Chapter 11
“Princess, please!� Edmond cried as Danielle spilled yet another bottle ink over. This time it landed n one of Marie’s prized china bulldogs.
“You have got to be more careful,� Edmond frowned. “Why the Queen would never…�
“Hush, Edmond,� Marie said, walking in the room after cleaning her favorite china pigs. “You have neglected to tell her how many times I’ve spilled that infernal ink bottle all over the place.�
She set the pigs down on the desk where they had been sitting for almost twenty- two years. Marie looked up at Danielle. “You would think that I was perfect.� She smiled. “Well, child, I was just like you when I first moved into the castle. Clumsy and a little inexperienced.�
Marie took Danielle’s hand in hers. “You’ll get there, believe me. All you need is a little patience that’s all, and I am willing to wait.�
“How long, Your Majesty,� Danielle asked. “I just can’t believe this is happening to me.�
Marie smiled. “I asked exactly the same question. It won’t be as long as you think, Danielle, and call me Mother, please.�
They hugged each other briefly before they were interuppted by Danielle’s younger sister, Adrienne.
“Danielle, Majesty, quickly. Papa and Henry are being held by prisoner by Rene le Fleur.�
Danielle and Marie parted. Danielle looked at her. “Where are they, Adrienne? Is Papa all right?�
Adrienne shook her head. “Come downstairs, both of you. You need to hear it for yourselves.�
“What are you talking about?� Danielle asked. “I don’t understand. I thought that the Royal Guards were watching Papa? �
“Emil is dead, Danielle. Rene and his men watched and waited as he drowned. They also tried to murder another Guard, but he managed to free himself from his bonds and live. Now Rene is holding Henry and Papa prisoner and they will not give them up, unless..�
“Unless what?� Danielle asked, stepping forward.
Adrienne shook her head. “The only way Rene will free them is if he sees you.�