Hellish Night

It wasn't just my mother's command that affected her then; it may have been a factor, but the main reason was because of her ailment.

I should've paid more attention and discerned this. I should have delayed our travels until the season passed; if I had known, I wouldn't have put her body under such strain. I failed her.

"How long have you been her handmaid?"

"Upon leaving Beloria."

I shot her a questioning look, and she rushed her words. "I-I was assigned by the Archduchess as a parting gift."

I thought ladies had handmaids at a young age, or was that not the same practice there? It could be.

"And how have you come to deal with her ailments? You sound like an expert."

"I practiced medicine, my liege, not as the focus of my duties to the noble house but as a personal knowledge."

"Is there a way to ease her distress?"

"All she needs is enough rest and for the cold to pass. I can fix up a remedy for it."