Chapter 2

"Okay once we go through this gate, I'll tell Mary…Mary… whats her name, I'll tell Mary whoever that I ughh 'acquired' you and that I want you to be moved into…servants quarters tonight. Now, you must walk behind me on our way in so nothing looks suspicious." Henry looked physically pained to have to say any of these words, but he knew that this was the only way, for now they can be together.

"Okay I understand." Danielle said.

So they approached the castle, with Danielle making sure to remain at least ten feet behind him at all times.

Henry continued until he came across Madame Mary DeVaulle, the head of staff at the castle. M. DeVaulle was known for having a strong hand with her workers but a flirtatious manner with many of the guards.

"Good Evening, M. Devaulle, you look well this evening." Henry spoke in the most casual tone he could muster.

"Good evening your highness" she said with a bow and a bat of her eyelids. "To what do I owe the honor of this most welcome visit."

"I am actually here to bring you a new peasant I have found. I have learned she's a good worker and I want her put into place at once amongst the servants." Henry knew this sounded odd but he hoped M. DeVaulle would be too shocked to ask questions.

"But your highness that is not your job or responsibility to deal with such lowly manners. We have a highly trained staff to pick out the best workers for the palace." M. Devaulle said with the slightest tone of arguing.

"Are you questioning my judgment?"asked Henry a little too forcefully.

"N..n..no your majesty but--"

"Good that settles things then. I can trust you will bring her to servant's quarters alright then? I plan to see her around the castle M. DeVaulle, don't mistake it."Though these words were directed at M. DeVaulle his eyes were directed at the other female in the vicinity. M. DeVaulle noticed. Henry walked away without looking back again.

"So the Prince has taken interest in you. I can't see why. You look as just as much of an ill bred worthless piece of filth as the rest of them. All right come with me, prince's pet."M. DeVaulle sneered in Danielle's direction. Danielle had to bite her tongue not to respond, too much was at stake. So instead she just nodded and followed.

"Here at the palace, I am in charge. You shall address me as Madame and nothing else. You are the lowest of the low here. The prince might have taken pity on you but I assure you that no one else here will. You do not matter and I'm sure after today the prince will forget entirely of your very existence. You do not only clean your messes but everyone else's as well. You are too good for nothing here. These are the servants' quarters" she said pointing to a structure that looked more like a long wood stable than a place for human habitation but Danielle realized it would have to do.

"There is an empty bed at the end for you with your uniform stored beneath. Wake up is at 5:00 am sharp breakfast break until 5:15. Good night." M. DeVaulle left and Daniella hadn't been so happy to see the back of a person's head since Marguerite had gone away for her 7 week trip to London two years back.

"You know we're not all bad here. M. DeVaulle's the worst, everyone hates her. But besides life is actually alright here." Said a small girl with mousy brown hair and a petite frame looking no older than 17 years old.

The girl introduced herself "Hello, my name is Abigail. But you can call me Abby if you like." The girl said with a bright smile on her face.

"Hello Abigail my name is Danielle. Danielle DeBarberaque. Do we see that awful women often?"Danielle asked.

"Unfortunately at least once a day in the morning to get assigned our duties for the day. But luckily not much more than that. She really is a buzz kill I'll admit." Said Abigail still maintaining her smile. Danielle was so impressed at how welcoming and nice Abigail was. She took this as a sign she was doing the right thing.

"So how often do we see the royal family?" As Danielle spoke, for the first time she saw the smile fade from her lips. "Well the King and Queen, depends on your job but still not terribly often. Between 3-5 times a week. Maybe more or less depending on your role. The prince on the other hand bless the lord you rarely ever see him." Said Abby with a more than slightly bitter tone. But never the less although curious, Danielle still liked her.