Henry sighed and looked over at Danielle. He had just endured a painful lecture from her about how bad he had made his father feel. He had to admit that he hadn't realized how his father had changed. "I am sorry, Danielle. I have been very wrong. I shall speak with father as soon as we arrive in Spain."

"Finally!" she exclaimed, leaning over to kiss him soundly. He wrapped his arms around her and deepened the kiss.

After she pulled away and smiled at him, he spoke softly. "I am sorry, m'lady. I have been a fool."

"Oh, Henry. You are not a fool. You just missed a change in your father. A significant change that will affect us all, I believe," she said, smiling widely. "I love you, Henry. Just be more open to your father's opinion from now on."

"Yes, madame, I shall be."

In the first carriage, Francis was still fuming. He could not even speak to Marie civily any more. She sat silently, looking out the window and trying to mask her pain. The carriage began to hit some pretty big bumps, causing the King and Queen to bounce in their seats. Marie grabbed on to the side of the carriage to steady herself but when the carriage hit a particularly large hole, her hand slipped and she slammed into the side of the carriage. Her cry of pain caused Francis to forget his anger and looked at her, worry filling his heart. He saw the pain that crossed her face and yelled that the carriage be stopped.

"Marie....are you alright?" She nodded but was still gasping in order to catch her breath. He moved closer to her and tried to help her in any way he could.

By this time, the guards had come to the carriage and opened the door.

"Your Majesty? Is something wrong?" Laureant asked Francis.

Francis saw Marie's eyes, pleading to keep quiet. "No. You may drive on. But please, watch for the holes in the roads."

"Yes, Your Majesty. I apologize. We missed that last one."

"Yes, you did. Thank you, that is all." The guards closed the door and the carriage soon started rolling along. Francis closed the distance between Marie and himself and gently wiped the tears off of her cheeks. "Marie, what is wrong? Are you hurt?"

She shook her head and tried to move into a more comfortable, sitting position. "I am fine, Francis. Just startled I think. Thank you for your concern." She assumed her position, looking out the window but Francis would not let this go any further.

"M'lady..." he said softly. "I do not like being lied to."

She turned to him quickly, fury in her eyes. "M'lord, what are you implying?"

He was surprised at the anger that seemed to be radiating from her. "Marie...I know you are hurting. Please, tell me what I can do to help you."

"Francis...it is nothing. I am fine. Now, will you kindly leave me alone!"

She turned quickly away from him so he would not see the tears that fell down her cheeks. He didn't move away from her but did as she asked. Moments later, he saw her shoulders begin to shake. He reached out and put his hands on her back but she jerked away suddenly. He had no idea what to do. He was not used to feeling helpless and he didn't like it one bit. Awhile later, he saw her body slump against the side of the carriage and noticed her eyes shut. Knowing that she needed the rest, he leaned back against the carriage and gently took her hand in his. When she did not wake, he rubbed her hand with both of his. Something was wrong...very wrong.

Danielle and Henry smiled at each other as they looked out over the countryside. "Spain is very beautiful, Henry."

"Not as beautiful as you, my angel."

Danielle blushed slightly as Henry kissed her softly. "I am glad we have been given this time together. I miss you so when you are with your Father all day."

"And I miss you. Father does not remember what it is to be a newly-wed. Of course, Father was never as in love as I am with you."

"Oh, I do not know about that. He and Mother have been getting closer as of late."

"What do you mean?"

"Have you not noticed, Henry? Really, you must open your eyes to these things."

"I am afraid that I have married a romantic."

"As have I," she replied, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. He simply laughed and pulled her closer.

"And are you not glad that you did?"

"Very glad...." she said as her lips found his.

Marie awoke, feeling more exhausted than when she had fallen asleep. And the pain seemed to be increasing. But, there was a sense of comfort around her, one she had not felt before. She looked around the carriage and then realized that Francis had fallen asleep, clasping her hand between his. She felt badly for speaking to him so harshly...but she did not want him to worry about her. She was not used to that and it scared her.

Francis, having felt movement next to him, opened his eyes and saw Marie staring at their entwined hands. "M'lady...you are awake."

"Yes, m'lord." She pulled her hand away from his and clasped it with her other hand in her lap. She looked down at her hands and spoke softly. "I apologize for speaking so harshly to you, m'lord. It was very wrong of me."

"Marie...do not apologize to me. How many times have I spoken harshly to you?"

She looked over at him and seeing him smile, she smiled as well. "Thank you, Francis."

"Do you feel rested after your nap?" She nodded but he did not believe her. "Well, Captain Laureant informed me about an hour ago that we should be there before dusk. The King and Queen will be waiting for us."

Marie sighed. She did not feel she had the strength to meet with the Spaniards tonight, but she knew it was her duty. Soon after the carriages pulled up in front of a gigantic castle, where laterns lit the path to the entrance. The King and Queen of Spain were standing together, Gabriella not far behind them. Henry and Danielle looked out of the carriage and were surprised Gabriella was even there.

Henry squeezed Danielle's hand. "Do not worry, my love. They will see how in love I am with you and then they cannot do anything to us." He kissed her and then stepped out of the carriage and offered her his hand. She stepped out gracefully and linked her hand through his arm. They stopped at his parent's carriage. His father stepped out and then offered Marie his hand. She took it gratefully and stepped out of the carriage, praying she would not fall over. She took his arm and he noticed how she leaned on him more than she usually did. Henry and Danielle silently followed behind them, an interpreter close to the King and Queen.

The interpreter for the Spanish came forward with the Spanish Royal Family to greet the French Royal Family. They all exchanged welcomes and then the Spanish King stepped forward as Francis did.

"The King wishes to welcome you and your family to Spain, Your Majesty. He hopes that you will enjoy your stay in the palace and that everything will work out for the best of both countries. Now, the Royal Family will show you to your chambers." Francis nodded and thanked the Spanish King, stepping back to allow Marie to take his arm as both Royal Families made their way into the castle.

The Spanish family said goodnight and walked away, leaving Danielle, Henry, Francis, and Marie by themselves. After their luggage was brought in, Danielle turned to her in-laws. "Mother, Father, I believe there are some things we need to discuss," she said sternly.

"We can speak in our chambers," Francis agreed. He led Marie inside to the sitting room and Henry and Danielle followed.

After all four were sitting, Henry broke the ice. "It has taken me a long time to realize how foolish I was the other day and how harsh my words were. Father, I would like to apologize. I will do anything I can to help you sort out this treaty with Spain."

Henry watched his father's reaction change to one of complete surprise. "Henry, you do not need to be there all the time. I just may need you for some important issues. That is all I was trying to say."

"I understand, Father. And I apologize for not seeing that sooner. I am afraid my actions have been rather selfish." He looked at his mother and she smiled at him. He really was growing up.

"I apologize as well, Henry. I want you and Danielle to have the perfect life together. I am afraid I forget sometimes that you are newly-weds. You may have all the time together you wish," Francis said.

"How about you both make a compromise.." Danielle added. "Father, when you need Henry, you can summon him. If you do not need him, Henry can be with me. That way, you both will have each other when you need each other."

"That sounds like a wonderful plan, my dear," Francis said, smiling at his daughter-in-law. She really was an asset to the family. The family decided that Henry and Danielle would have the next day to themselves while Francis met with the King to discuss the treaty.

Danielle and Henry bid Francis and Marie goodnight and headed to their chambers. "Now, was that so difficult?" she asked him.

He pulled her into a hug and kissed her deeply. "No, I don't think so. Thank you for your wise advice, m'lady."

"It is only my duty, sire," she giggled as he pulled her into their chambers.

"Let's start our honeymoon off right," he said softly as the door shut.

Francis and Marie had gone into separate dressing rooms to change, both climbing into bed, exhausted from the events of the day. Marie turned over on her side, ready for a good night of sleep. "Goodnight, Francis."

"Goodnight, Marie." He had grown accustomed to falling asleep quickly, but tonight, sleep would not come for him. He laid in bed, thinking about the treaty for awhile but his thoughts kept going back to Marie in the carriage that day. He knew something was wrong, he just couldn't put his finger on it. He turned over and watched her as she slept. She seemed uneasy, restless almost. He wanted to do something for her, to show her that he cared. He quietly moved closer to her and gently pulled her into his arms. She did not wake, causing him to breath a sigh of relief. Instead, she seemed to relax some and curled up against him. He smiled and finally, sleep came.

Marie woke the next morning, feeling warm and at peace. She forced her eyes open and found herself in her husband's arms. He was looking down at her and smiled.

"Good morning."

"Good morning," she said, slightly surprised at the hold her had her in. "What time is it?"

"The sun has just risen. Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, thank you. Did you?"

He nodded and then did something totally out of character. He kissed the side of her head and got out of bed. "I am afraid that I must get ready to meet with the King. You should stay in bed, Marie. You look awfully tired."

"No, m'lord, I am fine." She went to get up but he gently pushed her back down.

"I am afraid that I must insist, m'lady. I do not want you out of bed until you have gotten a sufficient amount of rest. The King and I will be in meetings all day and Henry and Danielle will be together. This gives you ample time to get some more rest."

She couldn't argue with him for he went into his dressing chamber to change. She sighed. She knew that she couldn't get out of bed or Francis would start yelling at her. She really was tired so she rolled back over and shut her eyes. Francis emerged from his dressing room ten minutes later and smiled. He walked over to Marie's side of the bed and saw she was fast asleep. He kissed her forehead softly and then put on a serious face. He needed it in order to meet with the King of Spain. This was going to be a long day.

At around three o'clock that afternoon, Marie woke again, finding her ladysmaids wandering around the room with nothing to do. They saw that the Queen had woken up and immediatly came to her side.

"Your Majesty, is there anything we can get you? The King said not to disturb you until you had awoken," a young maid asked.

"No, thank you. I need to get ready though. Francis will be coming back soon."

The maids helped Marie get ready for the day. She just sat down in front of the fireplace when there was a knock at her door. "Come in," she called. Danielle entered, alone.

"Why, Danielle, I thought for sure you would be with Henry today." She took note of Danielle's serious expression as the young woman sat down next to her. "What is it, child?"

"Mother, Father sent for Henry. Henry, of course, was very upset. However, I fear that the treaty is not going so well. Father would not have sent for Henry if things were going as planned, would he?"

"No he would not have. Francis agreed to allow you and Henry to be alone today. I must agree with you, my dear. Something is wrong."

The two ladies chatted for a little longer until at around 5 o'clock, Captain Laureant entered.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness, I have been asked to inform you that dinner will be served in ten minutes with the Spanish Royal Family. I have been asked to escort you down to the dining room."

Marie and Danielle looked at each other, knowing this was just a formality that they needed to attend to. The two ladies stood and walked down to the dining hall, finding their husbands speaking quietly in a corner. They both saw their wives and came over.

"Danielle, I am so sorry for leaving you," Henry said, anger still evident on his face.

"I know you would not have unless it was nessecary. Is everything alright?"

"We will speak of this later. Let's just get this over with." And with that, the Spanish Royal Family entered and everyone was seated. Dinner was silent except for a few occasional comments between each of the families. Marie noticed the worry lines that were on Francis' forehead. She hoped things weren't as bad as they seemed.

After dinner, the Queen of Spain and Gabriella exited as the King turned to Francis. The interpreter stepped forward and relayed what the King was saying. "Your Majesty, the King of Spain would like to meet with you and your son first thing tomorrow morning to finish the treaty talks. You are to bring your advisers along."

Francis nodded and thanked the King for his hospitality, then escorted Marie out of the dining hall with Danielle and Henry not far behind. When they reached their chambers, Francis turned to Henry. "Son, I am very sorry. I did not expect to have you called upon so soon."

"Father, I understand why you had to. I am not upset. I shall see you in the morning. Danielle and I have much to discuss tonight."

He kissed his mother on the cheek and shook his Father's hand. Danielle hugged them both and then took Henry's hand as he led her into their chambers.

Francis sighed and walked into his and Marie's chambers after the guard opened the door. Marie followed silently, not knowing how to start up a conversation. He sat down in front of the fireplace, staring into it. She quietly sat down next to him and waited for him to speak first.

"Marie...this is not going well at all. I am afraid the treaty will never be signed," he said quietly, his head lowering.

She cautiously reached over and placed her hand on his back. "Is it really that bad, Francis?"

He nodded, silence consuming both of them again. The fire slowly died and burnt out, leaving them in both silence and darkness. Finally, Francis sighed. "Let us retire for the evening."

He reached over and helped her up. Dizziness swept over her and she reached for him before she fell. He tightly held on to her. "Marie?" He couldn't see her eyes or her face but knew something was terribly wrong.

"I am sorry, m'lord. I must have slipped on something." She stood and shook away the dizziness, trying to focus on walking to her dressing room. He held her around the waist tightly and led her into her dressing room where candles were still lit. He saw her pale face and noticed her shaking.

"What is wrong, m'lady? You are shaking. Should I call for a physician?" he asked, worry filling his eyes.

"No...no physician, Francis. Please, I couldn't stand that. I'm just a bit tired." She sat down at her vanity and sighed. "Could you call the maids for me? I'm afraid I cannot get out of this dress by myself."

He agreed quickly, informing the head maid to let him know when the Queen was finished. He waited outside the door and ten minute's later, the maids emerged.

"Sire, she is ready now."

"Thank you. You did not tell her I waited, did you?"

"No, Your Majesty."

"Good. You may go now." The maid curtsied and left the room. Francis entered Marie's dressing room again.

She looked up, surprised that he was there. "Francis? What are you doing?"

"I wanted to make sure you were ready for bed."

"Well, yes...why wouldn't I be?"

"I...well, I don't know. I'm just coming to help you to bed," he said, supporting her by the arm as she stood.
"Francis...are you alright? You've never come in here before."

"Marie...I have changed some you know. I'm not a hard-hearted old man...well most of the time I'm not."

He smiled when he saw her bow her head to stifle a laugh. He linked her arm through his and blew out the lantern. He led her into the bedroom and helped her into bed. He quickly went to his dressing room to change before she fell asleep. He climbed into bed beside her and saw she was looking at him oddly. "What?"

"Oh...nothing. It's just...well, you have changed Francis. I'm very proud of the way you've been acting towards Henry. You both are getting along much better."

"Well, I think I owe it to him. I was rather hard on him for a few years." He saw the look Marie was giving him and sighed. "Alright, for many years. But, I think Danielle is good for him. He has settled down and is really thinking about becoming King one day. This is a step in the right direction. Something I can work with."

"Francis..."

"Alright, I could always work with him...it's just become somewhat easier now that he's agreeing with me." Marie laughed lightly and he pulled her closer. "And what is so funny, m'lady?"

Her eyes seemed to twinkle as she looked up at him. "Nothing, m'lord. Nothing at all."

"Marie, tell me!"

"Well...it's just you seem to think he will always agree with you now that Danielle has entered the picture. I am afraid, m'lord, that you are very wrong. She has ideas of her own, you know. And Henry will begin listening to her more than you."

"He will have to listen to me! Not his wife! I am the King!"

"Oh Francis..." she sighed, pulling away from him.

"What have I said wrong now?"

"Nothing. Just get some sleep," she moved to turn over but he caught her arm and rolled her back so she was facing him.

"I would like to know, please."

"Francis...how many times have you listened to Henry on matters of politics?"

"I have listened...I just have not always agreed."

"Yes, you have not agreed. Because you did not think his ideas were any good. However, you have listened to me, haven't you?"

"Well, I always take your opinions into consideration if that is what you mean."

"Yes, and I very much appreciate that, m'lord. So, don't you think Henry will listen to Danielle's opinions and follow them instead of listening to you?"

"No."

"And why not? What makes Henry and Danielle different from us?"

The King was silent for a moment. "They just...they just are!"

"Francis, don't you see? Don't you see that they are in love and want to help each other out in every situation?"

Again, the King remained silent.

Marie nodded and rolled on to her side. "Exactly as I thought. Goodnight Francis." And with that, she was asleep, leaving Francis speechless.