Chapter Nine - I Promise To You

"She's not the same anymore…its like another person has taken over her…someone I don't know…" reviled Henry as he sat next to his father. "She's been so cold towards me. So rarely have I seen a true smile". He continued to tell all his woes to the king, who only nodded every now and then.

"You win" sighed Danielle. For 3 weeks now she had been bedridden. And for those weeks, everyday she either played chess or painted. All of which Captain De Lamark was present. "Do you think it wise that Henry and I married?"

Confused by her question William looked at her. "You highness? I don't understand…"

She sighed again and played with her chess pieces. "Recently I have started to wonder what my life would be like if I had never married Henry…what his life would be like…he'd be happy…"

William shook his head, "your highness he is happy with the life he leads now…you mean the world to him, why I have never seen him happy since he met you…"

"I feel like I walk this path of saddens alone, like I'm waiting in a silent prayer for an answer…a breath that would release me from this world that is so cold like stone…no light is seen in my dark heart…". William held her hand as a friend should when there companion needs comforting.

"Then I shall help you come out of this cold world, and release the Danielle I know, like I release a bird out on a summer day…I shall be here, that I promise. You shall not have to walk this path alone anymore. And you shall not have to wait in a silent prayer that both of us can say. The light will come back into your heart, it shall be so strong that the darkness will be banished. This is my promise to you Danielle…".

Just as the young Captain had finished his sentence Danielle hugged him as Henry entered the bedchamber. At first the two didn't realize, well not until Henry coughed.

"Hello Henry" said Danielle as she let go of William. The young man stood to attention.

"Danielle…Captain…so what have you to been up to?" It was evident that Henry was jealous.

"I'm afraid my lord that we have been playing chess, William winning most of the time though I should add…don't be jealous Henry, it taws a friendly hug that your eyes gazed upon". Danielle got up from her bed and went to her dressing chamber, fully aware of the things that where playing in her husbands head.

Once Henry had dismissed De Lamark he rubbed his head and went after his wife. "Danielle…"

"No Henry, do not Danielle me!" Shouted the young princess. "When will you trust me Henry? Hm when?" Anger had filled her so much that she couldn't even look at him.

"I do trust you", defended Henry.

"No, you do not…"Closing her eyes she continued. "It may be best if you spent the night in another room Henry…".Dumbfounded, Henry did what she wished and left their quarters.

Seeking guidance, Danielle called one of the guards to find the queen, and ask her to come to Danielle quarters. A wave of tiredness had hit Danielle so she sat down in parlor, on one of the overstuffed chairs. She didn't have to wait long. The queen entered her room with her smile on her face.

"You called dearest?" Marie asked.

"Yes…I seek your advice. Henry has become so easily jealous that I cant stand to be near him…I don't know what to do…"

The queen bit he bottom lip as an idea came into her head. She new if it came to plan both Henry and Francis would be mad at her. But she thought it as the only way. "I have an idea…but the king and Henry would be furious if it came to play".

Danielle was intrigue now, "Go on".

"They say that distance makes the heart grow founder. What if you were to go away, with only two guards and two companies, leaving only a letter to Henry not saying were you were going but simply saying that the time apart would be good for you…what do you think?"

With a smile on her face she looked up to Queen Marie, "I think I like you idea…"

"Then it shall be done, I have a cottage in the south of France that only a few know of. And when I say few that doesn't count my husband or son. I'd visit as much as I could of course".

Danielle nodded, "when can this plan be done?"

The queen looked at her. "Tonight if you wish…I'd send William to get Jacqueline start a way and get him and Laurent to take you away".

The princess nodded again and stood up. "Then tonight it is then". The queen nodded and when out of the room. Tonight Danielle would be gone…

Dun Dun DUN!

Hahaha! so sorry i havent update in like a million years but exams were on. Anyway im on a break and im finding i have more time now. AndI'm gonna write itlike this soit'll hopefully help ElvenCompanionto undertsnad whos saying what. Thank you all so much for reviewing. It really boosts my confidence. Well like always i really like to no what you think. Bye for now!

Sivter!