The Stubborn Man

He kept his face down the entire time I was talking to him, he was unusually quiet and just nodded to let me know that he was still listening.

"Thank you, you can go now." he said quietly as I finished talking. Hesitating to stand up, I clenched both arms of the chair waiting for him to talk again "I'll tell you everything once it's the right time" he added standing up without raising his head and slowly looked out the window turning his back against me.

I took the opportunity and carefully stood up to leave. "Stay within the castle walls, okay sis?" his voice was solemn but had a bit of sadness to it; turning around I caught a glimpse of regret in his eyes as he returned his gaze back to the garden in front of him

"Yes, brother' I continued to walk over towards the door, holding it gently I took one last look at his talk broad back before completely closing it leaving him alone in that huge room

What was that all about? I thought to myself as I absent-mindedly walked towards the infirmary, ignoring the maids and guards who had passed by

"What brings you here, Your Highness?" I was startled by the cheery voice of the old physician, bringing myself out of my thoughts, I saw Monty reading a book

"Aren't you supposed to be resting?" I said with one eyebrow raised at him

"I can't sleep without reading anything, Your Highness" he explained, putting down the book and bowing his head slightly towards me

"He's telling the truth, Your Highness. He's been trying to fall asleep for over an hour now ever since we finished eating but he has failed miserably at it" the old man defended Monty as he stopped polishing a steel cup with a white cloth in his hand

Wait? It's been over an hour since Julien and I talked? I didn't notice how long we were inside the library

"You can continue what you're both doing" I declared seeing they both halted their activities in my presence, both of them nodded; the doctor continued to wipe the cups but Monty remained silent and just listening to us talking, leaving the closed book neatly placed over his lap which was covered with a white bed sheet

"Thank you Your Highness for the food. I apologize for being an inconvenience" Monty apologetically bowed his head, I hate this when we need to be formal to each other

"No need to apologize, it was my pleasure." I quickly declared. Before going down to dinner I had instructed one of my chambermaids to have someone from the kitchen serve food for Monty and Doctor Davis

"The meal was delicious, Your Highness" the old physician commented

"I'm glad to hear that you liked it" I smiled at the old man, seeing his gray hair and wrinkles as he smiled "Is it okay for the Captain to be reading and not sleeping Doctor?" I asked staring at Monty with an annoyed look

"Don't worry, Your Highness he slept very well before the food arrived that's why he isn't sleepy at alI, Your Highness" he explained once again

"Are you sure you're okay, Captain?" I trust the old man but I also know how stubborn Monty can be

"Yes, Your Highness. There's nothing to be concerned about. I will go to sleep as soon as you go back to your chambers. It's getting late and you also need to rest." he calmly said

"By the way Doctor, why are you still awake?" the old man looked content with polishing his tools

"I'm okay, Your Highness. I'm glad to have time to clean my equipment as I don't have the time for them these days like before"

"How long will he take to recover, Doctor?

"He's a young and healthy man, a few days would be enough for him to recover, Your Highness"

"Are you sure? Isn't that too fast, Doctor?"

"I'm sure, Your Highness as long as he doesn't move too much nor can he force himself on heavy task"

"Did you hear that, Captain?"

"Yes, Your Highness" Monty simply agreed

"By tomorrow he can be moved to his chambers to rest there, Your Highness" the old man said holding a small thin rod up in the light, making it shine against it

"I'll let the King know then" he was healthy and strong so there's really nothing to be worried about right? I thought to myself "Who will move him tomorrow?"

"No need to worry, Your Highness. I'll take care of everything." the old man said reassuringly "My children will also be helping out tomorrow. Both of them graduated from studying medicine as well and have decided to serve the Royal Family alongside me. I've also informed the King as they both came from the Royal Academy" he added proudly

"I see, but I would still want to be present when he's being discharged" I insisted

"Understood, Your Highness"

"I better go back to my chambers before my mother looks for me" I excused myself "Goodnight to the both of you"

"Goodnight, Your Highness. Thank you for checking up on me" Monty thanked with a smile on his face as he bowed his head again

"Goodnight, Your Highness for the food." the Doctor answered, he said slowly standing up and bowing his head to me "I'll give you a call once we move the Captain back to his chambers, Your Highness."

"Thank you Doctor!" as I marched towards the door I could see the old man putting away his tools in their respective places and Monty settling into bed.

I lazily walked back to my chambers, missing Monty's presence. I can't even say goodnight to him properly, what a shame.

I threw myself onto the bed and kicked my shoes off making them fly everywhere

"I really miss him now" I said talking to myself as I hugged Daisy tightly to my chest

I sat up and looked for my purse in one of the paper bags, pulled out our picture from earlier and smiled as I stared at his face

After a while, I carefully placed it back inside my purse and fell asleep