Medicine | King Baldwin

20

Jeanette and Isabel walked side by side in the courtyard, their steps falling into a rhythm that mirrored the ebb and flow of life around them. The gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze, the distant chatter of servants going about their tasks, and the melodious songs of birds overhead created a serene backdrop to their conversation.

"Don't worry unnecessarily, especially since you've just read that he's doing well." the lady-in-waiting advised, a knowing smile playing on her lips as she glanced at the black haired girl.

"Alright, I'm done." Isabel replied as she laughed, raising her hands defensively in a gesture of surrender.

"Look at that magnificent horse." Jeanette exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with admiration as she gestured towards the enclosure. Isabel followed her gaze and immediately recognized the horse she had seen earlier, its majestic form and graceful movements captivating her once again.

As they approached the enclosure, the horse lifted its head, its sleek coat glistening in the sunlight as it regarded them with intelligent eyes.

"It seems so lonely." Isabel remarked, her voice tinged with sympathy as she observed the horse.

"Perhaps there's a reason it's kept separate." Jeanette speculated, her brow furrowing with concern as she considered the possibility of the horse's isolation.

"Perhaps. But it does no one good to be shut off from others." Isabel replied, her tone thoughtful as she pondered.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed behind them, prompting them to pivot on their heels. Their gazes fell upon Simon and the King, who were making their way towards them.

"Your Majesty, my lord." Jeanette greeted the two men as they approached, prompting Isabel to follow suit with a respectful bow.

Isabel cast a quick glance towards Baldwin, who stood nearby clad in his usual attire, his mask and veil securely in place. Despite the concealment of his features, she could sense his warm smile radiating beneath the mask as they made eye contact.

"Ladies." Simon addressed them, then his gaze fixed on Jeanette, his request directed specifically to her. "My lady, would you care to walk with me?" Her expression betrayed a mixture of surprise at Simon's invitation, but she quickly composed herself, nodding graciously in acknowledgment.

"Of course, my lord." she replied, her tone respectful as she accepted his offer. With a final glance towards Isabel, she fell into step beside Simon, their figures soon disappearing into the verdant expanse of the courtyard.

"Didn't I tell you to stay in bed?" Isabel's voice held a note of gentle reproach as she addressed Baldwin, her gaze briefly flitting towards the magnificent white horse standing nearby. Despite her attempt to sound stern, there was a hint of amusement in her tone, a silent acknowledgment of Baldwin's penchant for disregarding her orders when it suited him.

"You did indeed, my lady." Baldwin chuckled softly in response, his eyes twinkling with mischief behind the mask. "But I couldn't resist the allure of the day and the absence of your company." She couldn't help but smile at his response, her heart warmed by his playful demeanor.

"Well, just don't overexert yourself." she replied, unable to conceal the fondness in her voice as she glanced back at him.

As they exchanged a brief smile, the white horse whinnied softly, its presence a silent reminder that they were not alone. With a shared glance, Isabel and Baldwin turned their attention back to the horse.

"Do you like it?" the man inquired, nodding towards the horse, a smile playing at the corners of his lips as he observed Isabel's captivated expression. He couldn't help but notice the way her eyes lit up with fascination at the sight of the majestic creature.