Scene: On the roof of Mary and Francis' castle
Action: Depressed, Gabriel gazes upon the kingdom. A teenage James teases and annoys him as usual.
James: My father is sick. He is knocking on death's door. He will have to choose a successor soon.
Gabriel: We share the same father. Remember?
James: I recall your father is elsewhere. He violated my mother.
Gabriel (walking away from James): I have no time for your criticism
James (following behind Gabriel): You were born outside my parents' union. You have no claim to the throne. I am the rightful heir.
Gabriel (closing the door on James): Goodbye, little brother
Time Period: A Flashback
Scenario: What if Gabriel was a stillborn and avoided any future heartbreak?
Place: Mary and Francis' bedchamber
Mary (Writhing in pain on the bed, she starts having contractions and screaming): AHA...AHA...AHA...AHA
Lola (running into the room with the other girls): Mary...
Mary (in labor, she orders her ladies in waiting): I am in labor. Take off my clothes.
(Obediently, the ladies take off Mary's clothes in which are bloody and wet. They help Mary into a clean gown. Mary continues to rest in the bed awaiting the baby's arrival)
Mary (grabs hold of Lola): AHA...AHA..AHA..AHA
Lola (concerned): Its way too early for the baby to be born. Maybe I should get Francis.
Mary: Please don't tell Francis. He already has enough on his mind.
Lola: But he is your husband
Francis (rushes to Mary's bedside): Mary, I am here. How bad is your pain?
Mary (touches her stomach): The baby is coming. I have to push.
Catherine (enters the room with a doctor): I have a doctor for you
Mary: Thanks, Catherine
The doctor (checking Mary): Mary, you are fully dilated. I can feel the baby's head.
Mary: Can I start pushing right now?
The doctor (preparing to catch the baby): Sure
Mary (screaming as she bears down and pushes really hard): AHA..AHA..AHA
The Doctor (preparing to catch the baby): The baby is crowning. I can see the head.
Mary (exhausted): I am not ready. It is way too early. Will the baby be okay?
Catherine: No. Your baby will be stillborn.
Francis (yelling at Catherine): MOM...
Catherine: I was just telling Mary the truth
Francis: Mary is already in enough stress
Mary (cries in Francis' arms): Everything is my fault
Francis (Kisses Mary's forehead): You're precious
Mary (gives once more into her pain): AHA..AHA..AHA
Lola: The baby is small. It should just slip right out.
Mary (hyperventilating): Its not that easy
The Doctor (pressing down on Mary's stomach): Come on out, little baby
Mary (beginning to lose consciousness): I am dying
The Doctor (trying to pull the baby out): Please stay awake, Mary. Just one more big push and your suffering will be over.
A Priest (interrupts the birth): I heard the baby was premature. It may be stillborn. Can I pray for the baby?
Catherine: Sure
Francis: Mom..
Catherine: I want to make sure that the child makes it to heaven
Mary (desperately, she begs the priest): Ask God to keep my baby alive
The Priest (lays hands over the baby's crowning head): Please have mercy on this child, Lord
Doctor (places the dead baby on Mary's stomach): The baby is dead. I am sorry.
Mary (sobbing, she cradles the baby): NO!
Francis (choked up): OH MARY
Catherine (snatches the baby from Mary): Now we must get rid of it
Mary (yelling): His name is Gabriel. I want to give Gabe a proper burial.
Catherine (rolling her eyes): Alright
