Chapter One: A Proposal and a Mission

Danielle slowly awakened, feeling a most wonderful feeling of warmth and
safety. 'I haven't felt like this since before Father died.' Danielle opened her tired eyes, only to see Henry gazing back at her with concern. He smiled faintly, as she became aware of him.

"Danielle, are you all right? You frightened me so much when you fainted. I was really worried. What happened to your back?"

"Your Highness, please let me explain. To have it make more sense to you, I shall start where it all started." She took a deep breath, and snuggled deeper into Henry's strong embrace. Almost unconsciously, he strengthened his hold on her.

She told him of her past, and her shame of being made a servant in her own home. Danielle sniffled as she tried to hold her tears at bay. Henry calmly pulled her closer, comforting her. She continued her tale, recounting endless cruel acts from Rodmilla, the most recent event being Rodmilla lashing Danielle's back mercilessly.

"The reason I deceived you at first was to avoid being thrown in the stocks for dressing above my station. I didn't think we'd ever meet again, so I told you my mother's name, in the place of my own. Then, after we kept bumping into each other again and again, I was afraid that if I told you the truth, I would lose you. When I kissed you yesterday, I knew that I could lie to you no longer. I love you too much." She buried her face into his chest, savoring what she thought was to be the last time Henry would ever want to hold her again.

Henry was stunned into silence. 'She loves me? Oh, Danielle...' he looked at Danielle who had begun to weep softly. His heart filled with joy and hope at the words he had heard from her lips. She truly loved him, and he finally understood.

"Danielle, I understand why you lied, and I'm glad that you told me the truth now. The only thing that has changed for me is that your name. You are still the vibrant, passionate, young woman who quotes Thomas Moore. I will always love you, no matter what, and tomorrow at the masque, I shall make it known to the world. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Danielle could not believe her ears. "Oh, Henry! " She kissed him lovingly all over his face, stopping at his lips, at which their kisses become more intense.

"Is that a yes?" Henry looked at her expressive face and knew the answer before the word made it past her smiling lips.

"Yes!" Danielle breathlessly replied. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and they shared an exquisitely perfect kiss.

Reluctantly pulling away from her tempting mouth, Henry helped Danielle to her feet and asking her if she could make it back to the castle, to which she replied that she could.

They walked along the road, holding hands, sharing a comfortable silence. Suddenly they heard Danielle's name being called from behind. They turned to the approaching figure.

"That's Gustave!" The newly affianced couple watched as Gustave ran up to them, gasping for breath.

"Danielle, where have to you been? The Baroness is beside herself looking for you, and is threatening to do a lot more than a lashing you when you turn up! Louise told me that she and Paulette have hidden your mother's dress and shoes from the Baroness and Marguerite, but it's only a matter of time before they find it. They are practically tearing the manor apart!"

"Oh, Gustave, what are we going to do? She's relentless! Now that I've told Henry the truth, I don't have to take this from her any longer. I have a favor to ask of you." She paused to give a worried glance to Henry. "If the baroness discovers what I am about to tell you, you could be in great danger. Henry and I are to be wed. I would greatly appreciate it if you could ask Paulette and Louise for my mother's dress and shoes. If they ask, tell them why, but tell them that they must keep it a secret as well or you may all face her wrath. The Baroness isn't to know anything until the masque. Please bring my mother's things to the castle."

Gustave jokingly bowed with as much grandeur and he could while saying, "As you wish, Your Royal Highness." Gustave barely dodged the well aimed punch Danielle threw at him, because he knew well that Danielle could still 'whip him.'

"Listen closely," Henry started. "There's only one way for you to get into the castle without being seized. The servants' entrance is well hidden but always unlocked. To find it, you must follow the west wall of the chateau until you come upon the ivy vines. If you move the ivy to one side, you will see the brass handle of the door. Follow the passage you see ahead of you and when you reach the third door to your left, open it slightly and slip the dress inside. That's the servants' entrance to my chambers and I'll give it to Danielle. Can you remember that?"

"I think so." Gustave then proceeded to repeat everything he'd been told until Henry looked well satisfied. "Well, my Lord and Lady, I shall be on my way. Wish me luck!" With that he headed back to the Manor, dancing as he went.

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Heylo! How are you liking the revamped version? I hope it's to your liking. It's all thanks to my muse and eternal love Dragonwolf 77! I love you babe! You've saved my career (an imagined career, that is! teehee (.;))
Laters!

Loreli F. S.