Medicine | King Baldwin

12

Isabel found herself unable to sink into a deep slumber, despite her best efforts. Restlessly, she shifted from one end of the overly plush bed to the other, her mind consumed by thoughts of the King and the impending morning.

With her eyes closed, she summoned his image before her, vividly recalling the sharp angles of his face and the depth of his eyes, reminiscent of the clearest of seas, adorned with frothy white waves. His blonde hair cascading effortlessly across his forehead, framing his features with a soft, golden halo. Each detail etched itself into her consciousness, refusing to fade as she lay there, lost in the tumult of her thoughts.

"Good morning, my Lady." As the morning light gently filtered into the room, Jeanette approached Isabel with a serene grace, her voice carrying a melodic quality.

"You too." Isabel replied, somewhat tense, as she sat on the bed with disheveled hair.

"Please pardon my question, but you appear somewhat tense." the maid observed as Isabel extracted herself from the bed, her nightgown billowing softly around her. Isabel's movements were measured, betraying a hint of the restlessness that had plagued her throughout the night.

Turning to face Jeanette, Isabel offered a faint smile. "It's nothing." she murmured, though the tension lingered in her voice like a taut thread. "Just.. the king invited me to breakfast, and-" Isabel started but before she could finish her sentence, Jeanette's surprised voice cut through the air, her eyes widening in astonishment.

"The king?" Jeanette exclaimed, her astonishment evident in the way her voice rose slightly in pitch. It was clear from her reaction that the unexpected invitation had caught her off guard.

"Yes." Isabel nodded hesitantly, a faint blush creeping into her cheeks as she felt Jeanette's gaze scrutinizing her. "Why the surprise?" Isabel asked, alluding to Jeanette's astonishment.

"The king doesn't partake in meals with others." Jeanette elaborated, her tone laced with a hint of solemnity. "You know the reason why." There was a weight to Jeanette's words, a silent acknowledgment of the king's contitions.

Isabel felt a jolt of surprise ripple through her, despite her awareness of Baldwin's condition. She had grown accustomed to his solitude, but she had always assumed that, even in his state, he would still partake in meals in the company of others.

"In that case, let me assist you in getting ready." the girl responded, her tone gentle as she guided Isabel to the chair, her hands deftly working through the strands of Isabel's black hair. Jeanette deftly sectioned Isabel's hair, parting it down the middle to create two equal sections. With practiced fingers, she began to weave each section into a series of intricate braids, starting from the crown of Isabel's head and working her way down.

"For this occasion, I think this dress would be just right." Jeanette proposed, her eyes alighting on a particular garment hanging delicately in her hands.

The dress was crafted from velvet in a deep, regal shade of burgundy. The fabric draped gracefully, skimming over Isabel's curves in a silhouette that was both flattering and modest.

Embroidered detailing adorned the bodice, delicate threads tracing intricate patterns reminiscent of swirling vines. At the neckline, a modest scoop framed Isabel's collarbones, accentuating her graceful posture without revealing too much. The sleeves were long and flowing, tapering gently towards the wrists where they were finished with subtle cuffs embellished with small, glinting jewels.

"Never in my dreams did I imagine myself donning such attire." Isabel marveled, her voice tinged with wonder as she beheld her reflection in the grand mirror. The sight of the dress enveloping her form left her breathless. As she stood before the mirror, Isabel couldn't help but feel a sense of disbelief mingled with profound gratitude.