Chapter Eight - Where She Is

Henry just smiled sweetly at the women that surrounded him. Joining in their conversations as he looked around, looking for his Danielle. He hadn't seen her for hours, he wanted to hold her, he wanted her. Once he was able to come up with an excuse to get away, Henry headed to da Vinci.

"Leonardo, have you seen Danielle?", He shook his head. "Why?". Henry turned to the old man. His eyes spoke louder than words. "I haven't seen her in hours, and nobody seems to know where she is…I am worried that something might have…happened". Da Vinci sighed gently, "Henry you must give her time. She is hurting more than anyone else…she was carrying the child after all. And I wouldn't be surprised if she felt that it was her fault for losing it, and I dought this ball was any help at all for her. And don't worry I know where she is, she's safe there. And when she's ready she'll come out again, she will. But until then, don't be surprised if she isn't herself". Leonardo walked away, to leave Henry to take in all he had just said.

She didn't look at who had entered, she didn't care. Her tears were still coming down and her eyes were still searching the sky. "Your husband been looking for you". Da Vinci slowly came closer, still not getting a reply, but very well could see the tears. "He is worried Danielle, he loves you. And as much as you try to search for the answers and reasons, the stars will not reply". His voice was gentle and it seemed to break her stare. Danielle's eyes closed and when they reopened more tears came down. An arm went around her and helped her up. "Come, I'll walk you to your door and then I shall go fetch Henry". She looked at him and slowly nodded and let more tears come down.

Just as before the corridors where quite and empty. Leonardo still held onto Danielle, as a father would to his injured child. The walk to her room was silent. The only noses to be heard where her sobs.

Leonardo helped her into her dressing chamber, where Aurora waited for her. As soon as Danielle entered, Aurora ran across the room to aid her Lady. "Your highness, are you alright", Aurora's voice revealed that she was worried but Danielle didn't even answer her. She let her tears come down and looked at the floor. Her face was blank. "Help Princess Danielle into her nightgown, and help to her bed…", Da Vinci told to the worried woman. They helped Danielle sit on a arm chair and Aurora went to fetch something's. Leonardo bent down so Danielle was looking at him. "I'm going to go find Henry now…I promise you Danielle that is pain will go away soon…and everything will be alright". His voice was still gentle, and Danielle just nodded slowly still with a blank face. She wanted to believe him but some how she felt his words were untrue.

The old man entered the ball that was full of laughter and happiness. It wasn't hard to understand why she disappeared, a ball was the last thing she needed.

It wasn't hard for da Vinci to find Henry. The large group of young women was a dead give away. He literarily had to push his way through them. "Your highness may I have a word with you". Henry looked up and smiled a Leonardo, "of course". Da Vinci rolled his eyes, "in private…". Color left Henrys face. He knew what ever Leonardo wanted to say, it was about Danielle. So he excused himself and walked away with Da Vinci. "What has happened to Danielle?", Henry asked so only Leonardo would hear. "Henry, Danielle needs you. She is in your room. She's very weak and tried, I'm afraid that everything is starting to get to her". Henry started to feel horrid. He understood now why she needed help from getting out of bed, why she need to hold onto something most of the time when ever walking. All these clues and he didn't pick up on it. "Thank you, can you tell my parents where I am". Leonardo nodded and with that the prince left.

Henry slowly entered their bedroom. Its only sources of light was the fire and the night sky. Danielle sat on one of the windowsills, looking out to the sky. Even in the poor light, he could she her tears streaming down her face. He didn't know what to say…how to make her feel better. Nothing came into his mind. Nothing.

What do you think so far?