So loud was the sound that even Max, who was helpless and couldn’t do anything but slumber on her bed, opened her eyes to the noise. She felt like an earth nymph who had awakened from a deep sleep when the cheers and victorious tunes erupted from afar. The domineering evil forces that had caused her the greatest pains and trials throughout spring, summer and the beginning of autumn, had finally raised a white flag, signaling their surrender.
Max opened the window next to the bed and looked out at the elm forest that was transforming to the rich yellowish-brown color of autumn. She then slipped her feet into a pair of comfortable moccasins and wrapped a shawl around her shoulders. One of the healers walked into the room with a tray and her eyes widened upon seeing her up on her two feet.
“M’lady, is there anything you need? Tell me what it is and I’ll do it right away.”
“I want to go…o-out. I would like to hear the details of the war’s conclusion…”
“I’ll ask one of the servants to gather the details and report to you. You shouldn’t leave your bedroom just yet.”
“I’m not feeling sleepy, and my body has recovered now. Let me meet the knights for a while… I’d like to hear from them. Those from Livadon must have heard of the details.”
“But I have prepared your food and medicine…”
The healer looked embarrassed and put the tray she had brought down on the table. Upon the tray was the bitter medicinal herbs she was made to drink every morning and evening. Max wrinkled her nose.
“That medicine… makes me really drowsy, it’s harder for me when I feel sleepy. I’ll drink the medicine when I come back instead.”
The healer had an anxious and resolute expression on her face, but called for a servant to accompany Max as she knew that she would not back down. Max walked through the quiet hall with two servants accompanying her. The princess’ palace was situated in the most remote place of the Drakium Palace, so it was calm and quiet during the day. She slowly descended the marble staircase that led to a long, sun-lit corridor. One of the servants who was accompanying her followed closely and held onto her elbow, as if afraid she might collapse and fall over. Max felt like she was being treated just like she aged to 90-years-old, but she accepted the support without protest. In truth, her legs felt weak for being in bed for too long and any movement she made caused her a slight dizziness. This is why she didn’t complain, even though Simon scolded her rudely.
She sighed as she took the last steps of the staircase. At that moment, she heard Princess Agnes’ voice from somewhere, causing Max to turn her head. Usually, the princess was not around her palace until dusk, she would be in the main castle or training grounds all day, so it was a rare occasion that she was in her castle at this time. Her curiosity ate her, wondering if something concerning must have happened as she walked towards the hallway where she heard the Princess’ voices. Her feet led her to a huge door that was ajar. The room inside was large and filled with bookshelves. Princess Agnes and Simon were sitting opposite each other in the middle of the room.
The princess, who was scribbling something down on a piece of parchment, saw Maximillian standing by the door and immediately jumped out of her seat.
“Maximillian, is it alright for you to be already out of bed?”
“It’s just for a whi-while… it’s alright.”
The wizard did not even glance at Max, he then nagged the princess. “Ms. Agnes, your hands are not writing.”
