It was late the next morning before Danielle found the energy to drag herself up out of bed. A smile spread over her as she realized she had no chores, no responsibilities, no nothing. Thought, when she mention this to Paulette, the elder quickly corrected her.

"Child, have you already forgotten that you promised Henry you'd have supper at the palace tonight, with his parents? I'm sure you'll want to get cleaned up, to make a good impression. They certainly won't ordain you into their family with your hair looking like the birds got at it."

Danielle simply laughs. "Say what you will about my hair, Paulette, or my clothes, or anything, because nothing, absolutely nothing can make me upset today. Henry loves me, and that is all that matters. And you will have the manor. It's yours. Do what you wish. You love this place nearly so much as I do!" And leaving the bewildered servant at that, Danielle strolled out into the gardens, her hands working to pull through her hair.

"Danielle!" A familar voice floated across the yard.

"Henry? What are you doing here? I thought I was going to meet you at the palace later!"

The prince simply smirked, throwing his arms around her, kissing her lips before another word passed. He had to laugh as Danielle's attempts to straighten out her hair became more frantic.

"You're as beautiful as I remember you... more so. God above knows I've missed you..." Henry breathed against her lips.

Danielle pulled back, a smug smile upon her lips. "Missed me? Why you only left half a day ago, Henry."

"And every hour, every minute, every second feels like years... Danielle, I must say, you have to be some sort of enchantress, because I have trouble breathing without you."

She poked his ribs, making him jump a little. "Now you're just trying to get me to kiss you again." She teased.

Henry shook his head. "Not at all. I want you to dress, in any gown, I do not care... well, I really liked that red one you were wearing..." He smiles, kissing her neck now. "And come with me, to decide exactly where we are going to go to get away from all this. As soon as we are married, I want to take you away. To England, Spain, wherever you want, darling. My parents want to have tea with you before supper as well. Mother's idea, of course. Say you'll come... now?"

Danielle is forced to laugh at this. "Of course, Henry. Why wouldn't I come?" He grinned at her. "Then go get ready. I'll be waiting out front for you." He gave her a push towards the manor once again, smacking her bottom before she was out of reach, causing her to jump and look at him.

"You had better watch your hands, Milord. I am not yours to fondle yet..." She points out with a smile.

"Which makes it all the more tempting Milady, and I can assure you, we'll waste no time once you are mine."

Danielle rolls her eyes. "You certainly are a typical male, Henry."

"Ah, yes, but I must have done something right to win your heart."

With that, Danielle moved back inside, explaining to Louise why she had to get dressed and go immediately. It took the servant little time to prepare the girl, her hair being dealt with, and a scarlet dress being fitted to her.

When Danielle walked outside, looking around for Henry. "I thought..." She began, but was quickly cut off as he galloped up to her, his horse snorting as it was commanded to stop. "Come, Danielle..." Henry's hand was put down for her to grasp, and he made quick work of pulling her up onto the horse.

"I've been thinking about the wedding, Henry..." Danielle began, leaning her back slowly against his chest, testing the wounds to find they tingled, but did not ache at the contact.

"And..." He prodded.

"I do not want a fancy ceremony. Can we not have it soon?"

"How soon?"

"Tomorrow?"

Henry smiled, leaning down to kiss her neck. "I thought I'd have to suggest that to you. Of course we can. I do not care if mother or father want to plan this big elaborate celebration. They can have their party, and I'll take you away, where we can be alone..." His fingers traveled up Danielle's sides, forcing her to shiver.

"Henry, Henry stop that..." She laughed, her hands closing over his. "That tickles, Henry!"

He laughed softly with her, pulling her closer to him. "I can not wait until I can call you my wife. Then, I will truly be everything I've every wanted to be."

"Oh, and what have you always wanted to be? Married to a woman who can compete with you on many different levels of life? Such as passion, forthrightness, and not to mention, I doubt you could beat me at garden games."

Henry rolls his eyes. "Well, we'll just have to see about that, now won't we?"

Danielle nods. "In due time, my love, you will come to see what you have really gotten yourself into..."

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Next chapter will start with the wedding, sorry this takes so long, I haven't been able to use the computer where I saved it... well, hope this was at least.. Cute to tide you over till something really happens again!