131: Chance To Meet Physician

Chance To Meet Physician

4 chapters  1

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It was still dark outside when Arlan opened his eyes. As expected, his body felt refreshed. He had good sleep for the first time in days and his mood felt infinitely better. 

He realized his right hand was holding something, a delicate warm palm. He turned his head to look at the owner of that hand. Oriana was sitting by his bedside, sleeping with her left arm folded under her head as a pillow, while her right hand was gripping his.

He turned to his side in her direction without removing his hand from hers and kept his stare on her sleeping face. 

A small face filled with youth's vibrant charm, with long, luscious eyelashes, shapely brows and smooth skin that was neither pale white nor tanned, her features balanced and exquisite. 

'So innocent she looks outside when her thoughts are all but innocent.' 

A light smile painted itself on his face as he gently squeezed her hand. 

'It feels good to hold her hand like this. After so many days, I had my first good sleep last night. She is like a cure sent by the heavens to deal with my nightmares. If only I had met her earlier…

'From now on, she has to remain by my side, always, like this, to keep my mind sane. When she is with me, I can control that annoying thing inside me from messing with my mind. I wonder why that is.'

He continued to look at her quietly, while feeling her soft palm in his. 

'She must be uncomfortable sleeping on a chair, but it can't be helped. She can't share my bed and there is no other option. Well, it is simply a little sacrifice, an inconvenience, compared to what dangerous jobs peasants like her deal with to scrape a few meager coins outside. It's alright. She will be paid more.'

The moment Oriana began to stir,Arlan closed his eyes. 

On the other hand, Oriana's night was terrible. Her neck hurt. Her back hurt. Her arms were numb and so were her shoulders. She did not know when she fell asleep, but from the yawn escaping her mouth, it ought to be only a handful of hours since she did.

She realized she had fallen asleep while holding the prince's hand. She moved her head up to look at him to check in case he was awake but found him peacefully slumbering.

She felt relieved. If he had caught her sleeping, who knew what criticism he would spew so early in the morning? Depending on his mood, he might berate her for being lazy and not standing guard during the night. Maybe he would cook up another weird punishment for her. 

'It's almost dawn. I can return to my room now before this pervert wakes up and ask me to do something else for him.'

She slowly tried to pry away her hand from his, but he was holding her hand in a tight hold. 

'Even after his nightmare has long passed, he still can't let go of my hand? How can he keep holding it the entire night? It feels numb.' 

Still pretending to be asleep, Arlan let out an internal sigh. 'Since she helped me get a good night's rest, I shall show some mercy on this reckless girl.'

When she tugged her hand again, the prince subtly coordinated to let go of her hand. 

Oriana pulled her hand back slowly, her gaze on his face the entire time to make sure he was sleeping. Letting out a sigh of relief, she then tiptoed towards the door and left without making any sound. 

Only after she closed the door behind her did Arlan open his eyes, grinning in amusement at how his sneaky little attendant acted like a thief. 

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Lucas arrived at the Palace of Thistle just as the prince was having his morning meal. As soon as he was done, Arlan went to see his aide in the drawing room.

The man stood up to greet him and remained on his feet even as Arlan sat down.

"Your Highness, that physician from Abetha arrived last night. The arrangements for him are all made as per your instructions. This morning, he will be checking on His Majesty's health in the Palace of Oak."

Oriana, who was standing on the side, her eyes brightened up. 'Finally! The reason why I labored so much! Master Cenric is here!'

Arlan nodded and said, "I shall go greet him as well. Roman, the things I ordered last time?"

"Arrangements have already been made, Your Highness. Your carriage is waiting outside," Roman informed him. "The gifts for the esteemed physician are ready to be transported as well."

Oriana desperately wanted to ask if she could accompany Arlan's entourage, but she could only press her lips into a thin line, not daring to say a single word. The prince would be going to the Palace of Oak, the residence of the King of Griven. It would raise suspicion if a newcomer like her begged to come to such an important place.

Arlan nodded and heard Lucas continue reporting, but Oriana was no longer allowed to hear their conversation because Roman led her away. 

Roman told depressed Oriana, "...go."

"Huh?"

"What are you spacing out for? You are one of the four attendants accompanying His Highness. The prince needs servants to carry the gifts prepared to welcome the guest."

Though Oriana appeared calm on the surface, she was jumping with happiness inside. Was this her luck at work? How could she be on a lucky streak? She ought to worship the God of Good Fortune, if there ever was one! 

Soon, the three carriages escorted by royal knights left the Palace of Thistle. Arlan was sitting inside the frontmost royal carriage, while Orian and her companions sat in the smaller second carriage. The third carriage was carrying the prepared gifts. 

Normally, Oriana would wonder what kind of gifts would require a separate carriage, but she was too nervous and excited about seeing the amazing apothecary from two years ago to care. 

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