Children posed as Mary and Joseph, and even a donkey was acquired to really seal the deal. A lot of singing happened in Spanish; Freya couldn't really understand, and she didn't want to bother anyone to translate for her. Once the pilgrims, also known as Mary and Joseph, had found a space in the makeshift manger scene, everyone clapped and cheered, and the festivities began.

White lights strung across the area turned on, revealing all the fantastic game and food. The children went wild, parents chasing after them, laughing, being merry. She ambled, so Cossette didn't get too tired.

"Do you want to go grab a snack, Your Royal Highness?" Freya asked, catching a glimpse of Christmas trees bunched together, strung with white lights, carolers singing Christmas tunes, and tables with arts and crafts supplies at the ready to decorate ornaments.

"Oh, that is a great idea! Who did that? I don't think I noticed it in the schematic," Freya said.

"It's something the Queen would do, but I think this one is all Magnus." Cossette weakly smiled, causing Freya more concern.

"Princess, let’s go sit down. You really don't look well." She led her to the closest table and chairs. "Sit here, I'll be right back with something for you to drink and nibble on."

Making her way through the happy crowds of families, Freya couldn't help but wonder how her students were doing at the studio. Christmas was always a favorite time of year.

Freya grabbed a hot tea and a couple of sweet and savory snacks on a plate and went back to Cossette, who really wasn't doing well.

She didn't want to interrupt Magnus or their Majesties as they were making their rounds greeting the staff and families. After a quick recon of the area, she discreetly signaled for Jean Paul to come to her side.

"Miss Sinclair?"

"Jean Paul, please, without a scene or fuss, I need your help with getting the Princess out of here."

"What of her security detail?" He turned, unable to find them.

"She gave them all a few hours off, so they can enjoy the Posada with their families." She whispered into Cossette's ear. "I'm going to get you back into the Palace; can you walk arm and arm with me?"

Cossette simply nodded.

"Good. Jean Paul will be right behind us. Don't worry, between both of us, we've got you."

Cossette's eyes glossed over, causing Freya to worry.

"Jean Paul, let’s go."

"I know you don't feel good, Princess, but try to smile. It'll help, so no one is alarmed."

The Princess even stopped to greet a few of the staff and meet their children. The encounters were very brief, but she managed.

As soon as they'd reached one of the back entrances and were out of sight, she collapsed into Jean Paul's arms who was quick to hold her.

"Quick, get her inside. Take her to that room. Oh, I forgot what it is called. But it is where the Royal family and I took our breaks during the ball."

Jean-Paul nodded.

Freya quickly opened the door and switched on the lights. "Here, lay her down here on this chaise," she said remaining as calm as possible. "Now go get the Queen. But please, be discreet. Do not alert the King or the Prince."

Jean-Paul hurried through the door, and Freya rummaged through a closet, looking for a blanket. Luckily enough, she found a blanket and pillow.

"How are you feeling, Princess?"

"Weak. Tired."

"Jean Paul went to get the Queen. They should be back at any moment. Is there anything you can think of I can get you?"

She didn't say a word, opting instead to shake her head.

Freya carefully lifted Cossette's head to place the pillow under and adjusted the princess more comfortably on the lounge so she could cover her and that is when she noticed -

the Princess was bleeding, a lot.

Fear threatened Freya, but she fought to hold it together. "Princess? Hold my hand, okay?"

Freya managed to cover the Princess with one hand as she held firmly onto the Princess with the other.

The Queen appeared along with her head security guard and Jean Paul. Upon looking at Freya's face, she asked them for a moment of privacy, "Tell me, Freya, what is the matter?"

Freya leaned in closer to the Queen, whispering carefully into her ear, "I think she is having a miscarriage." Her eyes watered but she held back the tears as the Queen firmly gripped at Freya's shoulder.

A look of complete and utter shock came over Her Majesty, but she too held back her tears and stood, quietly opening the door and disappearing outside it. After a few minutes, she walked back in. "Jean Paul is getting the King and Prince, my guard is bringing the ambulance into the private garage. We'll do our best to get her out of the Palace without commotion."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Freya, you've done a great job of getting the Princess here without anyone noticing. You've managed to hold it together very well. Truly commendable. Not too many people can pull that off. Thank you."

A tap came at the door, and a couple of paramedics and the Queen's head of security walked in. They carefully lifted the Princess onto the gurney, got her comfortable strapped in, and wheeled her toward the private garages that were conveniently close by. Quickly, they loaded her into the ambulance, and Freya asked if it was all right if she rode with the Princess. The paramedics looked at the Queen who gave the okay.

"I'll be right behind with the King and Magnus," the Queen said as the paramedics closed the back of the ambulance and one of the garage doors opened.

The driver slowly exited the Palace grounds, and once they'd gotten past the main gates, they turned on the lights but not the siren, speeding through the city.

Freya only caught glimpses through the front or back windows when she looked up from Cossette.

The streets were all dressed in garlands and lights, big red velvet bows and banners on the light posts with messages of Christmas hope, happiness, faith, and forgiveness.

They arrived at San Francisco de Asís hospital, except the ambulance pulled around the emergency entrance and toward the back.

Freya understood it was to protect the Princess’ privacy.

The paramedics quickly got her out where a team of six medical staff waited. "We are going to take her straight to the private suite."

The doctor nodded. "We'll meet you up there."

The staff cleared the path so the paramedics could load Cossette into the elevator. Freya hopped in with them.

Tears were flowing down Cossette’s face, and Freya did her best to wipe these dry with a corner of the blanket.

"You’re at the hospital now. They are going to take excellent care of you," Freya whispered into Cossette's ear as the Princess gripped Freya's hand tightly.