Medicine | King Baldwin

19

As the first golden rays of sunlight gently streamed into the chamber, casting a warm glow upon the room, Isabel and Baldwin lay nestled in slumber, undisturbed by the gentle morning light that painted their surroundings with a tranquil ambience.

Stretching languidly, Isabel shifted to her side in the plush chair where she had inadvertently fallen asleep the previous evening. Little did she anticipate the absence of armrests on the chair, a detail that proved pivotal as she teetered on the edge of consciousness.

With a sudden jolt, she lost her balance, tumbling ungracefully from the chair and landing with an audible thud upon the floor below. The abrupt awakening startled her, dispersing the remnants of sleep from her mind as she groggily assessed her surroundings, wondering how a simple chair could betray her so unexpectedly.

"Damn it." she grumbled under her breath, wincing as her hand instinctively went to the spot where she had made contact with the unforgiving floor.

Suddenly, a gentle laughter wafted from the direction of the bed, its melodic tones gradually crescendoing in the quiet chamber. The hand that had been intertwined with Baldwin's, dislodged by Isabel's unexpected tumble, inadvertently jostled him awake from his peaceful repose.

"Looks like your day couldn't have started off any better." the king quipped in his morning voice, his laughter resonating through the room like a comforting melody. Despite the jest, there was warmth and affection in his tone as he affectionately teased Isabel about her mishap.

"You're getting a good morning, too." the girl said with a mock scowl as she gingerly picked herself up and eased back into the chair. Yet, despite her attempt at seriousness, the infectious laughter of Baldwin proved too much to resist. Gradually, a reluctant smile tugged at the corners of Isabel's lips until, finally, she succumbed to the shared amusement, her own laughter mingling with his in the morning air.

"I apologize. I didn't mean to laugh at you." the king smiled warmly, his expression carrying a blend of sincerity and affection as he sought to reassure Isabel that his laughter stemmed from camaraderie rather than derision.

"How are you feeling?" the girl inquired with concern, her soft hand tenderly placed upon the man's forehead, welcoming the relief that came with the subsiding of his fever.

"Much better." he responded with a grateful smile, as he shifted to sit up in bed, bringing himself to eye level with Isabel. Turning to her, he offered her a gentle squeeze of the hand, silently conveying his appreciation for her care and concern during his illness.

"Nevertheless, Your Majesty, I still must insist that you remain in bed today." Isabel gently interjected, her tone firm but caring as she leaned in closer to emphasize her point.

"I can't." he admitted with a sigh.

"You could." she persisted, her voice soft but firm, a hint of concern lacing her words. Rising from her seat, she continued. "It's time for me to return to my chamber before anyone notices my absence. But please, Your Majesty, consider resting a while longer. Your health is paramount, and pushing yourself too soon could worsen your condition."

With a gentle farewell, Isabel slipped out of the chamber. As she crossed the threshold, she took a moment to hastily adjust her disheveled hair, ensuring it fell neatly around her shoulders. She cast furtive glances around, wary of encountering anyone who might question her presence outside the king's chamber at such an early hour. Her heart raced with each echoing footfall, the urgency of her retreat spurring her forward as she aimed to reach her own chamber unnoticed.

Rushing into her chamber, Isabel swiftly shut the door behind her, exhaling a sigh of relief. But her momentary calm was shattered when the door abruptly swung open behind her. Startled, she teetered on the brink of losing her balance, but before she could regain her footing, a firm hand grasped her arm, pulling her into the center of the chamber with a forceful tug.