Medicine | King Baldwin

29

The sun had just begun to peek over the horizon, casting a gentle glow across the landscape, but Jeanette was already bustling with energy. She diligently assisted Isabel in preparing for the day ahead, her hands deftly working through Isabel's hair. Starting from the top of her head, Jeanette braided Isabel's hair with practiced precision, the plait cascading smoothly down her back.

"I always marvel at how beautifully you can do my hair." Isabel said with a warm smile, her dark hair gleaming as she gently ran her fingers over the intricate braid. The skill and care Jeanette put into her work never ceased to amaze her, each braid a testament to her dedication and talent.

The other beamed at the compliment, her eyes sparkling with pride. "Thank you, my lady. It's a pleasure to see you look so radiant." she replied, her voice filled with genuine warmth. "Have you heard any updates about Jurian's whereabouts?" the blonde-haired girl inquired.

"No." Isabel sighed, a hint of worry in her voice. "It's been weeks since his letter, and I've heard nothing since." Jeanette, her concern mirroring Isabel's, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"I'm sure he's alright." she said gently.

"I hope you're right." she replied, her mind drifting to thoughts of her friend and the dangers he might be facing.

Suddenly, a soft knock echoed from the door, drawing their attention away from their conversation. The lady-in-waiting quickly moved to the door before opening it with a gentle pull, revealing the figure standing in the doorway.

"Your Majesty." she said, her voice respectful and steady as she curtsied deeply.

In the doorway stood Baldwin in his regal attire, adorned with intricate embroidery and a subtle hint of the royal crest. Isabel stood up from her seat at the sound of the address and bowed respectfully when she saw him.

"Your Majesty." she greeted.

He entered the room, his presence commanding yet gentle, before turning to Jeanette.

"You may go." he spoke, acknowledging her presence with a nod. The girl, understanding his dismissal, complied with a respectful curtsey before gracefully exiting the chamber.

"Good morning, my lady." the man greeted Isabel, his eyes reflecting a warmth that transcended the formalities of their interaction. "I hope my early visit hasn't caused any inconvenience." He inquired.

"Not at all, Your Grace." She replied with a gracious smile, her voice soft but filled with sincerity.

"Very well, for I have something for you." he said, his voice warm with a smile that Isabel couldn't see behind his mask, but could discern from his tone.

"For me?" Her surprise was evident in her tone. "May I ask what it is?" she inquired, her steps bringing her closer to him as she concealed her hands behind the folds of her verdant dress.

"Don't be so curious."Baldwin chuckled softly at Isabel's curiosity, maintaining a light-hearted tone as he responded. "Come." he said, gesturing for her to follow.

As they walked in silence down the corridor, Baldwin slowed his pace, ensuring that Isabel wouldn't need to rush to keep up with him. Glancing sideways, he couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth wash over him as he observed her enthusiastic expression. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, and her smile radiated genuine excitement, filling Baldwin with a quiet joy.

"Wait." He said softly, his hand reaching out towards Isabel's, halting her in her steps. With a tender touch, he placed his gloved hand over her eyes, shielding them from view, prompting her to close her eyes under his touch.

"I'm going to fall like this." she chuckled softly, prompting the man to gently grasp her other hand with his.

"Then I'll catch you." Baldwin chuckled softly in response. "Do you trust me?" He asked.

"I do." She replied, her voice filled with trust, a mirrored smile dancing on her lips as she sensed Baldwin's warmth even behind his mask.

Continuing their stroll, he led Isabel towards the stables, the sandy ground crunching softly beneath their feet with each step.

"Open your eyes." Baldwin said with a smile, removing his hand from Isabel's eyes as he stepped back slightly, allowing her to take in the scene before her.

Before them stood two magnificent horses: Baldwin's distinguished dappled grey mount and the elegant white horse that had captured Isabel's admiration. Each animal was a vision of grace, their sleek coats gleaming in the sunlight as they stood proudly, their heads held high.

The horses were adorned in exquisite leather tack, crafted with meticulous care and adorned with intricate detailing. Fine bridles adorned their heads, while elaborately decorated saddles rested upon their backs, from their polished stirrups to their gleaming buckles.

As her eyes fell upon the majestic white horse, a surge of childlike delight flooded her heart, sending a wave of pure joy coursing through her veins. Her lips curled into a wide, beaming smile, her cheeks flushed with excitement as she beheld the magnificent creature before her.

Baldwin watched Isabel's reaction with a fondness that warmed his heart. He had hoped that the sight of the white horse would bring her joy, but seeing the pure delight shining in her eyes surpassed his wildest expectations.

"I mentioned earlier that I would teach you how to ride." Baldwin said, a playful twinkle in his eye. "Now seems like the perfect opportunity." Her eyes lit up with excitement at the prospect. The idea of learning to ride had always appealed to her.

"Never ridden a horse before." Isabel confessed softly, a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

"Not to worry, my lady." Baldwin reassured her, his tone playful and reassuring. "You'll have me by your side every step of the way." She couldn't help but smile at his words, feeling a surge of confidence wash over her.

With a grace born of years spent around horses, he approached Isabel with quiet confidence. Standing beside her, he placed a reassuring hand on her waist, his touch firm yet gentle as he guided her towards the waiting horse. With practiced ease, he helped her step onto the mounting block, ensuring her balance before lifting her effortlessly onto the horse's back.

"It's quite high up here." Isabel remarked, her voice tinged with a hint of nervousness as she glanced down at the ground below, feeling a slight wobble in her balance.

"Don't be afraid, you're safe with me." Baldwin reassured her as he reached out a hand to steady her.

As she settled comfortably into the saddle, Baldwin mounted his own horse with practiced ease. With a gentle nudge of his heels, he urged his steed forward, setting off towards the open gate at a leisurely pace. Following his lead, Isabel mimicked his movements, taking hold of the reins in her hands and giving a cautious kick to her horse's sides. With a soft whinny, the horse responded, stepping forward obediently as Isabel guided it along the path behind Baldwin.

As they continued their walk, they soon found themselves traversing through a wooded, desert-like terrain, riding side by side. Encouraged by the surroundings and emboldened by Baldwin's presence, Isabel felt a surge of confidence wash over her. With a gentle nudge of her heels, she urged the white horse beneath her into a trot.

Despite her lack of experience, she felt surprisingly at ease as the horse picked up speed, its powerful strides carrying them forward with effortless grace. The wind whipped through her hair as they rode, the rhythmic beat of the horse's hooves echoing in her ears.

"Perhaps you'll even surpass me in the end." the king quipped as he rode alongside Isabel, matching her pace.

"Who knows?" she replied, her voice filled with a hint of mischief.

"Don't forget, I'm a very good rider." Baldwin reminded Isabel with a playful glint in his eye as he cast a glance her way.

"Perhaps I'll become better than you sooner or later." Isabel replied with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, her tone lighthearted but confident.