Ever After: Remix Story
Chapter Six: A day with the prince
"Look Gustave it's floating" Danielle exclaimed, watching the flying contraption that Leonardo had lent to her.
"Danielle, for heaven's sake" Gustave said impatiently. "Stop squirming" He was trying to paint her portrait. Danielle had borrowed a courtier's dress for the painting. Just than Prince Henry rode into thier mist.
"Have either of you seen Signor Da Vinci? We were to go to the monastary togehter" He said. Danielle shrugged.
"I haven't seen him today" She replied.
"Isn't that his flying contraption?" Henry asked, pointing to the kite. Danielle nodded.
"He let me borrow it" She said. "but that was yesterday. I haven't seen him since"
"Do you two not attend church?" Henry asked. Gustave and Danielle glanced at each other. Danielle spoke up.
"Our faith is better served away from the rabid crowd." she told him. Henry nodded thoughtfully.
"Yes, I'm afraid my father's edict has created quite a um, a phenomenon. Which is why I am bound for the monastery. The Franciscans have an astonishing library. Since you are so fond of reading, perhaps you might join me?" He inquired. Danielle stood up.
"I'd love to" She said as he helped her onto his horse.
"What about the painting?" Gustave asked.
"We'll finish it later" Danielle called as they rode away. Gustave shook his head and grinned.
Meanwhile, Church was just ending and Rodmilla De Ghent met with her spy.
"Prince Henry left early this morning, Baroness. No-one seems to know where he went. But... I've brought you something that will brighten up your day." He handed her something wrapped in a cloth. upon opening the cloth she saw Queen Marie's ruby brooch. She smiled coyly and walked over to where her beloved daughter stood.
When Henry and Danielle arrived at the monastary Danielle could hardly believe her eyes at all the books.
"It makes me want to cry." She said, staring in awe. Henry smiled.
"pick one" he told her. Danielle looked around.
"I could no sooner choose a favourite star in the heavens." She said breathlessly. Henry was amused.
"What is it that touches you so?" He asked softly. Danielle sighed.
"Remember when we were children?" She asked, he nodded. "Every night, before father died, he would stay up late and read to me.He was addicted to the written word. I would fall asleep listening to the sound of his voice." Henry could tell that she still missed her father very much. He touched her hand.
"You may borrow any book you like" He said softly. She smiled gratefully.
"Now or never Marguerite" Rodmilla said. Marguerite hurried over to the royal carriage.
"Forgive me Your Majesty. I think you dropped this on your way out." Marguerite said sweetly handing the elder woman the brooch.
" My goodness! I do not even remember putting it on. Thank you, child. It is a rare person indeed who would return such a valuable keepsake." Marie said.
"You are too magnanimous, Your Majesty." Marguerite replied.
"What is your name child?" Marie asked.
"Marguerite De Ghent, Your Majesty" Marguerite replied.
"We shall have a chat tomorrow, you and I." Marie said. "Bring your mother" Marguerite smiled sweetly.
"As you wish, Your Majesty" She said, walking back to her mother. Meanwhile, on the way back to Gustave's an axle wheel had broken.
"Well, this is terribly embarrassing." Henry muttered. Captian Laurent unhitched the horses.
"We shall head back to the monastary" He told them. Danielle knew she had to get home.
"And we shall continue on foot" She said. Henry gaped at her.
"But it's half a days walk" He protested. Danielle nodded.
"The woods are not safe after dark, Milady" Captain Laurent said urgently.
"But I really must get back" Danielle said desperately. Henry stared at her.
"What's going on Danielle?" He asked. Danielle sighed. She could not lie to him any more. She turned to face him.
"If I am late, she'll beat me" She said. Henry was aghast.
"Who will beat you?" He asked. Danielle took a deep breath.
"My step-mother" She whispered. A tear slid down her cheek.
"I am sorry that I did not tell you, Your highness" She said as the tears fell faster. "I didn't want you to hate me for what I have become" Henry knelt beside her.
"What have you become?" He asked.
"A servant in my own home, Your Highness. After my father died, Rodmilla took everything and forced me to work. I know you must hate and I am sorry that I lied to you but.." Henry gently raised her up.
"I understand" He said, brushing away her tears. "I could never hate you Danielle, I love you, don't you know that?" Danielle looked up at him and they met in a sweet kiss.
"Laurent, can you get the wagon back with one horse?" Henry asked. The captain nodded and Henry led Danielle to one of the horses.
"Let's go" He said.