The Impact of Her 2

It was chaotic.

The Medicine King and his physicians were immediately summoned to the castle. The servants scrambled in bringing everything they could need to save the young prince's life.

Meanwhile, the family was told to wait by the door. The lords and ladies rushed to the monarchs' home as soon as the news spread throughout the kingdom: that the prince was badly wounded and was losing a huge amount of blood.

Queen Amelia and Princess Elizabeth held hands as they waited near the door of the prince's room. Queen Amelia was on the verge of completely falling apart. The only thing that kept her standing was her daughter's firm grip on her hands and her constant comfort.

"Robert will get through this, Mother," Elizabeth whispered, rubbing her mother's arms.

But as they all focused on the unconscious prince behind the door, nobody paid to notice the silent king, staring into nothingness by the third window to the left.

He was petrified.

His silence could easily be mistaken for being the calm within the storm, the foundation for a structure that's currently near crumbling down. But they couldn't be more wrong. Because the nobility was anticipating news, the queen was in a panic... the king was sent back to his limbo.

It was a familiar scene. An all-too-familiar one... that brought back painful memories.

With his arms crossed, he rested his mouth onto his fist. He watched as everything around him seemed to move slower as time continued. The cries of his beloved wife, the scattering of servants, and the whispers of the lords and ladies gradually muffled around him.

He was in shock.

For the longest time, he didn't want this to happen again. But alas, faith has its way of bringing you back down from your high horse.

♔♔♔

After what seemed like forever, the chaos has died down. Some of the nobility decided to go back to their homes and let their fellow lords tell them the news.

Queen Amelia was brought a chair, but she refused to sit down until she knew what was happening to her son. Princess Elizabeth left once to fetch her mother a cup of tea. But that, too, was rejected.

James stayed where he stood from the moment they arrived. And he didn't move a muscle. He wanted to walk over to his wife, console her and be her rock. But even that, he couldn't do. He knew he also wasn't stable enough to support her. He knew he didn't have enough strength in him to be her pillar. And he was pained by this, but he didn't want to add more to her misery.

Finally, the door opened and Queen Amelia was quick to approach the Medicine King. James stayed where he was, afraid of what kind of news would be given to them.

"Medicine King, what has happened?" Queen Amelia didn't waste any time. "Please, tell me that you were able to save my son."

Wiping his blood-drenched hands clean, he said, "Let us thank the gods that he was spared."

Queen Amelia and her daughter sighed out of relief, grateful for the news.

"With the amount of blood that he lost, I was surprised that his heart didn't stop beating," the Medicine King continued. "I was able to close his wound and transfer some of my blood into his system. But he would still need more, and that must come from a family member. My blood won't do any good to his recuperation. It has to come from his family."

Queen Amelia reached out to the Medicine King, her hands shaking. "Thank you," she uttered as her tears fell. "Thank you."

The Medicine King smiled and kissed her hands. "Be comforted, Your Majesty. All is well now. He must take his time to rest and regain his strength."

"Yes, Medicine King."

After the exchange, the Medicine King went on his way. But when he caught sight of James by the window, he stopped. They shared glances before the Medicine King gave him a nod of reassurance.

James closed his eyes after a breath of relief and allowed the Medicine King to be on his way.

Queen Amelia saw this. She slowly walked over to her husband, whom she neglected during the whole fiasco. She gently held his arms and asked, "Darling? How are you feeling?"

As he saw her soft gaze, he grabbed onto her hands and cried silently.

Queen Amelia stepped closer to him. She freed one hand and caressed his cheek.

"I was horrified, my dear. Horrified," he admitted as he looked up. "I thought, for the second time, I was going to lose him."

His words broke the queen's heart. She pulled him into her arms and caught him as he completely broke down.

For the second time, a king was broken down to his very weakness.

A beautiful roof, painted in red, greeted me as I opened my eyes. Looking around, no one was in the room but me, laying down on the soft carpet in the middle of the room. I slowly stood up, groaning as I put my head in my hands.

I tried to understand where I’m currently at by examining the room, looking for an object that can give me the slightest clue, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t tell. Then I heard a bit of shuffling outside of the door.

I wonder what it could be?

I stood up with caution, not wanting to put any attention to where I was. I might be trespassing, for all I know.

I approached the door, turning the knob as carefully as I possibly could. As my head peaked out, maids were walking around in a panic. They were running back and forth from a room at the very end of the corridor.

Stepping out of the room and closing the door behind me, I could already tell that something serious was happening.

“Excuse me?” I tried asking one of the maids, but I was ignored. I tried asking for another one, but I got the same result. At that moment, I didn’t know if people didn’t see me or if everyone was just busy, not having any time to entertain unnecessary questions.

“AAHH!” I suddenly heard a scream coming from the room at the end of the hall. And with that scream, all of the people standing outside of the door rushed in its direction.

I followed a few maids to understand what’s going on. I was absolutely confused right now. I didn’t know what to make out of everything.

I stopped walking when I overheard a few medical personnel having their conversation outside of the room.

“Will she get out of this alive?” one of them asked the one wearing a blue cloth around his back.

“We’re not completely sure.” He shook his head. “We can only hope that her will to live is stronger than what she’s currently facing.”

“Amelia!” A shout was heard from behind me. I was quick to turn and saw a young man running in our direction with his guards by his side.

“Amelia,” he continued to speak a name as he bolted straight towards the door, only to be blocked by the medical personnel outside.

“Young prince, we’re not allowed to enter the room. It’s the rules,” one of them spoke in a very calm manner. I could see right through the eyes of the medical personnel that he was terrified of the situation as well.

“Amelia!” The young monarch persisted in trying to get past the medical personnel to no avail, held back by his guards.

Grunts, groans, and screams continued inside the room. Random maids went in and out of it, one carrying a basin of clear water and the other with blood-red water.

My eyes widen, horrified at the sight of those basins. What could cause such a scene?

Could the woman screaming in agony be in actual danger? If that’s the case, shouldn’t they be doing everything to stop her from bleeding?

“What’s happening to my wife?!” the young monarch asked the medical personnel with frantic eyes. “Can somebody please explain to me why my wife sounds like she’s on the brink of death?!”

“Young prince, please, calm yourself.” Another medical personnel tried to tone down the hysterics of the panicked young man.

“Calm down?! You all expect me to calm down when the screams of my wife can be heard from the very doorstep of the castle?!”

“Young prince, even if you act this way, it won’t solve anything. The doctors are inside with the maids. We have to have faith with them and your wife as well,” the head of the medical personnel spoke.

“Faith in my wife? What does she have to do with anything?” the young prince continued with his questions.

“Your wife has been in labor for hours now and according to the doctors, not a lot of progress has been showing,” the head of the medical personnel explained. “She’s been losing a lot of blood, possibly because of an internal wound. If she doesn’t have the will to live, we’re not sure if she can survive this birth.”

Shock hit my head and heart in an inexplicable amount. I didn’t have any relations with this woman and yet I was so affected by what’s happening to her. Her screams were enough to explain that she’s in absolute pain.

“Why aren’t they doing anything about it?!” he shouted, not able to contain his frustration. “Why won’t the doctors heal it right away?!”

“Your child is still inside her womb. Using our magic to heal your wife can have dangerous effects on the child.”

The young prince stood there in disbelief and fear. Stunned and horrified, he took a few steps back. It’s as if he’s already lost all hope for his wife’s situation.

A few more screams and grunts… then silence came upon the hallway. Everyone’s eyes, including mine, were wide open in anticipation of what happened. This silence was torture for all of us. If we couldn’t bear to hear the woman’s shouts of pain, we’d prefer that over this deafening—almost paralyzing—stillness. And even though I wasn’t involved in this matter, even if I wasn’t sure whether I’m seen or being ignored, an abnormal sense of panic arose within me.

Minutes felt like hours and the silence was broken by a loud cry of a baby.

The birth was successful! The baby was born.

But was the mother safe?

The young prince walked directly in front of the door, waiting for it to open, eagerly anticipating news about, not only his child but his wife.

The doorknob wiggled and within a second, the doctor walked out of the room, wiping his hands with some kind of cloth.

“Doctor, how is she?” the young prince asked. I walked a few more steps closer to him to listen to the news. “How is my wife?”

“I’ve done everything I could to stop the bleeding from inside her,” the doctor spoke. “It will now be up to her, on how she will recover if she’ll be able to regain her strength back.”

The young prince, still in shock and worry, nodded as he could form no words as a response. I could see thoughts racing through his mind, not knowing what to say next. “And our child?” he asked, looking back at him in a slow manner.

The doctor smiled and put his hand on his shoulder. “Allow me to be the first one to congratulate you on having a son.”

The young monarch’s eyes widened even more when the doctor proclaimed that he just had a son: his future heir.

Everyone around us quickly bowed to the young prince, expressing their congratulations. “All hail, the righteous prince and princess of the realm for blessing us with an heir to the throne.

And for a moment, time stood still… and the young monarch was torn from being excited about the birth of his child to fear for the very life of his wife.

♔♔♔

I groaned as I struggled to open my eyes. The rays of the sun strained my eyes a little bit as it pierced through the windows. My eyes were in a bit of pain, trying to have a better view of everything.

My surroundings were an absolute blur to me as my eyes began pushing itself to its limits in giving me a clearer perception of things.

As my eyesight became clearer, I saw a faint silhouette of a lady, sitting beside me. I blinked my eyelids a few more times and there she was: Elizabeth.

“Hello, dear brother,” she smiled, her grip on my hand tightened. “How are you feeling?”

I groaned again, feeling an immense pain on the back of my head. I buried my head in my hands, trying to soothe the pain.

“Does your head hurt that much?” she was fast to ask, standing up. “I’ll go and fetch the doctor for you.”

“No…” I gathered all the strength that I have, just to be able to utter one word.

She stopped immediately as she heard me speak. “Why not? You’re clearly in pain,” she carefully sat again, holding my hand.

I slowly shook my head, careful not to add more pain to my already pulsing head. “Where…” I tried to form a sentence at a slow pace. My body felt numb, not able to function properly. “Where’s… Mother?” I let out a deep sigh. It’s as if I ran a marathon just to say two words!

“Oh, she’s fine. You don’t have to worry about her,” Elizabeth reassured. “James has been keeping a close eye on her ever since you two arrived here.”

I looked around, trying to figure out what day it was. It felt like time passed over me.

“How… h-how long…”

“How long were you asleep?” she finished my sentence, making things a little easier for me.

I just nodded with a face of relief.

She stayed quiet for a brief moment before saying, “Would you believe it if I told you you’ve been asleep for three months?”

My eyes widened in shock. Three months?! Was I unconscious for three whole months?!

I guess she read the expression on my face and quickly continued, “Trust me, we didn’t expect you to sleep for that long. However, the doctor said you lost too much blood by the time the medical personnel was able to take a look at your situation. Your body has to regain its strength on its own.”

My brain rejected the information my sister told me. I couldn’t be asleep for that long! That’s impossible! Yes, I was bleeding by the time James and his men arrived, but I don’t think that my wound would cause that much damage to me.

I slowly sat up, groaning as I propelled myself upwards. I opened my shirt from the chest and there, I saw the wound, marked on me by the pirate.

“The wound was cut dangerously deep, according to the Medicine King,” Elizabeth explained. “James was furious when he saw your state. You don’t want to know what he did to those pirates when you all arrived back here.”

I carefully put a finger on the wound, curious if it still hurts. Once my finger made contact with the stitched wound, I flinched. My face scrunched because of the sudden sting.

“Don’t touch it, brother,” Elizabeth moved my finger away. “According to the doctor, the wound is still fresh, which means it could get infected quickly.”

I sighed, slouching my back towards the pillow behind me. I felt so helpless in my current state. I’m being treated as a child, so fragile that I may not even be allowed to leave my bed.

A knock came upon the door. It opened and my page entered, bowing after. “His Royal Majesty is here,” he announced, leaving as James stepped in.

His expression changed when he saw me. He entered with a calm demeanor but as his eyes landed on me and Elizabeth, his face softened as he walked towards us. Elizabeth stood up, giving him space to get closer to me.

James stood beside Elizabeth. “How are you feeling?” he asked with sincerity… something that I don’t see from him that often.

I looked at Elizabeth, hoping that she would answer for me.

In a split second, she faced James, “Robert is having a difficult time speaking. I think his wound has got something to do with it.”

“Is it burning?” James asked me another after acknowledging Elizabeth’s response.

I nodded, closing my eyes as I took a deep breath. Even breathing is painful for me!

James slowly walked closer and gently helped me sit upright, shuffling the pillows behind me. After a few seconds of that, he helped me return to my previous position, only it felt a lot better this time.

“Is that better?”

I nodded.

“Never slouch like that, especially with the wound that you have,” James instructed. “Your wound is still sensitive. Your mother’s back is in pain as well. She’s in her room right now.”

Mother! How is she?! Her back is in pain?! Did the pirates hurt her?! I tried opening my mouth, hoping words could come out but to no avail.

James must have noticed my worry and panic after hearing about my mother. “There’s no need to worry, Robert,” he quickly continued, sitting beside me to calm me down. “If we’re going to be honest, your mother is in a better state than you are. She just needs her rest for a few days.”

Elizabeth knelt beside James, holding my hand in hers. Her presence and the fact that my mother is in good hands gave me a sense of relief, assurance. But I know I could never stop worrying about Mother because it was all my fault.

If I was a better leader—a better warrior—smarter and stronger, none of this would’ve happened. Mother wouldn’t be kept in her room, and I wouldn’t have this wound. I wouldn’t be in this depressive state if I was like James… if I was better than James.

Thoughts about that night began to play in my mind, unaware that I was already crying. I was trying to stop my tears from falling because they don’t deserve to see me like this.

Most importantly, James shouldn’t see me crying because he might see this as a sign of weakness, too frail to be his heir, incapable to be the next king of his realm.

“There’s no need for tears, Robert,” he said with care, putting a hand on my shoulder. “If you’re thinking that what happened is all your fault, you’re wrong. Nobody blames you for that night.”

I opened my eyes as I looked directly at him, trying to convey my message to him just by my eyes. I want him to know that I blame myself for it and I know that the crew blamed me as well.

“Robert,” James looked deeper into my eyes. “Nobody blames you for what happened. On the contrary, everybody aboard the ship commended you for your bravery, for your leadership. The captain told me everything,” he continued.

I looked at Elizabeth in shock and she answered my expression with a nod and smile of approval.

“Yes, Robert, the captain, and his men have told me everything,” I slowly turned back to James. “They said that you did everything you could to make sure everyone was protected. They did say you didn’t want any kind of confrontation with the pirates. But when you did, you made sure that you had the upper hand in it.”

I can’t believe it. I was so sure that the captain and his men hated my decision because they had to put their lives at risk for us to get back home as quickly as possible.

“And because of what you did, I declared that you should be made protector of the boundaries of this kingdom.”

My head bolted upwards, my eyes wide open as I heard those words.

“I know how much you wanted everyone to be safe and as the future ruler of this kingdom, you proved yourself worthy of the crown,” James added. “Every kingdom, every immortal has heard of your bravery and strategy, and they all praised you for doing so. Conquering the pirates at your age is such a feat for any kind of monarch.

Am I hearing this correctly?

James is giving me compliment after compliment today. I’m not sure if he’s just trying to lift my spirits up or every single word coming out of his mouth is out of sincerity.

“After you heal completely, we’ll be holding a small celebration for your victory. And I will officially give you the sole responsibility over our water territories,” James added. “There’s still more for you but as for now, we want you to regain your full strength.”

I nodded, finally cracking up a smile as I put my hand on his that was still on my shoulder. I couldn’t speak but I have to give my full thanks in action, at the very least.

“You deserve every praise, Robert. You showed everyone that you’re more than capable at your age. And we’re absolutely proud of you,” he smiled.

That smile of his came as a surprise to me. Don’t get me wrong, James does smile but not that often when it comes to me. He has always approached me with sternness and his smile is a breath of fresh air.

He gave my shoulder a light tap and stood up. “I’ll leave you with your sister. If you need anything, Elizabeth will call for Gonzalo. I’ll be attending a few errands outside the castle, but I’ll return immediately.” He then turned to Elizabeth, “Elizabeth, kindly check on your mother every now and then. I’m not satisfied with leaving her in her state with the maids. They can be neglectful at times.”

“Of course, Your Majesty. I’ll check on Mother if Robert takes another nap,” Elizabeth stood up, her hands in front of her.

“Good,” James smiled, turning back to me. “I’ll see you all when I return.”

Elizabeth curtsied and I gave a slow nod. James took one final look at us and walked out of the room.

Elizabeth turned her attention to me, sitting beside me again.

I took in deep breaths to calm my mind. I was trying to drift back into darkness when my mind suddenly showed me Laura’s face. Her smiling face caused my eyes to open.

“Is there something wrong, Robert?” Elizabeth was quick to ask.

I didn’t want to show Elizabeth that my mind is now in a panic about Laura. Laura hasn’t heard from me for months now and I don’t know what she’s currently thinking.

“Robert, what’s wrong? Do you need a doctor?” Elizabeth asked another as I ignored her first one.

I need to get Elizabeth out of my room. Not because I don’t want her company, but I have to see Laura right now. I know I still need time to fully recover but I wouldn’t want Laura to worry. Sending her a letter wouldn’t be enough to keep her from worrying.

“Gonzalo…” I uttered slowly. “Gonzalo…”

“I’ll call for Gonzalo,” Elizabeth left my side and rushed towards the ringer at the corner of my room. As Elizabeth rang thrice, I began to gather all the strength that I have to make Elizabeth leave the room.

Elizabeth returned to me and sat down once more. “If you’re feeling any pain, hold on. Gonzalo will be here any minute.” She quickly held my hand, caressing it. Her face now has an expression of panic.

I closed my eyes and took slow, deep breaths, showing her that she doesn’t have any reason to worry.

♔♔♔

A minute had passed and Gonzalo finally arrived. “Your Highnesses,” he bowed to the both of us. “You called for me?”

“Can you tell us what you need?” Elizabeth asked me.

I smiled as I held her face in my hand. “Check… Mother,” I slowly spoke, trying not to hurt myself in the process of talking.

“You want me to check on Mother when it looks like you’re in pain?” she asked in disbelief.

I took a deep breath in, preparing for what I’m going to say, “I’m… okay. Need… time… alone.”

“But Robert—”

“There’s no need to worry, Your Grace,” Gonzalo interrupted. “I will not leave the young prince until you return.”

Elizabeth looked at Gonzalo and returned to me, unsure of what she’s going to do.

“I will… call… for you…” I assured her, trying to be strong amidst the strain that I’m having.

She sighed. “You are such a stubborn person, Robert,” she patted my hair gently, shaking her head with a smile. “I’ll go and accompany Mother for a short while. I beg you, don’t do anything reckless.”

I scrunch my face as I let out a quick smile, wincing out of the sting. I nodded at her remark. She knows that I completely ignore any advice that the Medicine King would say.

She smiled and laid a soft peck on my forehead, standing up after.

“Your Grace,” Gonzalo bowed and Elizabeth replied with a curtsy. We had one final glance at each other before she left the room.

As the door closed behind her, I called out Gonzalo, making him turn to me.

“What is it that you need, Your Highness?”

“Pen… and… paper…” I requested, trying to sit back up properly, groaning in the process.

“But Your Highness, you’re still in your stage of recovery. His Royal Majesty stated the reports can wait,” Gonzalo replied.

I shook my head. “Blank… paper… and pen…” I took deep breaths every time I took a pause. “Have to… write… letter…”

“Are you sure, Your Highness? Can you manage?” he continued to ask.

I nodded. I pointed at the table by my window, showing where my pen and papers were.

Gonzalo nodded and headed at once to the table. He then grabbed a table-tray and put my pen and paper on top of it, carefully making his way back to me.

“Your Highness,” he gently laid the wooden table in front of me.

“Kindly… give me… a few… minutes…” I requested.

“Will you be all right on your own?” the look of uncertainty spread across his face.

I nodded.

“I will check on you every now and then from outside, then,” he offered.

I nodded in response so he could go on ahead and give me time to write and send the letter. As soon as the door closes behind him, I immediately grabbed the pen and began writing my letter:

My dearest Laura,

How are you? My deepest apologies if I wasn’t able to write or see you personally right after I arrived back home.

I was already home three months prior but due to a few emergencies and errands, I wasn’t able to show myself to you.

Rest assured, I’m alive and well. There’s nothing for you to worry about. I’ll be seeing you soon. Just promise you’ll wait for me.

Robert.

I didn’t want to tell her about my current situation, that I’m lying in bed, waiting for myself to fully heal, especially the cut on my chest. I folded the letter into a thin piece of paper. I’m not sure if I’m able to conjure spells in my situation because in order for an immortal to use a spell correctly, one’s cultivation should be back, at the very least, to its normal state.

I took a deep breath, mustered all my strength as I closed my hands into a fist. Saying the spell in my mind, with all the cultivation remaining within me, I was able to produce a wooden scroll container. Panting, I put my letter inside it.

Whatever amount of strength within me, I can feel it slipping away bit by bit. I could feel myself closer to fainting but my desire to send this letter to Laura is stronger. With one final push, I waved my hand, opening a window. Blood began to ooze out of my fresh wound, but I whispered one last spell onto the scroll container, and it flew away on its own.

As the scroll left my sight, I wanted to call for Gonzalo but before I knew it, I slipped back into darkness, the blood slowly dripping down my body.

♔♔♔

Slowly, I could feel myself regaining consciousness… and a hand, gently caressing mine. After my eyes strained through a blurry vision, I was able to make out a silhouette of a person, sitting right beside me.

“Robert?” a gentle, all too familiar voice spoke, breaking the silence around me. It was Mallory.

I groaned as I continued to push through a murky vision. “Mallory?”

“I’m right here, Robert,” she replied with eagerness, moving closer towards me.

I blinked a few more times and everything started to become clearer.

“Are you all right? Are you in any pain?” she continued to ask.

I looked up to her, confused. I pulled my hand away from her and helped myself sit up. “What are you doing here?”

“I heard that you were bleeding this morning and I couldn’t visit you, then,” she said. “So, I waited for everyone to sleep.”

“Where’s Gonzalo?” I asked, looking around the room. I saw him by the table, sleeping.

“I had to cast a sleep spell on Gonzalo,” she suddenly added. “He wouldn’t let me stay, let alone enter the room.”

“What?” I turned back to her, in a rage.

“I know you’ll act this way and I’m sorry for doing such a thing,” she started explaining in rapid speed. “I just wanted to see you badly. They wouldn’t let anyone near you, even Nana Olsa. I was worried ever since they carried you back, covered in blood and unconscious,” words started spitting out of her mouth.

“That doesn’t justify your actions, Mallory. Do you know that your actions can be seen as grounds for punishment?” I lectured.

“Would you really let me receive some kind of punishment just for visiting you?”

“Well, if it were up to me, I would,” I said, bluntly speaking my thoughts. “This kind of action is unacceptable. You know that the sleeping spell is one of the forbidden spells in our world. You should only use them for some kind of emergency.”

“This is an emergency!” she protested, standing up.

I sighed out of frustration. I was supposed to be resting but with Mallory here, I don’t think I would be able to do that. “Could you please…” I spoke, trying my best to keep my composure, “Leave my room so I could continue my sleep?”

“No, I’m staying here until the sun rises,” she insisted, standing her ground.

I looked back at her, annoyed. “Are you sure you want to put up this kind of argument with me?”

“Yes, Robert. And there’s nothing you can do to make me leave,” she crossed her arms.

I scoffed. Holding my breath, I waved my hand, gesturing at Gonzalo, removing the sleep spell Mallory casted over him.

“Robert!” she shouted.

Gonzalo was quick to wake up when he heard Mallory’s voice. “Mallory,” he started walking towards her. “What are you doing here? Didn’t I tell you not to bother the young prince?”

“I just wanted to talk to him, Gonzalo. Why won’t you let me?” Mallory acted like a child, not getting her way.

“Gonzalo, kindly remove her from this room and guard the door,” I commanded. “Should she attempt anything to disrupt my rest, don’t hesitate to call for the king.”

“You can’t do this to me, Robert,” Mallory complained, turning back to me.

“You heard what the young prince said, Mallory,” Gonzalo held her by her arm. “What you did is already punishable but since His Highness didn’t demand any kind of punishment, I’m letting you go. But just this once, do you understand?” Gonzalo tightened his grip on her arm, warning her.

Mallory wasn’t able to reply, fear crippled throughout her body.

“Let’s go,” Gonzalo gently started walking towards the door with Mallory. All Mallory could do was glance at me before they left my room. I let out a breath of relief and closed my eyes, going back to sleep.