The date was October 20th, 1830. At the Palace of Versailles.
Napoleon II stood outside of Elisabeth's quarters where she could hear her moaning from the pain through the thick wooden doors.
Inside, a midwife gave firm instructions. Water was being changed. Fabric shifted. Another sharp cry came.
Marie Louise stood a few steps away, fingers interlocked tightly.
"She is strong," Marie Louise said quietly. "She will endure it."
Napoleon II gave a short nod but did not respond.
Bootsteps approached down the corridor.
Napoleon I stopped beside his son.
"How long?" Napoleon I asked.
"Nearly three hours," Napoleon II replied.
Napoleon I gave a small nod.
"When your mother labored with you, it lasted longer."
Marie Louise glanced at him. "That does not make it easier to hear."
Another cry from inside. The physician's voice rose briefly.
Napoleon II's jaw tightened.
