บท 14: Chapter 13
THIRD PERSON'S POV
The skies were clouded over, looking heavy. Winter had already arrived and in Casella, it didn't matter how tightly you dressed, the cold would still seep through. The north winds weren't kind either, bringing a gust of cold air when you least expect it.
Tightening the coat over her and the child, Elayne arrived at the stable. It wasn't busy and most importantly, it was warm. She walked up to one of the stable boys, shaking him out of his nap.
"Eh- uh... Wha-"
"Pardon me but I need a ride to town."
"Who might you be?"
"I am the prince's nurse. He is sick and I need to get him to a doctor now."
Elayne's heart dropped when she saw the same skepticism on the stable boy's face. If he turned her back, the prince might die. She grabbed him by his shoulders and shook him.
"Please, if you have a shred of mercy in your heart, you would help us."
"I'm sorry ma'am but there are no carriage riders available. They've all gone into town today and they've yet to return."
Dropping the stable boy, she looked over at the boy behind her. He was breathing heavily, his eyes barely staying open. His body shook at intervals despite it being warm in there. There was no time to waste. Unfortunately, without a doctor, she had no way of reaching the town on foot.
"Fetch me a horse!"
The eyes of the sleepy stable boys snapped open. They turned to her, wondering just how insane she was to ask that. A commoner, nonetheless a woman, would know nothing about riding a horse. Just how was she planning to do that with a sick child behind her?
"Saddle the horse and bring it to me! We cannot waste any more time!"
Elayne didn't know then in her panic that her authoritative side was leaking out. Even if they didn't want to listen to her, the firmness in her voice made it hard for her to deny her. Five minutes later, a sloppily saddled horse was handed to her. She snatched an old helmet off the rack, picked an old harness, secured the child to her body, jumped on the horse and breathed in.
It had been too long since she last rode a horse. If she moved with the sloppy saddle and her rusty skills, she might've ended up killing herself and the child. However, there was no time for a moral dilemma as she immediately kicked the rear of the horse.
"Giddy up!"
The horse neighed loudly and with a snap of the reins, ran out of the stables. Like a mirage, they watched her disappear into the stormy weather.
While maintaining balance on the unsteady road and the less sturdy horse, another thought struck her. She didn't know where she was going to find a doctor! Doctors weren't cheap either, especially in a town so near to the palace. The more time she wasted, the closer the child was to death.
Within a few more minutes, the town slowly came to view. Riding faster, she reached the busy road. Noblemen carriages drove back and forth on the busy road. The pedestrians moved quickly, none daring to venture into the road. Logically speaking, there was no way she could ask anyone where the doctor was with the situation like that.
But Elayne wasn't running on logic. Rushing to the busy street, she waved her arm wildly, trying to get someone's attention. Of course she was ignored because she looked crazy but she didn't give up. Eventually, after screaming for help and repeatedly blocking the road, she finally chanced upon a dark skinned noble lady looking bored.
"Excuse me! Do you know where I can find a doctor?"
The lady pointed to herself with confusion written all over her face.
"Yes, please! I need one immediately."
The noble lady pointed her fan to her mouth and shook her head. Her eyes lit up a minute later and she held up a palm. She ran into the shop she was standing in front of and Elayne almost broke down crying. There was no one else on the street that would listen to her and the boy's condition was worsening by the minute.
Just as she was about to leave, the shop's door flung open, the noble lady dragging another by the hand. She tugged on the other's sleeve and pointed to Elayne.
"Excuse me young lady. What might you be looking for?"
"I need a doctor! Please, the child is dying!"
"Oh dear! Um, wait a minute. I'll call our carriage and take you there."
"... Thank you. Thank you so much... Thank you."
The lady dragged out by the noble lady ran off somewhere, leaving the two there. The noble lady looked satisfied and waited for Elayne till their carriage came. When it did, even in her panic, Elayne was surprised. The insignia on the carriage was very recognizable. It belonged to one of the great families that supported her father.
"Lady Miriam, please come in."
The noble lady hesitated for a while before taking the other lady's hand and climbing into the carriage. Once the doors closed, the carriage started and they shot down the road to an estate just east of their former location. It was a huge estate with an ancient background, one Elayne had visited many times. There was no time for nostalgia as the carriage soon stopped.
"You can leave your horse here. Follow me."
Elayne found a careful way to disembark and enter the mansion with the two ladies. Navigating their way through the large, numerous halls, they finally found the physician's office. The woman inside was taking a nap and was rudely awoken by the fan of the noble lady on her face.
"W-Wha... Lady Miriam? Lady Geraldine?"
"We have an emergency Doctor. Please attend to this woman at once!"
"O-Of course."
The doctor looked behind them and saw Elayne unwrapping the child. She brought him forward and screamed.
"What's wrong?!"
"He... He's not breathing!"
"Bring him here!"
The doctor was quick on her feet, rushing to the child. She snatched him from Elayne and began treating him. The ladies dragged Elayne from the room, closing the door behind them.
"I am thankful for your help." Elayne bowed, trying to go back in but the dark skinned noble lady blocked the door, frowning.
"I have to assist him."
"I'm sorry lady but there is nothing you can do in that situation. Dr. Rivers is very talented so just let her do her job. You, on the other hand, have to come with us. You look like a mess."
"Thank you but I'd rather wait here."
"I-We insist. It would seem you caught Lady Miriam's eyes. That's very rare. She wants to have tea with you."
The black skinned noble, clearly Lady Miriam, smiled.
"Alright. My name is Elayne Greycastle. I work at the palace, taking care of the prince. He's the one in there. If you want to turn us away, please do it after he is treated."
"... Turn you away? Why would we do that? Someone who would go this far for a child not even hers, what reason would we have to turn you away?"
"... Thank you. Thank you so much"
"You can stop that now. I'm Geraldine Tiller and this is Lady Miriam Jasell, the Duchess of Horps. This is her estate."
"It's an honor to meet you" Elayne said, dropping into a curtsy.
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