Medicine | King Baldwin

16

"Your childhood seems to be filled with rich memories." Baldwin smiled warmly after Isabel finished her storytelling.

"Indeed." Isabel replied, her smile softening as she reflected on the stories she had shared. "As I look back now," she continued, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "I realize how fortunate I was to have such experiences. They shaped not only who I am today but also how I view the world around me." Baldwin nodded, his own smile reflecting the warmth in her words.

"Thank you for sharing those memories with me." he said, his voice filled with genuine appreciation.

"No, truly, the gratitude is mine." She expressed. "It's a comforting feeling to be able to share these memories with someone who listens with understanding." She paused, reflecting on the significance of their conversation.

As they walked through the garden, Isabel felt a sense of tranquility settle over her. The air was filled with the delicate fragrance of blooming flowers, and the gentle rustle of leaves provided a soothing backdrop to their conversation.

"Oh my God." The exclamation burst from the girl's lips as her eyes alighted on her favorite flowers adorning the path. With a delighted gasp, she gathered the billowing folds of her long skirt, the fabric whispering softly against the earth as she skipped towards the blooms. Each step was light, her heart soaring with the simple joy of discovery.

As she reached the flowers, a radiant smile graced her lips, her eyes alight with wonder as she knelt down beside them. Carefully, she reached out to touch their delicate petals, marveling at their vibrant color.

Baldwin watched with a fond smile as he hurried after her, his heart warmed by the sight of her uninhibited joy. In that moment he felt a sense of peace wash over him, knowing that sometimes, the greatest pleasures in life could be found in the simplest of moments.

"This is baby's breath." Isabel murmured, her voice filled with reverence as she inhaled the sweet fragrance of the delicate white bloom. "It's my favorite flower. It's beautiful." She carefully brushed her fingers over the velvety petals, marveling at their exquisite beauty.

"Indeed." the king replied, his gaze never leaving Isabel as he spoke.

But like all beautiful moments, this one didn't last long. Just as William appeared in the garden, the tranquil atmosphere seemed to shift, the serenity of the moment fractured by his presence.

"Your Majesty. My lady." William greeted them, prompting Isabel to rise with a puzzled expression. "I deeply apologize for the interruption. I wouldn't intrude upon your time together if it weren't for a matter of great importance that requires your attention, Your Majesty." He said.

Isabel's expression softened as she registered the gravity of the situation. With a gentle nod to Baldwin, she offered him a reassuring smile, silently
conveying her understanding.
Without further delay, William set off towards the exit, his brisk pace indicating the urgency of the matter at hand.

"I'm sorry." the king murmured, his touch gentle as he held Isabel's hands. "Duty calls. But I'm grateful for the time we shared together." Isabel met his gaze, a mixture of understanding and warmth reflected in her eyes.

"As I said, don't apologise, Your Majesty." she replied softly as Baldwin placed a gentle kiss upon her hands.

With a final squeeze, the king released them and turned to follow William, his figure disappearing into the distance. As Isabel watched him go, she couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for his dedication to his responsibilities, even as she longed for the moments of tranquility they had shared.

After walking through the garden for a few more minutes, she slowly made her way towards the palace corridors, stepping out of the garden and into the quiet grandeur of the palace.

Just as the girl turned into another corridor, she bumped into something. Or rather, someone. As she lowered her gaze, she found herself locking eyes with a young boy. His tousled sandy hair everywhere, his garments bearing an air of nobility, and in his grasp, a wooden sword tightly held. Taken aback, he looked up at Isabel, who, with a gentle smile adorning her face, gracefully knelt down to his level.

"Be careful as you run around." Isabel spoke kindly, prompting the young boy to raise his sword high into the air.

"I am a knight!" he exclaimed with unbridled joy, his voice echoing through the corridor. "See?" With a flourish, he proudly presented the sword, the wooden blade glinting in the faint light of the hallway. His eyes sparkled as he awaited Isabel's response, eager for her acknowledgment of his gallant proclamation.

"Surrendering myself." she playfully raised her hands in jest, matching the lightheartedness of the moment.

"Baldwin." a woman's voice resonated from behind the boy, prompting both of them to turn their heads in that direction.

At the sound of the name, Isabel furrowed her brow in slight confusion. However, upon recognizing the person addressing the boy, she quickly rose to her feet and offered a respectful bow.

"Princess." Isabel spoke as she looked up at Sibylla, who stood with two ladies-in-waiting behind her.

"My dear boy, go forth and enjoy your play." Sibylla urged Baldwin forward with a tender touch to his back. "Please, accompany him." she directed her attention to the two ladies-in-waiting, who nodded in acknowledgment before trailing after the boy, their steps light as they made their way toward the verdant expanse of the garden.

"You must indeed be Isabel." Sibylla remarked, turning towards Isabel with a knowing look in her eyes.

"Yes, princess." the girl replied politely, to which Sibylla chuckled lightly.

"Let's dispense with the formalities, please. I've had my fill of them." the princess remarked with a warm smile, her tone inviting a more relaxed interaction. With a graceful motion, she started to stroll at a leisurely pace, and Isabel fell into step beside her, the air between them easing into a more comfortable cadence.

"Your son, he's quite charming." Isabel remarked as she watched the boy playing in the distance, swinging his sword with abandon.

"Just like his uncle." Sibylla replied, her eyes shimmering with a similar oceanic blue as those of the king, catching the light in the same captivating manner.

"I've heard good things about you." she spoke again, prompting Isabel to turn her gaze towards her. "I hope my brother is in good hands now." she added with a hint of concern.

"I'll do my utmost." Isabel responded with restraint. "He is a noble king, deserving of a prolonged and ailment-free life." Her gaze remained steady ahead. "Rest assured, I'll spare no effort in ensuring his well-being and longevity." Sibylla nodded, a sense of gratitude evident in her expression.

"I believe your influence extends beyond just his illness." Sibylla remarked, her gaze fixed ahead as they leaned against the railing. "I spoke with him this morning. He was in good spirits. If you had known him before, you'd understand he's not one to open up easily." She said, as Isabel turned her rosy face slightly aside, a modest blush coloring her cheeks.

"It brings me joy to hear that." Isabel replied with a soft smile, her thoughts drifting to the ways in which the king had impacted her own life.