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