''Your majesty...'' The physician leans down to assist dizzy lady (Y/N) in standing up. ''There's one more crucial detail to be discussed. The king's condition-'' - he pauses as if a fish bone got stuck in his throat. ''...is getting worse...'' To his surprise there's no burst of heart-wrenching weeping in response, only a glare mixed with disbelief that sends shivers down his spin. ''I'm de facto obliged to speak with his majesty first but I'm afraid such news would have an undesirable impact on his reign.''
As a stunned silence fills the chamber, the frowned queen turns toward the window so the man won't see her moist eyes. ''We cannot lose hope.'' Though her voice is flat, her fists nervously clutch the hem of the robe, almost ripping it apart. ''...There has to be a way...'' Lost in thoughts, she suddenly rushes to the desk and hectically rummages through the scattered paper sheets. ''Go find an envoy and send him to my familial manor house. My mother knows a scholar noted for miraculously healing lepers. Only he could create a medicament to hinder the progressing disease.''
When lady (Y/N) hands him a short letter, one of the assistants approaches them backwardly to inform his superior: ''Master, the king is waiting outside.''
''Then I'll take my leave.''
Before all physicians could leave, the king already makes his way to his beloved and cups her face, eyeing the lady from head to foot. ''My dear...'' - he murmurs but freezes in his spot at the sight of a minor burn wound revealed by the satin shawl gradually sliping down the arms of the queen, who immediately adjusts her slack raiment. ''...Did my stepmother do this?'' At the mention of Maria Komnene lady (Y/N) abruptly lifts her head only to find his angst-ridden gaze set on her aching forearm. Although no word leaves her mouth, her poorly hidden bewilderment is enough to confirm the rumor now spreading in the entire castle. ''Wait here.'' Without a second thought, Baldwin storms outside to find the culprit, which much to his disgust happens to be leisurely passing by.
''What a peculiar happenstance, we meet again.'' Her sardonic tone has aggravated him even more, however, he restrains himself from replying to her affront and instead gives a small nod to the chief royal guard, who along with his subordinates instantly encircles the baffled queen dowager. ''What is the meaning of this?!''
Her stepson with leaden steps descends the stairs and, rapidly breathing in rage, declares bitterly: ''You'll answer before the High Court for inflicting harm on my wife.''
Despite being now a cynosure of the converging bystanders, lady Maria doesn't lose her aplomb and quirks her eyebrow in astonishment, impudently snorting laughter. ''So the actual purpose of your invitation was merely to detain me?'' But her broad sneer promptly changes into loathing once she notes lady (Y/N) briskly joining her husband's side. ''Remember that I'm queen dowager, going against me means losing favor of majority of your court.''
''And my wife is the queen of Jerusalem. The heart of Jerusalem.'' Baldwin then takes a pensive glance at his wife and lacing their fingers together, adds placidly: ''My heart.'' A vivid blush paints the queen's cheeks which in cooperation with the compressed lips seem to be suppressing an inevitable grin. ''You ought to rest in the chamber. Why did you follow me?''
A sudden stentorian neigh interrupts their discourse and lady (Y/N) impulsively tightens her grasp on Baldwin's hand, squinting at the sorrel stallion galloping through the courtyard.
''My lord! My lord!'' - calls frantically lord Joscelin, forcing his way through the dispersing crowd to deliver a scroll to his nephew. ''From Saladin!''
One peek at the parchment of considerable length has been enough for the king to give an order forthwith. ''Convene a meeting in the council chamber immediately.''
''Seems like you have much more urgent matters to attend now.'' - intervenes lady Maria to excuse herself and flicks her thick curl back. ''We all have.''
Just as she's about to leave with her courtiers, Baldwin faces her one more time. ''That doesn't mean you may leave yet.'' The sighing heavily queen dowager unwillingly circles back and bats her eyelashes, her sporadic manner of manifesting huffiness in public. ''The trial will take place tonight though under present circumstances, it won't be supervised by me but the queen.''
''By her? She's not eligible to conduct any sitting of a court, especially when there's no pressing need for it.''
''You heard my husband.'' - lady (Y/N) cuts in calmly, loping closer to her. ''I will fulfill official duties in his name. Don't forget I also represent the kingdom. Now let's proceed to the High Court.''