Medicine | King Baldwin

13

As the young stranger neared them, guiding his horse with practiced ease, Isabel couldn't help but observe the change in Jeanette's behavior. A flicker of unease seemed to pass over her features, manifesting in the way she subtly shifted her weight and glanced around with a hint of nervousness.

"Lord Simon." Jeanette greeted the man warmly. "Welcome back to the palace." Despite her initial nervousness, her demeanor softened as she exchanged pleasantries with the newcomer, her unease gradually dissipating.

Isabel watched the interaction with interest, noting the way Jeanette's demeanor shifted once again, this time towards one of polite familiarity. It was clear that Lord Simon held a certain significance, perhaps a figure of importance within the palace or someone known to Jeanette through previous encounters.

"Thank you." the man responded graciously, his hand running through his tousled hair. "My lady, your face is unfamiliar to me." Simon remarked, his tone polite as he addressed Isabel while securing his horse's reins.

"Since we haven't had the pleasure of meeting before." Isabel responded succinctly, her eyes assessing the man before her. "I am Isabel, the new physician to the king." Isabel answered.

Her response seemed to catch Simon off guard, and a look of confusion crossed his face as he glanced at her.

"I wasn't aware that the king had a new physician. And what about Asif?" he inquired, his tone tinged with curiosity.

"I am merely an assistant to Asif." Isabel explained. "He remains the primary physician to the king, while I assist him in his duties." Simon nodded, his expression thoughtful as he absorbed this information.

"I see." he replied, his tone indicating that he was processing this new piece of information.

After a brief pause, during which a quiet settled among the three of them, Simon cleared his throat with a subtle cough, a prelude to his forthcoming question. The sound seemed to break the silence like a gentle ripple on a calm pond, drawing their attention back to him as he prepared to speak.

"Where can I find the king?" Simon's question hung in the air, breaking the brief silence that had settled among them. Isabel's gaze drifted towards the direction of the council chamber, considering his inquiry.

"In the council chamber." Isabel replied. "He had pressing matters that couldn't wait." As the words left her lips, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment once again.

In responce, Simon nodded, taking in the informations. "Thank you." he said with a respectful nod before turning to depart.

As the man departed, the two women decided to make their way back towards the chambers. As they strolled along the palace corridors, Isabel's curiosity prodded her, urging her to satisfy her growing interest in Simon's identity. With a gentle nudge to her side, she turned to Jeanette, a questioning look in her eyes.

"Jeanette." Isabel began, her tone laced with curiosity, "who exactly is this Simon?" Jeanette glanced at her, a knowing smile playing at the corners of her lips at the mention of Simon.

"Lord Simon is a trusted advisor to the king." she explained, her voice tinged with a hint of admiration. "He's been a part of the royal court for many years, and his counsel is highly valued by His Majesty." Jeanette spoke up, offering further insight into Simon's role. "Besides that, he is the king's closest friend." she added, her tone carrying a note of significance.

Meanwhile, as Simon quickened his pace, his footsteps echoing down the corridor, he approached the council chamber where the king and several other court members were engrossed in a fervent exchange with the two envoys sent by Saladin. The air was charged with tension, the weight of diplomatic negotiations palpable as voices rose and fell in passionate discourse.