บท 4: The Royal Doctor
"I will call for Doctor Adrian immediately, Princess!"
Elara, her face set with determination, hurries to consult with the head maid, Maria, a stern woman who has served the royal family for decades.
As she approaches Maria in the bustling servants' quarters, she takes a deep breath to steady her nerves.
"Head Maid Maria, I need to speak with you urgently," Elara begins, her voice filled with urgency and worry.
Maria looks up from her work, her sharp eyes narrowing at the sight of the young maid. "What is it, Elara? Speak quickly, I have much to do."
"It's about Princess Lexzandra. She has been unconscious for four days and just woke up. She needs the royal doctor's attention immediately," Elara explains, trying to keep the desperation out of her voice.
Maria's expression remains stern but softens slightly with concern. "Yes, I am aware of the Princess's condition. But Doctor Adrian has made it clear he has more pressing matters than attending to someone of her... reputation."
Elara's heart sinks, but she presses on. "Please, Head Maid Maria. The Princess is in great pain, she seems to have lost her memories and needs proper medical attention. She may not be favoured, but she is still a member of the royal family."
"Are you sure? Knowing the princess's personality, I won't be surprised that she is faking her health again," Matilda says skeptically but after a brief moment of pause Maria sighs, glancing around to ensure no one is listening. "I understand your concern, Elara, but the Doctor will not come simply because we ask. You know how he is about the Princess."
Elara's frustration mounts. "But she deserves the same care and respect as anyone else in the family. She's in agony. We must do something."
Maria fixes Elara with a stern look, but there's a hint of sympathy in her eyes. "I cannot risk my position by demanding the doctor's attention for her, Elara. But if you believe it's necessary, you will have to persuade him yourself."
Seeing that further argument is futile, Elara clenches her fists in silent anger and nods curtly. "Yes, Head Maid Maria." She turns and walks away, her mind working. If Maria won't help directly, she will have to take matters into her own hands.
Determined not to let Lexzandra suffer any longer, Elara makes her way to Doctor Adrian's quarters. Her heart pounds in her chest as she approaches the heavy wooden door. Gathering her courage, she knocks firmly.
A moment later, the door creaks open, and Doctor Adrian stands before her, his expression one of mild annoyance. "What is it now?" he asks, his tone brusque.
"Doctor Adrian, Princess Lexzandra has been unconscious for four days and just woke up. She is in urgent need of medical attention," Elara pleads.
The doctor sighs, clearly irritated. "I already told you, the Princess is not my priority. I have other, more important patients to attend to."
Elara steps forward, her eyes blazing with determination. "Please, Doctor. If not for her title, then for the sake of humanity. She is suffering. Show some compassion."
Doctor Adrian's eyes flicker with something akin to surprise at her boldness, but he quickly masks it with indifference. "Compassion?" he scoffs. "Compassion is a luxury I cannot afford when the wellbeing of the entire kingdom rests on my shoulders."
Elara's resolve does not waver. "And what kind of kingdom are we if we let one of our own suffer needlessly? Even if you do not care for her personally, she is still a life worth saving."
Doctor Adrian regards her for a long moment, his expression inscrutable. Finally, he sighs heavily. "Very well. I will see the Princess, but this will be the last time. Do not expect me to come running every time she has a complaint."
Relief floods through Elara, and she bows deeply. "Thank you, Doctor Adrian. Thank you."
As the doctor gathers his medical bag and follows her back to Lexzandra's chambers, Elara silently vows to herself that she will find a way to protect and care for the princess, no matter the obstacles.
Back in Lexzandra's room, Soo-young, now fully conscious in the princess's body, watches as Elara and Doctor Adrian enter. Her head still throbs, and her body feels foreign, but she is determined to stay strong.
Doctor Adrian approaches Princess Lexzandra's bed with an air of detached professionalism, setting his medical bag down with a thud. Soo-young feels a mix of apprehension and determination. She watches the doctor closely, noting the cold indifference in his eyes.
Doctor Adrian is a young man in his mid thirties, with a youthful appearance that belies the seriousness of his profession.
Despite his relative youth, he carries himself with a sense of confidence and maturity beyond his years. His face is smooth and unlined, with sharp features that exude intelligence and determination.
"Let us see what ails you this time, Princess," Doctor Adrian says, his tone devoid of warmth. He begins his examination, checking her pulse and examining her eyes. Elara stands nearby, her hands clenched tightly in worry.
As Doctor Adrian examines Princess Lexzandra, his mind drifts back to past encounters with her.
He couldn't shake the memories of the times she had called upon him for what he considered frivolous reasons, only to mock him when he was newly appointed to his position. The disdain in her voice, the mockery in her laughter - it all left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Despite his best efforts to remain impartial, Doctor Adrian found it difficult to muster up any genuine concern for the princess.
To him, she was nothing more than a spoiled, entitled royal who cared little for the well-being of others. He had more pressing matters to attend to, patients who were truly in need of his expertise.
Yet, as he examines her now, he couldn't deny the pallor of her skin, the exhaustion evident in her features. He knew he should offer some form of treatment, if only to fulfill his duties as a physician. But the resentment still lingers, clouding his judgement.
As Doctor Adrian continues his examination, Soo-young feels a wave of memories flooding her mind. She recalls the numerous times Lexzandra had been dismissed and neglected by the royal staff, treated as an outcast rather than a member of the royal family.
Doctor Adrian finishes his examination and straightens up, his expression unreadable. "There doesn't appear to be any serious physical injury. She must have suffered from shock or exhaustion. Rest and proper care should suffice."
."I will prescribe a tonic to help with her recovery. Ensure she gets plenty of rest and is kept hydrated. If her condition worsens, send for me immediately."
Elara steps forward, her voice trembling slightly. "Doctor, is there nothing more we can do? She has been unconscious for four days. She also seems to have lost her memory."
A subtle furrow creases Doctor Adrian's brow, his skepticism evident in the way his lips tighten and his eyes narrow. He regards the princess with a critical gaze, a hint of disbelief lingering in his expression.
To him, the notion of memory loss seems like a convenient excuse, a ploy perhaps to elicit sympathy or manipulate those around her.
"I must admit, I find it rather difficult to believe that Princess Lexzandra would conveniently forget certain events," Doctor Adrian remarks, his voice tinged with skepticism. "Given her history of deception and manipulation, it's not beyond the realm of possibility that this is just another one of her tricks."
Elara, however, refuses to be swayed by the doctor's doubts. Her concern for the princess outweighs any reservations she may have, and she steps forward with conviction, her eyes alight with determination.
"Doctor Adrian, please," Elara implores, her voice soft but urgent. "I understand your doubts, but the princess's condition is serious. We cannot afford to dismiss it without further investigation."
Doctor Adrian hesitates, his skepticism warring with his sense of professional duty. He knows that Elara's concerns are valid, but he also can't shake the feeling that he's being manipulated. Reluctantly, he relents, albeit with a sense of reluctance.
"Very well," he concedes, his tone begrudging. "But I expect full cooperation from Princess Lexzandra. If she is indeed feigning this memory loss, she will answer for it."
__
Soo-young watches the exchange, feeling a surge of gratitude toward Elara for her unwavering concern. As Doctor Adrian prepares to leave, she musters the courage to speak.
"Thank you, Doctor," she says, her voice steady despite her nervousness. "I appreciate your help."
Doctor Adrian pauses, glancing at her with a hint of surprise. He nods briefly before turning to leave. "Take care, Princess."
Once the doctor has left, Elara turns to Soo-young with a relieved smile. "You heard him, Princess. Rest and recovery. I will bring you some water and make sure you are comfortable."
Soo-young nods, her mind racing with thoughts of how she can turn her situation around. She realizes that winning over the people who despised Lexzandra will be a long and challenging journey, but she is determined to succeed. She will start by building alliances with those who show her kindness, like Elara.
As Elara leaves to fetch water, Soo-young takes a deep breath and looks around the lavish room.
The elaborately decorated furniture, the rich tapestries, and the grand bed all feel foreign and overwhelming. Yet, she knows that this is her new reality.
She is Princess Lexzandra von Leynthall, and she will do whatever it takes to change her fate and earn the respect she deserves.
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