When the physician finished, he bowed respectfully and left the room.
Delvin sat beside Sheila and gently took her injured hand.
"How does it feel now?" he asked.
Sheila smiled and carefully pulled her hand away.
"It feels much better. But that's not the problem right now."
She leaned back in her chair.
"How are we going to deal with the dragon?"
Delvin paused thoughtfully.
"To be honest, I don't know. Do you have any ideas?"
A mischievous grin tugged at his lips.
Sheila rolled her eyes.
What a clown.
Without answering, she stood and left the room.
She returned to her own chamber and sat by the window.
The courtyard below was bustling with activity.
Dolores sat beneath a large umbrella, signing invitations, while Stel chatted happily with the head servant.
Sheila watched them for several minutes before a knock sounded at her door.
She frowned.
"Who is it?"
No reply came.
The knock sounded again.
She rose and opened the door.
Belinda stood outside, accompanied by two handmaids.
A satisfied smile spread across her face as she entered without invitation.
She walked directly to the window and sat in Sheila's usual chair.
The two handmaids knelt beside her.
Belinda cleared her throat.
"You're probably wondering why I've come today."
Her smile widened.
"I noticed the royal physician leaving the king's chambers, and naturally I assumed you had failed in your duties."
She glanced at Sheila with obvious contempt.
"I suppose something so simple is too difficult for a slave."
She gestured toward the two women beside her.
"These two will replace you."
Belinda crossed her legs elegantly.
"By the end of today, I expect you to move into the servants' quarters and live as a proper slave should."
Sheila listened patiently.
Then she bowed politely.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, Lady Belinda, but only His Majesty may issue such instructions."
She smiled.
"Unless the king personally orders me to leave, I won't be moving."
Belinda's smile faltered.
"And for your information, the patient was me."
Sheila stood and walked to the door.
Opening it, she gestured politely toward the hallway.
Belinda stared in disbelief.
"How dare you?"
She rose so quickly her chair nearly tipped over.
Sheila opened the door even wider.
Belinda's face turned red with rage.
After several seconds, she gathered her skirts and motioned for her attendants to follow.
The three women stormed out.
The moment they crossed the threshold, Sheila slammed the door shut.
The loud bang startled Belinda enough to make her stumble forward.
Furious, she clenched her fists and marched away.
Sheila sat on her bed and sighed.
What a nuisance.
A few moments later, she headed toward Delvin's chambers.
Meanwhile, in the courtyard, Stel leaned over the table, reading the invitation list while Dolores continued writing.
Most of the guests were nobles, royals, and influential figures from neighboring lands.
"Why aren't we inviting the villagers?" Stel asked.
Dolores looked up.
"Why do you ask?"
Stel straightened.
"Because fancy gowns and crowns are boring."
Dolores laughed softly.
"And?"
"And I want the people to know me as their princess."
"They will," Dolores replied. "The news will spread across the kingdom."
"Please, Mother."
Stel clasped her hands together dramatically.
Dolores sighed.
"Fine. A royal decree will be issued inviting the people."
Stel's face lit up.
"Really?"
"However," Dolores continued, "if any of my guests feel uncomfortable, I reserve the right to remove the commoners."
"And I thought you were different."
Dolores burst into laughter.
"I'm joking."
Stel immediately hugged her.
"You're the best mother."
Dolores smiled and wrapped an arm around her.
That evening, Dolores and Stel were unable to join the royal dinner.
As a result, only Delvin and Belinda occupied the dining table.
Sheila stood quietly behind Delvin, replacing utensils and serving dishes as needed.
"This meal is quite delicious, wouldn't you agree, Your Majesty?" Belinda asked sweetly.
Delvin took another bite.
"I admit, it's one of the better meals I've had recently."
Belinda brightened.
"Well, Your Majesty should know that I personally ordered changes to the kitchen staff."
She smiled proudly.
"So the success of this meal is really my success."
Delvin suddenly slammed his hand onto the table.
The entire room jumped.
"Is it possible for me to eat in peace?"
Belinda blinked.
"I'm sorry?"
"Sorry?"
Delvin glared at her.
"Your voice alone is enough to ruin my appetite."
Belinda visibly shrank.
"I'm sorry."
"You're still talking."
His voice echoed through the dining hall.
Several servants lowered their heads immediately.
"Have the meal moved to my chambers."
Delvin rose from his seat.
"Perhaps I'll find peace there."
Without another word, he left.
Sheila quickly followed.
Belinda stared after them.
Then she hurried from the room as well.
Catching up with Delvin in the hallway, she bowed deeply.
"Please forgive me, Your Majesty. I won't speak during meals anymore."
"Good."
Delvin continued walking.
"Do that."
Belinda sighed in relief.
Then Delvin stopped.
One final thought had occurred to him.
"Oh, and don't sit beside me during Stel's birthday celebration."
Belinda froze.
"I have no queen."
His smile was almost cruel.
"Sit with the royal consorts."
Then he walked away.
Belinda remained rooted to the floor.
Fury burned in her eyes as she watched him disappear.
A few moments later, Dolores and Stel entered the corridor with the head servant.
Belinda straightened immediately.
She nodded politely toward Dolores.
Dolores acknowledged her with only a brief glance.
Stel didn't even look her way.
Belinda's fists tightened.
Then she stormed back to her chambers.
The following morning, Delvin woke feeling unusually rested.
Suspiciously rested.
He rolled over and sat up.
Walking to the window, he pulled the curtains apart.
Sunlight flooded the room.
He blinked.
Everything was already prepared.
Fresh clothes waited neatly on the dresser.
His shelves had been organized.
Breakfast sat warm on a nearby table.
Steam drifted from the bathing chamber.
Even his bathwater was ready.
At that moment, Sheila entered carrying a bowl of water and a folded white cloth.
"Good morning, Your Majesty."
She bowed slightly.
Delvin looked around the room again.
Then back at her.
"Morning."
He raised an eyebrow.
"Why didn't you wake me?"
"The ministers are taking the day off to prepare for Stel's birthday celebration."
"So?"
Sheila folded her hands.
"I thought it would be best if you rested."
She glanced at the untouched meal.
"Especially since you didn't eat properly last night."
Delvin stared at her for a moment.
Then he sighed and sat down.
Without argument, he washed his face, brushed his teeth, and finally ate breakfast.
Afterward, he disappeared into the bathing chamber.
A few minutes later, his voice echoed from inside.
"Where's Dolores?"