AN: Bonjour, Saalam/Namaste, Hello, and good afternoon, Everyone! I know it's been a while and I apologize for that. I don't usually do 'warnings' because apart from some thematic elements I always try to keep my stories appropriate for children over ten years old. However, in this chapter there will be a gynecological exam and although it's not graphic at all I don't think kids will have much fun with it. Also, I would ask that everyone keep in mind that although I do love the Fairy Tale whimsy of 'Ever After,' I'm trying to keep as true to the culture of 16th century France and the courts of Francis I, and Henri II as possible. This includes real people and events from their lives. As such, Henri's revelation in this chapter might seem to be OOC for Our beloved Movie Prince. I only ask that you stick with me until everything is explained in upcoming chapters. If you still don't like it, let me know. I enjoy constructive advice.

AN2: Jean Fernel was one of the greatest physician in Europe during the 16th Century and he served both Francis I and Henri II. He came up with the term Physiology. A truly remarkable scientist and humanitarian.

Translations: The titles are the same I've been using.

ma belle petite Papillion: My beautiful little butterfly.

Merci, Médecin: Thank you, Doctor.

Jean Fernel entered the palace with a tight feeling of worry in his chest. When the royal messenger arrived at his modest clinic where he treated the poor and conducted most of his research, he immediately delegated the work left to his students and fellow doctors and rode with all speed to the palace. His brow furrowed as Captain Laurent approached him. "Thank you, so much for arriving so quickly, Doctor Fernel."

"Captain, I must say I am surprised to see you," Fernel greeted. "The messenger led me to believe there has been a terrible emergency."

Marc shook his head and hastened to reassure the greatest doctor in France. "Not at all, Doctor, but a situation has come up of extreme delicacy and your expertise is needed."

Fernel nodded his head in understanding. "Very well then, Captain, please lead the way."

Marc escorted the revered physician to the anteroom of the soon-to-be Dauphine's apartments where he saw Leonardo had joined his Prince and the Comtesse. "You're Highness, Comtesse, Leonardo, Doctor Fernel has arrived," he announced.

Fernel immediately bowed to the Prince. "I am honored to be of service, Your Highness."

"Doctor, thank you for coming," Henri replied with great dignity. "The Comtesse de Laurant will show you to your patient, but first it is vital that I make clear the gravity of the situation." He turned to Leonardo, Helene, and Marc. "My dearest friends, would you please give me a few moments privately with the good Doctor?"

"Of course, Your Highness," the Comtesse answered and curtsied, while the gentlemen bowed and all took their leave.

"Doctor, the patient you're about to see is the young lady whom I have chosen to be my wife," Henri announced. "Unfortunately, she was recently held against her will by a man of the blackest character. He mistreated her in many ways, including keeping her in irons after she attempted to escape his clutches. However, she has assured me that she was not violated. Although I trust her word as my law, I will need you to provide a sworn statement to the fact, and to do that of course, you must examine her."

Jean Fernel had spent decades both in the depths of the slums of Paris ministering to the desperate, and in the glittering courts of the nobility treating the most illustrious of the nobles. He had thought he had seen and heard almost anything human nature could throw in his path, but this astounded him as nothing had in years. "Of course, Your Highness, I will do anything I can for the young lady," he answered, trying to remain calm and professional. "Your Highness, I do not mean to cast doubt on your lady's honesty, but if as you say the man who held her hostage is of a particularly vicious mien, he might have drugged her unawares. What should I do if my examination does not match her story?"

Fernel watched as the Prince's eyes darkened and his face went pale. For a moment a cold fear settled in his gut that he might have gone too far with the young man, but when the Prince answered his voice was full of tender concern. "If that be the case," Henri sighed, "then Almighty God will grant me heavenly wisdom so that I may protect my wife. However, you must assure me that you will take that secret to your grave."

The doctor bowed again to his Prince and hastened to assure him. "I will do everything possible to attend to the young lady, and protect her reputation, Monsieur le Dauphin."

Henri let out a breath he'd unknowingly held in. "Please, be very gentle to her. I'm afraid she's endured many adversities both physical and of the soul. She is a pure and modest women. This will not be easy for her." His voice quivered with worry and reluctance to allow his love to go through more hardship.

Fernel offered a warm, paternal smile to the distraught younger man. "I can swear to you, that my examination of the lady's chastity will not cause her even a moment's pain. Sadly, such things are always uncomfortable emotionally to a young woman, but I do all I can to put every one of my patients at ease. As to any other injuries my patient may have suffered, I cannot promise completely pain free treatment. However, I can promise that every effort I can make to spare her discomfort will be made."

"I thank you with all my heart, doctor!" Henri gushed in relief. "I'd give anything to spare her this, but knowing you understand my feelings makes the burden much lighter."

Fernel chuckled at the young lover's enthusiasm. "I was young once myself, Your Highness."

Henri laughed, feeling some of the strain melt out of his body. "If you'll excuse me a moment, doctor, I will bring the Comtesse in so she may lead you to your patient." He turned and quickly went fetch his most trusted nurse.

Jean carefully turned over the information the Dauphin had given him over in his mind. Obviously the young woman in question could not be the Infanta of Spain. Although he tended to the most elite of the royal court, he tried to remain out of the realm of intrigues and gossip. He knew that the young Dauphin did not have a mistress, and he never visited houses of pleasure. He couldn't remember any talk of him favoring any daughter of the nobility. He could only hope that the girl (whoever or whatever she may be) still retained her chastity. If she had lied to the Henri, he would not say she remained pure. He wouldn't expose the child, but he couldn't tell a lie not even for the Dauphin of France.

Henri re-entered the room followed by the Comtesse, Laurant, and Leonardo. Helene gestured toward the door to the bedchamber and gave Fernel a warm smile. "This way, my dear Doctor, Madame la Dauphine awaits."

"I follow your gracious lead, Madame la Comtesse," Fernel replied as she opened the door to him.

After the Comtesse and the doctor left, Henri dropped onto the nearest bench and covered his face with his hands. "I wish to God this day would end," he moaned.

Leonardo chuckled, patting the young man's back. "Buck up, young Prince, the more arduous the struggle the sweeter the reward."

Marc sat on the other side of Henri and agreed. "Indeed, our genius friend is right, mon Dauphin. Doing things this way ensures any enemies cannot claim your marriage is invalid, and protects our Mademoiselle. Only Almighty God will have any authority over your marriage then."

"In Thomas Moore's Utopia perhaps," Henri frowned. "The worst is yet to come."

Leonardo shook his head. "My boy, once your esteemed father meets Danielle he will approve of her. Faults he may have, but a lack of intelligence is not one of them."

Henri sighed. "If only he was the biggest obstacle in this, your words would reassure me, dear friend."

Leonardo's white eyebrows raised to the edge of his cap. "What then?"

A look of despair mixed with the most tender love filled Henri's midnight-blue eyes. "I still have to tell Danielle about ma belle petite Papillion, the only thing that has ever belonged to me alone. I only pray Danielle can forgive me."

The old man's features twisted comically in confusion. "Captain, could you please translate once more?"

Laurant's face turned ashen and he unconsciously stroked his goatee. "Mon Dauphin is referring to Marianne-Therese de Valois, his little daughter."

The old man's face went grey and his mouth dropped open in shock. "Alright, boy, you had better start from the beginning."

The Comtesse led Fernel to the bed keeping a warm and reassuring smile on her face. "Your Majesty, Madame la Dauphine, Mademoiselle de Ghent, Doctor Fernel has arrived."

"Thank Goodness you've managed to get here so quickly, my dear Jean!" The Queen exclaimed as he bowed. Turning to Danielle she squeezed her hand and reassured her once more. "My darling, this gentleman is the greatest physician in the country, and one of the kindest men in all of Europe."

Jean bowed to Danielle and laughed at his queen's description. "As always our Queen's graciousness makes her praise effusive. I assure you, Madame la Dauphine, I am here to serve. Is there anything you would like me to do first for you?"

Danielle pulled herself up straight and met the middle-aged physicians, kind and sharply intelligent dark eyes. "I am honored to meet you, Doctor. I tried to convince our beloved Queen that my injuries are not serious enough to warrant your esteemed skills, but I wish to set her mind at ease. I have complete trust in my sister Mademoiselle de Ghent's healing hands, but if you could examine me for any injury that is beyond cure, I would greatly appreciate your skills."

The embarrassment and strain in the young woman's green eyes touched Jean deeply. She knew what would happen if he found evidence contrary to what she had told her intended. A protective instinct welled up in his chest, and he found himself wanting to spare her the humiliation she sought. "Of course, I am willing to do whatever is required, Madame la Dauphine. Where do you wish to begin?"

Danielle grabbed Jaqueline's hand for courage. With a shaky breath she decided her course. "I believe it would be easier if you saw everything at once. Many of my wounds have mostly healed, but they are distributed all over my body."

The Queen grabbed on to the bedpost to keep upright and Helene immediately pushed a chair behind her, helping her sit down. "My child," the Queen spoke in a soft pain filled tone. "Are you certain?"

Danielle felt her cheeks burn hot and knew that they'd turned crimson. "I realize such a display is hardly proper, even for a medical examination, Your Majesty. However, I am at a loss to find another way that the esteemed doctor can make his examination efficiently. I'd rather waste as little time as possible."

Jean motioned to the Comtesse that he would begin. "My dear child, as Job once said, 'we arrive in the world without a stitch on, and we leave in the same way.' There is nothing shameful in showing a doctor whatever part of your body that needs healed."

The Queen relaxed and smiled in encouragement. "Of course, Doctor Fernel is correct. My darling, modesty is a distant memory after giving birth anyway."

Danielle moved slowly out of the bed so she could remove the heavy dressing gown that kept her warm and covered. Jaqueline stood in front of her so that Danielle's back faced the doctor and gently slipped the garment off. "Courage," she whispered as the luxurious fabric fell to the floor.

A terrifying web of scars from a lash and switches covered her creamy skin from her back, down her buttocks, thighs and calves. From the stark red welts of the day before the masque, to the spidery white ridges of beatings long since forgotten, nearly every inch of skin bore the marks brutality, oppression, and a malevolent, implacable hatred.

The Queen's mouth dropped open in horror. Throughout her life she'd seen traitors, heretics, men and women guilty of breaking the laws of God and men tortured and executed. None of those experiences had prepared her for the sight before her eyes. Looking at Danielle, Marie shivered at the evil carved into her flesh. "Who did this to you, ma fille?" she asked in a breathless whisper.

"My stepmother, Madame. Although, I'm sure any bruises come from Monsieur Le Pieu and his brutes," Danielle answered as she turned, using her arms to shield her breasts and secret area. The scars continued across her thighs, ending just before her knees.

Doctor Fernel approached the young woman with a reassuring nod of the head. "Why don't you lie down on your stomach so I can look at your back first, Madame la Dauphine?" he suggested gently. When she moved into position, he covered her lower body up to her hips with the coverlet. "When did this happen?" he asked casually, keeping his tone warm but professional.

"A little over eight weeks ago, Doctor. The day before the Masque," she answered, breathing a sigh of relief that he hadn't reacted like the chambermaids or the Queen.

"They are healing quite well," he remarked, as he gently touched the wounds. "They're not hot, and I see no sign of infection. How is the pain?"

Danielle flinched as his cool finger brushed against a particularly sore spot. "It is not unbearable, but certain wounds do still sting like a bee."

Jaqueline shocked everyone, including herself, by interrupting. "Danielle has a greater tolerance for pain then anyone I have ever seen, Doctor. If she says it stings then it's probably more like being shot with a crossbow!"

The Queen quickly crossed herself, and Helene squeezed her hand. Wanting to lighten the mood, the exquisite Comtesse joked. "She will be able to bare fifteen lusty babes without creasing her lovely brow with that strength! Praise be to God, for our Dauphin will never tire her out!"

The whole room erupted into laughter even as Danielle hid her blushing face in the silken pillow under her head. In her heart, the dream of babies always remained the bitterest of sweet wishes. Before Henri, she viewed her marital prospects the way Marguerite did. Her best hope in life remained with the manor and reviving her father's legacy. Now, a husband, children, a family of her own, all lay before her within blissful reach. "Perhaps it will not be God's will for fifteen children," she muttered. "However," she continued shyly, "I would want at least five."

"Before I aid Madame la Dauphine with the birth of your children, perhaps I can aid with the discomfort of your back," Fernel chuckled. "I think my ointment containing myrrh and marshmallow will help immensely."

"Merci, Médecin." Danielle murmured.

Because Doctor Fernel operated within the royal court, his ointments and medicines were prepared every day. Colette appeared with a tray of all the ointments, essential oils, and powders that may be required. "Merci, ma enfant, as usual you anticipate me."

Colette blushed at the praise and handed him the jar he needed. "It is only my duty, Monsieur."

"I am very grateful, Colette," Danielle assured the young girl.

"It is my honor, Madame la Dauphine," Colette whispered, before taking a place where she could be called on if needed, but well out of the way.

Fernel warmed the ointment on his palms and gently rubbed it into the raw healing wounds on Danielle's back. "I am astonished that these wounds haven't become infected due to your circumstances, Madame la Dauphine."

"I owe everything to my sister, Doctor. Jaqueline has tended every illness and injury I've had in the past ten years. From the mildest cold, and sprain, to a raging fever and wounds from the lash, she has the gift of healing hands," Danielle asserted with fierce pride for the younger woman holding her hand.

"My compliments, cher Mademoiselle, you have done a fine job. I am certain that you have saved our Dauphine's life many times," Fernel commended after wiping his hands clean. "Who taught you how to tend wounds and sickness?"

Jaqueline blushed red at the praise. "Well… you see…" she stammered, wringing her hands nervously. "I wasn't taught by anyone in particular… I like to take long walks by myself. I enjoy the outdoors, and along my way I would pick flowers and herbs. At the manor, my stepfather had many books on science and medicine that I started to read when Danielle's, 'discipline' began. Occasionally, if our servants had time, I'd ask them to teach me about their home remedies. At times, when I could get away from home, I'd ask our Priest to help me learn more. He introduced me to several of the midwives in town and provided me with some pamphlets written by the Franciscans. I had to learn in order to help my sister, and because I know that eventually my mother will not have the means to pay for a doctor's services."

Fernel bowed to Jaqueline. "Whatever your reasons and however you learned, be assured, Mademoiselle, you are skilled and compassionate. Tis' a pity you were born a girl. If I could, I'd admit you into my own medical classes. Unfortunately, there isn't a doctor in France that wouldn't stick my head on a spike if I even hint at suggesting a female student."

"Not to worry, doctor," Helene interjected with a laugh. "This darling girl will learn far more away from your schools and councils."

"Indeed, Madame!" Fernel agreed, his face alit with a beaming smile. "You will be a far better teacher to Mademoiselle de Ghent than I have ever been to any of my students."

The elegant Cometess arched her right eyebrow. "They say the disciple honors the master by surpassing them."

"Touché, Madame," Fernel, bowed. "Now, my dear Dauphine, you mentioned needing an examination to determine any 'permanent' injury."

Danielle's face turned as white as her luxurious sheets she could feel the blood drain out of her face. "Yes," she whispered. "That is the main reason I agreed to see you."

Jaqueline gripped her sister's hand and kissed her on the cheek. "It's alright, Danielle, I'm right here with you," she assured.

The Queen hurried to Danielle's other side and smoothed back her hair. "My dear, I am so sorry that you must endure this."

Danielle leaned into her future mother-in-law's touch. "I've endured my entire life, Your Majesty. I've endured a motherless infancy, I've endured a childhood of grief and slavery, and I've endured six weeks with Monsieur Le Pieu. During all this time I've endured because I had no other choice. Enduring is what I'm best at. I love Henri more than I thought I could love anyone ever again. I'd endure anything to be his wife."

Marie smiled and kissed her future daughter-in-law's forehead. "You are everything Henri told me."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Danielle murmured. Turning back to Fernel she tried to give him a brave smile. "Continue, Doctor. The sooner this is over, the better."

Fernel donned a pair of fine goatskin gloves. "Madame La Comtesse, perhaps you can assist me?"

The Comtesse also put on a pair of goatskin gloves. "Of course, Jean." She stood at the foot of the bed, gazing at the brave but clearly nervous future Dauphine sympathy and compassion, filling her eyes and face. "Madame La Dauphine, first: I need to raise the coverlet to your hips. Second, you must bend your knees as far as you are comfortable. Finally, you must hold your knees out to the sides. If you can't hold your knees out, I will help you. If Mademoiselle de Ghent wouldn't mind perhaps she can assist you on the other side."

"Of course," Jaqueline assured, giving her sister's hand one last hard squeeze.

Queen Marie kept smoothing Danielle's hair, whispering encouragements in her ear. "Henri is so proud of you, and he respects you more than any man I've ever seen respect his intended."

The cool air of the palace caused gooseflesh to cover her legs. To be so exposed in front of others caused her stomach to tighten in terrible knots. Her head spun with the feeling she got whenever Rodmilla offered a crumb of kindness only to drown it in the vinegar of contempt. She bent her legs as the Comtesse instructed, and waited. Jaqueline felt a tear slip down her cheek. She gazed at Danielle's face, outwardly resolved and serene, but she could see the subtle tension around her eyes and mouth. The Comtesse motioned to her to help steady Danielle's leg, and she quickly complied. More tears escaped her dark eyes when Danielle flinched. The Queen kept smoothing Danielle's hair and murmuring soothing words into her ears. Minutes passed that dragged into millennia. Finally, Doctor Fernel looked up and nodded. Everyone in the room let out sighs of relief, while Helene and Jaqueline hurried to cover and warm Danielle.

Danielle trembled with relief as the warm robe draped around her body and she sat propped up on silk covered bolsters and pillows. Once she had composed herself, and felt more comfortable, she raised her head and faced her doctor. "Doctor, are you satisfied that I have told the Dauphin the truth about my virginity?"

A warm fatherly smile graced the older man's face. "I most surely am, Madame La Dauphine. I will swear it before the king and any other powers I may be called before to confirm your chastity."