Medicine | King Baldwin

44

"What did you wish to speak with me about, my king?" Isabel asked as they strolled through the garden. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting a golden glow on them. A gentle breeze carried the scent of flowers towards them as she looked at him, her eyes filled with curiosity as she awaited his response.

"You look resplendent." Baldwin declared, coming to a stop as he turned to face the girl. He gently took her arm, encased in a long-sleeved gown that modestly concealed the bandages beneath, hiding the burns that marred her skin. His eyes traced the outline of her arm as if memorizing its shape and texture, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Not even a thousand scars could rob you of your beauty." he murmured, his voice rich with warmth. His fingers traced the fabric of her sleeve, a delicate caress that conveyed his deep admiration and affection.

"You never fail to touch my heart over and over again." Isabel replied, her voice soft. Her eyes sparkled as she looked up at him, the corners of her lips curving into a tender smile. She gently withdrew her arm from his touch, placing her hand over her heart in a gesture of sincerity. "But I don't think this is what you wanted to talk about." she continued, her tone curious yet delicate.

"I wanted to talk to you about our marriage." He began, a hint of a smile evident even through the mask that concealed his face. Isabel's curiosity was palpable, her eyes widening slightly. "I want everyone to know and see as soon as possible that we belong to each other. My mother.. she is assisting with the preparations." Baldwin's voice was calm yet resolute, each word carefully chosen.

"What do I need to do?" She asked. She was acutely aware that becoming queen was not simply a matter of standing beside the king as a decorative figure.

The status of a queen came with numerous responsibilities and expectations, some of which she was unsure how to fulfill. Isabel's mind raced with the realities of royal duties, the pressures of the court, and the scrutiny of the kingdom. The weight of the crown was heavy, not just as a symbol of power but as a mantle of leadership and representation. She knew that her new role would demand much more than she had ever imagined, and the thought was as daunting as it was thrilling.

"You will be prepared for everything you need to know. And no one will be more capable of guiding you through this than my mother." Baldwin assured her.

"Don't get me wrong.." She began, taking a deep breath. "I will do everything expected of me." She sighed softly, her gaze dropping slightly. "But I don't believe your mother holds me in particularly warm regard." She lowered her head, hoping she had not offended the king with her words.

"It doesn't matter what my mother thinks." Baldwin said gently, lifting Isabel's gaze to meet his.

"But it does." She said seriously, her voice steady despite the emotional weight of her words. She walked deliberately away from Baldwin, her footsteps soft on the garden path, and paused beside a lush, flowering bush.

She stood there for a moment, her back turned to him as she gathered her thoughts. The gentle rustling of leaves in the light breeze was the only sound breaking the silence. Turning slowly, Isabel faced Baldwin, her expression resolute. He stood a few paces away, his posture rigid and his hands clasped firmly behind his back, his gaze was fixed on her.

"I know you love me, and that is enough for me." She continued, her voice soft but firm. She looked into his eyes, trying to convey the depth of her feelings. "But the reality is.." she added, her tone growing more resolute. "Everyone in the palace looks at me as if I were a common courtesan who seduced the king to gain power. Your mother thinks the same way." She turned back to the bush, her gaze falling on the delicate petals and the vibrant greenery.

The bush, lush and full of life, seemed to symbolize her own desires and hopes, which were being overshadowed by the judgments and misconceptions surrounding her.