Medicine | King Baldwin

21

As Isabel and Baldwin lay sprawled in the grass, they gradually became aware that they were nestled in each other's arms. The gentle realization brought a sense of calm rather than discomfort. The warmth of the sun above and the soft rustle of the leaves around them created a cocoon of tranquility.

Isabel leaned comfortably against Baldwin's chest, her eyes wandering over the beauty of the garden. The colorful flowers and the gentle sway of the trees in the breeze created a picturesque scene. Baldwin's hands initially encircled her with hesitation, his touch as gentle as if he were cradling the most fragile porcelain. He seemed unsure, almost afraid to hold her too tightly. But as he felt Isabel relax against him, he noticed that she wasn't bothered by his embrace.

Encouraged by this, he drew her closer, his arms wrapping around her with a newfound confidence, providing a sense of security and warmth that both of them cherished in that serene moment.

"Your Majesty." She turned her head towards the man, her eyes meeting his. "May I make a request, if it's not too much to ask?" Her voice was soft but carried a hint of excitement.

"Of course." Baldwin replied, his tone gentle and attentive. "You may ask anything." he added, his
voice carrying a subtle reassurance that she could freely express her desires or concerns without hesitation.

"Before I found myself within the palace walls, I resided in the poorquarter." she elucidated, her voice carrying the weight of memories long held dear. "There are numerous individuals there who lean on me for support. I feel compelled to visit them, to offer what aid I can." Baldwin listened intently, his expression thoughtful as he absorbed Isabel's words.

"A noble idea." He smiled down at Isabel, his eyes reflecting genuine warmth and admiration for her compassionate nature. "We can go right now if you'd like." he added, his tone infused with a readiness to act upon her wishes.

"'We?'" Isabel asked, her brow furrowed in confusion, though her tone carried no offense, only curiosity. "I hope you don't mind my presumption. I didn't mean to be disrespectful. Would you consider accompanying me?" Sitting up, her expression was one of hopeful anticipation as she gazed at Baldwin.

"I've grown accustomed to visiting the people. I want to be seen as a good king in their eyes. I believe that by visiting them, they'll know how much they mean to me. It's not just Jerusalem and power, but the people." He explained earnestly, his words carrying a sincerity that reflected his commitment to being a ruler who cared for the well-being of his subjects.

Isabel's smile blossomed into a radiant expression of joy as she listened intently to the king's words. In that moment, she felt a deep sense of admiration for Baldwin's humility and genuine concern for his people. Her heart swelled with pride, knowing that she was in the presence of a ruler who not only held power but also possessed a compassionate heart that prioritized the welfare of his subjects above all else.

"For even a moment, you needn't harbor any doubts about your capabilities as a king." the girl spoke with gentle assurance. She reached out tentatively, her fingers brushing against Baldwin's cheek in a tender gesture. "You are undoubtedly a good king." she continued. "Your compassion, your integrity, and your dedication to your people speak volumes. Never doubt that." There was a softness in her gaze, a warmth that conveyed her genuine admiration for him as a leader and as a person.

The man fell silent for a moment, the weight of Isabel's words sinking deep into his heart. In the stillness, he allowed himself to bask in the warmth of her touch, feeling a sense of comfort and solace wash over him. It was as though her gentle caress had the power to soothe the doubts and insecurities that occasionally plagued his mind, reaffirming his sense of purpose and strengthening his resolve to lead with compassion and wisdom.

As he admired her, he couldn't help but notice the graceful cascade of black hair that flowed effortlessly down her shoulders, framing her delicate features like a curtain of silk. Each strand seemed to shimmer in the light, adding to her ethereal beauty. Her green eyes, reminiscent of the most exquisite emeralds, sparkled with a rare depth and clarity, captivating him with their intensity. They held a quiet strength and wisdom, reflecting the resilience of someone who had weathered storms yet retained a gentle kindness that seemed to radiate from within. He found himself entranced by the combination of her striking features and the inner light that illuminated her presence, making her all the more captivating in his eyes.

"What?" the girl asked, her cheeks flushing deeper under the king's gaze.

"Nothing. It's just... You're exquisite. Not just in appearance, but in essence." He murmured softly, his gaze lingering on her with an undeniable admiration.

"T-thank you." the girl answered, her voice barely above a whisper, but it carried the weight of a thousand emotions. Yet, in the silence that enveloped them, words seemed almost unnecessary.

As they locked eyes, a silent understanding passed between them, transcending language and filling the space with an unspoken intimacy. In that moment, as if guided by an unseen force, their faces drew closer, inch by tantalizing inch. The world around them seemed to fade into oblivion, leaving only the palpable tension between them, crackling with anticipation.

Baldwin's large hand tenderly cradled Isabel's face, his touch both gentle and possessive, as if he couldn't bear to let her slip away.

Their breath mingled in the still air, warm and sweet, as their eyelids fluttered closed in unison, surrendering to the magnetic pull drawing them together, anticipating the moment of fulfillment.

As their lips hovered tantalizingly close, Baldwin's eyes flew open abruptly, a sudden clarity piercing through the haze of the moment. Without a moment's hesitation, he released Isabel, his hand sliding away from her face, and he instinctively drew back, putting a slight distance between them.

His heart pounded fiercely in his chest as he struggled to reconcile the overwhelming attraction he felt with the weight of his obligations as king. With a heavy breath, he fought to regain his composure, his gaze fixed on Isabel's bewildered expression.

"I.. I'm sorry." he murmured. "I shouldn't have—" He paused, unable to find the right words to articulate the tumultuous turmoil raging within him. "I will assemble a group to accompany you into the city." the man said, his tone betraying a hint of formality that Isabel found unsettling, his voice coming out colder than intended.

His words felt more like a directive and she couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment at the sudden change in their interaction.

Isabel sat in stunned silence, watching as the young king, with a swift motion, rose from his place and adorned his mask before disappearing from the garden without a backward glance. The sudden departure left her feeling a pang of emptiness, as if a part of her had been whisked away with him.

She longed to call out to him, to demand an explanation for his abrupt actions, but the words caught in her throat, choked by the weight of disappointment and confusion. She couldn't shake the feeling of rejection that lingered in the air.

As she remained seated amidst the swaying blades of grass, the girl couldn't help but wonder what had caused Baldwin to retreat so suddenly. Had she said something wrong? Or was it simply the weight of duty that pulled him away?

Questions swirled in her mind like a tempest, but she knew that answers wouldn't come easily, if at all. With a heavy sigh, she rose to her feet, brushing off the remnants of their encounter, and made her way out of the garden, her heart heavy with the lingering ache of unspoken words and unfulfilled longing.

Sorry for not updating guys, I'll post a new chapter today or tomorrow.

Until then, please vote and leave a comment.

xoxo: Carol