Chapter-11| Lots of Confusing Questions

Suddenly, they heard a knock. "Come in," said Mark.

Nick entered with an elderly doctor. "My lord, the doctor has arrived!" Nick announced. Steve looked at Nick and asked, "Who is this, my lord?"

Mark replied, "Oh, he's my new friend."

Steve asked, "Is he someone royal?"

Nick looked down, and Mark responded, "Are only royals worth being friends with?"

Nick interjected, "My lord! How about you get treated first?"

Mark nodded, "Yeah, doctor, I have a headache. Please check me."

Steve and Nick looked at Mark, flabbergasted. Mark then said, "Nick, bring some food for this cat and get someone to treat her wounds."

Nick nodded, "Sure, my lord," and left.

Mark looked at Steve. "You look like you need some rest. How about you sleep in my chamber? It's relatively more comfortable here."

Steve replied, "But my lord, where will you sleep?"

Mark chuckled, "Of course, here. Steve, come on, we are like brothers; we can share a room, right? Moreover, it doesn't look like you can walk well, and I'll be bored without you."

The doctor, done checking, said, "My lord, don't stress too much. The headache is due to stress."

Mark nodded and said, "You can leave now, thank you!"

The doctor bowed and replied, "It's my honor, my lord," and left.

After the doctor left, Steve asked, "Why didn't you let him treat your wounds?"

Mark chuckled, "Nick was naive; he brought a doctor who was acquainted with the Mings."

Steve, flabbergasted, asked, "How did you know that, my lord?"

Mark chuckled, "There was 'Ming' imprinted on his sleeves."

Steve looked at Mark, confused. "You look like you have gotten smarter, my lord."

Mark laughed loudly and replied, "I guess so. By the way, tomorrow I want to visit the village. Maybe I'll regain some more memories."

Steve nodded, "Okay, my lord. I'll accompany you!"

Mark disagreed, "No, Steve, you need to rest. Nick can go with me."

Steve replied, "But he barely knows you, my lord."

Mark said, "That's okay, Steve. You need to rest."

After a while, Nick came back with some herbs and milk. The scared kitten drank the milk and sat on the floor. Nick smiled, "Look, my lord, she's so cute."

Mark nodded, "Yes, she surely is."

Steve asked for the herbs, "Nick, can you pass me those herbs?" Nick nodded and handed over the herbs to Steve.

Mark asked Nick about the royal doctor, "Is the Queen okay now?"

Nick nodded, "Yes, my lord, she's resting in her chamber."

Mark replied, "Go bring the royal doctor here now, and never bring anyone else to treat me again!"

Nick, scared, nodded and left to bring the royal doctor.

Steve asked, "My lord, you have become a lot different now."

Mark wondered to himself, "Why do I feel like I have known these people for years? Why do I feel so worried about the King and Queen? They are Markin's parents, not mine. Why do I feel like I have known Steve for years? Everything is so different... My mother must be so scared about where I am. I guess I did take a foolish step trying to take my life. Should I go back? But how do I do so? What if I can't return? Am I going to be here forever? This place seems good too..."

Suddenly, Nick interrupted, "My lord, the royal doctor is here."

Mark got up and smirked, "You know what you have done, right?"

The doctor gulped, "I am sorry, my lord! I-I should have thought twice before saying anything."

Mark chuckled, "It's not your fault. Don't worry, I was just kidding with you. Restitch my wound now, and also, I have a wounded cat. Treat her if you can."

The doctor nodded, "Please lay down, my lord. I'll apply the antiseptic first."

Mark chuckled, "Steve, you better stand far away this time."

Steve blushed and moved a little away. The doctor applied the antiseptic.

"Arh-!" Mark exclaimed. "What! It didn't sting this much this time?"

Steve chuckled, "You have gotten stronger, my lord."

Mark smiled, confused, "Did I?" He started wondering again, "Have I gotten used to this body? Because in my life, I was such a coward. I couldn't even take care of my family. I just ran away from every problem I ever saw, whether it was life's problems or studies. I-I miss my mom..."

Suddenly, Mark started tearing up. Nick and Steve, flabbergasted, exclaimed, "My lord! Why are you crying? Are you okay?"

Ignoring them both, Mark continued remembering his old miserable life. Suddenly, an old incident flashed in his mind a few months ago.

"Mom!" said Mark.

Mark's mother replied, "Yes, my dear?"

"This time I will surely pass this civil exam and take care of you, dad, and Shimmer (Shimmer is Mark's younger sister)."

Mark's mother chuckled, "Sure, son. I believe in you."

Mark hugged his mom warmly.The flashback ended

Suddenly, he started crying, "Mom! I am so sorry I ran away from everything-"

Nick and Steve were startled and just stood there.