Medicine | King Baldwin

17

In the swift passage of the ensuing days, Isabel found herself immersed in the rhythm of work, her awareness barely registering the seamless transition from morning to the late afternoon. But how could she have noticed, when she and Asif delved deeply into their work every day.

Isabel gradually grew accustomed to the intricacies of palace life and the diverse array of personalities that inhabited its halls. While her relationship with its denizens proved to be a mixed bag, with some showing warmth and acceptance while others remained aloof or even openly hostile, she navigated the social landscape with a blend of diplomacy and resilience.

"It works like magic." She exclaimed happily after reading a letter to Asif from one of the king's servants.

After their breakfast, days ago, Baldwin had an important matter to attend to, which much to Isabel's disappointment, followed by the departure of the king. She hadn't seen him since, and with each passing day, her concern deepened, knowing that without her help, he couldn't access the necessary treatment.

Yet, the letter she read aloud unveiled a glimmer of hope – the cream Isabel had recommended, carried by the king's attendants, proved efficacious. Despite Baldwin's absence, his condition remained stable, offering a semblance of reassurance amidst her growing apprehension.

"Stop looking so concerned." Asif remarked to the girl upon noticing her anxious expression. "He's doing well, considering you've just read about him. Plus, Kerak isn't too far away. It's only a matter of days before they return." He said.

"I understand, I do. But I can't shake this feeling of unease knowing I'm not the one tending to him. What if something goes wrong in their care and the king's condition deteriorates further?" Isabel sighed, her hand anxiously gripping her head as she paced the room.

"Alright, I've indulged in your folly long enough." Asif chuckled, then bidding farewell with a wave to the girl, he exited the workchamber, leaving her to her thoughts.

"Folly, huh?" she retorted with a sarcastic huff, her head shaking in a mix of frustration and amusement at Asif's comment.

Completing her tasks ahead of schedule, Isabel found herself drawn outside by the allure of the summer warmth and the gentle caress of the sun. With the workchamber tidied and her spirit lifted, she set off towards the main courtyard, her simple attire draping elegantly over her frame. Each step she took was deliberate, the hem of her skirt swaying in harmony with her leisurely pace, creating a soft whisper against the backdrop of the tranquil afternoon.

"Watch out!" Someone shouted in the distance, prompting Isabel to gaze curiously in the direction of the voice.

In the distance, she caught sight of two horsemen grappling with a magnificent white steed, their efforts focused on pacifying the agitated creature. The horse, its nerves frayed, reared up with a wild energy, its powerful front legs thrashing through the air in a frantic display. The two men maneuvered the horse into a makeshift enclosure, swiftly withdrawing to safety to avoid any harm the creature might inflict in its distressed state.

The horse trotted gracefully around the enclosure, tossing its head with mighty snorts, its long mane and forelock billowing in the breeze.

Curiously intrigued, Isabel began to inch her way towards the pen. However, before she could draw any closer, one of the men acted swiftly, his strong hand firmly grasping her arm to bring her to an abrupt stop. Shocked, she turned towards him, her eyes wide with surprise as she registered his warning gaze, urging her to reconsider her approach.

"Are you mad?" the man asked nervously. "Don't get any closer, this useless beast is dangerous." he warned, his voice tinged with urgency.

"Perhaps if you approached with less force, it wouldn't behave this way." Isabel freed her hand from the man's grasp as she stated firmly, her gaze fixed on the restless horse in the enclosure.

"You don't understand anything about this. But if you want to get hurt, be my guest." the man spat out the words mockingly before turning away and leaving.

Shaking her head slightly, Isabel bent down and plucked a handful of grass from the ground. With measured steps, she approached the beams of the enclosure, pausing before extending her hand, the grass held gently within. The white stallion, its curiosity piqued, came to a halt, watching intently as the girl cautiously extended her offering.

"Yours." she spoke softly, so as not to startle the horse. "I won't taste it, but I'm sure you'll enjoy it." With a gentle yet confident demeanor, she held out the grass towards the majestic creature.

The horse stretched out its neck cautiously, then delicately plucked the grass from the girl's hand with its lips, nibbling on it thoughtfully. Isabel watched with a soft smile, relieved by the creature's acceptance of her gesture.

However, the tranquil moment was abruptly interrupted by a loud creaking as the main gate swung open. Startled, the horse snorted and stepped back, prompting Isabel to also walk away from the enclosure, turning her gaze towards the gate.

Crusader knights streamed in through the gate, followed by the king, who was surrounded by a few mounted warriors.

As Isabel beheld Baldwin on his horse, a wave of relief and delight washed over her. Baldwin's presence carried with it an air of authority and she couldn't help but admire him as he guided his horse through the courtyard.

However, as Isabel observed the scene unfolding before her, a knot of worry tightened in her chest. Baldwin, usually the epitome of strength and composure, seemed to be struggling more than usual. His determined efforts to maintain his position on the horse hinted at a hidden ailment or exhaustion that he was trying to conceal. The sight of his loyal soldiers rushing to his side only confirmed her suspicions.

Rushing forward, Isabel's heart clenched with worry as she witnessed the king's legs gave up, causing him to collapse to the ground and without hesitation, she hurried to his side.

"It's as if you're aflame." she murmured as her hand made contact with the king's, a searing heat radiated from his feverish skin, sending a shiver down her spine. The intensity of his temperature was alarming, and she could feel the heat pulsating beneath her fingertips, evidence of the raging illness that had taken hold of him. Concern etched deeply into her features as she realized the severity of Baldwin's condition.

"What are you waiting for?" she urged anxiously, turning her gaze towards the soldiers. "Help him up and take him to his chamber immediately!" Her voice carried a tone of urgency, a command born by the concern for the king's well-being.

The soldiers swiftly complied with the girl's order, lifting the king from the ground and guiding him towards his chamber with careful urgency. Meanwhile, Isabel dashed to the workchamber, swiftly gathering every remedy and tool she could find and need.

Arriving at the king's chamber, she found the soldiers carefully laying him upon his bed.

"You may leave." Isabel instructed the soldiers, who, having fulfilled their duty, departed, leaving them alone. With their departure, the room fell into a solemn quiet, the only sound the soft breathing of the king as he lay upon his bed.

"Isabel." Hearing her name spoken by the weakened voice of the king, she turned her attention immediately to Baldwin, her heart heavy with concern. She approached his bedside with gentle steps, kneeling beside him to meet his gaze.

"I am here, Your Majesty. Everything will be alright." She nodded, her eyes conveying relief as she assured him, her voice steady with resolve.