with for my mother's heart, and I never thought I would have to until now." He gave Danielle a sidelong glance and lifted his eyebrows high in the air. "You know, I think I might have do something utterly fantastic, something that she'll love completely, in order to win her heart back again."
"Oh?" Danielle grinned at him and leaned forward in her chair. "And how will you do that?
Albert smiled back at her and jumped out of his seat, smacking the table with his palm. "I am so happy you asked! You will never guess what I have in mind." This was followed by a long pause, and he looked expectantly at Danielle.
"Oh- sorry," Trying to keep a straight face, she widened her eyes and look upon Albert is mock fascination. "What do you have in mind?"
Albert sat down again and gazed at Danielle, suddenly giddy. "I want you and mamma to go to Paris with me."
"P- Paris?!" Danielle opened her mouth, shocked. She knew he lived in Paris, but the thought of her going back caused her nerves to buzz.
"Yes, Paris! Isn't that wonderful?!" His face fell when he saw that Danielle wasn't as thrilled as he had hoped. "What's the matter?"
Danielle, not really hearing him, only shook her head, muttering to herself. "Paris... Henry! Paris!" She only stopped when Albert laid his hands on her shoulders and made her look at him.
"Julie, why don't you want to go to Paris?"
"I can't!" She cried out suddenly, "Henry is there. I don't want him to see me." But the second she said it, she knew it wasn't true. She did want Henry to see her, and she wanted to see him. Her mind began conflicting with her heart. 'No! Why would you want to go back? He'd only pass by you without a word, just like every other commoner. He would pretend as if you never existed!' screamed rationale. 'But to see Henry again.. Henry. That's all I want. Just to see him. That's all. I need to see him.' countered her lover's heart.
Albert paused a long moment, before saying very quietly, "Who's Henry? Please. Julie, tell me. You've been keeping this inside of you too long. Maybe - Maybe I can help you."
Danielle sighed shakily and began to telling him her story. As she spoke, she became unaware of his presence and only of her moments with Henry. Those few days of so long ago seemed so recent and fresh in her mind. She recounted everything from the moment she had caught him stealing her father's horse to her escape from Leonardo da Vinci in the woods.
Albert listened intently, trying not to show his astonishment. She had been through so much and had come so far. She had fallen in love with a Prince. Even he began to feel the magic and passion that had existed between Henry and Danielle. True love. He had never heard anything like it, and had only read about it in books. The woman sitting across from him was part of a real live fairy tale.
Danielle suddenly gasped out loud as a thought struck her. "When I first met Henry in the woods, I found out that he was engaged to my cousin Marguerite." Her face paled in horror. "They might be married now."
"No, they're not." Albert hurried to assure her. "The day I left for Lounveir, I had heard rumors that he had broken off the engagement with her. And, no wonder." He couldn't help but shake his head in amazement. "I'd even heard about the famous Comtesse Nicole de Lancret. But, I never -," he stopped and glanced at Danielle. "You should go back," he said slowly.
Danielle's eyes opened wide in protest, but before she could say anything, Albert held up his hand. "Not to go see Henry, exactly. But you left people very dear to you in Paris. I know you want to see Gustave, Louise, Paulette, and Maurice again. And you should let them know you're all right."
Albert waited patiently as Danielle considered this. She would love to see her friends again, friends that had stayed so dear to her her entire life. She missed them.
"Yes," she said finally, "I'll go."
Grinning now with more excitement, Albert smiled and clapped his hands together. "Then, it's settled. We leave for Paris in three days."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ~*~ ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Father!" Henry boomed through the halls of the palace, his voice echoing off all of the walls and causing most of the servants to drop whatever they had held in their hands. The sound of dishes crashing to the floor surrounded him.
"What the deuce?!" came King Francis' voice from his room. His face red and eyes wide as he opened the door in astonishment. "Henry! What is the meaning of all this?!"
"Why did you send orders to bring me back so soon?! And trick me into doing so, for that matter.?!" Henry's eyes blazed, and he tried hard to calm himself.
"Not now, Henry!" King Francis countered, waving his hand through the air. "I have business to attend to." The King almost managed to close the door in his son's face, but Henry gripped the edge and held it fast.
"Father," Henry growled, anger flowing through him. "Why did you -," suddenly, Henry's face drained as he remembered his father using the word 'business'. "You're not arranging another marriage, are you?"
Annoyed, Francis only shook his head. "No, no, son. But, what I have to do is very important. I'll explain everything to you later." With that, he shut the door firmly behind him and Henry heard the lock click into place.
~*~
"Signore!" Henry cried with delight. "I am so happy you stayed!" He clasped the man's hand firmly in his own, suddenly feeling at peace. His previous anger at his father seemed to melt away - for the time being at least.
"Where else would I have gone?" Da Vinci asked, smiling warmly at his young friend. "I haven't finished my work here."
"I was so afraid you wouldn't be here," Henry admitted truthfully, " and right now I need to talk more than anything."
Da Vinci gazed thoughtfully into Henry's troubled eyes and nodded. "I'm listening," he said, readjusting the covering for a canvas.
Unsure of how to begin, Henry found himself a small stool in the corner, drew it out and seated himself. "Do you know why my father sent for me so soon?"
Leonardo only shook his head. "The actions of a king are far beyond my understanding," he said with a slight chuckle.
"He tricked me into coming back here. I didn't want to come." Henry murmured finally, snarling as he said the words.
"You had that good a time, eh?" Da Vinci smirked sideways at Henry and picked up a piece of charcoal.
"As a matter of fact, I did." Henry replied.
The artist raised his eyebrows. "You sound surprised."
"It's just that- I know a year ago I would have hated that journey with every fiber of my being. But, I enjoyed getting to know those people..." he trailed off.
Leonardo paused, turned around and began drawing quick, jagged lines on the canvas. Knowing what his next words would mean to him, he said them slowly and gently.
"Danielle would be proud."
Henry only bowed his head.
~*~
Queen Marie decided to speak before her husband had a chance to. She didn't want her son to become upset again.
"Henry!" she cried, stretching out her arms and catching him into warm embrace. "I'm so glad you're back! I've missed you so!"
He returned the hug and, smiling, whispered, "I missed you too."
Francis held out his hand and nodded toward his son. "Henry, it's good to have you home." Henry returned the nod and, his former anger suddenly returning, shook his hand.
"But, why did you send for me?" Henry asked, trying to keep his voice from rising. "I still had many areas left to visit."
Francis rubbed his hands together and eyed his son curiously, "My word, son, how you have changed. When was the last time you shaved?"
Exasperated, Henry threw his hands in the air and turned away from his father. "There is no talking to you, is there? You can never give me a straight answer."
"For God's sake, Henry!" Francis barked, "what was it you wanted to know?!"
"Why did you send for me?" he repeated, staring his father straight in the eyes.
Unflinchingly, Francis replied curtly, "Because I need you."
"For what?!"
A deep frown crossed his father's face and he turned his face away from his son's.
At this, Marie rose from her chair and whispered to her husband to rest. When he had disappeared from the room, Marie linked her arms with her son's and said to him, "Let's take a walk, Henry."
"Mother." Henry uttered, his voice urgent. "What is going on?"
Marie lowered her eyes and sighed. She would have preferred to tell him later, but... "Henry," she spoke softly, and raised her eyes slowly to his, "You must learn to be very patient with your father. He is very ill."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~*~*~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* "The Divine Comedy", by Dante Aligheri
Author's Note: Thank you all for your reviews! But, if you have any constructive criticism, don't hold back! I don't mind hearing it. There is much more to come! I hope you've enjoyed this new chapter! Please r&r. Thank you!
Danielle became quite accustomed to the life on the Manoir de Lorraine. She felt as if she belonged to a family again. She had even stopped trying to avoid Albert, much to his relief, and began forming a friendship with him. The two soon became strong confidants and were almost like brother and sister. Marie always looked upon them with the pleasure of a mother finally seeing her two children get along. She also knew that the time for Albert to end his visit, and leave the manor, was coming too soon. Already, he had extended it far beyond his usual stays. Marie was only relieved that Danielle would be there to keep her company. However, despite Danielle's fast adjustment to her new life, there wasn't a day that went by without her thinking of Henry at least once....
Henry, on the other hand, hardly had much time to himself. After each week, he had to pack up from whatever town he had been staying in, and leave for another one. Sometimes his stays were pleasant and he was amazed at how little he really knew about his people. But in others, people were against the monarch and tried to make his stay as miserable as possible. He usually managed to change the minds of those skeptics by showing them that he was willing to work and learn from them, and later keep them always in mind during his reign. Others were not so willing to change. But, there wasn't a day that Henry didn't think of Danielle. He saw her in the face of every villager, and every child. Her voice constantly dwelled in his mind, replaying every word. The first time they had met she had called him arrogant, saying, '"Excuse me, sire, but there is nothing natural about it. A country is defined by its everyday rustics, as you call them, and their position demands respect."' Now he truly understood and appreciated her words. He always imagined her beside him, hoping that she could see the difference he was making in himself, and how he was changing. He liked to believe that she would be proud of him.
Meanwhile, Rodmilla and Marguerite, both of whom were excluded from almost every affair in society, were spiteful. Monsieur le Pieu, aside from having an unaccountable and disgraceful number of concubines, neglected his new wife and step daughter. They both spent their time clinging on to their former lives, still unwilling to give up the ideal of climbing the social ladder and somehow making Marguerite queen. Rodmilla always thought that, as soon as Henry returned from his travels, she would somehow make her way into his good graces again and achieve what she'd always wanted. Especially now that Danielle was out of the way.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ~*~ ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Usually, Albert could tell what Danielle was thinking. It was absolutely amazing how strong their new friendship was. But, over the past few months he realized that there was something that she was keeping back from him. And he knew it had to do with her past. He had already recognized that fact that Julie DeLoin was not her real name. Sometimes, he would call her that and she wouldn't respond. It had been like that the first few weeks. He wanted to help her, and to find out what was weighing on her mind.
One time he met her in the library, reading 'La Comédie Divin,* and sat in a chair next to her.
"You don't mind if I disturb you for a moment, do you?"
Danielle smiled at him and set down her book, "No, not at all. What's on your mind?" Impatiently, she blew away a lock of her brown hair. It was always falling into her face.
"You know I'm leaving at the end of this week to return home, correct?"
Danielle's eyes darkened for a moment and she fidgeted in her chair, "I knew you were going to be leaving soon," she said slowly, "- but I didn't think it would be this soon."
"Well, I've stayed away long enough, and the men looking after my home for me are getting restless."
She nodded and chuckled a little bit, "It's going to be so quiet around here without your incessant mischief."
Albert rolled his eyes. "I'm not the cause of all this chaos. But, I am concerned about leaving you with my mother so long. You might drive her insane."
"Ha!" But leaning back in her chair, she wondered if he was being serious. "You really think so?"
"Don't worry, Julie. I was only teasing. My mother is delighted to have you stay with her, and -" he added, sighing heavily in a mock sorrow, "- quite frankly, I think she's going to be relieved to see me go." Danielle, somewhat pleased, only laughed at him. "No, no. I'm serious! I never had another sibling to contend with for my mother's heart, and I never thought I would have to until now." He gave Danielle a sidelong glance and lifted his eyebrows high in the air. "You know, I think I might have do something utterly fantastic, something that she'll love completely, in order to win her heart back again."
"Oh?" Danielle grinned at him and leaned forward in her chair. "And how will you do that?
Albert smiled back at her and jumped out of his seat, smacking the table with his palm. "I am so happy you asked! You will never guess what I have in mind." This was followed by a long pause, and he looked expectantly at Danielle.
"Oh- sorry," Trying to keep a straight face, she widened her eyes and look upon Albert is mock fascination. "What do you have in mind?"
Albert sat down again and gazed at Danielle, suddenly giddy. "I want you and mamma to go to Paris with me."
"P- Paris?!" Danielle opened her mouth, shocked. She knew he lived in Paris, but the thought of her going back caused her nerves to buzz.
"Yes, Paris! Isn't that wonderful?!" His face fell when he saw that Danielle wasn't as thrilled as he had hoped. "What's the matter?"
Danielle, not really hearing him, only shook her head, muttering to herself. "Paris... Henry! Paris!" She only stopped when Albert laid his hands on her shoulders and made her look at him.
"Julie, why don't you want to go to Paris?"
"I can't!" She cried out suddenly, "Henry is there. I don't want him to see me." But the second she said it, she knew it wasn't true. She did want Henry to see her, and she wanted to see him. Her mind began conflicting with her heart. 'No! Why would you want to go back? He'd only pass by you without a word, just like every other commoner. He would pretend as if you never existed!' screamed rationale. 'But to see Henry again.. Henry. That's all I want. Just to see him. That's all. I need to see him.' countered her lover's heart.
Albert paused a long moment, before saying very quietly, "Who's Henry? Please. Julie, tell me. You've been keeping this inside of you too long. Maybe - Maybe I can help you."
Danielle sighed shakily and began to telling him her story. As she spoke, she became unaware of his presence and only of her moments with Henry. Those few days of so long ago seemed so recent and fresh in her mind. She recounted everything from the moment she had caught him stealing her father's horse to her escape from Leonardo da Vinci in the woods.
Albert listened intently, trying not to show his astonishment. She had been through so much and had come so far. She had fallen in love with a Prince. Even he began to feel the magic and passion that had existed between Henry and Danielle. True love. He had never heard anything like it, and had only read about it in books. The woman sitting across from him was part of a real live fairy tale.
Danielle suddenly gasped out loud as a thought struck her. "When I first met Henry in the woods, I found out that he was engaged to my cousin Marguerite." Her face paled in horror. "They might be married now."
"No, they're not." Albert hurried to assure her. "The day I left for Lounveir, I had heard rumors that he had broken off the engagement with her. And, no wonder." He couldn't help but shake his head in amazement. "I'd even heard about the famous Comtesse Nicole de Lancret. But, I never -," he stopped and glanced at Danielle. "You should go back," he said slowly.
Danielle's eyes opened wide in protest, but before she could say anything, Albert held up his hand. "Not to go see Henry, exactly. But you left people very dear to you in Paris. I know you want to see Gustave, Louise, Paulette, and Maurice again. And you should let them know you're all right."
Albert waited patiently as Danielle considered this. She would love to see her friends again, friends that had stayed so dear to her her entire life. She missed them.
"Yes," she said finally, "I'll go."
Grinning now with more excitement, Albert smiled and clapped his hands together. "Then, it's settled. We leave for Paris in three days."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ~*~ ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Father!" Henry boomed through the halls of the palace, his voice echoing off all of the walls and causing most of the servants to drop whatever they had held in their hands. The sound of dishes crashing to the floor surrounded him.
"What the deuce?!" came King Francis' voice from his room. His face red and eyes wide as he opened the door in astonishment. "Henry! What is the meaning of all this?!"
"Why did you send orders to bring me back so soon?! And trick me into doing so, for that matter.?!" Henry's eyes blazed, and he tried hard to calm himself.
"Not now, Henry!" King Francis countered, waving his hand through the air. "I have business to attend to." The King almost managed to close the door in his son's face, but Henry gripped the edge and held it fast.
"Father," Henry growled, anger flowing through him. "Why did you -," suddenly, Henry's face drained as he remembered his father using the word 'business'. "You're not arranging another marriage, are you?"
Annoyed, Francis only shook his head. "No, no, son. But, what I have to do is very important. I'll explain everything to you later." With that, he shut the door firmly behind him and Henry heard the lock click into place.
~*~
"Signore!" Henry cried with delight. "I am so happy you stayed!" He clasped the man's hand firmly in his own, suddenly feeling at peace. His previous anger at his father seemed to melt away - for the time being at least.
"Where else would I have gone?" Da Vinci asked, smiling warmly at his young friend. "I haven't finished my work here."
"I was so afraid you wouldn't be here," Henry admitted truthfully, " and right now I need to talk more than anything."
Da Vinci gazed thoughtfully into Henry's troubled eyes and nodded. "I'm listening," he said, readjusting the covering for a canvas.
Unsure of how to begin, Henry found himself a small stool in the corner, drew it out and seated himself. "Do you know why my father sent for me so soon?"
Leonardo only shook his head. "The actions of a king are far beyond my understanding," he said with a slight chuckle.
"He tricked me into coming back here. I didn't want to come." Henry murmured finally, snarling as he said the words.
"You had that good a time, eh?" Da Vinci smirked sideways at Henry and picked up a piece of charcoal.
"As a matter of fact, I did." Henry replied.
The artist raised his eyebrows. "You sound surprised."
"It's just that- I know a year ago I would have hated that journey with every fiber of my being. But, I enjoyed getting to know those people..." he trailed off.
Leonardo paused, turned around and began drawing quick, jagged lines on the canvas. Knowing what his next words would mean to him, he said them slowly and gently.
"Danielle would be proud."
Henry only bowed his head.
~*~
Queen Marie decided to speak before her husband had a chance to. She didn't want her son to become upset again.
"Henry!" she cried, stretching out her arms and catching him into warm embrace. "I'm so glad you're back! I've missed you so!"
He returned the hug and, smiling, whispered, "I missed you too."
Francis held out his hand and nodded toward his son. "Henry, it's good to have you home." Henry returned the nod and, his former anger suddenly returning, shook his hand.
"But, why did you send for me?" Henry asked, trying to keep his voice from rising. "I still had many areas left to visit."
Francis rubbed his hands together and eyed his son curiously, "My word, son, how you have changed. When was the last time you shaved?"
Exasperated, Henry threw his hands in the air and turned away from his father. "There is no talking to you, is there? You can never give me a straight answer."
"For God's sake, Henry!" Francis barked, "what was it you wanted to know?!"
"Why did you send for me?" he repeated, staring his father straight in the eyes.
Unflinchingly, Francis replied curtly, "Because I need you."
"For what?!"
A deep frown crossed his father's face and he turned his face away from his son's.
At this, Marie rose from her chair and whispered to her husband to rest. When he had disappeared from the room, Marie linked her arms with her son's and said to him, "Let's take a walk, Henry."
"Mother." Henry uttered, his voice urgent. "What is going on?"
Marie lowered her eyes and sighed. She would have preferred to tell him later, but... "Henry," she spoke softly, and raised her eyes slowly to his, "You must learn to be very patient with your father. He is very ill."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~*~*~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* "The Divine Comedy", by Dante Aligheri
Author's Note: Thank you all for your reviews! But, if you have any constructive criticism, don't hold back! I don't mind hearing it. There is much more to come! I hope you've enjoyed this new chapter! Please r&r. Thank you!