I do not own the rights to ever after yada yada yada

[A/N] this is just sort of a filler chapter. not my best. Don't worry, the next one is much better.

"Congratulations," Henry said kissing Danielle on the cheek.

"I'm still shaking. How do you take with all of them staring at you?"

"You get used to it. I was thinking, Countess, shall we go on a picnic for lunch?"

"That's a wonderful idea! Shall I change?"

"No, you're perfect. Come, let's get the horses."

Henry helped Danielle dismount, tied the horses to a tree, and joined his fiancé on the blanket.

"Someone's certainty gone to a lot of trouble to arrange this." She stated as Henry sat down.

"None at all milady." They lapsed into silence as each severed themselves.

"It feels so nice not to have someone waiting on me hand and foot. I guess I'm really going to have to get used to that, but I feel as if I should offer a hand to help." Danielle commented. Henry tried to stifle a laugh. "What? You think that's funny?"

"No, I was just thinking about what Margarite is going to do when she hears the announcement of our engagement tonight."

"If I were you, I would keep a guard near you at all times."

"What about you? I'm sure she'll blame you as much as she does me, if not more."

Danielle shrugged, "As long as I'm with you, I don't think she'll touch me."

"You're certainty braver than I."

"Well, you haven't been a servant for 10 years." Danielle stated casually. Henry gave her an admiring gaze. "What?"

"How do you do it? Your life has been so...rough and yet you speak of it as if it's nothing."

"I find comfort in the fact that I get to spend the rest of my life with you and I never have to be a servant again."

Henry moved around the blanket to sit next to her. They gazed silently into each other's eyes for a few moments and then he leaned down and kissed her passionately. When they pulled apart no words were spoken, perhaps there weren't any to express how they felt. Danielle snuggled into his chest and stayed there peacefully for quite awhile with Henry's arm wrapped tightly around her shoulder. He's so perfect...imagine if he ended up with Margarite...she shuddered with the thought. Henry felt her move, "Anything wrong?" he asked looking down at her.

"Oh, I was just thinking about how it would be if you ended up marrying Margarite instead." The thought left Henry with a similar reaction.

"I don't know if I could stand her for five more minutes, I can't imagine and entire lifetime!" he exclaimed as Danielle laughed. "Speaking of Margarite, perhaps we should return to the castle to prepare for tonight." Henry said sitting back up and stretching.

"I suppose." she said, reluctantly getting up.

Henry stared at her for a moment, analyzing her emotions. "Don't be nervous. I'll be with you the whole time."

Danielle gave him an appreciating look. "I love you." She said after she had mounted her horse.

"And I you." he responded. "Race you back to the castle!" And at that they both went galloping off.