Chapter 4
“How could they escape?� Danielle asked, looking around the room at their faces.
“We don’t know the whole story yet, Danielle,� Henry said, “we have not heard from our man. We placed him with Rene’s rabble months ago. No one knew who he was, at least I think that no one knew.�
“No one has found them,� King Francis said, “not Alain, who is our man, or from Rene or Rodmilla.�
“What are we doing about this?� Marie asked.
“We have Captain Laurent and some of the Guards on it right now,� Henry said. “But right now, Francois and I have to go to your cousin Gustave’s studio to pick up some painting that my father commissioned him to do.�
“He is a fabulous painter, Danielle,� Francis said. “You are lucky to have him in your family. I want him to become the court painter. He will lack for nothing if he accepts this post.�
“Father,� Henry said, “Francois and I will talk to him. If anyone could talk anyone into anything it would be Francois.�
“You are very persuasive yourself,� Danielle said, smiling, then she frowned. “Maybe he shouldn’t go, Father, something could happen, especially if Laurent is not with him.�
“He will be fine, Danielle, “the King answered. “Besides, Rene and Rodmilla would not be stupid enough to stay here in Paris, although I really do not know.�
“Well, it doesn’t really matter, does it?� Henry said, getting up to leave. “Francois should be here any minute. We will return as fast as we gone.�
“Henry,� Danielle said, “just be careful. I don’t want to lose you.�
Henry smiled. “You won’t.� He kissed her and walked out of the study.
Danielle couldn’t help think that something was very wrong with this whole situation. She wanted to call him back and put her arms around him and beg him not to go, but he was the Prince after all and he wanted to mingle with the crowd.
“Well,� the King said, getting up, “I think I will join Henry outside to wait for Francois. Now, if you will excuse me?�
Marie watched him go, then turned to Danielle. “You are right, Danielle, I don’t like this whole situation. Come, let’s go make out those invitations, shall we?�
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Alain, the jailer who was thrown in the river and left for dead, kept walking. He was cold and wet and wouldn’t be surprised if he came down with pneumonia. He had to get to the palace before something did happen. He was a long way from the city of Paris and had no idea where he was or how to get back the city. He was confused and upset and he was freezing. He hadn’t realized that his steps were slowing down. He was exhausted and all he wanted to do was sleep. But he didn’t have to make up his mind about anything as Alain collapsed in the middle of the woods.