No more till i get at least a minimum of reviews :( cya x

Part 2

First Impressions

Looking at her, his expression one of utter disbelief, yet hinting at amusement he asked her again.

"I do not believe so your highness." She replied this time around.

Turning away from him once again Danielle continued to make her way towards the bridge.

"I could've sworn I knew every courtier in the providence." He said more to himself than her, as he followed her.

"Who said I was a courtier, Your Highness?" She said looking back at him quickly.

He laughed loudly at her, believing her to be making a joke. "Are you coy on purpose or do you honestly refuse to tell me who you are?"

"No and yes." She muttered still walking.

Shaking his head, he jogged slightly to catch up with her. "Well, then, pray tell me your cousin's name so that I might call upon her to learn who you are. For anyone who can quote Thomas More is well worth the effort."

"The prince has read 'Utopia'?" She asked, in awe of him.

"I find it sentimental and dull. I confess the plight of the everyday

rustics bores me." He told her, his hands waving to punctuate his comment.

"I gather you do not converse with many peasants." All awe lost from her voice at his slanting of her favorite book.

"Certainly not, no, naturally." Slightly put out that she would even consider it.

"Excuse me sire, but there is nothing natural about it." She glared at him, head held high as she voiced her opinion. "A country's character is defined by it's, 'everyday rustics' as you call them. They are the legs you stand on and that position demands respect, not-" She was cut off by Henry's disbelieving comment.

"Am I to understand that you find me arrogant?" Eyes widening at the woman who spoke to him like he was a commoner not the Crown Prince of France.

"Well you gave one man back his life, but did you even glance at the others?"

Eyes widening in realization he was shocked to say the least, the thought had never crossed his mind. The only reason the other servant had been freed was because this woman had backed him into a corner in front of the entire courtyard. Not caring if he sounded desperate or not he tried again.

"Please, I beg of you, a name, any name."

Needing to get away before she let slip that she was also a servant, she decided there would be no harm in giving a false name when there was no chance of them meeting again.

"I fear that the only name to leave you with is Nicole de Lancret."

"There now… that wasn't so hard." Henry grinned at her, frowning when he heard his mother calling him. Not taking his eyes off Nicole for a moment he greeted her.

Danielle, hearing the Queen, decided now would be a good time as any to get out of there. Turning again she walked as fast as possible without looking as if she were escaping someone away from Henry.

"Nicole? Wait, Nicole." When she did not turn or reply, he excused himself from his mothers company and ran after her. Grabbing her arm he turned her towards him. "Why do you not answer me?"

Frowning at his persistence Danielle answered reluctantly. "You asked for any name Sire, I did not say I gave you mine." His eyes widen, that was true, and he should have been specific. "Now, please release my arm, so my servant and I can return home." Doing as she asked he stood gob smacked as she left him standing there like a fool, until his mother shook him softly out of his trance.

"Your father would like a word with you. Several in fact."

"He usually does, I shall be right in." He answered looking in the direction that exceptional woman had walked in. Maybe his father would know who Nicole de Lancret was.

XXX

King Francis paced the room, he and Henry locked in a heated argument about Henry's obligations as prince.

"You will marry Gabriella by the next full moon or I will strike at you in any way I can." Francis threatened.

Not at all bothered Henry replied. "What's it to be father, hot oil or the rack?"

"I will simply deny you the crown and live forever." His tone confirmed the ludicrousness of that statement, but he was determined to have some affect on his son.

"Good, agreed, I don't want it." He stormed out of the room.

Look over at Marie, he sighed. "He's your son."

XXX

"Mother who is Nicole de Lancret?"

"Who dear?" Marie asked confused, she knew there was something familiar about the name but it seemed like something was missing as well.

"Nicole-"

"Yes, yes Henry, I heard what you said. Are you sure it's just Nicole?"

"I'm not sure, that's what she told me. She was dressed like a Comtesse though, mother."

"Who was darling?"

"The woman I was speaking with before you arrived." Marie looked at him expectantly. "She had her servant freed, and spoke to me quite forcefully." That word struck a cord deep inside of him, conjuring a memory he'd rather forget. Rubbing his head where the apple had it him, he couldn't help compare how similar both the women were.

"What did she say?"

"She said the Crown made criminals and then punished them. And that I was arrogant." He spat the word out like it was poison. How dare she?

Marie held back a slight laugh, to have seen her sons face would have been priceless. Before she could reply, Francis came running over and struck a deal with Henry. With a lingering glance directed at Francis Marie ended the conversation.

"Choose wisely Henry, divorce is only something they do in England."

Nodding Henry walked off, if it meant that much to him, he'd do it. All the better if she could figure out how his mystery woman was.

"Francis, does the name Nicole de Lancret sound familiar?"

"Comtesse Nicole de Lancret?" He asked hesitantly.

"Of course! That's what sounded strange about the name!" Marie exclaimed looking happily in the direction Henry had taken off in. "She must be her daughter."

'I can't wait to tell Henry.'

XXX