Medicine | King Baldwin

43

After the lengthy council meeting, the grand doors of the court chamber swung open, and the members of the council began to file out one by one.

The atmosphere was thick with the discussions that had taken place, the echoes of heated debates still lingering in the air. Baldwin exited alongside his trusted advisors, Simon and William, their faces marked with the intensity of their recent deliberations.

As they walked down the opulent corridor, the sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows cast vibrant patterns on the stone floor. Baldwin's brow was furrowed in concentration as they continued to discuss the pressing matters about the war and Saladin that had dominated the council's agenda.

Their conversation was abruptly interrupted as they reached a busy corridor intersection. From around the corner, Agnes appeared, moving with purpose and an unmistakable sense of urgency. Her presence was sudden, almost as if she had been waiting for this exact moment. She stepped directly into their path, forcing them to halt.

"Your Majesty, may I have a word with you?" She began, her voice carrying a blend of deference. She inclined her head slightly in a gesture of respect, though her eyes never left Baldwin's. "Alone." She then glanced pointedly at Simon and William.

The king exchanged a quick, meaningful glance with them before they both left.

"Of course." Once they were alone, Baldwin turned his full attention to Agnes. "What is it?" She took a steadying breath, her demeanor shifting subtly as she prepared to speak.

"I wanted to discuss the marriage.." Agnes began, her voice steady as Baldwin sighed, already anticipating the direction of the conversation.

"Are you trying to convince me again?" the king asked, his tone weary.

"Quite the opposite." his mother replied, her voice tinged with reluctance. "Though I do not approve of your decision, you are the king. If your heart is drawn to the Lady Isabel, so be it." She uttered the words with difficulty, each one seemingly a struggle to release.

"What are you getting at?" Baldwin asked, surprised by her sudden shift in tone.

"If you wish to marry, announce it to the council as soon as possible. I will prepare the girl for her duties.. as queen." Agnes said, her voice steady but with a hint of reluctance.

"That doesn't sound like you, Mother." He said suspiciously, his eyes narrowing as he studied her face. She forced a smile, her eyes briefly flickering with something unreadable.

"My son." She stepped closer to the king and took his hand. "I know I haven't always been there for you and that my actions haven't been worthy of a mother." She began, her voice softer than usual. "But I want you to know that you are my child, and this time, I will try to act like a mother should." Baldwin looked at her, his expression softening slightly.

"It's hard to believe, given everything." he replied, his tone still laced with skepticism. "But, very well. I will leave Isabel in your care." Baldwin said, his tone measured and thoughtful.

He turned and walked away, leaving Agnes standing alone in the corridor. She watched him go, her expression unreadable. Deep down, she knew the gravity of her son's decision and the precarious position it placed her in. Despite her opposition to the marriage, she was acutely aware that the plan to ignite the fire had placed her on thin ice. The truth could surface at any moment, and she needed to tread carefully, even when it came to gaining her son's trust. She knew she had to act wisely and strategically, balancing to cover her tracks.

Failure to do so could mean not only losing Baldwin's trust but also facing dire consequences if her involvement in the fire was ever revealed.

Meanwhile, Isabel had grown weary of the confinement of the king's chambers. Deciding she needed a breath of fresh air, she made her way to the stables, her spirits lifting with each step. The familiar scents of hay and horses greeted her as she entered the warm, earthy space.