Prince Eric of Denmark and Prince Henri of France had been inseparable ever since before they could walk and talk. That was indeed mainly due to their mothers being twin sisters. As such they did everything together; that is, whenever their princely duties would allow it. However, on one fateful day, all of that changed.
It was the day of Eric's fifteenth birthday, and as per his request, everyone was to celebrate it onboard a magnificent ship. Many of Denmark's most prominent families turned up, as well as Eric's parents and his favorite sailor companions. One particular person had also come from far away to attend the prince's celebration: his beloved aunt, Queen Margrethe. Unfortunately, she had come alone, due to her son being ill and her husband caring for him as well as the kingdom. While saddened by this, Eric still did not let it cast a pall over the festivities.
Soon, once all the guests were onboard, the ship set sail and began to drift away from the dock. For the first few hours, the young prince was showered with gifts and well wishes, and then it was time for dancing and the serving of the magnificent cake. However, a storm was beginning to brew, and the captain tried to persuade the royal family to have them turn back. Seeing that it was nothing serious so far, Eric's father King Haakon gave the order to stay put. So, the party continued, and Eric had a whale of a time.
Unfortunately, much to everyone's horror, the storm took a turn for the worse, and the royal barge was rocked back and forth by strong, massive waves. Lightning, thunder, and heavy rain fell down upon them, and the ship quickly caught fire. People began to scream as heavy beams snapped apart and crashed down around them. The sailors tried desperately to put out the fire, all the while turning the ship around to head to shore. However, it was no use, as more of the ship was engulfed in flames.
The ship's captain was forced to get everyone safely into longboats as the once beautiful ship began to sink. But not everyone was able to make it; the flames trapped the royal family, as well as a few noble ladies. Another beam fell upon them, taking the lives of Queen Margrethe and Queen Ingrid instantly. Eric began to scream and cry; desperately trying to save them even though he knew it was futile.
His father, though grief-stricken as well, pulled his son to his feet and tossed him over the edge of the ship and into the water. He managed to push the other ladies in the water as well, and the people in the longboats pulled them up to safety. King Haakon did his best to get past the flames and jump overboard, but at the last minute, his foot got caught in the planks, and the onlookers watched in horror as he went down with the burning ship. Eric continued to scream for his parents and aunt, sobbing his heart out.
For quite some time, he saw and spoke to no one; refusing to eat and barely sleeping, haunted by nightmares of the incident. Meanwhile, news had reached France of the death of their beloved queen, and for days people mourned, but none more so than King Herman and Prince Henri. In fact, after the initial feelings of shock and grief wore off, Henri felt nothing but anger and hatred, and he kept that in his heart for the months and years afterward. The unfortunate object of such feelings was Eric himself, for he blamed him for his mother's death. Thus, the strong bond the boys once shared was gone forever. Henri swore he would never see or speak to his cousin again.