The Royal Contract

12

Ben couldn't shake the lingering feeling of unease that had settled over him. He couldn't shake the feeling of inadequacy that gnawed at him. He knew that he had a duty not only to lead his kingdom but also a personal duty to support and connect with his wife, Miranda. Yet, he couldn't ignore the growing chasm between them, a divide that seemed to widen with each passing day.

Lost in thought, Ben's mind drifted back to that night in the library, where he had discovered Miranda engrossed in a medical tome. The memory sparked something within him – a recognition of a shared interest, a potential common ground that they could build upon.

As he pondered this revelation, Ben's determination hardened. Perhaps medicine could serve as the bridge they so desperately needed, a way to connect with Miranda on a deeper level and cultivate a mutual passion that transcended their differences.

Ben retreated to his private library, he felt a sense of calm wash over him. The familiar surroundings of the room, lined with shelves of books collected from his travels, provided a comforting sanctuary. He pulled a few of his most treasured medical books from the shelves and settled into a plush armchair by the fireplace. The soft glow of the firelight cast dancing shadows across the room, creating a serene ambiance that was conducive to introspection and learning.

Ben rang a small bell on the table beside him, signaling for a servant to attend to him. Shortly after, the door creaked open and a young footman entered, bowing respectfully before his king."Good evening, Your Majesty," the footman greeted, his voice echoing with deference.

"Good evening," Benjamin replied, looking up from his book. "I wish for you to pen a letter for me. Fetch parchment and quill."

The footman nodded, swiftly fetching the requested writing materials from a nearby desk and placing them before Benjamin. "Of course, Your Majesty. What would you like me to write?"

Benjamin paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts before dictating his message. "Address the letter to Dr. Richard Webber, a physician I met during my travels. Request that he send some of his recent medical writings to the castle for my perusal. Inform him that I am particularly interested in sharing these writings with my wife, Queen Miranda, who shares a keen interest in medicine."

The footman nodded, carefully writing down Ben's words. Once he had finished, he read the letter back to Ben for his approval.

"Very well," Ben nodded, satisfied with the letter. "Send this to Dr. Webber at once and ensure that his writings are delivered to the palace as soon as possible."

"Of course, Your Majesty," the footman replied, taking the sealed letter and bowing once more before exiting the library to carry out his king's wishes.

As the door closed behind the footman, Ben felt a sense of accomplishment wash over him. He knew that this small gesture, reaching out to Dr. Webber for his medical writings, could be an olive branch to Miranda. He continued working away in his study for the remainder of the day.

Once Miranda returned to the palace, a servant hurried to inform Ben of her arrival. Knocking gently on the door to his study, the servant entered, his demeanor respectful as he delivered the news.

"Your Majesty, Queen Miranda has returned from her outing in the village," the servant announced, his voice carrying across the room with a sense of urgency.

"Please, inform her that I will join her shortly."

With a nod of acknowledgment, the servant hurried off to deliver the message, leaving Benjamin alone with his thoughts. Moments later, he made his way to the sitting room where Miranda awaited him

She wasted no time in sharing what she had learned during her visit to the village. "Benjamin, the situation in the village is dire," she began, her voice tinged with concern. "Many of the villagers are struggling to make ends meet, and they feel as though their concerns have gone unheard for far too long."