Medicine | King Baldwin

30

"I heard your mother has arrived." Isabel said as she dismounted and tied the white horse next to Baldwin's horse at a nearby tree. Her movements were careful and precise, mirroring his actions. She glanced over at him, curious about his reaction.

"Yes." Baldwin said, removing his mask to reveal a weary yet contemplative expression. "It's unusual, even for me." he sighed.

He walked over to a large tree providing ample shade and sat down at its base, patting the ground beside him as an invitation for Isabel to join him. She moved gracefully to the spot he indicated and settled down next to him, the cool earth beneath her a welcome contrast to the warm air.

"When I became king, my mother did everything in her power to see me married." Baldwin continued. "But my illness has hindered that in more ways than one." he added, his gaze distant as he recalled the past.

"I mean.. which woman wouldn't enjoy your company?" Isabel said softly, her voice tinged with a hint of shyness as she weighed the significance of her words.

"The reality is, many women fear what they don't understand, and my illness is a constant reminder of the unknown." Baldwin turned to look at her, a surprised yet warm smile forming on his lips.

Her gaze softened, her empathy evident. "Perhaps they just don't see beyond the surface." she said. "But those who do.. they would find someone truly worth knowing." His eyes met hers, and for a moment, he felt a connection that went beyond words.

"And you?" he asked quietly, his tone laden with curiosity and a touch of vulnerability. "What do you see?" She hesitated, her heart racing slightly.

"I see a man who is compassionate and strong." she said, her voice steady despite the nerves fluttering within her. "Who bears his burdens with grace and dignity. Who, despite his illness, inspires those around him." He felt a warmth spread through him at her words, a sense of being seen and understood.

"Do you think she'll try to do that again?" Isabel asked bittersweetly, fidgeting with her fingers. "Try to marry someone to you?" Baldwin sighed, looking off into the distance for a moment before turning back to her.

"It's possible. But if she does, it won't be to make me happy. She'll look for someone who brings alliances, wealth, and power to the kingdom." He said, his tone tinged with resignation.

The knowledge that the king might take a wife stirred a faint sadness in Isabel. She kept her expression neutral, not wanting to burden Baldwin with her feelings, but inside, her heart ached at the thought. He, sensing a shift in her demeanor, turned to her with a gentle look of concern.

"Is something troubling you, my lady?" he asked softly. Isabel forced a smile, shaking her head.

"It's nothing." she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just.. thinking about everything you've said." Baldwin reached out, his hand resting lightly on hers.

"You can talk to me, you know." he said. "Your thoughts matter to me." She looked down at their hands, taking a deep breath.

"It's just that, thinking about you marrying someone for political reasons makes me sad." she admitted. "You deserve to marry for love, not just duty." Baldwin's eyes softened, and he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

"Sometimes I wish I hadn't been born a king." The blonde haired man said, his voice filled with a quiet longing. "To live in a small cottage, tend to animals, and work the land." He looked over at Isabel, his eyes softening. "To marry for love." She felt a pang in her chest at his words, her own desires echoing his wistful dreams as she gave him a sad, understanding smile.

"That sounds like a beautiful life." she said softly. "Simple, but full of genuine happiness." Baldwin nodded, a faraway look in his eyes as he imagined the life he described.

"Yes, it does." he agreed. "A life where the only worries are the changing seasons and the health of the animals. Where decisions are made with the heart, not for political gain." Isabel reached out and gently took his hand, their fingers intertwining.

"Even if you were a simple farmer, you would still be a great man." she said earnestly. "Because it's not the crown that makes you who you are, Your Majesty. It's your heart." Her words seemed to touch him deeply, and for a moment, Baldwin allowed himself to savor the warmth of her hand in his.

"Thank you." he said, his voice thick with emotion. "You always know the right thing to say."

They sat together in the fading light, the sounds of the surrounding providing a serene backdrop to their conversation. He turned his gaze to the horizon, where the rays of the sun cast a golden glow over the landscape.

While the two young souls sought solace outside the palace walls, within the grand corridors and chambers, the rhythm of royal affairs continued unabated. Crusaders, clad in armor, strode purposefully alongside solemn bishops in flowing robes, their footsteps echoing off the stone floors. Servants bustled to and fro, attending to the needs of the court.

Agnes sat in the inner garden, sipping tea, surrounded by her ladies-in-waiting and Osanne, as she awaited the arrival of William, the Archbishop, whom she had summoned.

"Ah, Lord William." she greeted with a semblance of kindness as the man arrived, her tone laced with a hint of malice.

"You summoned me, Your Ladyship." He responded with a formal address, acknowledging the woman's regal status with a measured tone.

"Yes." she said. "Tell me, where is my son? I would expect him to spend part of the day with me." Agnes's tone carried a thinly veiled impatience as she awaited William's response. Her eyes, though retaining a veneer of politeness, hinted at an underlying displeasure.

"His Majesty is currently not in the palace." William responded evenly.

"Then where is he?" Her surprise was evident in her voice as she inquired.

"He went riding with Lady Isabel." the man explained, a barely perceptible smile playing at the corner of his mouth.

Agnes's expression remained composed, though a flicker of annoyance flashed in her eyes at the mention of the unknown girl. Despite her efforts to conceal her emotions, the news unsettled her.

"Ah, I see." she replied, her tone carefully measured. "It seems my son has found other ways to occupy his time." There was a hint of bitterness underlying her words, a subtle implication that Baldwin's attention was being diverted away.

"Thank you for informing me, Lord William." Agnes said dismissively, signaling an end to the conversation. "You may go." He bowed respectfully before taking his leave, leaving Agnes to ponder.

"Tell me, Osanne, who is this Lady Isabel?" she inquired, her words tinged with a touch of mockery.

"She is the king's physician. A peasant girl from Cyprus with a talent for healing." the elderly woman explained. "Based on my personal observations, the king.. quite favors her." Agnes's eyebrows furrowed slightly at her words, a mixture of surprise flickering across her features. The revelation that Isabel held such sway over her son only heightened her unease.

"I see." She replied tersely, though her tone belied the depth of her feelings. She couldn't help but wonder what had drawn Baldwin to this peasant girl, and what implications her presence might have. "I will have a word with this girl." Agnes declared firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument as she turned her attention back at her tea.