Maura went to the area where her mother and father were seated. A long table was laid out with many important associates of her father's including Cavanagh captain of the guards and Ms. Thompson. The eyes of both her parents spotted her and they were beaming brightly at their daughter.

"Maura! The birthday girl! Come!" Patty said grabbing his daughter and settling her in between Hope and himself.

Hope stood up, hugged Maura, and kissed her on the top of her head. She was close to tears from all the emotions. There was a clank of metal hitting glass that made the entire room go silent. Then Patrick spoke, "Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Tonight is a very special night and I want to thank all those who had attended making this night special. My daughter is a real gift for Hope and myself. For a long time we had been praying for child and we eventually thought that it was impossible. Maura has been a blessing and truly a miracle that was given to Hope and I. It truly brought us out of our dread and gave us true happiness. My little angel has turned the ripe age of fourteen where she is becoming a young lady. Her life has given my wife and I happiness and hope that she will better the future of Ireland. Maura, your mother and I are both so proud of you and you will do great things in your life. So I raise a toast for my little girl who is both wise and beautiful to continue to become a blessing to our land. To Maura!" Doyle finished and raised his glass to Maura along with her mother and the rest of the guests as they drank their glasses. As Maura looked around she saw the room full of people and felt humbled. Before she could drink her cup a familiar figure appeared in the corner of her eye that stopped her. She looked again and saw retreating figure was leaving her view. Then someone broke her out of her trance.

"Maura dear! Congratulations I am so happy for you darling" Ms. Thompson said while stumbling toward Maura having too much to drink.

Maura looks at her, "Thank you Ms. Thompson. Can you hold this? I need to do something but I'll be right back" she said handing the older woman the cup and processing toward the retreating figure.

As she continued walking she tried to go through the crowd of people quickly in order to reach her destination. Maura didn't know exactly what she would find but she hoped it was the person she begged to stay behind. When she reached the room she didn't find anything. She went toward the terrace hoping to find something. All she could see is the starry sky hovering over the land that was light for the weary traveler at night. What am I doing? They're gone and never coming back. Maura sighed and then returned to the room her party was being held.

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For the past couple hours nothing interesting had occurred. Maura still danced with many men, especially those who wished to be possible suitors for her hand. Maura tried to be polite as possible and pretended to listen to the story about their lives, career, politics, and even expectations of a wife. If this is what women must endure to find a husband why would they ever get married? She asked herself multiple times throughout the night. She wished she had that one person back that had sparked her interest. They seemed to actually have a conversation with her, valuing her opinion rather than saying what other men wanted to hear. If she were to marry she wished it would be someone like her father. Her father adored her mother and would give her the world if she wished for it. But like her mother, all Maura would desire would be their eternal love and commitment. To be able to talk about anything without having to think for the proper response. To be able to speak her mind without consequence. If only that were possible but that is only a fantasy. Many men are not like her father and she would not likely be so lucky. She only hoped they would somewhat appreciate and care for her but she wasn't expecting much. She was currently dancing with the Falkner boy and he seemed alright. Yes he was slightly arrogant and prideful but he accepted her love of knowledge and respected that she was being taught basic medicine. Ian himself studying medicine encouraged it was a good idea for women to learn it. Though he also added that women can only hold so much information about "superior knowledge" and that it was more of "a job fit for a man's intelligence". This statement caused irritation to arise in her. The man's ego can be ridiculously massive.

"So we brought him back and I was able to clean up his wounds. It is more difficult that one thinks but unlike me I surely do not have that problem" he boasted in his annoying foreign accent that was proving to become less attract with every single syllable.

Maura had to keep from rolling her eyes but instead provided a fake smile, "Well that was very noble of you" she tried to say with as much enthusiasm.

Ian smiled a grin that sent Maura shivers down her spine and not the good ones. She was hoping that this dance would stop soon so she could end this charade. In order to distract herself from her uncomfortable situation she stared at her parents who were currently dancing in the middle of the room. They look so happy. Looking only at each other, holding each other close. They were grinning at each other with wide eyes like lovesick fools. After all these years of marriage their love did not falter but was full and bright and they couldn't get enough of each other. That's love Maura thought secretly wishing for the same thing. Though this happy moment was coming to a terrible end and was occurring right before her very eyes. It first started when Hope slowed her dancing putting her head down and hands reaching for her head. Patrick simply thought it was dizziness from the amount of dancing so he grabbed her and started walking to sit down and rest. Hope never made it to her seat but looked up at Patrick one more time before she collapsed onto the floor.

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Everything seemed to move in slow motion for Maura. One minute everything was perfect, going exactly the way it should be and then next it's all falling apart. Maura could do nothing but watch as her life was ruined in front of her very eyes. Too much shock took control of her as her world fell apart. She failed to notice her dance partner had let go of her and ran to where the commotion was happening. Doyle is holding onto an unconscious Hope, caressing her face and calling her name trying to wake her from her unconscious state but with no success. Ian reaches them and is asking to take Hope into quiet corridor and to fully examine her. Maura hears none of this as she is drowning out all the noise from the room and solely focusing on her mother. She was rooted to the spot unable to respond to anything going on around her. The guests were watching in shock as chaos was occurring and Maura felt eyes burning into the back of her skull waiting for a reaction. Patty and Ian helped carry Hope while Sean was clearing the area to make a path to get the queen into a more secluded part of the castle. Finally a hand goes on her shoulder that brings her out of her paralyzed state. It was Garrett the boy from before.

"Lady Doyle, let me escort you to where your mother is as I'm sure you wish to be with her right now" he said genuinely to the distraught girl.

Maura was shocked by his sincerity but had no time to question it as more pressing matters were occurring. She nodded her head and they took off together to hopefully find some answers. When they finally reached the hallway of their living quarters they say her father sitting in a chair looking at the floor and with his head in his hands. When Maura saw this she ran to her father and wished to help him in his distress.

"Papa what's happened?" Maura says immediately hoping her father had some news.

Patrick slowly looked up at his daughter, his face was pale and his eyes were full of something that Maura had not seen since that day in town. Fear. He seemed to be trying to hold back his emotions before giving Maura a reply. "Maura dear I'm not sure. Doctor Falkner is looking at her. He's really bright and talented. I'm sure he'll find out what's wrong and fix it" he said shakily trying to believe his own words.

Maura saw through the facade but did not question him about it. Her father was trying to be strong for both her and her mother and Maura needed to do the same. She sat in the seat next to her father and grabbed his hand and held it as if her mother's life depended on it. Now they were just to sit and wait for any news to come.

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30 minutes later:

The minutes passed by quickly as if it felt like hours that both Doyle's were waiting for the diagnosis of Hope. They both had been in the same spot when Maura first arrived and still clinging hands together. Everything stayed relatively the same beside the maids that would frequently go in and out of the room getting supplies for Ian in order to help Hope. Garrett had been there the whole time asking Maura and her father if they needed anything but when he got a shake of a head in response he resumed standing next to them as if standing guard. Maura was surprised by Garrett's change in demeanor and trying to be as helpful as possible without overstepping. Maura was also grateful that he offered his assistance but when it was denied did not push and remained quiet but present if assistance was needed. There had still been no word on Hope and her condition. Maura had a million diagnosis' running through her head of the possible causes ranging from minor to major. Maura tried to think positively but all the information in her books were taking over her brain and creating mass panic for her. Patty on the other hand had been thinking of one thing. Maura's birth. Doyle had felt the same way fourteen years to the day of the possibilities of losing his wife but this was different. Before Doyle knew Hope's life was in danger because of her pregnancy but this ailment had been invisible, quick, and deadly. He was thinking throughout the night if there were any warning signs that Hope had been ill but none came to mind. When they were dancing, it happened so quickly it was impossible to say it was prior to that. Both Doyle's had their minds occupied and heavy hearts as the woman they loved the most was falling into an unknown abyss.

There was noise of running boots in the hallway and it was Cavanaugh. The wrinkles on his forehead were very profuse and it revealed his look of worry on his face. "Patty any news?" he asked his friend hoping for good news.

Patrick looked up, "No nothing yet Sean. The doctor hasn't come out yet but I'm confident she'll be fine" he said in denial. "Did you settle everything from the party?"

Sean looked at Doyle deflated, "Yes we escorted the rest of the guests out of the castle but we had some difficulty. Patty there something I need to tell you."

Doyle looks curiously at his friend, "Well Sean tell me what is it?"

"There was another person who also collapsed after you left the hall" he said quietly.

"Who? Who was it" Doyle asked quickly wanting to know.

"Ms. Thompson" he replied regrettably.

Maura gasped and a million questions raced in her head. She finally spoke, "Captain what has happened to her?"

Sean sighed as he recounted the tale, "She passed out and we too got her to a room. Luckily there was another physician present at the ball…" he goes on not wanting to continue.

"What has happened to her Sean?" Maura asks seriously needing to hear it with her own ears.

"Unfortunately within ten minutes of her being unconscious the physician pronounced her dead saying her heart had gave out" he said sadly.

Everyone looked at Sean in shock. They could not believe that their beloved Ms. Thompson was gone, had left this earth never to return again. Especially Maura since she respected her so much for her knowledge and open-mindedness to the world and its uniqueness. She was one of Maura's heroes besides her mother because she had faith in the influence of women for the future. It was still hard to believe but it was the beginning of the glass shattering to pieces just like Maura's life. This caused reality to set in for all those in that room because the same thing Hope had already killed someone. No words were expressed for the next couple minutes that passed until Ian had exited the room. Ian's face was hardened and his eyes were expressing unshed tears that he was holding back. This gave away her fate but they needed to hear it from his lips as confirmation.

"What's going on?" Doyle breathes hoping everything is fine.

"Sir, the queen has a high fever that has been increasing dramatically and at a too high rate and she has been constantly in and out of it. I have been trying to keep her cool and fight it off but it didn't work. Also her organs seem to be shutting down at a rapid pace causing her to lose basic functions. If this continues as I predict it will she will eventually stop being able to breathe. I am so sorry to say she has little time left until her body completely shuts down. All we can do is make her comfortable but I would begin saying your goodbyes…" he breathed trying to keep it together.

Doyle resembled a ghost and had a hard time breathing normally. "How long Doctor?" he asked with a raw voice.

"Not long. She will not last through the night."

Doyle gasped at this new information and looked as if he was going to tear apart. "Thank you for doing all you could."

And with that Ian left through the corridor. Both Doyle and Maura was at a standstill unable to comprehend what was happening. Maura's heart felt like it had dropped to her stomach and she felt faint. She had no idea what to do but she hoped and prayed it wasn't real.

Sean was the first to speak. "Patrick you need to go in there. I know this is difficult but you need to say your final goodbyes both you and Maura." Sean was clearly upset but he had lost his family long ago and was not able to say goodbye. He didn't want it to be too late for his friend and his daughter.

The distraught looking Doyle looked at his daughter in agony. "Come Maura."

Without response Maura followed her father into the door that would confirm her mother's fate. A familiar figure was lying on the bed with closed eyes. She could almost be mistaken for sleeping rather than dying but if looked closely fever and illness was affecting her body and she was quickly deteriorating. Doyle removed some hair from his wife's face and cupped her cheek. "Hope sweetheart? Oh dear you still look at beautiful as when I saw you that first day in town. Do you remember? I never felt so happy than on that day. The three best days of my life were meeting you, getting married, and you giving birth to Maura. You gave me everything Hope. Everything a man needed and more. You gave me love, you gave me your heart, your patience, your selfishness, and you gave me the most beautiful, gifted girl in the world. Without you I'd be some empty shell with no purpose in life. You saved me! You saved me from a life of misery and dread. Oh god I don't wanna lose you! You are the only woman I have or will ever love. Please…." Doyle began and started crying unable to finish his final words to his beloved. He looks up and sees a pair of hazel eyes that belonged to his wife staring back at him. "Oh Hope darling you're awake. You'll be ok!" he replied hopefully.

Hope looked at her adoring husband with heavy eyes not wanting to tell him the heavy truth but must. "Patrick my love, I would love to stay but I can't. I feel it in my body that I am too far gone and there won't be anything left of me. Patrick I have loved you since the day I met you; thinking you were a peasant like me but only to find out you are the prince of Ireland. Even with our class differences you chose to love me and commit to me no matter what cost. You are the best man I have ever known and my best friend. You gave me so much dear that I will never be thankful enough for. But I must have to ask you one thing."

"Anything sweetheart anything" Patty replied in heavy breaths.

"Continue to live. Not just physically your life but enjoy it while you have it. Be happy and enjoy what time you are given. Live for Maura. Be the father I know you are" Hope pleaded with a twinkle in her eyes.

"Yes of course. I will always take care of Maura you know that. I love you so much Hope" he responded his tears running down his cheeks as he went up and kissed Hope on her lips for the last time.

Maura watched in shock as all this occurred. She had never seen her father cry in her entire life and this had scared her. This made it real and that her mother was actual going to die and she would ever see her again. This made Maura quake inside and she was losing herself. She looked into her mother's eyes and instantly the tears started to pour from her eyes. The realization kicking in she was trying to avoid.

"Maura dear come closer please" Hope asked.

Maura being unable to refuse her mother did as she was asked and went to her mother but refused to look up at her.

"Maura sweetheart please look at me? I want to see your beautiful face." She said smiling.

Maura looked up and it tore her apart. "Mother please you have to stay with us. You can't leave we need you here. Please…." Maura rambled trying to explain herself.

"I know darling I know if I could I would. But sweetheart I can't. Remember I told you about those who move on?"

"You said that they only move to a new place up in heaven. But that they are still among their love ones to help guide them throughout their lives, truly never leaving them" Maura memorized what her mother had told her.

"Yes baby and that is true for me. I will move on like everyone else has to at one point but I will still be with you. If you ever feel alone know that I am always you and will continue to love you forever."

"But mother I am so different from everyone else. You and Papa are the only ones who understand me and find me unique rather than weird. I need you here to help me. No one will ever love me like you and Papa do. I will have no one. I will be forever alone!" Maura explodes and is panicking.

Having difficulty speaking but she continues, "Maura dear one piece of advice I will give about love. To have a love like your father's and I there is one thing I need to tell you. Completely be yourself because you will need to be honest of who you are. You are different from many of your age but you are special Maura. Nothing is wrong with how you are. Never question that. True love is found from pure of heart rather than social status. Do not focused on what is expected of you but of what you desire because that will make you truly happy. I am so proud to have you as my daughter and I will always love you. Take care of your father dear." Hope had been struggling to stay awake because she knew there were only minutes left. She grabbed the two most important people in her life and held them closely as she began to fall away from the world never to return again.

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Ok so this is chapter 6! So I realize I took longer than normal because I was on vacation and I finally got back. I know some of you will hate me for this chapter but it is necessary for the basis of the plot. Thanks for the wait and I appreciate all those who have been following and commenting on the story. Every encouragement or piece of advice helps not only the story but me as a writer. Ok thank you so much and please review if you can! Have a good day!