The King is sick

It was early morning when the news reached Minseok. 

He had just finished preparing a new batch of medicinal tonics when a servant rushed in, panic written all over their face.

"Your Highness," the servant gasped, bowing low. 

"The King... he's fallen ill"

Minseok blinked in surprise. 

'King Feran, ill? That's... unexpected'

The King was known for his steely constitution, rarely showing any signs of weakness. 

If he was truly sick, something serious must be going on.

"What are his symptoms?" 

Minseok asked, already gathering his thoughts.

"He has a high fever, chills, and... dizziness"

"The royal healers are with him, but they're struggling to stabilize him," the servant explained, his voice trembling.

Minseok's mind raced. 

'This could be my chance. If I can help the King, I can prove myself and gain their trust'

He nodded resolutely. 

"Take me to him"

Upon reaching the King's chambers, Minseok found a flurry of activity. 

Several healers, led by Miro, the senior healer, were hovering over the King's bed. 

King Feran lay motionless, his face pale, beads of sweat clinging to his forehead. 

The sight of the once imposing monarch now so vulnerable gave Minseok pause.

'Huh, so he is human, glad that part is confirmed'

"Your Highness," Miro said curtly, glancing at him as he entered. 

"I trust you're here to help?"

Minseok gave a confident nod, though a small part of him was unsure. 

"Of course. I've been studying medicine for some time now, and I'd like to assist"

Miro raised an eyebrow. 

"Assist, huh? You might want to try not making things worse first" 

His tone was skeptical but not entirely dismissive.

Minseok gave him a quick smile. 

"Well, I've been told I have a certain... charm when it comes to curing things"

Miro didn't look amused. 

"Right. Let's see if your charm is enough to save the King"

Minseok stepped forward and examined King Feran carefully. 

His fever was high, and his pulse was rapid. 

It was clear that this wasn't just a common illness, it was something more. 

The question was, what exactly? 

Poison? 

A rare disease? 

The symptoms were vague, and that worried him.

As he worked, Minseok muttered under his breath, more to himself than anyone else.

"You know, if this were a comedy show, I'd be the bumbling new healer who messes up everything with my 'foolproof' cures"

Miro glanced up, clearly annoyed. 

"What are you muttering about?"

Minseok shrugged casually. 

"Oh, nothing, just the sound of my genius in action. Now, do we have any willow bark? That should help bring the fever down"

Miro raised his eyebrow even higher. 

"Do you even know how to use willow bark?"

"Of course," Minseok said with a smirk, reaching for the herb. 

"It's a simple compound. I'm just wondering if I'll be able to fix this before the Father decides I'm a quack"

"Are you sure you're not one?"

"Are thou insulting me the crown princess?"

"No"

"Let's leave it at that Miro and just focus on my father"

As Minseok worked, the rest of the room quieted, his jokes distracting them momentarily. 

He mixed herbs, gently administering a cooling tonic to the King while silently considering all the possible causes of his condition. 

The room felt oddly tense as they waited for results. 

Both Miro and Minseok left to get some water and snacks, exhausted from constantly keeping up with the checkups.

Minseok, trying to maintain some semblance of calm, leaned back and, in an attempt to lighten the mood, spoke a joke.

"You know, I might just be the best healer this kingdom has ever seen. I'm thinking of starting a new practice"

Miro shot him a look that could freeze a dragon in its tracks. 

"Don't get too ahead of yourself. The King is still very ill"

Minseok shrugged. 

"Jeez, look I know others can't learn that your on my side but learn to take a bloody joke" 

As he spoke, the door to the room suddenly slammed open, and a royal guard burst in, looking flustered. 

"Your Highness!" he cried, rushing toward Minseok. 

"The King's condition... it's worsening!"

Minseok frowned and rose to his feet. 

"You don't need to shout," he said with a touch of exasperation. 

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm trying to avoid being yelled at by the King's entire staff"

The guard blinked, clearly thrown off by Minseok's casual tone. 

"I... um, sorry. But His Majesty is..."

"Yes, I know," Minseok cut him off, trying to hide his nervousness. 

"And I'm working on it, okay?"

After the guard awkwardly exited, Minseok made his way back to the King. 

His mind raced as he worked quickly but carefully, administering additional cooling treatments and herbs to stabilize the King's temperature.

Hours passed. 

It was slow going, and there was still no sign of improvement. 

Minseok wiped the sweat from his brow, trying to focus. 

The pressure was mounting, and Miro was watching him like a hawk, but Minseok had no intention of backing down.

"Well, this is fun," he muttered, more to himself. 

"I'm stuck here taking care of your sick ass. If this doesn't get me on his good side then I'm fucked!"

Miro rolled his eyes, but there was a glimmer of amusement in his expression. 

"You've got a strange sense of humor, Your Highness"

Minseok flashed him a grin. 

"Hey, if I can't make people laugh, I might as well make them live"

"That makes no sense"

"Ah just shut up and come lend me a bloody hand!"

"As you wish"

Finally, as evening fell, there was a subtle change. 

King Feran's fever began to stabilize, and his breathing began to go out. 

The change was gradual, but it was undeniable. 

The room seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief.

Miro, though still wary, gave Minseok a nod. 

"I'll admit, you didn't mess up completely. He's stable for now"

Minseok allowed himself a grin.

"You see, all I needed was a little faith and a lot of herbal remedies"

"Who knew being a healer was just about convincing everyone I know what I'm doing?"

"Don't get too cocky," Miro warned. 

"One misstep and this whole thing could've gone wrong"

"Sure, but let's not dwell on the what-ifs," Minseok said. 

"Besides, I think we just dodged a royal disaster"

As the night stretched on, Minseok stayed by the King's side, ensuring his recovery. 

He couldn't shake the feeling that this small victory, this success in treating the King, was more than just a personal accomplishment. 

It was a step toward something larger.

'This could be the moment that this man realises how important my medicine is'

Minseok thought, a smile playing on his lips. 

'A healer with a sense of humor... and a knack for saving royals'

With the King's condition improving, Minseok allowed himself a moment of satisfaction before his thoughts inevitably returned to the darker forces conspiring behind the scenes. 

His enemies would be watching his every move.

"Well," Minseok muttered to himself, "if this whole kingdom-saving thing doesn't work out, I've got a backup career in comedy"

"Who needs royal disasters when you've got punchlines, right?"

Miro shot him an incredulous look. 

"If the King's health weren't at stake, I might've suggested you find another hobby"

Minseok laughed. 

"Oh, trust me, I'll stick with saving lives. Comedy's just a side hustle"

Minseok remained by the King's side, watching his steady breathing and the slow but noticeable improvement in his condition. 

The fever had broken, but Minseok knew better than to assume this battle was over. 

Illnesses, especially in those of royal blood, could have sudden relapses.

Miro, having completed his rounds, approached with a weary look. 

"The King is resting now. I think you've done enough for today, Your Highness"

Minseok glanced at the older healer, sensing the faint approval in his tone, despite the man's usual gruffness. 

"I'm glad to hear that. Though I have to admit, I was beginning to think I'd need more than just potions to get through today" 

He gave a small smirk, trying to lighten the atmosphere.

Miro let out a short laugh, his eyes crinkling in amusement for the first time. 

"You have a way with words. Though, I'm starting to think you might know what you're doing, despite your... unorthodox methods"

"Unorthodox? I prefer 'innovative,'" Minseok said with a wink, hands on his hips. 

"Though, I could add 'miracle healer' to my resume"

Miro chuckled and shook his head, clearly trying to suppress a smile. 

"If you keep this up, you'll have more than just a resume. You might end up being the one the kingdom turns to when it's best healers can't fix something"

"Now you're just flattering me," Minseok teased, but his heart was swelling with pride. 

If he could continue on this path, he might just carve a reputation for himself, one that wasn't tied to the title of 'villainess'

He took a deep breath and turned to look back at the King, whose fever was now nearly gone. 

"Do you think the King will be alright?" 

Minseok asked, more seriously this time.

Miro nodded thoughtfully. 

"For now, he seems stable. But the next few days will be crucial. We'll need to monitor him closely"

"The fever breaking is a good sign, but it could be the calm before another storm. Stay on guard, Your Highness"

Minseok gave a firm nod. 

"Understood. I'll stay here and keep an eye on him"

The older healer gave him a curt nod before turning to leave the room but then stopped. 

"You know, despite your... oddities, you're starting to show potential. I'll give credit where it's due. You didn't panic, and you made the right calls when it mattered"

Minseok smiled brightly. 

"I appreciate that, Miro. Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere. I plan on sticking around, whether the father likes it or not"

The healer laughed softly as he exited, leaving Minseok alone with the King.

As the minutes ticked by, Minseok reflected on the events of the day. 

The King's health had been at the edge, and with it, Minseok's fate as the kingdom's healer was on the line. 

The stakes had been high, but the results had been in his favor.

Still, there was a nagging feeling at the back of his mind. 

'I need to be careful. The enemies in the council, the scheming nobles, they won't let me go if something happens to father'

Just as Minseok was lost in thought, the door creaked open again. 

Reiner entered, his usual stern expression softened with concern. 

"How is His Majesty?" he asked, his voice quiet but laced with a sense of urgency.

"He's resting," Minseok replied, looking up. 

"The fever's broken, but it's not over yet. We need to keep him under watch"

Reiner stepped closer to the bed, his gaze flickering between Minseok and the King. 

"I'll make sure the palace is on alert. If anything changes, we'll be ready"

"Thanks," Minseok said, his eyes grateful. 

He paused, then added, "I have to admit, this feels like one of those moments where everything could go wrong if you blink. But... I think we've bought ourselves some time"

Reiner gave a small nod, glancing at Minseok. 

"Princess?"

"Yes?"

"Are you okay?"

"...In what sense?"

"You must be tired right?"

"I am but Father needs someone by his side, and because I practice medicine he needs me"

"Is that okay?"

"Of course," he looked at his side, although the king was in a steady form, he still had to verify if he was going to be okay for the next council meeting.

"Princess, are you okay with saving this–"

"Captain!"

Reiner flinched as Minseok used his title, "Yes, your Highness?"

"Please leave, I already have a lot on my mind, I do not wish to fight you on something so pointless"

Reiner nodded, stood up, and bowed, "I overstepped, I shall see you when you call for me"

"Goodnight Reiner"

"Goodnight Princess"

He soon left Minseok again with the king, he bit his lip in frustration, he was tired and angry at himself.

'I know he was trying to help but I still can't trust him, I can't trust anyone'

His mind was on fire with thoughts he could hardly control.

'If the King doesn't get better, everything falls apart, and all my plans for survival go out the window'

He had already sacrificed so much to play Seraphina's role. 

She hadn't been born for redemption, and yet here he was, trying to fix things, trying to be her. 

And he was scared that it wouldn't work.

As the hours passed, Reiner's concerned question kept echoing in his head.

'Are you okay?'

Minseok stood up from his chair, rubbing his temples. 

"No, I'm not okay. But I can't show that"

"Not now. Not when everything depends on me being strong"

A soft creak sounded from the door, and Minseok straightened, ready to face whatever task awaited him. 

It wasn't Reiner, though, it was Rhea, his ever-loyal maid, slipping into the room with quiet grace.

"Your Highness," she said in her usual gentle tone. 

"You should rest. You've been at it for hours"

Minseok's tired eyes lifted to meet hers. 

"I'll rest when I'm sure the King's going to be fine"

His voice was firmer than he felt, but the exhaustion in his bones made it hard to fully disguise the strain.

Rhea tilted her head slightly as she moved to adjust the curtains, allowing more moonlight to fill the room. 

"You've done all you can for tonight. His Majesty needs rest, and so do you"

Minseok clenched his jaw. 

"I can't afford to rest when he's like this. He's my father... I need to be here"

Rhea moved closer, her tone soft but firm. 

"Your Highness, no one expects you to do this alone. If you wear yourself down, you'll have nothing left to give"

Minseok ran a hand through his hair, feeling a weight settling on his chest. 

'Why does everyone keep telling me that?'

'Why didn't they tell the original Seraphina that she could rest, that it was okay to take a break when needed?'

"..."

"I know you're worried, but that doesn't change the fact that I have a responsibility here," Minseok muttered, glancing back at the King, his voice quieter. 

"What if I can't save him? What if I fail, and everything falls apart because of it?"

Rhea didn't speak immediately. 

She simply watched him with understanding eyes, as though seeing the struggle within him. 

After a long pause, she finally spoke, her voice a little softer. 

"You are doing everything you can. But even you can't carry the entire weight of the kingdom on your own"

"You need rest, too, or you'll lose yourself"

Minseok's gaze lingered on the King's still form. 

'Can I really trust anyone? Or will they just betray me?'

"You're not alone, Your Highness," Rhea continued, sensing his unspoken thoughts. 

"If you need help, there are people you can turn to"

The words tugged at something inside him. 

He had been alone in this for so long, had convinced himself that trust was a luxury he couldn't afford. 

But maybe... maybe there was room for a little faith after all.

"Thank you," Minseok whispered, the weight of her kindness settling on his shoulders, though he still felt the doubt swirling inside. 

"I'll try"

Rhea smiled, the warmth in her expression easing some of the tension in the room. 

"You're stronger than you think, Your Highness. But even the strongest need rest"

Minseok gave a short nod, finally sinking back into his chair by the King's side. 

For a moment, he simply let the silence fill the room, allowing himself a brief respite from the weight of his responsibilities.

The door creaked open again, and Minseok's gaze snapped to the entrance. 

This time, it was Reiner, his usual stern expression softening as he stepped into the room. 

"How is His Majesty?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of worry that was unusual for the captain.

'Huh? Him again?'

Minseok exhaled slowly, running a hand over his face. 

"The fever's broken, but we need to keep him under observation for the next few hours. It's too soon to know if he's out of danger"

Reiner nodded, moving to stand near the bed. 

His eyes flickered between Seraphina and the King, the concern in his posture evident despite his attempt to remain professional.

 "I'll ensure the palace is on alert, just in case. We'll be ready for anything"

"Thank you," Minseok said, grateful for Reiner's unwavering support. 

It was the kind of loyalty Seraphina needed, whether she liked it or not.

Reiner's gaze lingered on Minseok for a moment before he spoke again, his voice lower now. 

"Princess, I know you've been pushing yourself. You should rest while you can."

Minseok looked at him, feeling a mixture of irritation and exhaustion. 

"I'll rest when I'm sure the King is fine. Not before"

Reiner hesitated, then stepped closer, his eyes narrowing slightly in concern. 

"I know you're doing everything you can, but you can't do this forever. You need to take care of yourself, too"

Minseok's patience wore thin. 

"I said I'm fine. Please, Reiner. I don't want to have this conversation right now. I have too much on my mind"

Reiner looked like he wanted to argue, but after a long, tense silence, he gave a reluctant nod. 

"Understood, Your Highness. If you need anything, I'll be nearby"

Minseok nodded, though it felt like he wasn't really paying attention anymore. 

"Thank you, Captain"

"Good Luck Princess," Reiner replied before quietly leaving the room, closing the door behind him with a soft click.

The moment the door shut, Minseok let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. 

'Everyone keeps telling me to rest, to take care of myself. But I can't afford to let my guard down'

He glanced at the King again, the fear gnawing at him. 

'What if I'm not enough?'

But as the minutes passed, the oppressive weight of worry seemed to lift just a little. 

The door creaked open again, and this time, Rhea entered quietly, holding a small tray with a cup of tea and some fruit. 

"You need to eat something, Your Highness," she said gently, setting the tray on the table next to him. 

"You've been working too hard"

Minseok stared at the tray, his stomach turning at the thought of eating. 

But Rhea's soft words broke through his exhaustion. 

"Thank you, Rhea," he muttered, picking up the cup of tea.

She gave him a reassuring smile. 

"You don't have to do it all by yourself. No one expects you to"

Minseok looked at her, then at the cup in his hands. 

Maybe there was a small truth in her words. 

Maybe it was okay to accept help, just this once.

He took a sip of the tea, allowing the warmth to spread through him. 

It wasn't much, but for the first time in days, Minseok allowed himself to relax, even if only for a moment. 

He sat back in his chair, cradling the warm cup of tea in his hands, his fingers gently wrapped around it as he took another sip. 

The heat of the tea was soothing, but his mind still felt restless. 

It felt wrong to be sitting here, sipping tea, while the fate of the kingdom and the King himself hung in the balance. 

But then again, Rhea's words echoed in his mind: "No one expects you to do it alone"

He wasn't alone. 

Not entirely. 

He had people who were watching over him, whether he liked it or not. 

The soft ticking of the clock on the wall was the only sound in the room for a few moments until the door creaked open again. 

This time, it was Miro, stepping in with a small, practiced smile on his face. 

"Your Highness," Miro said with a slight bow, his voice a welcome change from the tension that had filled the room earlier. 

"How is His Majesty?"

Minseok gestured to the King's resting form, his expression still heavy. 

"He's stable for now. The fever's broken, but I can't shake the feeling that it's not over. I'll be watching him through the night"

Miro nodded, his brow furrowing slightly as he approached the bed and began checking the King's pulse. 

"You've done well. But rest will be just as important for you, Your Highness. If you wear yourself down, you won't be able to do what's necessary if something happens"

Minseok gave him a tight smile, exhaustion still evident in his eyes. 

"I'm fine, Miro. I just need to make sure he's going to make it through the night"

Miro studied him carefully for a moment, then gave a small nod. 

"I understand. But promise me, you'll allow yourself a few hours of rest once the King is stable"

Minseok hesitated but eventually nodded. 

"I'll... try"

The healer gave him a reassuring smile before returning his attention to the King. 

"We'll continue to monitor His Majesty's condition. You've done everything you can. Rest is now the best remedy"

Minseok watched as Miro worked, the steady, practiced movements of the healer bringing a small measure of comfort. 

'Maybe it's true. Maybe I need to trust that others can handle things too'

With Miro's presence in the room, Minseok felt a small knot of tension loosen in his chest. 

He was still worried, of course, he wouldn't be Seraphina if he didn't carry that worry like a second skin but maybe, just maybe, there was room for trust.

The minutes passed slowly, but in a way that felt almost peaceful. 

The King's fever had broken, and for now, that was enough to allow Minseok to close his eyes and lean back in his chair. 

He would stay vigilant. 

He had to. 

But in this moment, with the quiet murmur of Miro's work and the gentle tick of the clock, Minseok allowed himself a brief moment of rest, something he hadn't truly allowed himself in a long time.

Several hours later, the first rays of dawn filtered through the window, casting a soft glow across the room. 

Minseok awoke with a start, his head jerking up from the chair where he had dozed off. 

His body ached from the position, but he forced himself to focus on the King, his heart racing as he scanned the room.

Miro was still at his side, quietly checking the King's vitals. 

"Your Highness," Miro said softly, glancing up at Minseok. 

"The King's temperature has remained stable. It looks like the worst is over"

Minseok blinked, the weight in his chest lifting for the first time in what felt like forever. 

He stood slowly, stretching his stiff limbs, and walked over to the bed to get a closer look. 

"He's going to be okay?"

Miro nodded, his expression calm. 

"It appears so. We'll continue to keep a close watch, but I believe the worst has passed. You can rest now, Your Highness"

Minseok stood there for a long moment, staring at the King. 

He had been so terrified, so consumed by fear that all of his plans would be burned. 

But now, seeing the King's more stable state, a sense of relief washed over him.

'I can live another day!' 

"Thank you, Miro," Minseok said quietly, his voice filled with genuine gratitude.

Miro gave him a respectful bow. 

"It is my duty, Your Highness. But please, take some time for yourself. You've been up all night"

Minseok looked over at the door as if contemplating whether he could finally allow himself to rest. 

But before he could make up his mind, a knock came at the door. 

Reiner stepped in again, his expression still serious but softer now, a flicker of relief in his eyes.

"The palace is stable. Nothing unusual to report," Reiner said, glancing at the King and then back to Minseok. 

"How's His Majesty?"

Minseok let out a long breath. 

"Stable. It looks like he's going to be alright"

He glanced at the clock. 

"I think... I think it's time for me to rest. But I'll need you to stay alert. If anything changes, you'll be the first to know"

Reiner gave a slight nod, his gaze softening a little. 

"Of course, Princess. Rest while you can. You've earned it"

Minseok gave him a small, grateful smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. 

"Thank you, Reiner. You're right. I think I've earned a few hours"

As Reiner left to continue his duties, Minseok turned back to the King, his heart still heavy, but a sense of cautious hope blossoming inside him. 

He had been through a storm of uncertainty, fear, and self-doubt. 

But for now, it seemed that the worst had passed. 

He allowed himself to step away from the bedside and move toward the small cot that had been set up for him. 

The exhaustion from the past few days weighed heavily on him, but for once, he didn't feel the need to fight it. 

With a final glance toward the King, Minseok laid down on the cot, the exhaustion finally catching up with him. 

'Maybe things will be alright after all'

And with that thought, he allowed himself to close his eyes, the steady rhythm of the King's breathing a comforting lullaby as he finally fell into a much-needed sleep.