Chapter 21: So They Are Challenging Me Huh?
The hall towards the King’s bedchamber of the royal palace was quiet except for the low sound of rain tapping on the windows. The air smelled of rain-soaked stone and fresh ink. Crown Regent Lancelot walked down the long hallway, hands behind his back, boots echoing against polished tiles. He had been up since dawn, reading reports and signing off on orders, but now he had one more task before facing the day’s real battle.
Two royal guards in crimson stood outside the doors to the King’s chambers. They straightened the moment he approached.
"Is he awake?" Lancelot asked.
"Yes, Your Highness. Doctor Salvatierra is already inside."
Lancelot gave a brief nod and entered the room.
The scent of herbs and alcohol lingered in the warm air. Logs crackled in the fireplace, trying to push back the dampness. King Edric was sitting upright in bed, his frame thinner than before but no longer frail. His skin still looked pale, but his cheeks had regained some color. Across the room, Doctor Salvatierra was bent over a side table, checking a leather-bound case of vials and paper notes.
"Doctor," Lancelot greeted.
Salvatierra looked up and smiled faintly. "Good morning, Your Highness. The King’s fever has lowered again. The Streptomycin continues to help. He has responded well—less coughing, deeper sleep, and some appetite returned."
Lancelot stepped closer to the bed. "That’s encouraging."
Salvatierra nodded. "We’ve combined the antibiotic with liver extract and warm vapor therapy. His strength is still low, but he’s improving."
"I’m right here, you know," King Edric muttered, forcing a grin. "No need to speak around me like I’m already buried."