Medicine | King Baldwin

40

"Will she be alright?" Baldwin asked Asif, his voice thick with worry as the elder carefully tended to Isabel's wounds.

He worked methodically, his hands moving with ease over her burns and abrasions.

"The wounds will heal, Your Grace." he replied. "In time. But the scars will remain. I am sorry." Baldwin's expression tightened with concern and sorrow. He glanced at Isabel, who sat quietly, her face pale but peaceful.

She stirred slightly, a soft moan escaping her lips as Asif bandaged her arm. Baldwin's heart ached at the sight of her pain. The scars from the fire would stay with her forever, marring her once flawless skin.

"We need to find out who did this." Simon said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper as he and Baldwin stepped away from her bedside. "It's impossible that this fire started on its own." He continued, his eyes fixed on his face, searching for a reaction.

His jaw tightened, a muscle ticking just below his temple. He glanced back at Isabel, her peaceful face a stark contrast to the turmoil raging within him. The image of her in pain, struggling for breath amidst the flames, haunted his mind.

"Do you believe someone set the fire on purpose?" Baldwin asked, his voice laced with disbelief and anger.

"I can't guarantee it, Your Majesty." He replied, shaking his head, a grave expression on his face. "But we must consider the worst-case scenario." The king's eyes narrowed as he processed Simon's words. The possibility that someone had intentionally set the fire to harm Isabel was a chilling thought.

"We will discuss this matter in detail tomorrow." Baldwin sighed, rubbing his temples as the weight of the situation bore down on him. "I cannot express how grateful I am, my friend. If you hadn't been there, then she.." His voice faltered, the thought of her possible fate if Simon hadn't acted swiftly and bravely filling him with dread.

"Anything for you." Simon said, placing a reassuring hand on the king's shoulder as he mirrored the gesture, gripping his shoulder firmly.

"I'm finished, Your Majesty." Asif said, stepping closer. "She needs a lot of rest, but she'll be fine." His voice was calm and reassuring.

"Thank you. Both of you." Baldwin replied, his voice filled with gratitude. The two men bowed and left the chamber, leaving the king alone with Isabel, who sat on the edge of the bed with her head bowed.

He moved closer and sat beside her on the bed, gently placing his hand on her back and tracing small circles. As he traced soothing circles on her back, he could feel the tension in her muscles. He wished he could take away all her suffering with a simple touch.

"My beautiful wife.." he said, his voice filled with sorrow. "I'm so sorry." Her eyes, still glistening with unshed tears, turned questioningly to Baldwin.

"For what?" She asked softly, her voice tinged with confusion.

"For this happening to you, for not being there by your side to protect you." He said, his voice filled with regret. Her expression softened further as she listened to his words. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions.

"Please, don't blame yourself." Isabel offered a faint smile. "You're here now. And that's all that matters to me." His heart swelled at her words. He gently cupped her face, his thumb brushing away a stray tear.

"I'll never let anything happen to you again. I promise." She leaned into his touch, finding comfort in the warmth of his hand. "Now rest." Baldwin said softly as he stood up.

He walked around to the other side of the bed and lay down, motioning for Isabel to do the same. She sank into the bed beside him, her movements slow and deliberate to avoid aggravating her injuries. The mattress dipped slightly under her weight, and his arms immediately wrapped around her, pulling her close to his chest.