Medicine | King Baldwin

35

"Your condition is steadily improving, Your Majesty." Isabel smiled as she applied fresh bandages to Baldwin's wounds. "If this continues, all the symptoms of leprosy will disappear, and you will be healed." the girl said, looking up when she finished her work. She took a moment to examine her handiwork, ensuring everything was perfect.

"I couldn't have done it without you." said the king, his voice filled with gratitude. "I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me." he added seriously, his eyes reflecting the depth of his appreciation as he bowed his head.

"Oh, there's no need to thank me." the black-haired girl said with a modest shrug. "Seeing your condition improve is more than enough for me." She smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with genuine satisfaction.

Afterwards, she stood up from her seat, methodically gathering her belongings as she prepared to depart. Just as she was about to leave, Baldwin spoke up.

"Wouldn't you stay here with me?" asked the man, his gaze sincere as he looked up at the girl from his bed. His voice held a hint of vulnerability, a request tinged with longing.

The girl hesitated at the request, every fiber of her being wanted to stay, but she remembered vividly the close call she had experienced.

The prospect of her leaving the king's chamber after spending a night there could potentially give rise to misunderstandings. She knew all too well the delicate nature of courtly perception and the implications that could arise from such a scene.

Despite her longing for the king, Isabel couldn't ignore the implications. She recalled the incident from weeks prior when she had left the chamber in the early morning hours, narrowly avoiding being seen by others. The court was always abuzz with rumors and speculations, and she couldn't risk compromising her reputation, especially the king's dignity.

"Your Majesty." the girl sighed softly, stepping closer to the king who sat at the edge of the bed. "It wouldn't be against my wishes to stay with you, in fact, it's what I desire most." She smiled down at him. "But I'm concerned about the potential misunderstandings it could cause. I don't want to entertain thoughts of what the court members might speculate if they were to hear that I left your chamber in the morning." She paused, her gaze earnest as she met his eyes. "I value your trust above all else, and I would never want to jeopardize it by allowing gossip to undermine the respect you deserve."

Baldwin sat in contemplation, his thoughts swirling as he processed the weight of Isabel's words and the implications of his own request. As king, he was acutely aware of the scrutiny that surrounded every interaction. Yet, he couldn't ignore the pang of disappointment at the realization that their roles constrained the possibility of a deeper connection.

"You're right." the man said with a sigh, his gaze fixed on a distant point as he spoke. "But this situation won't last for long." he added. Isabel looked at him with a furrowed brow, curiosity knitting her features.

"What do you mean, Your Majesty?" she asked softly as he just took her free hand in his own and smiled subtly.

"Soon you'll find out." he said softly, bringing Isabel's hand to his lips and pressing a gentle kiss to her palm. His touch tender. "Good night, my lady." he murmured softly, his voice filled with sincerity and a touch of regret as he watched her depart.

Returning to her chamber, Isabel changed into more comfortable attire, her mind abuzz with thoughts of her conversation with the king. As she settled into her surroundings, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was something Baldwin had hinted at, something significant yet veiled in mystery. She paced the room, replaying their exchange in her mind, searching for clues or hidden meanings in his words.