Victoria awoke to a gentle hand brushing a stray lock of hair out of her face. As she blinked her eyes open she noticed the sunlight streaming in through the window. Turning over, she was greeted with the sight Albert looking at her.

"Albert my darling, are you alright".

"I am merely tired my darling" responded Albert. After a moment's thought Albert continued "what happened, the last thing I remember is standing by the fireplace"

"You collapsed my darling, I was so scared as were the children. The physician will come by today to see how you are recovering but Albert you must rest and recover your strength".

"Oh Liebes, I did not mean to scare you or the children. I did not realise I was so tired". Albert yawned and began to sink back down into the bed.

Victoria leaned down to kiss Albert's forehead before getting up to get ready for her day. "Get some rest my love, I will be back later with the physician".

Once dressed Victoria decided to do the boxes in her room so that she would be near Albert. She had almost finished when she heard a knock on the door. Putting her papers away she looked up as the physician entered her chambers.

"Good morning Your Majesty, how fares the Prince this morning?"

"Good morning, he awoke briefly this morning though he was very tired and fell asleep shortly afterwards". Victoria glanced towards the bed chamber where she knew Albert was still sleeping.

"I am pleased to hear he is resting; it is vital to his recovery. However, I do need to wake the Prince to examine him, do you wish to be present for this".

"Of course, would you mind waiting here and letting me wake him. I feel he will respond better to that".

"As you wish Majesty" replied the physician. Pulling some papers from his bag and readying his equipment.

Victoria silently entered the bed chamber; Albert was asleep and looked so peaceful that Victoria almost wished she could just sit here and watch him. When he was asleep all the stress that had been present on his face for months had faded away leaving her calm beloved, the gentleman she fell in love with all those years ago. Gently patting his shoulder, Victoria felt him begin to stir,

"Albert, my darling, you need to wake up now please" Victoria kept her voice quiet and gentle so as not to startle him.

Blinking sleep from his eyes Albert looked at her before responding "Victoria, how long have I been asleep?"

"Only a few hours, I would have let you sleep longer but the Physician needs to examine you".

Albert began trying to sit up as Victoria went to allow the physician to enter.

Entering the chamber, the physician greeted "good morning, Your Highness. How are you feeling?"

"I am just tired, nothing much to worry about" replied Albert, trying to avoid the disapproving glare Victoria was shooting his way.

"My apologise Your Highness but you collapsed last night, there is most definitely more than tiredness here".

Victoria took the opportunity to chip in "Albert, you must tell him the truth. I will not think any less of you and neither would the children. We would all rather support your recovery now and have you back with us later. Please do not let your stubborn pride get in the way of that."

Sensing he was outnumbered Albert sighed in defeat before responding "I have been feeling lightheaded for a few days, but I put it down to the stress and organisation required to create the exhibition."

Nodding the physician wrote some notes before asking "have you been eating regularly?"

Albert shook his head muttering something about being too busy whilst Victoria had tears in her eyes.

"You have been incredibly lucky this time my Prince. You are most fortunate that you were not alone when you collapsed as you would have caught a worse chill. You must take time to rest and recuperate. I am recommending bed rest for at least the next 2 days and you must resume regular meals, though I must warn you not to consume too much as following a period of starvation your stomach will not tolerate it. I shall be back to monitor your progress tomorrow."

Victoria thanked the physician before returning to Albert's side and helping him to settle once more in the bed. She kissed him gently on the cheek, promising she would be there when he awoke and smiling slightly at his attempts to fight his eyes closing. Victoria gently ran her fingers through his unruly, curly hair (admittedly something she loved about him) and watched as he finally succumbed to sleep.