Chapter 40: Stuck Between Two Prince
Entering the central part of the Palace, a servant who stood on guard at the Queen Mother’s front door, immediately offered a quick bow to Lord Ivan before opening the door for him. Ivan, whose expression was laced with worry as he stepped inside, headed towards the bed where his Grandmother laid. Just like Gustav had informed him, Grandmother Abrielle was indeed sick, and the frail signs were visible on her aging face.
"What’s wrong? What happened here?" He asked the royal physician who just finished checking up on her health. Unaware of the crowned Prince’s imposing presence, the old physician immediately offered him one of his deepest respectable bows before saying.
"My Lord, I’m afraid I cannot say for now the source of her ailment. Her illness occurred so suddenly, and it will take time to process the real course."
"Leave us."
Offering another bow, the old physician gathered his medicine equipment before stepping out of the room, giving the two of them some privacy. Grandmother Abrielle gently sat up on her bed when the physician had left. Ivan, who noticed how weak she had gotten in a day, moved forward, and he carefully helped her up, placing one of the soft pillows behind her back.
He pulled her thick duvet up so she could keep warm, and Grandmother Abrielle smiled at the care in his eyes which were now blue in color. Ivan had been so focused on making sure she was comfortable, he got startled when she placed her palm to his cheek, but he didn’t shy away from her touch.
"Grandmother, you need to rest for the time being. Uncle and I will handle tonight’s soiree, so you have nothing to worry about." He assured her with utmost certainty, but when he noticed the faint smile on her lips, he frowned in concern. "Is there something you wish to say to me?"
"You do not need to worry about me, I’ll be fine. It’s probably due to my old age." She chuckled heartily before taking her palm away from his cheek. "Do not forget I’m still human, it’s normal to experience this sort of weakness once in a while."
"I know." Ivan lowered his gaze, and he patted the back of her palm. "You are not allowed to leave me just yet. I know we have many disagreements, but you’re still my rock. Please be strong for me, till I find the orb at least." The tone of his voice softened as he held her hand, and Grandmother Abrielle lovingly clasped her other hand against his, understanding the silent need in his tone.