Authors Note: Wow! It's been months since I last updated, I've been working on another story but I'm not entirely sure if I'm going to post it. Any way this chapter took me ages to write because it's a lead up to what's going to happen next (I've got the whole story figured out). Also I'm going to edit my other chapters so if you still find mistakes let me know. I hope you all enjoy this chapter, I'm not all that happy with it but the best is yet to come. Keep reviewing! Thanks.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

Mysteries of the Courtier

"I am deeply sorry!"

For the umpteenth time today I have managed to lose control of what I am handling and watch as it smashes onto the floor.

Paulette walked solemnly over to where I stood and rested her hand on my shoulder. "Do not worry. It is not a great loss. There are several more in the cellar."

As I bent over to pick up the remains of the water jug, I took one final look at Paulette before she turned away. Her eyes were red from tears and lack of sleep and she seemed to move more slowly now. Her eightieth year was drawing nearer and I realised that in the later years more deaths are to be expected for nobody can be immortal and only God can stop time.

Sweeping away the final shards of broken pottery, I made my way down the corridor and into the cellar. Instead of searching for the spare water jugs, I rested myself upon a broken chair. It creaked under the pressure but did not falter.

The entire morning I had been tortured with shame. Paulette was being kind to me because she supposed I was grieving after Maurice. I couldn't bring myself to tell her my mind was inundated with notions of another man.

Why were my every thoughts tortured with his face? Am I forced to live my life like it was last year?

I sit pondering as an hour passes yet it seems like only minutes. I gaze out the window at the darkening day and a wave of realisation hits me. I was supposed to meet Gustave near the big willow tree before the sun disappears beneath the treetops.

Removing my cloth apron, I hurried off to explain to Paulette where I shall be and ran through the forest to my desired destination.

Passing the final tree I saw his figure looking out over the water. "I apol…" I said before stopping abruptly. For an instant, the man before looked like Henry, as he used to be. He turned to face me and all was lost. He became Gustave again.

Still I did not speak, trying to regather the image of him but it was impossible. Shaking my head, I composed myself and repeated the sentence I had not finished.

"I apologise. I hope you were not waiting long."

"Not at all. I was late myself. Leonardo wished me to research something for his upcoming art piece. He says it is not just about what you see but the answers you find. I have much to learn from him."

I forgot Gustave was Leonardo's apprentice. He told me they do a great many things together but Gustave still has to work with his mother so that restricts the amount of meetings they are able to have.

"Are you enjoying being under his tutelage as much as you did 6 months ago?"

I walked over to a nearby log and sat down. He soon followed suit. "Yes, of course! It is strenuous labour but I enjoy it so."

"You look exhausted. Do you get much rest?"

Gustave definitely seemed to have neglected some nights of sleep, in order to assist the great artist. His face was stretched, as if some unknown force was weighing him down, his clear skin looked ghostly pale and there were dark hollows beneath his eyes… his eyes however had not changed. They're still as lively as ever they were and somewhere deep in his pupils, a mischievous glint was never to fade. The day it leaves is the same day the world will collapse.

"I have to admit that I have gone without my usual amount of slumber, but it is for a worthy cause. For I am assisting one of the best painters known throughout the world. I am witness to masterpieces in the making. I would not wish to sleep for another decade if I thought I would miss it."

With this, he did something that I had not seen him do in weeks, he smiled.

In that moment, I was exceptionally proud of him. He would help create history and I was satisfied to support him in whatever way possible.

How wonderfully awkward. Us seated there, grinning at each other. Just as I thought tension would brew, he playfully pushed me on the shoulder. About the push him back, by twisting his body, my balance was lost and I toppled off the log.

"I'm going to get you back for that, you little worm." I said as I was getting myself off the ground.

Standing on the opposite side of the log he spoke with cheer in his voice, "Only if you are able to catch me."

Positioned on either side of the log, we played the endless game of cat and mouse. As I moved to my left, he would move to his left leaving the same equal amount of space between us. Finally after circling the log several times, catching him off guard, I jumped over the log and tackled him to the ground. Situated on a slope, we rolled over each other until colliding with a large rock some few feet away.

Laughing as we got up, a sudden pain in my ankle threatened to bring me down again. Rubbing the tender spot, I looked up at Gustave who was doing the same as I was but to his elbow joint.

Looking at me, Gustave asked if I was well. I replied as best I could but as soon as we began walking, the pain emitting from my ankle worsen to such an extent that I leaned on Gustave for support.

"You will never get anywhere if you repeatedly tell falsehood." Even when saying this he did not let go of my waist, in which he was shifting my weight onto the uninjured foot.

Returning to the meeting place, he dropped me onto the log and proceeded to withdraw an object from within his pocket.

"Would it ease your suffering if I presented you with an item especially received from a man of great importance?"

"I believe it would indeed." With that, he held out the object in his hand. It was a book, but not just any book. I had heard murmurings of it from the town's people. Rumours including that it was concerning women being allowed educational privileges in parts of the world and it was the first male author to publish a book in regard to this. Specifically to promote the idea.

Gazing in awe I raised my head to speak to Gustave, "This is such a honour. I had not heard that the book had been released in France at this time. How did he come to acquire this?"

"Signor Da Vinci has his connections. Am I to assume you are in a state of glee and are too preoccupied with examining the precious novel that thanking your contributor has entirely slipped your mind?"

"Of course I want to thank Leonardo! The next you see him, send a message from me. There are simply no words that can express my gratitude. From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate his thoughtfulness."

Sighing in astonishment, I turned the book over carefully in my hands. The soft leather brushed gently across my open palm. In one swift movement I ran over to Gustave and hugged him. After some moments I let go of him and looked up to see a smiling face.

Still grinning he said, "I shall pass along the message. I'm sure Da Vinci will be thoroughly enjoyed to hear that you are thrilled with his gift."

Soon later he departed, explaining that his mother requested he help her before the night grows dim. I wondered if it was still not too late to read some of the novel before I should return to the manor. Agreeing that I could, I settled myself neatly under the large willow tree, leaning my back against the smooth bark and resting the book on my uplifted knee.

Engrossed in the scattered words, I felt as if it were my very thoughts written on each page. As if I were connected somehow, I stayed longer than I intended to. Stopping only because the setting sun was emitting less and less light for me to read by.

Standing up from underneath the tree, a glimmer of colour caught my eye. Pushing past the drooping branches, I was now in full view of the beautiful effect that the ruby sun was casting onto the lake. As the gentle breeze caressed the water, sparkles dashed across the decorated stream. Staying minutes longer, only the sudden cold awoke my senses. Taking one final glimpse I walked away.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

The night sky was a deep blue, little to no clouds appeared in its expanse. I walked passed the tall trees and into deeper forest, gazing desperately for something to distract my attention from yesterday's events. I was unforgivably brutal with mother and it was clear today that she was upset, still I did not apologise. On the contrary, throughout the day, she spent her time trying to seek my forgiveness though I did not want to hear her. Every attempt to apologise was interrupted, usually by my account. At one point, I could not find something to excuse myself from her so I simply turned away during mid-speech. I know I must say sorry to her but not now.

These hateful emotions tortured me until I caught a glimmer of the surrounding lake. The effect of the water was stunning. The soft wind toppled leaves onto the surface and caused tiny ripples in its direction. Grateful to have something take my mind off my impertinence towards my mother, I moved sideways to view the light through the trees. During this time, a peculiar object diverted my attention.

Left beneath a willow was a thickly bound leather book. Picking it up, I was surprised to see it in impeccable condition. Turning it over to search for a clue to determine whom the owner could be, I found a message hidden on the opposite side of the cover.

Each person deserves a chance and many more to follow

This prized possession inspired me to paint a face

Use it however you choose

Leonardo Da Vinci

I was astonished to read that the previous owner of the book was a face I was certain to never forget. He and I had not conversed since I had wed. Only on occasions would Leonardo visit but our conversations were restricted to polite words and passing gestures. No more have we discussed such topics as life, love and recent debacles. Nor has he enlightened me with his latest discoveries and brilliant inventions. At times, when complications are aroused, I wish I had him to confide in.

Reading the inscription once more, it is obvious to see that I have been replaced by another confidant. One who has received his great respect.

Pondering over this concept, I was unaware of someone's presence behind me until they spoke.

Emerging from the bushes, Danielle moved towards where I was, saying, "I am incredibly sorry! I cannot believe I had left it behind. Besides, what are you still doing here? I thought you had retired to – "

Turning to watch her advance towards me, I was confused as what she was saying but then it seemed that as soon as she looked up at me face, it was not only I that was bewildered.

Staring in silence for some moments, it was she who was the first to tear her eyes away and lowered her head into a curtsey. Straightening, we began another uncomfortable silence.

"What are you doing here?" she asked finally.

A tremendous feel of longing came over me. I wanted to tell her what had been plaguing me these last couple of weeks. To talk of my father's death, becoming King, all the responsibilities involved, the argument with my mother and especially why I came out here every night.

Looking at her as she cocked her head slightly to one side and gazed at me with concerned eyes.

At that moment a realisation swept over me that expressing my thoughts would be far too improper. I should have known not to burden her with my problems even though I knew as soon as I did she would take it upon herself to clarify and offer advice, so illogically simple that I would quite possibly fall in love with her once again. Although it is impossible to combine more affection of her than what I already possess.

Glancing down at my feet, I ordered to prepare myself for our conversation that was to come. Before regaining my composure, I cleared my throat and took a deep breath.

"I err," stumbling along my words as I looked closely at her face and how the breeze trickled across her unkempt hair. Realising I had discontinued my sentence because of it, I quickly averted my sight to the trees on my left and said the first excuse that came into my head, "I needed some fresh air."

Mentally scolding myself for coming up with the insipid tale. Turning back to face her, it was all too clear that she didn't believe my statement. However she chose to ignore it.

"I only came here to collect my book."

What book? Completely forgetting that I held what she was seeking all along.

Before handing the item over, I caught a glimpse at the binder, which read the title.

"The Courtier!" I exclaimed, "I had not thought it been released in France yet. How did you come into possession of this?"

I knew the answer even before she responded. Thinking back to the inscription, it was now clear whom Leonardo Da Vinci favoured.

"I have heard much about it. Have you had a chance to read it yet?" I asked.

"Yes, I have. Only half way though." she replied.

Almost shifting into another silence she changed the subject.

"How are you coping with the amount of responsibility being king?" she asked.

Not one person has asked me that since my father died. I wondered if it was obvious that I had barely slept or ate in days, that getting through the hour was a constant struggle. If so, then why has no one counselled me?

Gazing at Danielle, it occurred to me that it was she who was the only person who knew what my troubles were, which buttons to push to get me into action and teach me to look at things in a different perspective.

"It is difficult. Since my father's passing, I am not only plagued with my own dilemmas, but with every Frenchman's in the country. I am uncertain – "

There I was interrupted by a very exasperated Danielle.

"This is your country, your people! It is your duty to protect them in any way possible. Even if it is from building an army to lowering farming cost so that men can afford bread to feed their children each day.

You are not alone in this fight! Many other kings have been faced with the same problems and overcome it with whatever they think is right. You will do the same. Think of the people you are helping with each decision you make. So do not complain about time you have not wasted. You have an obligation to your country and you will see it through!"

With her last lines, Danielle's tone rose to an alarming display. Never had I seen her so determined and I was shocked at her response. If I had expressed the same sort of feelings to some other person, they would have regarded me with sympathetic eyes and offer some condolence. Danielle was outraged at my reaction to royalty and scolded me for not doing better.

A new glimmer of hope was established in me, as I was no longer dreading the future.

"It is getting late." Danielle said, looking up at the darkened sky. "I best be going back."

Securing the book in her pocket, she turned to leave. Walking away, I noticed that she was limping terribly. Rushing to catch up with her I said, "Danielle you are limping. Are you hurt?"

"It is merely a sprained ankle."

Taking her hand I said, "Here let me help you."

She stiffened as we touched. "It is nothing really." she said but nevertheless I would not left go until she said something that astounded me beyond belief.

"Is your wife in good health?" she asked.

Instantly I dropped her hand and stumbled back a few steps. With a shaky voice I replied that she was.

Danielle curtseyed and left without another word.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

Despite my injury I ran home.

I went through the side door that led to the stairs. There I rested and caught my breath.

The hand that he touched was trembling. He was only trying to help yet his persistence worried me. He was determined to give his assistance even when I did not welcome it.

I attacked him with the only force I could think of. The effect was great. He let go at once.

I know I shouldn't have brought his wife into it but I had no other choice.

I needed saving and she came to my rescue.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV