Medicine | King Baldwin

28

"Is everything prepared for her?" Baldwin asked, his voice tinged with unease.

"I've taken care of everything, don't worry." Sibylla replied, her tone calm and reassuring as she noticed her brother's unease. She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, hoping to ease his tension.

"I haven't seen her in years." he said, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.

Baldwin looked towards the opening gate, where a horse-drawn carriage accompanied by several knights was entering. The clatter of hooves and the creak of the carriage wheels grew louder, drawing nearer with each passing moment. He took a deep breath, bracing himself for the reunion with his mother that was about to unfold.

An elderly, elegantly dressed woman emerged from the carriage with a regal air about her. Her brown hair, though tinged with hints of gray, was meticulously coiled into an elaborate bun atop her head. She carried herself with poise and dignity, every movement exuding an aura of authority and grace. As she stepped onto the ground, her presence commanded attention, and it was clear that she was someone of importance.

"Mother." Baldwin greeted his mother with a tone devoid of warmth, a sense of formality masking any underlying emotions. Sibylla followed suit, echoing the greeting with a similar lack of enthusiasm.

"Baldwin, Sibylla." Their mother acknowledged their greetings with a subtle nod, her steely gaze assessing them both with a discerning eye. "I trust everything has been prepared according to my instructions." Baldwin tensed slightly at her words, but managed to maintain his composure.

"Yes." he replied, his tone clipped. "Everything is in order." Sibylla nodded in agreement, though her eyes betrayed a hint of defiance as she met her mother's gaze.

"We have ensured that everything meets your standards." she added.

Their mother's lips curved into a thin smile, though it did little to soften the severity of her expression.

"Good." she said simply, before turning to issue orders to the waiting attendants, her demeanor leaving no room for further discussion.

Baldwin exchanged a glance with Sibylla, both of them silently acknowledging the tension that lingered between them and their mother. Despite their shared dislike for her, they knew better than to openly defy her authority, especially in such a public setting.

As their mother busied herself with the attendants, the king leaned closer to Sibylla, his voice low. "Let's get through this as quickly as possible." he murmured.

Sibylla nodded. "Agreed." she replied, her gaze fixed on their mother's retreating figure. "The sooner we're done with this, the better." She said.

The king exuded an air of tranquility and composure in most situations, his demeanor unwavering even in the face of adversity. Yet, whenever the topic shifted to his mother, an unmistakable unease crept into his countenance. It was as if her mere mention stirred dormant anxieties within him, casting a shadow over his otherwise steady disposition.

Baldwin offered to escort Agnes, their mother, to her chamber to ensure she settled in comfortably. Despite his reluctance, he knew it was expected of him. As they walked through the corridors of the imposing estate, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at him. The woman's presence always seemed to cast a pall over everything, suffocating any semblance of warmth or joy.

Upon reaching the chamber, Baldwin held the door open, allowing her to enter first. The room was spacious and elegantly appointed, with heavy drapes framing the tall windows and antique furnishings adding a touch of old-world charm. Agnes glanced around the room with a critical eye, her expression betraying neither approval nor disapproval.