Ever After

At the start of the story, the Grande Dame invites the Brothers Grimm and expresses disappointment with their version of Cinderella. She produces a portrait and a glass slipper, signaling that the tale has deeper roots. She then recounts the partial true story that inspired the familiar legend.

During the French Renaissance, ten years after Auguste de Barbarac's death, Danielle is forced to serve Baroness Rodmilla de Ghent and her daughters. She endures harsh treatment while quietly plotting a future beyond servitude. The household dynamics set the stage for her resilience and wit.

Prince Henry tries to flee an arranged marriage to Princess Gabriella of Spain and crosses paths with Danielle, who initially mistakes him for a thief. He slips her 20 francs to keep their encounter secret. The moment marks a turning point in their intertwined destinies.

Henry intervenes to stop bandits threatening Leonardo da Vinci at the Royal court, earning admiration for his courage. This bold act leads to his capture by the Royal Guard. The incident deepens his notoriety and draws attention to his choices.

Danielle disguises herself as a noblewoman to reach the palace and try to buy back Maurice, who was sold by Rodmilla. Henry witnesses her argument with the jailer and, moved by her determination, orders Maurice's release. This act cements a bond between Danielle and Henry.

When Henry asks for her name, Danielle reveals Countess Nicole de Lancret, her late mother's name. The moment grounds her identity in something personal and true. It further deepens Henry's connection to her past.

King Francis announces a masquerade ball at which Henry will declare his engagement to the woman he chooses at midnight. If he fails, Francis will marry Gabriella instead. The ball becomes a high-stakes turning point for all involved.

Rodmilla and Marguerite plot to steal Nicole's wedding gown and glass slippers to dress Marguerite for the ball. Danielle clashes with Marguerite, leading to a tense chase and further highlighting Marguerite's cruelty. The scheme intensifies the escalating conflict.

Queen Marie hosts a luncheon where Rodmilla and Marguerite deduce that Danielle is Countess de Lancret. Danielle then meets Henry, who reveals that she has inspired him to build a university. Unable to reveal the full truth, she flees in the moment.

Rodmilla confronts Danielle about her identity and locks her in the pantry. Gustave arranges for Leonardo to help Danielle escape, and they prepare Danielle in Nicole's attire that had been hidden away. Leonardo, Gustave, Paulette and Louise all contribute to the disguise and plan.

Danielle arrives intending to tell Henry the truth, but Rodmilla exposes her first. Henry rejects her, and Danielle flees in tears as Leonardo witnesses and leaves behind the lost slipper. The night ends with heartbreak that sets the stage for reconciliation.

Henry agrees to marry Gabriella, but at the ceremony he realizes his love lies elsewhere and calls off the wedding. Maurice and Jacqueline inform him that Rodmilla sold Danielle to Pierre Le Pieu after the ball. Henry and Laurent set off to rescue Danielle, and he completes the ultimate test by fitting the slipper to her foot.

The royal court punishes Rodmilla, Marguerite, and Jacqueline for deceiving Marie about Danielle. Rodmilla and Marguerite are stripped of their titles and threatened with exile unless someone speaks for them. Danielle intervenes with mercy, and they are reduced to servants in the palace laundry.

Danielle and Henry establish a university, a lasting beacon of their partnership and shared ideals. Leonardo's portrait of Danielle is gifted to the couple and later inherits to the Grande Dame. The university era marks a hopeful chapter in their legacy.

The couple's life together becomes a legend that endures for generations. Leonardo's portrait remains a tangible link to Danielle and Henry, later inherited by the Grande Dame. The tale closes by affirming that they did live happily ever after in memory, if not in the exact terms of a fairy tale.