Medicine | King Baldwin

32

"That's not what it's for." Asif stated while he and Isabel argued about the use of a particular herb.

"Yes, it is." Isabel said confidently. "If you don't believe me, look it up in one of your miracle books." she added sarcastically, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow.

The man eagerly reached out for one of the volumes nestled on the shelf, its weathered spine hinting at the wealth of knowledge within. With deft fingers, he flipped through the pages, each filled with intricate illustrations and detailed descriptions of the origins and effects of various medicinal herbs. His eyes scanned the text, searching for the particular herb he sought, his excitement palpable as he drew closer to his quarry.

"Arguing with me is unnecessary." Isabel remarked gently as she caught sight of the despondent expression on Asif's face, a silent acknowledgment dawning within him that the girl had indeed been correct.

"For once, you were right.." he grumbled, his tone tinged with begrudging admission. "You seem almost otherworldly to know everything." His gaze bore into the girl with a mixture of skepticism.

"I'll take that as a compliment." Isabel chuckled, her laughter ringing through the air like a melody. Asif responded with a nonchalant wave of his hand, a subtle grin playing at the corners of his lips as he basked in the lighthearted exchange. "I certainly don't know everything, but perhaps I know more than you." She laughed.

"Alright, alright, you're starting to get a bit full of yourself." Asif said, then carefully placed the book back in its place on the shelf.

They began to work, with Isabel diligently crafting soaps for the king while Asif busied himself with a different task. The room was filled with a pleasant atmosphere, its air heavy with the soothing scents of various herbs. This delightful combination of ambience and aroma had a positive effect on Isabel's mood, the black-haired girl feeling increasingly cheerful as she immersed herself in her work.

After a few hours, a knock disrupted their seamless work, catching both Asif and Isabel's attention. They looked up simultaneously, their focus drawn to the sound of the door creaking open.

"Asif, my lady." Simon announced, his voice carrying a tone of deference as he entered the chamber. His steps were measured as he halted just inside the doorway, his gaze shifting to Isabel.

"My lord." the girl nodded respectfully.

"Isabel, please come with me." the young man's request prompted a fleeting expression of apprehension on the girl's face. Simon, noticing her reaction, immediately reassured her, his voice laced with gentleness. "There's no cause for concern. Nothing untoward has occurred." He said.

Relieved by his reassurance, Isabel nodded hesitantly, her initial apprehension giving way to curiosity. With a reassuring glance exchanged between Asif and Isabel, the latter rose from her task, smoothing her apron as she prepared to follow Simon out of the workchamber.

"Please, tell me, what's this sudden matter that cannot wait?" the girl asked as they exited the chamber, her tone a mixture of curiosity and concern. With each step, Isabel's mind raced with questions, her anticipation building as she awaited Simon's response.

"Lady Agnes is awaiting your presence in the front garden." he responded as they strolled along the corridor. However, Isabel abruptly came to a halt, her steps faltering as she cast a disquieted glance at the man beside her. The mention of Lady Agnes seemed to stir something within her, an unease that flickered in her eyes despite Simon's calm demeanor.

"Me? But.. why?" she inquired, trailing behind the man as they made their way forward.

"She didn't tell me the reason." Simon explained, his voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty as he glanced back at Isabel. "She simply stopped me when she saw me, and asked me to inform you." He could see the questions swirling in Isabel's eyes, but he continued walking, hoping to alleviate some of her unease with his steady pace.

"I see." the girl replied, her voice barely above a whisper. When they reached the garden, Simon gave her a reassuring nod before departing, leaving the anxious girl alone. Isabel took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the lush greenery as she tried to steady her nerves, preparing herself to face Lady Agnes.

Her fingers fidgeted behind her back as she walked toward the woman, who was sitting with her ladies-in-waiting, sipping tea. Isabel's steps were hesitant, her heart pounding in her chest as she approached Lady Agnes and her entourage.

"Ah, you must be Isabel." the woman said with a saccharine, almost mocking sweetness as Isabel approached. Her dress was slightly disheveled and dirty from her work, and her hair stood a bit untidy. Agnes discreetly surveyed her from head to toe, a faint disdain settling on her face. "Please, have a seat." she continued, gesturing to a chair with an elegant but dismissive wave of her hand.

She felt a wave of self-consciousness wash over her as she took in Lady Agnes's pristine appearance and the impeccably dressed ladies-in-waiting around her. She hesitated for a moment before slowly lowering herself into the offered chair, her fingers still fidgeting nervously in her lap.

"Thank you." Isabel managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper as she tried to steady her nerves. Lady Agnes took a delicate sip of her tea, her eyes never leaving Isabel, who felt her anxiety grow under the intense scrutiny.

"Excuse me for my impoliteness, but may I ask why you summoned me?" the girl asked, this time with a more confident tone. She straightened her posture and met the older woman's gaze directly. Isabel's voice carried a newfound strength, as she resolved not to let Lady Agnes's disdainful demeanor intimidate her.

"Well, you are my son's physician, and I wanted to get to know you to understand what kind of person is around the king." Lady Agnes said, her tone laced with faint malice that Isabel immediately noticed. Despite this, she decided not to cause any tension. She remained composed, her expression neutral as she processed her words.

"I understand." She replied calmly, maintaining her composure despite the subtle hostility in the woman's demeanor. "I'm more than willing to address any inquiries you might have." She kept her tone polite yet firm, conveying her readiness to engage in the conversation.

She noticed Agnes's subtle shift in her seat, a small movement but one that spoke volumes. It was a gesture that hinted at discomfort or perhaps dissatisfaction with her response.

"Tell me, where do you come from? What kind of family do you hail from?" The woman inquired, her tone carrying a hint of curiosity but also a subtle probing quality.

"I come from Cyprus, and I have been in the service of the king for a few months now." She responded. "I hail from a simple, humble family, but I have no complaints." She kept her answer concise yet informative, choosing not to elaborate further unless prompted.

"Despite coming from a poor family, how did you manage to pursue your medical studies?" Lady Agnes inquired, her tone still carrying a hint of skepticism.

"My mother was also a physician. I learned everything from her." Isabel replied, her voice tinged with a hint of pride as she spoke of her mother's profession.

"I hope you are aware of the rules and decorum expected of you." the woman began seriously. "I have been informed that you went riding with the king.. alone." Her words hung in the air, her gaze piercing as she awaited Isabel's response.

"That's correct." Isabel affirmed, reflecting on the memorable ride with a sense of appreciation. "The king graciously took me out purely out of goodwill. Knowing my affinity for horses, he decided to pleasantly surprise me. There's nothing.. untoward about it." Her words carried sincerity and a touch of warmth, as she sought to convey the genuine nature of the experience.

"Pay attention." the woman's voice carried a stern edge. "I can see through your intentions and your attempts to captivate the king. But rest assured, it won't happen, not as long as I'm alive and flourishing." The woman got straight to the point, addressing the reasons why she had summoned Isabel. Her words were sharp, each one laden with a warning that echoed through the air. Isabel maintained her composure, her expression unreadable as she absorbed Lady Agnes's pointed message, understanding the implicit threat beneath her words.

"I don't understand why you harbor such suspicions." Isabel responded with a calm yet assertive demeanor. "However, let me assure you, I will not permit any harm to come to either myself or His Majesty." Her words were measured, carrying an unspoken determination to defend herself and the king against any unfounded accusations or threats.

Despite the potentially disrespectful undertone, Isabel held her ground, refusing to be cowed by Lady Agnes's intimidation tactics.