The Commoner's Princess

6

"Miranda make sure you stay close today. We do not need you running off and dallying around." Her mother spoke seriously.

Miranda sighed looking over at the gates. She couldn't go to town today because Tucker's parents hosted a tea with other royals from different countries.

She tried to sneak out but it was no way to go unseen. Someone was bound to notice with so many people around. Plus, Tucker and her courtship were put on display.

She absolutely hated that there was no way she could inform him of her absence. She had to wait 24 hours before she could speak to him. There was no one she trusted to deliver a message, who would be discrete and keep a secret.

Ben looked at the door of the clinic every time it opened, but it was never the one person he wanted to walk through. She was over 2 hours late so, he assumed she would not be coming today.

He had to trust that she was okay and hoped that she would arrive tomorrow. Sadly, he knew eventually that their visits would come to an end but he hoped it wasn't so soon.

She was the only woman he was interested in. He liked talking to her and sharing all of his thoughts. He initially thought that royals were dense and only cared about frivolities. But she proved him wrong. She was well read so they could discuss any genre of topic. She was very opinionated so she told it like it was. Miranda was smart and just downright perfect.

"Good day," Miranda greeted entering the clinic with a black day dress on. He had purchased it a while ago but this was her first time donning it.

His eyes widened at her voice and he turned. "Good afternoon,"

The two stared before Ben pulled her into a hug. " I waited for you for hours. Hopping you would come."

"I couldn't get out. The king and Queen hosted a royal tea so everyone was everywhere and more guards were around because it was more royals to protect. I'm sorry."

"It's okay, it's not your fault, I was just worried about you."

"So what's on the agenda today?"

"I have three follow-up house calls." He informed.

"Okay let us get to it,"

Ben took Miranda to the first two house calls and allowed her to go inside. She was curious as to why the third time she couldn't go inside when she had been to this house before.

Looking through the window, she saw Ben place a white sheet over the man. He mouthed something and crossed his chest with his finger.

Miranda's eyes widen realizing the man was dead. Her heart raced because she laid eyes on him the other day.

He was bitten by a snake but she thought he was going to be fine. Tears welled in her eyes watching the family cry.

Ben wrapped the man up tightly before going outside to grab a shovel and dig his grave.

"We just visited upon him 2 days and now he's gone." Miranda sniffled.

"Yeah," Ben replied sadly looking her up and down.

Miranda eyed him and took in his facial expression.

"My lord, you knew this was his fate." She cried.

"Yes, I did," Ben replied.

"That is not right. You gave them false hope,"

"I did no such thing. I never make promises to patients. That's the first rule as a doctor. Everything is in God's hands despite our best efforts. I gave them what I could to alleviate pain, I tried to do the immobilization and pressure method to prevent the poison from getting to his heart and lungs, and I offered them a prayer." He said putting the shovel down and hugging her.