Medicine | King Baldwin

38

Isabel diligently packed the necessary items for the king's evening care, though her mind seemed far from focused on her task. She moved mechanically, her hands placing bandages, salves, and various medical instruments into a tray with practiced ease. Yet her eyes, usually bright and full of life, were distant, lost in thought.

Asif, who had been working alongside her for many months, couldn't help but notice the stark change in her demeanor. Gone was the cheerful, talkative girl he had grown accustomed to. In her place was someone who appeared almost replaced, silent and preoccupied. Her usual lively chatter, which often filled the room with warmth, was conspicuously absent.

The last straw came when, amidst her packing, she dropped something that shattered with a loud crash on the stone floor. The sound echoed through the room, jolting both her and Asif out of their thoughts.

"Just what I needed." Isabel stared down at the broken fragments, her hands trembling slightly. The shattered pieces of the glass vial lay scattered across the floor, a stark contrast to the meticulous care she usually took with her work. She felt a rush of frustration and helplessness welling up inside her, the culmination of her internal turmoil now manifesting in this small accident.

"Alright, tell me what's going on with you." said the older man as he bent down to help pick up the pieces.

"Why are you asking?" She asked back, her voice sounding cold, as if tension underscored every word.

"It's unusual for you not to bombard me with your usual nonsense." Asif remarked, his brow furrowing slightly as he observed Isabel. "You're quiet. This isn't like you." he continued.

"I'm fine." She replied, her voice soft but strained. "Just a bit tired, that's all." She managed a smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes and Asif knew there was more to her fatigue than she was letting on, but he respected her reluctance to open up further. "Ouch!" As she picked up a piece of broken glass, a sharp pain shot through her hand, causing her to cry out involuntarily. She winced, pulling her hand back and inspecting the cut. Blood welled up from the wound, staining her palm.

"Alright, it's okay, come here quickly." he said reassuringly as he helped Isabel up from the floor. Leading her to a basin of water, he gently submerged her hands, taking care to cleanse the bleeding wound, the cool water provided relief as he carefully washed away the blood. He took a bundle of yarrow and skillfully packed it into the cut, applying gentle pressure to stem the bleeding. "There we go. All set." He held her hand gently, making sure the bandage was secure and comfortable.

"Thank you, Asif." she said sincerely, meeting his gaze with gratitude.

After that, she picked up the tray, her movements deliberate yet tinged with a trace of unease from the recent mishap with the glass. As she turned to leave the chamber, his voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Isabel." he called. She paused, glancing back over her shoulder at him. There was a moment of hesitation before she turned fully to face him, her brow furrowed slightly.

"Yes?" she replied, trying to sound composed despite the lingering discomfort in her hand.

"You know.. if there's anything going on, you can tell me." nodded the elderly man. "I just want you to know that." She looked at him, touched by his sincerity.

"Thank you." she said softly, a faint smile playing on her lips. "I'll keep that in mind." She added before walking away.

She made her way through the corridors of the palace towards Baldwin's chamber, her steps were measured, each stride bringing her closer to the person who occupied so much of her thoughts and heart.