II. The Impact of Her

~ Three ~

Moments later, Gonzalo has finally arrived.

"Your Highnesses," he bowed to the both of us. "You called for me?"

"Can you tell us what you need?" Elizabeth asked as she turned to me.

I smiled as I cupped her cheek. "Check... Mother," I slowly spoke, trying not to hurt myself in the process of talking.

"You want me to check on Mother when you're in a lot of pain?" she asked in disbelief.

With a deep breath, I replied, "I... will be... fine. I need... time... alone."

"But, Robert–"

"There's no need to worry, Your Grace," Gonzalo interrupted as he approached us. "I will not leave the young prince until you return."

Elizabeth looked at Gonzalo and returned to me, unsure of what she was going to do.

"I will... call... for you..." I assured her, trying to be strong amidst the strain I felt.

She sighed. "You are such a stubborn person, Robert," she patted my hair gently, shaking her head with a smile. "I'll go and accompany Mother for a short while. I beg you, don't do anything reckless."

I scrunch my face as I let out a quick smile, wincing out of the sting. I nodded at her remark. She knew that I could ignore any advice that the Medicine King said.

She smiled and laid a soft peck on my forehead, standing up after.

"Your Grace," Gonzalo bowed and Elizabeth replied with a curtsy. We had one final glance at each other before she left the room.

As the door closed behind her, I called out Gonzalo, making him turn to me.

"What is it that you need, Your Highness?"

"Pen... and... paper..." I requested, trying to sit back up properly, groaning in the process.

"But Your Highness, you're still in your stage of recovery. His Royal Majesty stated the reports can wait," Gonzalo replied.

I shook my head. "Blank... paper... and pen..." I took deep breaths every time I paused. "I have to... write... a letter..."

"Are you sure, Your Highness? Can you manage?" he continued to ask.

I nodded. I pointed at the table by my window, showing where my pen and papers were.

Gonzalo nodded and headed at once to the table. He then grabbed a table-tray and put my pen and paper on top of it, carefully making his way back to me.

"Your Highness," he gently laid the wooden table in front of me.

"Kindly... give me... a few... minutes..." I requested.

"Will you be all right on your own?" the look of uncertainty spread across his face.

I nodded.

"I will check on you every now and then from outside, then," he offered.

I nodded in response so he could go and give me time to write and send the letter. As soon as the door closed behind him, I immediately grabbed the pen and began writing my letter:

"My dearest Laura,

"How are you? My deepest apologies if I wasn't able to write or see you personally right after I arrived back home.

"I was already home three months prior but due to a few emergencies and errands, I wasn't able to show myself to you.

"Rest assured, I'm alive and well. There's nothing for you to worry about. I'll be seeing you soon. Just promise you'll wait for me.