The Leper King's Healer

Chapter 34

Moonlight filtered through the windows, casting a silvery glow that gently illuminated the room. My queen lays on the ornate bed, her silhouette casting a gorgeous shadow against the soft covers.

The sight of her peaceful slumber brought a bittersweet mix of emotions to my heart. I approached the bed with a mixture of tenderness and weariness, my gaze softening as I watched her breathe, the rise and fall of her chest a comforting rhythm.

My fingers brushed against a loose strand of Philippa's dark hair, a touch light as a feather. I couldn't help but marvel at the woman before me-the strength in her eyes, the determination in her actions, the unwavering commitment she had shown to both him and the kingdom.

A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as my gaze lingered. I was aware of the challenges that were ahead, the responsibilities that I am hesitant to discuss with her, yet it was in these moments that I found consolation. As I turned to leave Philippa's room, I had a thought-a tiny but genuine act that I hoped would reflect the depth of my emotions. I reached into my pocket and took out a dainty necklace, the pendant of which gleamed softly in the candlelight.

This necklace was an heirloom, one that had been passed down through generations of the royal family. It held a significance that spanned centuries, a tangible link to the history and legacy of our lineage.

With a careful touch, I placed the necklace on Philippa's pillow, ensuring that it lay within her line of sight when she woke. The pendant, adorned with a precious gem, sparkled in the soft illumination of the candles, casting a gentle radiance over the room.

I regarded the necklace for a moment, its presence a silent pledge of my feelings and admiration, as well as my unwavering devotion. But then, a shift occurred- a sound broke the silence-an unmistakable snore that echoed softly in the chamber.

My eyes widened in surprise, lips twitching with the hint of a smile. It was a sound I had not expected, one that seemed to cut through the weight of my worries.

Philippa shifted slightly, her snoring intensifying as she fell deeper into slumber. Baldwin's amazement turned to delight, and a soft chuckle escaped his lips.

I had seen her in moments of grace and poise, navigating the complexities of courtly life, and yet here she was, completely herself even in her sleep. Baldwin pondered to himself.

I shifted in the bed, getting closer to Philippa. I leaned out, my fingertips gently tracing the line of her jaw. "My dear Philippa," I said softly, my voice amused and affectionate, "even in your sleep, you manage to surprise me."

With a gentle exhale,I leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, a silent promise of my affection and devotion.I turned away from the bed, leaving Philippa to her peaceful rest.

Aimery waited outside the chamber, his presence a reminder of the world beyond the castle walls. A subtle acknowledgement passed between us as my sight met aimery's. We walked down the corridors together.

As the first rays of morning sunlight streamed through the curtains of Philippa's chamber, they gently kissed her cheeks, coaxing her from the realm of dreams to the embrace of wakefulness. Her hazel eyes blinked open, adjusting to the soft illumination that bathed the room. Yet, as her gaze roamed over the chamber, something unusual caught her attention-the glint of a shimmering object on her pillow.

Curiosity piqued, Philippa sat up, her tousled hair cascading over her shoulders as she reached for the source of the sparkling. Her fingers closed around a delicate chain, and as she lifted it, her breath caught in her throat. Nestled within her grasp was a pendant-an exquisite pendant-adorned with a precious gem that radiated hues of deep blue and royal purple, as if holding the secrets of a starlit night.