A Chosen Love - Book 1 The Frencolian Chronicles (complete)

Chapter Twenty-five

 "No! I won't drink any more of this livery green mold! It reminds me of the slime that grows on the moat walls and it tastes putrid!" Elissa pushed away the bowl Pamela offered her. This was the third time Elissa had refused today.

Whispers raced rapidly round the castle, up and down stairs, along corridors, that Lady Elissa was growing weaker because she refused the broth Doctor Gilbert had ordered her to drink.

The doctor himself entered Elissa's chamber with a bowl of the broth, a napkin and a spoon. Sitting seriously beside the bed, he held the filled utensil to her lips.

Shaking her head stubbornly, Elissa turned away, causing the warm liquid to spill. Pushing the extra pillows to fall on the floor, she pulled the bedclothes over her head.

"Go away, Just go away," she said.

The door flung open and a sobbing Estelle rushed into the bedchamber. Avoiding Doctor Gilbert, Estelle hurried around the bed and flung herself down amidst the discarded pillows to kneel beside Elissa.

"Elissa! Elissa!" Estelle sobbed.

The owner of the name pushed back the bedclothes and took Estelle's hand.

"What is it? What's wrong?" Elissa pulled herself up in the bed.

"Oh, I shouldn't have come! They say you are ill! You look so pale, very ill..." She scanned the room, looking intently at their audience, then begged, tearfully, "I need you to pray for me. Oh..."

Estelle turned to the door as the prince entered, "Leopold!" She put her head close to Elissa's ear. "Rao Chang is back and they say he is going to... treat me... and I'm afraid, I'm very afraid."

Standing, Estelle backed away from Leopold as he approached with two men-servants behind him. "Pray for me, Elissa," she pleaded before allowing the prince to lead her from the room.

The next morning, Elissa drank a little of the broth, but she was promptly sick. Doctor Gilbert gave her a tumbler of milk and Elissa fell into a delicious state of dozing, half asleep and half awake. She tried to imagine what it would be like to go to heaven. The disciple, John, had written Jesus' promise, "In My Father's House, there are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you." A place! A special place, in heaven with Jesus. Elissa could think of nothing better. There was no 'place' for her here on earth. Dorai didn't want her; even though he'd felt sorry for her he hadn't spoken. He wasn't going to speak to her again. Dorai always kept his word.

Elissa wondered about heaven. How wonderful it would be. Jesus, God's Son would be there. If only she could go there now.

Shock broke Elissa's musings about heaven when she felt a cool hand upon her forehead and opened her eyes to behold the face of Rao Chang. Recoiling as his fingers moved expertly to the pulse in her neck, she felt her heart racing.

"You're greatly upset. It's not good for you to be so distressed." Rao Chang's voice was kindly and Elissa felt confused, disoriented.

The doctor sat on the edge of the bed and took her hand in his. He explained, "I've come to take the stitches out. Prince Leopold tells me you're going through a difficult time. He's concerned for your well-being. I'm here to help you Elissa and there's no need to be afraid."

He sat in silence, still holding her hand. When his piercing, black eyes met hers, he seemed to looked deep inside her and she found it difficult to tear her eyes from his.

"Look at me, Elissa. I want to help you."

Elissa slowly raised her eyes again to meet his and she shuddered involuntarily turning her head from his stare.