MAYA, my love.

CHAPTER 34

"I must speak with His Majesty. Permit me entry. I must see him now!" she implored, her voice firm as she addressed the guard.

"I regret to inform you, Doctor, that you are not scheduled to meet with him today. You are advised to return at your allotted time in the evening to see His Majesty," the guard replied with respectful authority although he was getting increasingly irritated by their back and forth.

"I refuse to depart. I shall remain here and will not move until you grant me an audience with him," she asserted resolutely, stepping back two paces before kneeling on the ground, her legs folded neatly beneath her and her hands resting firmly on her knees—a posture of silent protest.

"What insolence is this..." the guard exclaimed, taken aback by her defiance. Such behavior was unacceptable in fornt of the gates of the royal court room. He stepped forward, prepared to remove her by force if necessary, but before he could act, a commanding voice interrupted him.

"Do not lay a hand on her." The guard turned, his eyes widening in recognition of Prince John. Flustered, he immediately bowed, acknowledging the royal presence.

"Greetings to you, sun of the empire. Your Highness, it is an honor to receive you."

"Please, be at ease. What is the matter?" John inquired the guard, glancing at Mey from the corner of his eye. She remained kneeling, her back straight and unyielding, her gaze fixed resolutely on the gates.

"Your Highness, I must insist that the royal physician uphold her decorum. She possesses no formal appointment to meet His Majesty, yet she insists on doing so. I instructed her to return in the evening, as is customary, but she is protesting before the court and refuses to budge. This is most insolent..."

"What constitutes insolence is not for you to determine. Royal law permits protest when deemed necessary..." John paused, turning to Mey. "Pray tell, Doctor, why do you feel compelled to act in this manner? You are aware that, while permitted, a protest before the court is regarded as a grave affront to authority."

"I care not for such considerations. I must see His Majesty at all costs," Mey replied crudely not looking at him as her eyes still fixed on the gate.

"Then proceed as you see fit... I take my leave." He turned to enter the palace. John was acutely aware of the reason for her presence; she appeared more frail than he had ever seen her. Her weakened condition troubled him. 'Why must I concern myself with her?' he pondered, shaking his head in an attempt to dismiss the unsettling thoughts.

Hours passed as John immersed himself in his duties, oblivious to the passage of time. The sun had set when he finally completed his paperwork, the day having vanished in the blink of an eye. As he organized his documents, Jared bid him farewell and exited the room. The ministers had already taken their leave, and the day's affairs had concluded. John was the last to finish, preparing to depart, when he noticed Jared re-entering.

"Is there something you require, Jared? Did you forget something?"

"Your Highness, it is not that. It's the little physician lady."

"Little physician lady?" John asked, puzzled.

"The royal physician, Sire. She remains kneeling before the doors. Yeah.... Still there. Many ministers passed by, mocking her situation, some uttering disrespectful remarks, but I handled them appropriately."

"She is the one who chose to remain there. She must face the consequences of her actions. A silent protest is not favored by the royal court." John replied with an indifferent tone. Jared expressions turned more serious. He stepped closer to John and said solemnly.

"Pray, speak with her. The poor woman is striving to maintain her composure. She shivers in the cold. I fear she may succumb to illness again or faint. Hours have passed, yet she has not shifted an inch," Jared urged, his gaze steady. The royal physician was both stubborn and resolute, reminiscent of his own daughter who was under her care in wards as of present. He held a measure of compassion for her. She also was the only one who had cared for sophia when she fell ill and lost their second child few years back. Mey was the only one dedicated to her recovery when other physicians had regarded sophia with carelessness. In some ways he owed the  little lady physician a favor.

John bristled at the implication, brushing Jared's hand aside. "You are becoming too soft, Jared. She has made her choice; she must accept the repercussions. Furthermore, what could I do? His Majesty, the King, detests any form of disrespect. He appreciates the doctor's skills, yet he has not summoned her, indicating his displeasure with her conduct."

"Sire, you are aware of the context behind her actions, are you not? Arthur was buried this morning. She is still dressed in mourning attire, having likely rushed here after the funeral. Show her kindness. Those who have suffered loss require gentle handling. A true leader must know when to transcend protocol." Jared's tone, typically strict, revealed a deeper compassion that contrasted with his imposing demeanor.

Yet John regarded him with annoyance. Why was Jared instructing him on leadership qualities? He felt affronted. Noticing John's agitation, Jared pressed on before he could respond.

"Do not forget, brother. When you were in your weakest state when I met you, I treated you with care as well. You stated that you owed me a debt back then. If you wish to repay it, I suggest you extend your compassion to the physician. I won't follow after a king who does not know when to compromise for his people." John was taken aback by Jared's unexpected challenge. It was unprecedented for him to question him. John looked at him discerned the resolve in Jared's expression, ultimately surrendering with a sigh.

"Very well. You have a point. I have indeed been too inflexible in my approach since my return and I know that is my weakness. I shall go forth and assess the situation. But let it be known, we are even. Do not seek further favors from me, for I will not make it easy."

Jared's expression softened, and a grin broke across his face. He patted John on the shoulder before hastening out, eager to return home to Eliana and Sophia. He left with confidence, knowing John would handle the matter appropriately. He had known John since childhood. While John was strict and adhered to his father's rules and etiquette, he was also a compassionate king. His sense of duty and genuine concern for his people—often masked by a stern demeanor—was why Jared had pledged his loyalty long ago. John would indeed become a remarkable leader, though his rigidity could be a hindrance. Jared understood how to challenge that aspect of his character.

Alone in the vast hall, John sighed as he ran his hand through his hair. After a moment's hesitation, he finally ventured outside to find her once more.

She remained in the same position as he had left her, yet her posture appeared more feeble. Her arms trembled slightly, and her once intense gaze was now clouded with fatigue, though she still fixed her eyes on the door. The familiar unease washed over him again. There was something profoundly unsettling about this woman.