Francis paced the room as Henry tried to think of something to say to him. He knew his father was hurting, but so was he. It was his mother after all. And didn't his father see how important she was? He knew that his mother loved his father, but he was never quite sure of Francis' feelings.

"Father, you need to relax."

"Do not tell me what I need to do, Henry. What I need to do is think of a solution to this problem."

"Problem? You call this a problem? No, Father, this is a catastrophe. My Mother may be dying in there!"

"Do you think that I don't know that?" Francis fumed, turning quickly to glare at his son. "She is my wife, my Queen! I am trying to figure out how to help her the best way I can! Do you think the only reason I care about her is because the people of France love her? No! I care about her because I love...well, because I do! Now, if you have nothing else to do except yell at me for the way I've made a mess out of things, then you can leave!" He plopped on to the nearest chair and put his head in his hands.

Henry sat, stunned for a moment, before speaking. "I am sorry, Father. I know you care about Mother...at least, now I know."

Francis looked up. "I am afraid I do not have a very good way of showing it."

"I have been blind to you the past few months. Danielle has noticed the way you have been trying. Forgive me, Father."

"Son, it is I who needs to be forgiven. I should have made Captain Laureant aware of my wishes that your Mother not ride."

"Why did you make that rule?"

"Right after you were born, your Mother took care of you all the time. She would not let the maids watch you for more than an hour's time. Riding was her way to get away from the castle and the hassle of people asking her about you. I watched her ride off one day and saw the horse begin to kick and buck. I will never forget running out and finding her on the ground. She was fine, just bruised. But, I worried from that day on that something worse could have happened. I didn't want an accident to happen again, leaving you without a Mother and me without a wife. That is when I made the rule. She knew that. However, I fear she was angry with me for being so hostile yesterday."

"Father, she could not help that the horse spooked."

"Yes, but had she not been on the horse, she would not be in that bed now."

They both sat in silence for a moment until Danielle stepped out of the bedroom. Francis stood quickly as did Henry.

"Is she awake?"

"No, not yet. The maids are doing all they can for her. I'm afraid we can't do any more until the physicians arrive. Do you need anything, Father?"

"No...you stay out here with Henry." He kissed her on the cheek and walked into the bedroom. The maids curtsied and moved away from the bed. They had bandaged the gash on the Queen's forehead but that did help the paleness of her skin. Francis walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. The maids quietly went to their quarters at the back of the cabin. Francis took Marie's hand in his and kissed it. It was very cold.

"Marie...Marie, can you hear me? Please, open your eyes darling." He touched her cheek and she did not even stir. He dropped his head in defeat and said a prayer for his wife. It would take awhile for the physicians to arrive. He hoped it wouldn't be too long for he feared they would not make it in time. He lifted his head and saw Marie shaking. He covered her with another blanket and rubbed her hands inbetween his. After a few moments, he felt the need to make sure everything was alright. He knew she had fallen on her left side, so he carefully checked her ribs. He could tell several were broken. He called for one of the maids.

"Yes, Your Majesty?" the young maid asked.

"I need you to gather some bandages quickly. The Queen's ribs are broken and she is beginning to bleed."

"Yes, sire. Right away." She quickly walked into another room and returned a few moments later with bandages. Francis took them and then told her she could leave. He carefully placed bandages over Marie's left side, trying to make her as comfortable as possible. A half hour later, Danielle came in the room.

"Father?"

Francis turned to look at her quickly. "Anything?"

"A rider just came. They are an hour away. How is she?"

"No change yet. You and Henry should get some rest."

"Father..."

"I mean it, Danielle. This is still your honeymoon and you really cannot do anything by sitting here and worrying. Go on now." Danielle walked over and kissed Francis on the cheek. She squeezed Marie's hand and then silently walked out. Henry stood as she walked into the room.

"How is she?" he asked. She simply shook her head and buried her face in his chest. He sighed and held her close before taking her to their own cabin for some rest. Francis sat helplessly in front of his wife, watching her breath, making sure nothing changed. He had her hand in both of his, his head bowed for the first time in a long time. He prayed that she would get well, that she would be alright. He hadn't gotten to tell her yet just how much she meant to him. He felt something and realized it was her hand tightening around his. He looked up quickly, sniffing back the tears that had threatened to fall.

"Marie, can you hear me?" he asked as she opened her eyes slowly. Her eyes had lost all of the sparkle and had faded into pain. She looked over at him.

"Francis...what happened?"

"M'lady, I'm afraid you were thrown from a horse."

"Danielle..."

"Is just fine. She is with Henry. And both of them are very worried about you."

"Oh...Francis, I'm sorry I was riding."

He silenced her quickly. "Do not be sorry. This is not your fault. The physician's will be here shortly. What hurts the most?"

"I'm fine."

"Marie...tell me what hurts the most," he said, a stern tone taking over his voice. She didn't want to worry him, but knew she had to tell him.

"My side."

"Which one?"

"Left."

"I believe you have broken some ribs. Do not worry, the doctor will fix you up immediately. You will be better in no time."

"Thank you..."

"Marie, you must tell me if you start to feel worse, alright?" She nodded slightly. "Good. Is there anything you need? Something I can get you?"

"No, I'll be alright. Are you alright?"

"Of course! I'm perfectly well. I'm just...I'm worried about you." She smiled softly at his tender words but then winced at the pain that shot through her entire body. "Marie? Marie, what is it?"

She began to answer but her eyelids closed as she fell back into unconsciousness. "Marie! Don't leave me!" But it was too late. And there was nothing he could do to wake her until the physician's arrived a half hour later.