Chapter Two

As Danielle entered the ruins, the sky was getting darker by the minute. Looking around for a moment, she noticed Henry sitting on a window ledge, a book in his hands.

"Hello,"

"Hello," Danielle looked down trying to compose her self, even though her back felt as though it was on fire.

"Are you well?" Henry noticed her red rimmed eyes and her body was straightened in pain.

"I fear I am not myself today,"

"I feel as though my skin is the only thing keeping me from going everywhere at once,"

"There is something I must tell you,"

"And I you," He looked down at his hand, as first just realizing that he was holding a book. "Oh. Here is your book. You left it in the carriage yesterday,"

"Your Highness-"

"Henry," he quickly fixed. Danielle quickly shook her head and continued on.

"I cannot stay long, but I had to see you. There is much to say,"

"Come, I want to show you something, " He took her hand and led her through the ruins. "I used to play here as a boy. It was my father's most cherished retreat before the war,"

Danielle looked around at before looking at Henry again, "It's beautiful,"

"I've measure my life by these trees. Starting here, to all the way up there. And still they grow. So much life to live, but I no longer imagine it alone,"

"You're not making this easy,"

"I have not slept for fear I would wake to find this were all a dream. Oh, last night I had a revelation. I used to think if I cared about anything, I'd care about everything, and I'd go stark raving mad. But now I've found my purpose. It's a project actually inspired by you. I feel the most wonderful freedom,"

"It wasn't me,"

Henry laughed and whispered, "Nicole, you are unlike any courtier I've ever met. Tomorrow at the masque, I shall make it known to the world,"

"Why did you have to be so wonderful?"

Henry gently lifted her face level with his, "Now then, what is it that you wanted to tell me?"

Danielle softly cried. "Simply that, last night was the happiest day of my life,"

Henry pulled her in for a kiss. Slowly his hands made their way to caress her sore back. She yelled out at the sudden burst of pain.

"I must go,"

As she spoke these words, the heavens opened up and rain began to beat furiously upon them. Henry grabbed her arm to stop her.

"Nicole, I cannot let you go out in this. Quickly, this way,"

The strength in his grip, while still being gentle, astounded Danielle, as she found herself being pulled into a large alcove, where they were safe from the rain.

"Please, I must go," she begged, but he refused to listen.

"You might get pneumonia, or the storm could get worse, then who knows what will happen. I don't want to lose you, Nicole," He stroked her tear stained cheek.

Pulling together all of her courage, Danielle knew now was the time to tell him. He had already gotten too attached and it was all her fault.

"I'm sure that soon you will not care what will happen to me,"

"What? How could you say such a thing, I-"

Danielle covered his mouth with her hand. "I came here to tell you the truth. It is very difficult and I did not realize how far in I was. I know there is no way you could ever possible consider forgiving me after this, but let me get it all out at least,"