Medicine | King Baldwin

54

The morning sun poured through the windows, its soft rays gently waking the king from his deep sleep. As his eyes fluttered open, the first thing that met his gaze was Isabel, her serene, sleeping form nestled against him, her head resting lightly on his bare chest.

Her breath was calm and steady, her soft hair splayed across his skin, as though she had found perfect peace in his arms. The exhaustion from their first night together did little to dull the radiance of her beauty. Even in slumber, she seemed an ethereal vision.

As though she could feel his silent attention, Isabel began to shift softly in her sleep. Her long lashes fluttered, and her vivid green eyes slowly peeked out from beneath them. The warmth of their uncovered bodies intertwined brought a soft, contented smile to her face, as if the comfort of his presence was all she needed.

She gazed up at Baldwin, her eyes meeting his, and found him already watching her with a tender, loving smile, a quiet joy reflected in his expression.

"A thousand enchantments have been cast before my eyes by fate." Baldwin murmured, his voice barely more than a breath as he half-raised himself on the bed.

His calloused fingers moved tenderly across Isabel's face, tracing the contours of her cheek, as though committing every detail to memory.

"Your face has brightened." she murmured softly. She reached up, gently grasping the hand that cupped her cheek, her fingers tracing the rough skin of his palm. "I wish it could always be like this."

"You are everything to me." the man said gently. "Your thoughts and your presence are all I need to lift my spirits."

"I dreamed last night." She said with a sparkle in her eyes, sitting up with a burst of joy. She held the thin sheet in front of her, clutching it.

"Oh, really?" Baldwin asked, sitting up with a curious smile. "And what was it about?"

"If I tell you, it might not come true." Isabel said, leaning in closer.

"You've piqued my curiosity, though." He said, leaning in closer, his eyes fixed on hers with a playful glint.

"Don't be too curious." Isabel replied, leaning back slightly with a mischievous smile. "You'll find out when the time is right." She held his gaze with a teasing glimmer in her eyes, as if savoring the mystery she had created.

"You've struck me right in the heart." Baldwin laughed, collapsing back onto the bed, his hand pressing to his chest as if to soothe the playful wound.

"As a king, you are like a child." She remarked with a knowing smile.

"Come here." he said, his voice taking on a more serious tone.

She rose gracefully from her position, her movements fluid and unhurried. Without a moment's hesitation, she moved towards him, her body pressing close as she nestled against him.

"I don't want to spoil this moment." he whispered as he gently caressed Isabel's arm.

"But?" she looked up suddenly, her expression clouded with disappointment.

"I have to leave soon. The council is waiting for me." he said, looking down at her with a pout of regret.

"Let me go as well." she said, sitting up once more.

"What?" he asked, looking at her in surprise.

"Let me join." she repeated, her voice firm yet hopeful.

"Isabel, why would you do that?" the king asked, sitting up as well. His tone was curiosity, clearly puzzled by her request.

"Perhaps I could be of service.. with something. Something useful." she said with a hint of uncertainty.