After two full days of sleep, Francis finally woke up. His coughing had gone down a little, but he still felt bad. A few moments after he woke up, his mother burst into the room.
"You're finally awake!" Catherine exclaimed, "how are you feeling, darling?"
"I still feel terrible, but I haven't been coughing," Francis said.
"I'm so glad, Francis. Do you need anything?"
"I could use a cup of water."
Catherine got up and poured Francis a cup of water, then handed it to him.
"Where is Mary?" Francis asked after he finished his water.
"She's out riding with Sir Malcolm."
Francis started coughing at the mention of Malcolm's name. Catherine got the pitcher of water and poured him another glass.
"I knew it," Catherine said, "it was Malcolm who caused your sudden illness."
"Oh, Mother... I was starting to feel ill a couple days ago."
"That might be true, but I think Mary spends far too much time with Malcolm."
"I think so too."
"Then why do you allow it?"
"Because I have a feeling that nothing has happened between them, and because Malcolm's stay at court will end come spring."
"You still might want to keep more of an eye of them. I learned something about their previous ride the other day... the day you collapsed."
"Go on..."
"It seems that Malcolm went for a quick swim in the middle of their ride. Apparently there was some sort of outburst Mary had when she thought that Malcolm had drowned. She was prepared to jump in the lake to go save him."
"You know how wild Mary can be. That's not a suprise."
"She also spent some time staring at his half naked body."
Francis scoffed, "How did you find this out?"
"I sent a spy. One of Mary's guards reported back what he saw to me."
"Mother, I know that you are doing this for my sake, but please do not spy on Mary."
"Don't you want to know what your wife is doing when you are in your council meetings?"
"Yes, but I don't need every singe detail."
"I do."
"Look, Mother. I am a bit worried about what Mary may or may not do with Malcolm, but I still trust her. And yes, I am ill right now, but it's my own fault. I stressed myself out so much that I got ill."
"I don't see it that way."
"I know you don't, but please don't spy on Mary. If Mary found out, she would not trust either of us ever again."
"Fine, Francis. I won't spy on Mary anymore."
"Thank you, Mother."
"Remember, darling. I'm doing this for you, not for Mary. But if you ever need me to spy on Mary for you, I will do so willingly."
"I know you would," Francis said as he set his cup down on the side table by his bed, "I'm tired again. I think I'm going to take a nap."
"Have a nice sleep, darling."
"I'm sure I will. Can you visit me later today?"
"Of course."
Catherine went to Francis and kissed his forehead. She left the room shortly after. Francis fell asleep shortly after his mother left, but could not help but think of Mary and Malcolm as he went to sleep.