Medicine | King Baldwin

41

As the first rays of the sun began to crest the horizon, a few stray beams of light filtered into the palace, illuminating its eastern wing. The soft, golden glow gradually brightened the chamber, casting a warm, gentle light over the bed where Baldwin and Isabel slept peacefully.

The sunlight slowly crept across, inching towards the bed. It kissed Baldwin's face first, making his eyelids flutter as he stirred slightly.

The first thing he noticed before even opening his eyes was the comforting, sweet scent of her hair. As he gradually woke, the familiar smell grounded him, a reminder of her presence and the peace she brought him. Slowly, he opened his eyes, and instead of the usual sight of the empty ceiling, he was met with the serene vision of Isabel's sleeping face.

One of her hand rested lightly on his chest, its warmth seeping into him, creating a tangible connection between them. The other hand was tucked beneath her pillow, adding to the picture of tranquility she presented. He marveled at how peaceful she looked.

Even in her sleep, she looked flawless. He took advantage of her stillness to study every tiny detail of her face, capturing the moment in his memory. The curve of her brow, the faint freckles that dotted her nose, the gentle rise and fall of her chest with each breath.

Her long, dark lashes cast delicate shadows on her cheeks, which were still slightly flushed from the night's events. The soft curve of her lips, slightly parted, allowed gentle breaths to escape. Her skin, though marred by the fire, held a gentle glow in the morning light, giving her an ethereal appearance.

Her hair, a cascade of black waves, fanned out over the pillow, with a few stray strands framing her serene face. Baldwin's gaze followed the gentle rise and fall of her chest with each breath, a reminder that she was alive and with him. Every inch of her face, every line and contour, was imprinted in his mind as he silently vowed to keep her safe, to cherish her, and to never let harm come her way again.

"What a marvelous creature you are.." he whispered softly, propping himself up carefully on one elbow. With a gentle touch, he ran his fingers lightly along Isabel's cheek. Her skin was soft beneath his fingertips, and he marveled at the delicate curve of her jawline.

Baldwin's touch was tender, almost reverent, as he traced the path of an errant lock of hair back behind her ear. He watched her face for any sign of disturbance, not wanting to wake her but unable to resist the urge to touch her, to assure himself that she was truly there, alive and safe with him.

His hand lingered for a moment, feeling the warmth of her skin, before slowly pulling back, as if reluctant to break the connection.

He carefully lifted her hand from his chest and gently placed it back on the mattress before rising from the bed, his eyes never leaving her serene face. As he moved away, Baldwin quietly walked out onto the balcony, placing his hands on the stone railing.

He gazed down at the courtyard below, which was still and empty in the early morning hour as a cool breeze fluttered the curtains and the flags, signaling the approach of autumn.

As Isabel stirred from her half-sleep, her hand instinctively reached out for him, only to encounter the cool, empty expanse of the mattress. This sudden sensation of absence jolted her awake, her heart quickening as she searched for the reassuring presence. Her eyes snapped open, wide with a blend of confusion and anxiety.

Her gaze darted around the room, quickly adjusting to the dim morning light filtering through the curtains. When her eyes found Baldwin standing on the balcony, facing away from her, a wave of relief washed over her. She could see the strong line of his shoulders and the casual, yet poised stance he had taken as he looked out over the quiet courtyard.

"You're walking quietly." Isabel spoke softly, turning onto her side as she propped her head up with one hand. She watched with a gentle smile as he turned toward her, his attention drawn by the unexpected sound of her voice.

"Not quiet enough to keep from waking you, it seems." Baldwin said with a soft chuckle as he stepped further into the room. He leaned against the balustrade of the balcony. Her gaze followed him as he moved, her eyes reflecting the soft, amber light of the dawn. Her smile widened slightly at his words, a playful glint dancing in her eyes.

"I'm a light sleeper. I hear everything." She said with a playful narrowing of her eyes, her voice a soft, melodic whisper. She let out a gentle laugh, the sound like a soothing melody that wrapped around Baldwin's ears, warming his heart.

His smile grew wider at her comment, her laughter, soft and melodious, echoed slightly in the quiet space.

He straightened his posture, pushing off from the balustrade with a gentle grace, and took a few steps towards her, his movements were deliberate and unhurried.

"It's still early." Baldwin knelt beside the edge of the bed where she lay, bringing his face to her level. He reached out and gently brushed a stray lock of hair from her forehead, his touch as light as a whisper. "Sleep as long as you can." he said softly, his voice a comforting murmur in the quiet chamber.

"Where are you going?" She asked with a hint of curiosity in her voice. She reached out with her free hand and gently touched the king's face, her fingers tracing the contours of his features with a soft, tender touch.

Baldwin's face softened at her touch, his eyes closing momentarily as he savored the moment, her fingertips brushing against the slightly roughened areas of his skin.

"I have duties to attend to." He sighed softly as he gently took Isabel's small hand into his, his thumb brushing over her delicate skin. "I will return to you as soon as I am done, my dear." he promised, his voice tender and sincere.

He lifted her hand to his lips, placing a soft, lingering kiss on the back of it. With one last, lingering look, Baldwin carefully released her hand, allowing it to rest gently on the bed.

After he had carefully selected his attire for the day, he moved with a quiet, deliberate grace. His hands were steady as he gently lifted the corner of the covers, smoothing them out over Isabel. He took great care to ensure that the blanket was snugly arranged, tucking it in around her.

As he prepared to leave, he leaned down to place a delicate kiss on her forehead. His lips brushed her skin with a featherlight touch, lingering for a brief moment before he straightened. Withdrawing his hand, Baldwin then reached for his mask, placing it over his face.

He took one last, lingering look at her before leaving the chamber, leaving her in the quietness.