"I am truly honored that you've asked me to be your doctor, Your Highness," Benjamin said, lowering his head to hide his uneasiness. "But I truly cannot compare to the doctors at the Royal Medical Institute. I'm sure you would be better off under their care. I am very grateful that you trust me, Your Highness."
I cannot get involved with the Prince of Isadora. If he becomes my patient, I'll draw unnecessary attention. He held his breath, hoping Charles would take the hint and withdraw the offer.
When the Prince remained silent, Benjamin slowly looked up. Charles was staring him down with an unreadable intensity.
While Charles was berating himself internally, he hadn't heard most of what Benjamin had said. He wanted to ask Benjamin to repeat himself, but he didn't want to make another blunder.
When the silence stretched too long, Benjamin panicked. He must be upset. He's not even responding. I better just agree with him… Just this one time, I'll take care of his treatment. I need to report back on my situation. Maybe they'll help me get out of this mess.
Benjamin forced a small, nervous laugh to break the tension.
"Well, if you insist, Your Highness, I can certainly help you this time," Benjamin spoke up again. "I just ask that you deliver two vials of your blood to my clinic. It would be best to drop them off after five in the evening. There are fewer patients then. I can provide the clinic's phone number in case anything comes up."
"Is it a private clinic?" Charles asked.
"Actually, I own and run it myself. I'm the only one who works there."
Charles nodded. "The samples will be dropped off tomorrow. How long will the results take?"
"The test results will be ready by tomorrow, but it will take me about four or five days to prepare a custom herbal blend for you. I'll let you know when the report and the initial samples are ready, Your Highness. I would like to make sure that your doctors have the chance to review them as well."
"That works for me."
"Thank you, Your Highness. I can give my clinic address to your guards. May I be excused for tonight? Or is there anything else you wanted to discuss?"
Please let me go. I really need to report this incident tonight. I also need to pick up my bag from Madam Wagner. Benjamin pleaded silently.
"I will escort you home now," Charles said firmly. "I need to see your medical license. You can give me the address and phone number to your clinic on the way."