She didn't look vile. She seemed very friendly and welcoming, somehow that made me feel less tensed than I already was.
I didn't reply her but she didn't look bothered.
She only focused on her wooden box and brought out balms and other bottled substances I couldn't recognize.
She uncapped them and with her gloves still on, took some quantity in her palms.
"Stretch out your legs, if you feel any pain, tell me."
I hesitated in obeying her but seeing the nod from Evelyn who was already in the room watching the scene, I gave in.
I stretched out my legs carefully, not feeling much pain.
I only felt numb there, since I haven't been walking around quite much.
Infact, I didn't feel much pain in any part of my body, except my back where I was strongly wiped.
The wounds were still fresh but fortunately healing, all thanks to the medicines Evelyn had earnestly sought from the palace physician.
I was told it would heal in a matter of time but would leave scars.
I wasn't bothered. I only wanted it to quickly heal as I was getting tired from the pain and discomfort it gave.
She placed her palms upon my leg, trailing a finger through it but then stopped and slowly turned to Orson.
"Sire..." She bowed, glancing at the floor. "Please, I suggest you excuse us. She would have to strip to be thoroughly examined."
Her tone was low and yet so convincing.
Orson scrupled but for a short while, his eyes wandering around us, scrutinizingly.
"Fine, I would be behind the door. Report to me when you're done."
"Of course." She nodded, with another bow.
Then he left.
She turned again to me, but this time a knowing smile on her lips.
"You seem not to like him very much." She chuckled, massaging my leg's bone, with the balm and some mixed substances.
I could feel a chilled sensation caress my bones. It almost made my teeth chatter but it was soothing and somewhat relaxing at the same time.
I ignored her, not interested in whatever she was or would say.
Ever since Charlotte and I incident, I got a hard time being interested in people.
I just desired to be alone and safe at least.
"You are not from here?" This time Evelyn spoke, coming close to the girl.
It seemed Orson absence gave off the right air to freely converse.
The atmosphere also felt calmer.
"Yes..." The girl, Kira softly replied, her eyes not leaving my legs. "I'm from Alloynie."
"I guessed right. Your accent sounds different."
Kira giggled, not saying anything else as she turned away from my legs, indicating she was done with the massage.
However I was befuddled with the name 'Alloynie'
Was it a place? A kingdom or town? I couldn't guess and my curiosity prompt me to inquire from Evelyn.
"Alloynie?" I had stared at her, the emotion I felt obvious on my face.
Seeing my unfamiliarity with the word, she made to explain.
"It is a neighboring kingdom close to our Kingdom Sihasin. We share the same borders. Although it is a small kingdom with little landscapes and population, its people are yet known for their profound knowledge in medicine. Even Physician Alberto from our kingdom studied there."
I was amazed.
So I was currently receiving treatments from one of the people of a kingdom known for their wisdom in medicine?
But who sent her here? Wait...
Wasn't it utterly plain? Luther??
"Ah...ma'am, please don't say that. Those are just rumors. Only few of the people in Alloynie are actually specialized in the knowledge of medicine, the others just learn a little from the pros."
"The pros?"
"Yes, my master and seven others."
"May I.... May I know who your master is?" I could sense Evelyn's curiosity. She even seemed relaxed talking to Kira.
"His name is Enos. He is currently one of the top eight masters of medicine in my kingdom."
"Oh, I had heard of that name multiple times from Physician Alberto. I bet they must know of each other and are bests of friend, kind of."
"Yes." She agreed with Evelyn's words.
We both watched her mingle and stir some of the medicines she brought along for sometime until Evelyn broke off the airy silence.
"King Luther called you here, I suppose?"
"Yes."
"But how was it possible for you to arrive here early? The trip from Alloynie to ours must take hours — eleven hours on carriage to be precise."
"Well actually, I arrived yesterday to deliver some medicinal goods and herbs according to my master's orders. I was about preparing for my leave about an hour ago when suddenly Sire Orson showed up at my door, requesting me to attend to a whipped patient."
I and Evelyn glanced at each other in shock, with thoughts roaming through our heads.
Here we were minutes ago hoping Luther wouldn't kill me whilst he was actually, unbeknownst to us, arranging for my treatments.
Was he caring for me? Was he feeling pity towards me?
I couldn't tell but I yet felt he was up to no good.
Perhaps did he send Keri here to harm and poison my wounds?
I was much puzzled.
"Alright." Keri's voice rang through the air, bringing a halt to our never ending thoughts.
"Please take off your dress. As I was told, you were whipped, so your back must be the main source of your pain."
She stared at me, expecting me to swiftly do as told.
I was reluctant as I didn't trust her, so I stared at Evelyn, sighing as she gave me a 'go ahead' look.
"I don't think she is here to harm you. If his highness desired to kill you, he would had sent any guard to do the work and it'd be mission successful. He wouldn't have wasted time sending this young girl to do such a thing." She whispered back.
Although it did help clear my doubts but it only left me more confused.
So, he wasn't wanting to kill me? Haven't Charlotte persuaded him or something? Then why wasn't he listening to her?
I badly wanted to ask Evelyn but Kira was still here, so I couldn't.
I made to remove my dress but paused when I heard Kira mumble.
"You don't even trust your own king..."
I heard her chuckling and though I was supposed to feel scared that she heard the whisper but I didn't feel so, instead I rolled my eyes, feeling a bit annoyed.
I wanted to correct her and say he wasn't my king but like if Evelyn could read my mind, she immediately stepped forward.
"Dear, please hurry. Sire Orson is still out, waiting."
The reminder made me hasten.
I didn't know Orson much but mere looking at him, you would know he was quite impatient.
I didn't want him barging into the room and yelling our ears off.
I quickened, loosing my dress.
I turned my back to her.
Though I couldn't see her but I could feel her fingers trailing around the wounds, carefully and slowly.
I winced, feeling her touch every sides of the wounds.
"They seem to be of recent..."
"Yes, she got them five days ago."
"Uhm..."
She muttered, her fingers till yet on my back.
"The wounds are sore but healing, the medicines formerly applied are familiar. I guess it all thanks to Physician Alberto's work. Just a little more time and care, I guarantee all would be healed and that too, less painfully."
"Thank you, Kira."
"Oh please, ma'am, it's nothing. You should thank King Luther instead, without him I wouldn't be here."
Hearing the last sentence, I scoffed.
It was because of him I was suffering this much. If he hadn't waged a war against my kingdom, killed my family, captured and forced me here, then all this wouldn't have happened.
I wouldn't had been injured and getting his hypocritical care.
It's all his fault and I want none of his pity; that's if he even pities me.
She applied some ointments to my back while I groaned and winced most of the time, feeling the semi-hot substance merging with my flesh and blood.
It hurt and made me feel like scratching and getting it off my skin.
"Hold on..." She said to me, like if she knew what I was planning on doing.
"Relax. You have to contend with the pain and itching. You shouldn't try to get away the medicines."
"Then hurry up!" I almost hissed, the annoyance I felt rumbling in my voice.
I felt she was being too sluggish in applying the medicines, perhaps I wanted her to be prompt and leave so I'd get the chance to get it off my skin.
"I'm done." She heaved a beam, drawing away her hands from my back.
I sighed in relief when she did so.
Her touches hurt me and made me feel like chopping her fingers off.
"You seem to always have a frown on your face..." I heard her say to me but I ignored her, biting my lips so as not to groan as she bandaged my back.
"Why don't you smile?" She added, making me again scoff.
"You smile too much, it's annoying." I snorted.
I could tell, even though I was backing her that she was yet indeed smiling.
Somehow, I was thankful I was not looking over at her.
Her smile hassled me and caused me to remember how long I had smiled.
Perhaps that was the only reason I hated seeing her smile.
It looks so genuine and heartwarming and somehow that made my heart hurt.
"For my profession, a smile is needed. I can't be a medicine person and not know how to smile."
I rolled my eyes, only breathing out heavily when she finally got done with the bandaging.
"What's your name anyways?" She asked, leaving me surprised.
I didn't expect her not to know I was Rupert's daughter. Didn't Orson brief her on my info before letting her here?
The answer must be no.
No wonder she was all smiles when meeting with me and treating my wounds.
If I probably tell her who I was, then hopefully I could stop seeing her annoying smile and instead get her to frown and snarl at me.
"I'm..."
"Didn't you ask who she was before coming here?" Evelyn interrupted me.
Though I could tell from her tone that she was also as surprised as I was.
"No. I only heard someone needed my help and hurried over. Asking about the identity of a patient is completely unnecessary, health matters first."
I could see the proud look on her face when she said that.
I again rolled my eyes.
But she then stood immediately, straightening herself.
"I should go report to Sire Orson now, please excuse me."
She left and just as she did so, Evelyn turned to me.
"Almira, you shouldn't tell her who you are."
"Uh... Why?"
"She comes from Alloynie. During the war between Sihasin and Perston years ago, as a neighbouring kingdom to Sihasin, Alloynie also suffered heavy crises. Alloynie is a kingdom deeply dependent on our security and border guidance for survival. So you can tell, when Sihasin got defeated, Alloynie simultaneously fell too. Since then, the Alloynians had bore a deep hatred for Rupert and his subjects. If you tell her you are his own daughter, she might not take it well."
Evelyn's words stunned me.
It warned me and also made me realize at the same time, how many people hated my family, subjects and I also.
Everyone, except Evelyn just wants to get rid of everyone of us.
They feel no pity or mercy for any of us, none at all.
Keri walked into the room just as thoughts flew helplessly around my head.
Seeing her I was taken back. I had thought she would be leaving with Orson, I didn't expect her to come back.
Staring around, I realized her wooden box was still around, laying half empty with bottles and plastics filled concoctions scattered on the floor.
"You're back?" Evelyn had asked.
"Yes. Sire Orson is gone now."
"So?" I was flummoxed. "Why are you back here? Don't tell me you will be staying?"
I muttered sarcastically but her next words astounded me.
"Yes, as your medicine person and personal servant, I can't just leave."