Medicine | King Baldwin

24

After returning to her chamber, Isabel decided to change her clothes but resolved to do nothing else besides sitting in her room and reading her medical books.

She needed a distraction, something to occupy her mind and keep her from dwelling on the ache in her heart. The morning had already been long and filled with restless thoughts, and she hoped that immersing herself in her studies would provide some semblance of peace.

She selected a comfortable dress from her wardrobe, changing quickly before settling into her favorite chair by the window. The soft light of the morning illuminated the pages of her books, casting a warm glow over the room. She picked up one of her well-worn medical texts, flipping through the pages to find a section that would capture her interest.

As she began to read, her mind slowly shifted from her personal turmoil to the complexities and intricacies of medical knowledge. The familiar terms and detailed illustrations offered a sense of comfort, a reminder of her purpose and passion.

After a while, she heard a soft knock at her door. Reluctantly, she climbed out of her chair and opened it. On the other side stood Sibylla, dressed in her usual elegant attire, the vibrant colors of her dress accentuating the bright smile on her face.

"Princess." Isabel acknowledged with a nod. The other woman raised both hands, revealing needles, threads, and fabric ready for embroidery.

"May I come in?" Sibylla asked, her voice gentle and a hint of hesitation in her tone. "Of course, only if I'm not disturbing you. I thought we could spend some time together, perhaps do some embroidery." She held up her hands again, showing the supplies.

Isabel offered a warm smile, her heart lifting at the sight of Sibylla's kind face.

"Of course, please come in." she replied, gesturing towards a nearby chair.

She entered the room gracefully, setting her supplies down on a small table between their chairs. She took a seat and began organizing the threads and fabric, her movements practiced and efficient.

"My hands are more skilled in other things." Isabel said shyly, scratching the back of her neck. "I'm not very good at embroidery." Sibylla chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with warmth.

"That's quite alright. I can help you." Said Sibylla as Isabel smiled, feeling a bit more at ease.

As they began to work, Sibylla patiently guided Isabel through the steps, offering gentle corrections and encouragement.

"You know." Sibylla began after a while, her tone conversational. "My mother taught me how to embroider when I was very young. She always said it was a way to pass down stories and memories through the generations." Isabel looked up, intrigued.

"That's lovely." Isabel smiled at her. "Forgive me if my question is intrusive." Isabel began hesitantly, her voice soft with genuine curiosity. "Does your mother also reside here in the palace? I have never seen her before." She said.

"No, she doesn't live here." Sibylla began, her tone gentle but tinged with a hint of sadness. "Our mother remarried when my brother and I were young, and she hasn't lived here since then. There were times when she returned home and tried to raise us. But the many years we spent without her can't be made up for in just a few days." Isabel listened quietly, sensing the weight of her words.

She could hear the longing and complexity in her voice, the mix of love and loss that often accompanies family relationships.

"I'm sorry to hear that." Isabel responded with genuine sympathy, her voice soft and compassionate.

"You don't need to be." Sibylla replied with a hint of pride in her voice. "My brother has become a remarkable and admirable king. And as for me.. well, I'm here." She chuckled lightly, the sound carrying a sense of self-assurance and resilience.