2: The royal doctor

She found herself walking with no actual destination. What the voice had told her, left her mind puzzled. She clearly knew it was a woman who had that voice,....a young lady to be precise. She could hear the sound of metals hitting together, probably a swordfight. She walked closer towards it and before she knew it, her neck was brought in contact with a sword from behind.

"Arrest her!". He shouted, before gripping her hands behind and taking her to the Grand Palace.

"Your Majesty, we found a spy". She could hear a brave voice. "She was picking up on our combat techniques, probably to report back to the enemy and expose our vulnerability". Now that didn't make any sense to her. She was just a confused lady who was unaware of what she had to do. At least she should be given a chance to speak.

'Geez! what's with this getup?' She thought to herself. 'I don't know what to do and I somehow landed myself here. Talk about a journey!'. She scoffed.

" Let her speak". Sistine finally heard a promising voice, she could tell it was the king's. The rope wrapped around her wrists were cut loose, and the bag embracing her head was removed. The light was bright and she was greeted by pairs of welcoming eyes, bad and less good.

In no less than a minute, she immediately stood up and went back down, bowing to the king.

"Oh great king! Your words are so kind". She figured she had to win his heart if she wanted to live. " Thank you for sparing my young life. I'm forever indebted -".

" Let's get one thing right, I'm not sparing you. I'm simply giving you a chance to explain your situation. If not, then you can die a worthless death".

Doesn't sound so promising anymore. Everyone stared so blatantly at her, some were trying to hold in their laughter while some just wanted to 'burn the witch'. Their gazes only were enough to start a bonfire. Tough crowd!

' What do I say? I'm from another distant year? I found myself here after speaking with an unknown being?.... Nah! That would just give them an even more joyous reason to burn me. '

" I'm Sistine, a medical doctor -".

"Did she just say she's a doctor?". She could hear them whisper.

" No, Silly! She said she's IN NEED of a doctor. I mean just take a look, her whole body screams 'HELP ME'! "

' If I wasn't in such a dire situation, I would rip her hair right out of her stupid head' .

" I said I'm a medical doctor, a general surgeon in fact". Sistine spoke in disgust.

"Oh? Well you certainly don't look like much". She smirked.

"YOU!.....". Sistine was really starting to get pissed off. ' If only someone could see how many times this girl has died in my head, it's worth buying a popcorn. He! He! He! '.

The king was already starting to show some interest in Sistine as she was going to be of use to him.

" If you really say you're a doctor, then prove it. Queen Shira has been in a critical state ever since the last war. It's beyond the powers of our recent physicians. Heal her, and you shall be set free. If not, your life will be wasted and your family will become my slaves". The king sounded dead serious.

If the physicians can't do much to save her, what makes him think Sistine could. Well she had no choice but to take up the offer. After all, she's a flippin' doctor. Sistine smiled.

She was taken to the room in which the Queen laid. When she observed the case, she realised it was wound inflicted by a sword, seeing how deep it was. Few organs were slightly penetrated, so she had her work cut out. The physicians told her how the injury occurred.

Hours passed on, they all waited patiently for her to be done with the treatment...more like surgery. It's been too long enough,....about three hours now, and still no news. They were running out of fingernails to chew on.

Sistine worked on the surgery, together with the physicians. Some helped in getting her boiled water and a piece of cloth to irrigate the wound, while the others assisted in making use of resources since they weren't so equipped in the recent technology and possessed the required synthetic suture materials.

After she had treated the damaged organs, she set out to stitch the wound using sterilised needle and wool threads. The only words everyone could hear from the room were 'Tie' and 'Cut' repeatedly.

Then she applied antibacterial ointments to prevent infections, and sealed it off by wrapping with a clean white cloth as bandage. The others cleaned up after her.

"Now remember, you have to be cautious of the kind of meal she takes. She needs to consume liver-friendly diet which includes getting sufficient fibre from sources like whole grains as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. And probably eating lean protein sources such as seafood, skinless poultry or legumes, as opposed to fattier meats". She instructed.

She finally came out of the room, eyes waiting desperately to hear the result but she remained silent, leaving everyone in suspense.

"It was a successful attempt! The Queen is alright! It's a miracle!". The head physician came out to inform. They sighed in relief. The king gave a thankful smile. Apparently, she was his favourite Queen Sistine had just saved. She earned a spot in the King's warm heart.

"A miracle, indeed". The king said to her. "Is it freedom you seek? Or will you reside in my humble palace as my favoured guest? Ask anything you desire".

She was well aware that what ever mission she had to accomplish was right there in the palace, so she obviously decided to stay.

"If that's the case, then I'm honouring you with the title 'The Royal Doctor'. Let the whole kingdom know".

She was immediately handed a beautiful white flowered robe, taken away by the maids to clean her up, and given her own outstanding room.

'There is really something wrong with these people here. Who cares, though? As long as I get to live. He! He! '.