The Leper King's Healer

Chapter 40

In the grand hall, Baldwin's grand knights exchanged knowing glances as they watched their king, who wore an amused smile. As Philippa hurriedly left, the atmosphere in the grand hall remained charged with a mixture of emotions. Baldwin, still wearing a bemused smile, glanced at his esteemed grand knights. He could sense their curiosity and the unspoken question in their eyes. They had witnessed a moment of unprecedented candor between their king and queen, and it had left its mark on all of them.

One of the senior knights, Sir Richard, cleared his throat, breaking the silence that had settled in the room. "Well, it seems we've been witness to quite the event today," he remarked with a knowing grin, earning a few chuckles from his comrades.

Baldwin, despite his own surprise, couldn't help but appreciate the camaraderie among his knights. He nodded, his gaze briefly following Philippa's retreating figure. "Indeed," he replied, his tone reflecting a mix of emotions.

Meanwhile, Philippa hurriedly left the grand hall, her heart racing with embarrassment after her bold confession to Baldwin. William, the king's advisor, briefly considered following her but decided against it, respecting her need for privacy.

She had retreated to her work chamber, her cheeks still flushed with embarrassment. She couldn't believe she had confessed her feelings in front of Baldwin's grand knights. Her heart raced as she wondered what the consequences of her bold move might be.

In the serene chambers of House of Hastings, Lady Helena, the firstborn daughter of Duke Hastings and one of the Queen's ladies in waiting found herself afflicted by a peculiar ailment: boredom. The routine of noble life, while comfortable, had a way of dulling one's spirit. On this particular day, the halls of the grand palace seemed especially suffocating, and the walls lined with opulent tapestries felt as if they were closing in on her.

With a restlessness she could no longer suppress, Lady Helena decided to break free from the monotonous rhythm of her noble existence. She yearned for a taste of the vibrant world beyond the palace gates. Dressed in a plain gown that concealed her noble birth, she ventured to the bustling marketplace in the heart of the town. Unbeknownst to her, this seemingly innocuous decision would lead to an unexpected twist of fate.

Lady Helena had always been enamored by the color and fragrance of flowers. She couldn't resist the charm of the marketplace when it was in full bloom. As she strolled through the alley, she paused by a flourishing flower stall. The vividness of the petals captured her attention, and she couldn't resist but draw closer.

The vendor greeted her, flashing a toothless smile, and gestured towards a basket filled with a vibrant array of flowers. Lady Helena couldn't help but lean in, her nose inhaling the fragrant aroma of the vibrant blooms.

She examined each one carefully, admiring the detailed patterns and hues. The vendor watched her with amusement, taking in the wonder and joy on her face

Lady Helena had lost her necklace during a moment of distraction. She had been examining a basket of colorful flowers at a flower vendor's stall when the necklace's clasp had given way. Unbeknownst to her, the precious emerald pendant had slipped from her neck, falling unnoticed among the petals and leaves.

Roger de Moulin, the King's personal knight, being in the marketplace for a separate matter, had noticed the glistening emerald pendant as it fell. Its bright green hue stood out among the vibrant flowers. Curiosity got the better of him, as Lady Helena, now oblivious to her loss, moved away from the stall.

Stepping forward, he quickly retrieved the necklace, his training as a knight ensuring that his actions were discreet. He intended to return the necklace to its rightful owner, but something stopped him.