Medicine | King Baldwin

45

"How do I look?" Octavia asked her lady-in-waiting as she twirled in front of the mirror. She was wearing a light red dress adorned with several golden stripes, her blonde hair cascading gracefully down her back.

"You look beautiful, my lady." Alisha replied, folding her arms in front of her. "I'm sure if you haven't already, you will truly capture the king's interest now." she added with a smile.

While Isabel immersed herself in the rigorous lessons with Agnes on the intricacies of becoming a queen, Octavia made a determined decision to pay the king a visit. Her goal was to rekindle the bond they once shared and to catch up on the many conversations that had been left unfinished over the years.

Despite the murmurs among the palace's inhabitants about the king's upcoming marriage to Isabel, Octavia had not caught wind of this crucial news. She believed her visit would rekindle a past connection, perhaps even stir old feelings in Baldwin.

"I hope so." She replied, turning slightly to give her maid a knowing smile. "He's changed a lot since we last met. He's become quite the man, and though his face is hidden behind a mask, I'm certain that his boyish charm still lingers beneath." As she spoke, a hint of nostalgia flickered in her eyes.

The memories of their youthful days together, filled with laughter and innocent adventures, seemed like distant echoes. Yet, she couldn't help but wonder how time had shaped him, both in appearance and character.

"Go on, don't waste any more time." Alisha urged, clapping her hands together in encouragement.

Taking her advice to heart, the blonde made her way toward the king's chamber. Her walk through the sunlit corridors was punctuated by the occasional turn, the light streaming in through the tall windows casting patterns on the polished floors. Her heart pounded in her chest with a touch of nervousness as she approached the ornate door that led to Baldwin.

"Is the king in?" She asked one of the guards standing by the door. The guard, maintaining his stoic demeanor, nodded in acknowledgment.

"Yes, my lady." the guard replied. "Would you like me to announce your presence?" he asked.

Octavia nodded as she clasped her hands in front of her, preparing herself for the encounter. The guard turned and knocked gently on the door before pushing it open to announce her arrival.

A few minutes later, the guard emerged from the doorway, followed closely by the king. As Baldwin stepped out, his eyes settled on Octavia. She turned toward him, her face lighting up with a warm smile.

"Your Majesty." she curtsied gracefully before him. The rich fabric of her gown swirled slightly with the movement, catching the light as she lowered herself into the respectful gesture.

"Octavia, what a pleasant surprise." Baldwin replied. He stepped forward, his posture relaxed but attentive, acknowledging her presence with a slight, courteous nod.

"I was wondering.." Octavia suggested with a hopeful smile. "If you might be interested in having a conversation. Perhaps we could take a walk in the garden." Her eyes sparkled as she proposed the idea, her tone casual yet inviting.

Baldwin paused for a moment, reflecting on how they hadn't had the chance to talk properly the last time they met. After a brief consideration, he decided to accept the offer.

"Why not? A breath of fresh air would be quite pleasant." The man replied with a nod, appreciating the offer as they walked down the corridor leading to the garden.

"Tell me, how are you all settling in here?" Baldwin inquired, his voice carrying a note of genuine curiosity as they walked at a leisurely pace.

"Very well, my father is quite taken with Jerusalem and your kingdom. He's expressed a desire to stay a while longer." Octavia explained, her arms behind her back. "And I don't mind it either. It means we'll have more time to catch up on all the years we've missed." She smiled, a hint of nostalgia in her expression.