The maid answered the door when Danielle knocked almost an hour later. "Yes, Your Highness?"
"I would like to see the Queen. Is she awake yet?"
"Yes, Your Highness. Please, come in."
Danielle made her way past the maid and found her mother-in-law alone. "Good morning, Mother."
Marie looked up and smiled at her daughter-in-law. "Good morning, Danielle. I trust the cabin is sufficient for you and Henry?"
"Oh, yes, Mother. Very sufficient. Where is Father?"
"He was gone by the time I awoke this morning."
"You do not know where he went?"
Marie shook her head no. She remained silent for a moment and then looked at Danielle. "What are you doing today, dear? Going riding with Henry?"
"No, I was hoping to talk with you this afternoon."
"Me? Danielle, must I remind you that you are on your honeymoon."
"Yes, but I would like to talk to you. I am afraid my husband is very worried about you."
"Why would he be worried about me?" Marie asked softly.
"Mother, he loves you. I love you. We just want to make sure you are alright," Danielle answered, placing her hand over Marie's. Marie squeezed back and smiled gratefully at Danielle.
"I assure you that I am perfectly fine."
"Wonderful! Then you won't mind that I have packed us a lunch and we are going out on an adventure!"
"Danielle, what are you..."
"Come on, Mother!" Danielle grabbed her by the hand and took her outside where two horses awaited them. "Thank you, Captain Laureant. You can tie the basket to my horse."
As Laureant did as the Princess asked, she led the Queen down the steps and up to the horses.
"Danielle, I have not ridden a horse since before Henry was born."
"Oh Mother, I'm sure you will be fine! I heard you were an excellent rider."
"From who?"
"I have my ways," she said, winking at Marie. Laureant helped both of them on to the horse.
"You are sure you do not want extra riders with you, Your Highness?" he asked Danielle.
"No, Captain, we will be fine. Have a lovely day!" she said, slapping the reins and riding away. Marie followed, cautiously at first, but then quickened the pace of the horse. She had always loved horses but with a young son running around, she did not have much time for her own pleasure. Francis had not liked her riding anyway. He was too afraid she would fall off. He felt women should be in a carriage. Well, today she wasn't in a carriage and she was going to enjoy herself. After reaching an open field with a few trees, they dismounted and set up the picnic lunch. After chatting and eating, Danielle decided it was time to dive into the big questions.
"Mother?"
"Hmm?" Marie asked, looking back at Danielle.
"What was it like?"
"What was what like dear?"
"Marrying a stranger."
Marie's eyes widened at the question but her demeanor did not change. She calmly answered, "Well, it takes getting used to I guess. Francis was very kind to me, he did not push me into anything I did not want. He was always the perfect gentleman, just a little rough around the edges."
"Were you scared?"
"Of course I was. I was getting into something much bigger than I could have ever imagined. Why are you asking me this?"
"I...I was just wondering how Gabriella must have felt."
"You are very kind to think of Gabriella. I am glad my son chose love over a treaty."
"Does Father think he made a mistake now that we have so many problems with Spain?"
"A mistake?"
"Letting Henry and I marry."
"No child! He would never think about having anyone marry Henry besides you. He loves you Danielle. You bring such joy into all of our lives. And he is pleased to see Henry smile again."
"So am I." The two sat in silence awhile longer before Danielle asked her next question.
"Mother...would I be too bold in asking...do you love Father?"
Marie looked down and tried to hold in her anger. She knew it was Henry who really wanted to know. "My dear, I am afraid that is too bold. I think it is time we get back to the cabins."
"Mother...I did not mean to upset you," she said, reaching over to take Marie's hand. Marie looked up at her and Danielle saw the tears in her eyes.
"It is alright, dear. Let's just go." They packed up everything and mounted their horses. They enjoyed a leisurely ride back towards the cabins. As they drew nearer to the clearing, they heard Henry and Francis yelling.
"What is that?" Danielle asked.
"I am afraid to find out," Marie said. They stopped the horses and listened and then realized it was both men yelling at the guard for not going along with the Princess and Queen.
"Mother, this is all my fault. We cannot let Laureant and the others be punished."
"Do not worry, Danielle. They won't be." As the two women urged the horses forward, Marie's horse began to buck and kick. As she tried to control it, Danielle jumped off of her horse to try and calm the other down. She turned to shoo her horse away when Marie's horse panicked and threw the Queen off.
"Mother!" Danielle ran to her side, finding her unconscious and badly hurt.
Francis' head shot up when he heard Danielle's scream. He bolted off the porch and towards the woods. Henry followed along with the guard.
"Danielle! Where are you?" Henry called.
"Henry! Over here! Quickly!" She called back. Francis arrived first, becoming sick at the scene before him. Marie was not moving and Danielle was trying to wake her up. "Father, oh Father, the horse...it threw her."
Francis stooped down as Henry and the rest of the guard arrived at the scene. Danielle threw her arms around Henry who stood in silence, shocked at the sight before him. Francis gently shook Marie, finding that she would not move.
"Captain..." he said softly. Captain Laureant stepped forward quickly.
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
"At what time did my advisers and physicians leave this morning?"
"About five hours ago, Your Majesty."
"Have someone ride quickly and bring the Doctor back. He will be needed."
"Yes, Your Majesty." The Captain turned and began giving orders as Henry touched his Father on the shoulder.
"Father, can you not wake her?"
Francis shook his head. "She is badly injured. We must get her inside." He gently scooped her into his arms, still strong at his age, and rushed back to the cabin. Henry and Danielle followed, trying to keep up with the King's pace. Once inside the cabin, Francis began shouting at the maids to get blankets, clean cloths and anything else they thought would help. While they quickly attended to their duties, Francis laid Marie down on the bed and looked her over carefully. There was a large gash on the side of her head where she had hit the tree after being thrown. Her dress was dirty and ripped. She was almost as white as the sheets she was laying on. Francis carefully sat on the bed next to her and pushed some of the hair out of her face. Danielle grabbed one of the cloths from a maid, putting water on it, and came over next to Francis.
"Father, let me try and clean some of this up. You go wait with Henry." She saw the look of hurt and sadness on his face as he nodded and walked with Henry into the next room. Danielle took his place and gently began wiping the blood off of her mother-in-law's face. "Mother...please, wake up. We all need you. Father needs you. Please, wake up." But Marie did not stir and Danielle could do nothing.