Laughing, Danielle and Henry entered the chateau to feel the warm presence of their family and friends. It engulfed the two of them, making them feel as though yet a wonderful Christmas together was awaiting them. Sitting on the cosy leather couches in front of the crackling fire place was Gustave and Laurent, heavily involved in a conversation. Sitting on lounges opposite one another, both were holding a warm mug in their hands as the debate continued to precede, much to the Prince and Princesses amusement. Gustave and Laurent were perfect for one another; they could always find something to argue about, most of the time from different points of view. Yet, in the end it simply came down to a staring contest, which Laurent usually tended to win.

The Princess looked over at her wonderful and doting brother-in-law, Laurent. Danielle had been elated when she found out that Laurent had proposed to her step sister, Jacqueline. Laurent, in a sense was like a brother to Henry, so he was always around the palace, drifting around to see everyone, especially Jacqueline. The two could hardly keep their eyes from one another and at every ball, made sure that they had their first and last dance together. When the Baroness Rodmilla and Marguerite had been subjected to the lives of servants in the castle, Jacqueline was given the position of Baroness and through the royal family, was given ownership of the Manor de Barbarac. Although she hated what her mother had done to Danielle and herself, without her mother's presence, she became unsettled, depressed and confused. She locked herself in her room, refusing to see anyone, not even Danielle. Yet through all of the ignoring and avoiding, Laurent was there for her and was able to pull her out of the darkness and make her feel wanted, loved and safe. Laurent finally proposed on New Year's Eve, and under the glowing array of fireworks, Jacqueline accepted. They were married a year after Danielle and Henry, and after a few years of trying, they welcomed their first child, Michelle Cecelia Danielle to their family.

Danielle looked over at her childhood best friend, who was continuously interrupting the Captain of the Guard, as if to persuade him that whatever they were talking about was absolutely foolproof. Gustave had definitely grown up over the years; he was no longer the thin gangly youth that would stutter and always trip over himself. Still a painter, the 24 year old was now a strong, mature young man who was passionate about anything that he wanted to do. His physique had filled out more through rigorous training with royal guards (one of Prince Henry's suggestions), and he was currently courting a young lady that Danielle had set him up with. Helena was a beautiful girl who had only joined the court after moving to France from England. The Princess had noticed Helena's loneliness in court and how while most courtiers were out gossiping and flirting, Helena was instead reading, drawing and exploring all the art the castle had to offer. At one of King Francis's royal masquerades, Danielle had introduced them, and while they were engaged in a passionate conversation about some of Michelangelo's finest art work, the Princess gently slipped away. Danielle kept an eye on the two the whole evening, happy that both where at complete ease with one another and had not left each others side once that whole evening. Since then, love had truly bloomed, and Danielle had noticed on many occasions, Gustave and Helena sitting together painting in the fields, stealing secret kisses when they believed that no one was watching. However, Helena wasn't able to join them for Christmas this year, instead having to travel back to London to celebrate with her family.

Danielle took a seat beside her childhood best friend and pinched him gently on the arm, "And what are you badgering our dear captain about this time, Gustave?" Prince Henry laughed and took a seat beside the Captain.

"I wasn't badgering him, Danielle," Gustave playfully poked her back, and smirked when he saw her twitch. "I was simply asking Laurent whether he thought it would be a good idea if I painted a portrait of the Royal Guard for the palace. They are such an important part of this country that I believe it is only right that they are acknowledged."

Danielle looked thoughtfully at her friend, obviously impressed with his kind offer. Gustave had prided himself on completing some wonderful pieces of artwork for the palace. Portraits of the King and Queen, Henry and Danielle, he even did a spectacular piece of the royal family in honour of the twins christening. In their royal robes, Danielle sat holding baby Nicole with the Queen standing to her left. And to the Princesses right stood her husband, proudly holding Charles, with the King standing admirably beside his son. It was a beautiful painting, and Danielle pleaded with Gustave to have it hung in the royal court room, for all to see. The young painter happily obliged, and in the next few days was congratulated and complimented by many of the courts highest officials for the wonderful portrait. Currently he was working on a three generation portrait; containing King Francis and his future successors, Henry and Charles. It was a surprise that Danielle had requested in honour of Francis's next birthday, for there was nothing more that the King enjoyed then his family.

"Well, I think that is a wonderful idea, Gustave," Prince Henry brought the Princess out of her thoughts. Henry smiled at his young friend, "I think that Laurent would have to be stupid to say no. What do you say to that offer Laurent?"

"Well of course I agree. I bet the men would love their faces to be placed on a piece of canvas and hung out for the world to see," the group laughed heartily at Laurent's playful remark, as Danielle spotted the Queen walking into the room. The Princess stood as her mother-in-law walked over to her, smiling gently. Danielle laughed gently when she heard Laurent make the comment that he was not a very good model and couldn't stand still even if his very life depended upon it.

"Danielle sweetheart, I put Philippe to bed, however he woke up and wishes for a kiss from his mama," the Queen sighed at the sweetness of her youngest grandson as Danielle gave a gentle smile in return.

"Alright, I'll come up there. Mother, are Charles and Nicole in their beds yet?" Danielle asked as she and the Queen began walking towards the door of which the Queen had just come. Marie shook her head and told her daughter- in-law that they were in the kitchen, with Jacqueline and Paulette. Danielle turned toward the direction of the kitchen but was stopped when her husband gently grabbed her hand and looked up at her. "Is there something wrong Henry?"

"I'll go get Charles and Nicole, alright sweetheart? You just go up and see Philippe and I will bring the other two up when they've finished their hot chocolates," Henry stood up beside his wife and gave her a gentle kiss on the lips as Danielle smiled at him.

"Alright, but please make sure that they come up soon. It has been a long day for all of us, and what I do not wish for tomorrow are grumpy children with not enough sleep," Danielle giggled gently as Henry grinned in agreement and began walking off in the direction of the kitchen. Danielle assured her friends that she would be back soon and rushed off beside the Queen to put her toddler son to sleep.

-Kitchen-

"I told you Nicole, Anthony fell of his horse. That is how he broke his arm, he told me he was practicing jousting with Pierre," Charles looked over at his sister who was munching on a chocolate chip biscuit, while sipping on her hot chocolate. The two of them sat alone in the adjoining dining room, listening in the background to the sound of Paulette and Louise unpacking the food, and Jacqueline humming some unknown tune. The conversation had been upon who had more marshmallows, however it soon changed to the latest piece of children's gossip, and a debate had begun.

"I'm afraid not Charles. Marie told me that he was running about the house because there was a mouse on the loose. Anthony was standing on top of a chair and when their maid Rosa came through the door and started screaming because she saw the mouse, he jumped and fell off the chair, breaking his arm. Marie was told by Rosa who was recovering in the kitchen," Nicole watched as her brother started picking out the chunks of marshmallows from his hot chocolate. She frowned at this display and continued to watch as she saw their father come through the door.

"Hello papa," Nicole exclaimed happily as she forgot all about her brother's actions. She held out her short little arms in her father's direction, her gesture to be hugged. Prince Henry happily obliged, sweeping Nicole out of her chair and engulfed his small daughter in a warm hug. She giggled with happiness as he kissed her on the head. He placed his daughter back in her seat and looked over at his son who wore a sulking expression upon his youthful face; Henry soon noticed that his eldest son was thinking deeply about something.

"Something wrong, Charles?" Henry looked worryingly at his son. Although he respected Charles wishes to be treated more like a mature boy then a baby, Henry couldn't help but worry about his son and dot upon him like only a father could. Henry, in a sense couldn't relate to his son's wish to be treated more grown up. While Henry as a boy was eager to gain attention even if that meant acting like a spoilt little boy, Charles wished to be treated like his father, an adult. The Crowned Prince remembered something that his wife had told him the first time Charles told him that he wished to be treated like a big kid. She said that it was because Charles idolised him so much that he wanted to be exactly the same as his father, in every way. Even if that meant being addressed in the same way as Henry was. Henry didn't know whether this was a compliment or a problem. Of course he wanted his son to look up to him; Henry felt proud about the new person he was since Danielle walked into his life. Yet Charles was only 5 and still his baby boy. He didn't want Charles to miss out on childhood because he was too 'mature', he wanted him to see things that Henry as a boy had been too caught up in ignorance, to see.

Charles looked up at his father and smiled, "No father, actually I'm fine." Henry sighed in relief yet was still curious to find out what his son was so deeply thinking about. Nicole had since her conversation with her brother, finished her hot chocolate and placed the mug in the kitchen for Paulette. Admitting gently that she was tired, she kissed each of the women in the kitchen goodnight and headed back into the dining room and straight into her father's waiting arms.

"Well what were you thinking about then, Charles? You looked much caught up in your thoughts," Henry held his little daughter in his arms in a protective embrace while placing his hand on his young son's shoulders.

"Oh, I was simply thinking about something that Anthony de Monefort said to me. Apparently, his little sister told Nicole a different story," the young Prince giggled as his father scooped in up into his other arm and gave him a kiss on the forehead.

"Well, why don't you tell me about it on our way to bed, alright? You're mother was quite eager to get both of you into your beds to get a good night sleep," Henry's heart swelled as Charles nodded and he gently took a hold of his sisters hand. Nicole opened her eyes gently and let out a small smile. Charles leaned in and placed a small kiss on his sister's cheek and whispered a small 'goodnight'.

As Henry headed out of the dining room, he heard his son murmur the four words which always made him grateful for the life that he had and how he could not have wished for anything more, "I love you, papa."

-Children's bedroom-

Danielle slowly opened the bedroom door to which her children would be sleeping in. They had been offered the chance to have separate bedrooms, however Nicole had told her parents that they preferred to stay together and share a room. She said that it felt much cosier if there were more people in the room. Charles had added that he enjoyed the added company of Nicole and Philippe; it could be far more fun with them together.

"Mama?" a little voice whispered as Danielle peered inside. There curled up in his huge blanket, surrounded by teddy bears, was little Philippe. His dark wavy hair was messy and his small cherub face displayed the innocence and vulnerability that made Danielle cherish him even more. Philippe was a mother's boy, always looking for the comfort of his mothers embrace more then anyone else. Although his grandmother was the only one who could really settle him down, Philippe felt most secure in his mother's arms.

"What's the matter, sweetheart? Did you want mama to come and give you a kiss?" Danielle crept up to her son's beside where he lied there waiting. Little Philippe nodded, and when he saw Danielle open her arms to him, he uncurled himself from his blankets and shyly crept over to her. Settling himself on her lap, thumb in mouth and eyelids heavy, Philippe gently let himself succumb to the slow tune of his mother's melody. Whenever her children found it hard to sleep, Danielle felt that the best comfort came from a warm cuddle and a gentle tune. It had worked on her as a child, and now it was the perfect remedy for her own children.

The Princess stroked her baby son's dark hair, and thought about how much Philippe looked like his father. Philippe had her father's eyes, a stormy blue, not gentle blue like her own, or stormy grey like Henry's. Charles would have to be the perfect replica of Henry as Nicole was of her; however Philippe was the perfect physical mixture of both of them. She thanked God then and there for the beautiful perfection of her family. The strong love they had for one another was something to marvel at. The children admired one another immensely, something unexpected from children of royalty.

She was awoken from her thoughts when she felt movement within her arms. She looked down to see Philippe with his head leaning against her belly. Philippe had been quite hesitant about the idea of being a big brother; however Charles was able to successfully convince him that being a big brother was the best thing in the world. Nicole had told her that Charles had compared it to chocolate, Philippe's favourite food. This made the Princess laugh. She simply had to tell her husband, who too, couldn't help but laugh at the concept of his fourth child being compared to a chocolate bar.

"Mama, I can feel the baby," Philippe whispered as his small hand landed on the spot where the baby had just kicked. Danielle smiled warmly at her son as the little boy continued to feel her stomach, searching for another kick. The baby intrigued the young Prince who was still getting used to the idea that milk came from the cow. Philippe actually started crying when his Grandpapa told him that baby chickens came from eggs. This was unknown to Danielle, who couldn't understand why her son suddenly refused to eat eggs. However, after finally explaining it to Philippe, the young Prince was still quite hesitant about eating, continuously asking his mother whether a baby chicken was within his breakfast egg, much to the families amusement.

"Is the baby coming to play?" Philippe looked up his mother; his eyelids where still heavy, but the thought of a game of hide and seek would wake the young Prince in an instant. Danielle kissed him on the forehead.

"No darling, the baby is just getting ready for beddie-byes too. Just like you are," Danielle stood up and gently placed her young son back within the warm comfort of his blankets. Pulling the tangled sheets up to his chin, Danielle smiled as Philippe nodded slowly.

"Okay mama. Night," the young Prince gently closed his eyes as his mother laid a protective kiss upon his small forehead. Stroking the messy hair away from his eyes, the Princess almost didn't hear her husband enter the room.

"Did you get him to sleep?" Danielle spun around to see her husband standing in the doorway. In his protective embrace were their two eldest children sleeping quietly. Danielle nodded gently as she tip toed over to Henry. The Prince gave her an exhausted smile as he handed Nicole over to her mother. Nicole felt the sudden movement and opened her eyes to find herself in her mothers embrace.

"Hello mama," she whispered quietly as Danielle sat the tired Princess on her bed. Taking the nightgown which Paulette had laid at the end of the bed, Danielle kissed her daughter on the forehead.

"Hello darling. A little tired, are we?" Danielle giggled as Nicole, rubbing her tired eyes nodded, each movement requiring more and more energy. "Well, you've done well sweetheart. You've had a very long day." With the help of her mother, Nicole was able to change out of the gown and into the warm comfort of her nightdress. Just as quickly, Nicole dragged herself under the covers and let out a relieved sigh as her head hit the warm feathery pillow. After placing the dress away, Danielle returned to her daughter's bedside to straighten the unruly bed sheets.

"Goodnight, mama," Nicole whispered as she drifted slowly into the awaiting arms of sleep. Danielle replied with a kiss on the cheek and a gentle caress on the young Princesses cheek.

"Goodnight, my little Princess," and with that, Danielle rushed over to her son's beside, where Henry had tucked Charles in. Like his sister, Charles was finding it difficult not to go to sleep. As soon as he saw his father duck off to see Nicole and his mother running her fingers through his unruly hair, Charles fought sleep off less.

"Goodnight, mother," Charles murmured with a yawn. Danielle returned a warm smile as she kissed him on the cheek.

"Goodnight darling," she whispered as Charles drifted off into the world of sleep. Danielle continued to look at her son as she watched the steady rise and fall of his small chest, indicating as his breathing relaxed and evened out, that he had fallen asleep. She looked over at her husband who was now at Philippe's bedside. She watched him plant a gentle kiss upon his forehead, and stood up. Finally removing his gaze from his son, Henry looked over at his wife who was sitting beside Charles. He smiled as she stood up and watched him come over. He lovingly wrapped his arms around his wife and kissed her. It wasn't a kiss of power or of overwhelming passion; it was simply a kiss of love, the kind that Danielle enjoyed the most.

Ending the kiss, Henry looked over his wives shoulder at his sleeping son, a warm smile appearing upon his face. His wife followed his gaze and also smiled tenderly.

"Thankyou," he whispered in her ear causing her to shiver. His words, especially when spoken in that particular manner, always made a wonderful feeling arise in her body. Danielle looked up her husband with interest.

"Thankyou for what, Milord?" Prince Henry looked down at his beautiful wife and thanked God at that moment for allowing him to be so lucky to have her in his life.

"For this, Milady," he gestured to the three sleeping children in the room, "For all of this." Looking directly into her husbands eyes, Danielle realised what he was talking about. She blushed as she answered him.

"A girl does what she can sire," she smiled, remembering the old line from the past. Henry was about to interrupt her, but Danielle placed her fingertips on his lips, silencing him, "Henry."

Henry smiled gently at her wrapped her in a warm hug. He placed a gentle kiss upon her lips as the couple turned off the light and quietly closed the door, letting their children bask in the world of dreams.

-Back in the Sitting Room-

"Well, I'm going to bed; I can't stand waiting for Danielle and Henry any longer," Gustave sat up from his seat on the couch and headed in the direction of the bed chambers. So far, Laurent and Jacqueline, Leonardo, Paulette, Louise and Maurice had all headed off to bed. The hour was late, and everyone was fighting to keep their eyes open.

"Alright, goodnight Gustave," the King murmured as he waved off the young man. Gustave made a quick bow and darted off, actually running into Henry as he came through the entrance.

"Sorry Henry," the young painter murmured, "but I just can't keep my eyes open." Gustave rubbed his eyes as Henry laughed gently. He patted his friend upon the back as he nudged him towards the bed chamber corridor.

"Alright, Gustave. Danielle and I are about to turn in for the evening as well. Danielle's actually sleeping at the moment," he laughed as he remembered his wife falling onto the bed and immediately curling up and dozing off to sleep. "I just came to say goodnight to my parents, are they still up?" Henry thanked the young painter as he nodded.

"Oh Henry, there you are," Queen Marie kissed her only son upon the cheek as she and her husband also came through the sitting room entrance. "Your father and I are heading off to bed, I have a feeling he might be rather grumpy tomorrow if we don't head off now."

"That's alright mother. I just came in to say good night to you all. Danielle's fast asleep in bed, as well as the children," Henry hugged his father as he spoke and kissed his mother on the cheek. "Well, goodnight everyone."

Francis watched as his son walked down the corridor towards his chambers. He looked at his wife and smiled at her, "She really has changed him Marie. He is truly a better man know that Danielle is in his life."

Marie shook her head in disagreement, much to her husband's surprise, "She hasn't changed him, Francis. She has simply brought out the best of him, something that we were unable to do. That Henry," she stated, motioning towards her son's chambers, "was really there all along."