Physician to the Dragon Prince

CHAPTER 9 – Why is he so kind?

CHAPTER 9 – Why is he so kind?

Emma’s POV

He started to drag me to his chamber. I struggled to release myself from him, but his grip didn’t loosen and he shot me a death glare to keep me silent. Oddly, when he touched me comfortingly, the depth of my heart screamed happily at his care towards me. Every soldier bowed to him on the way and I walked behind him, looking down. I knew that struggling with his strength was useless.

“Ask Agatha to bring warm food and warm water to my chamber,” he ordered one of his guards who were guarding the bed-chamber.

“Yes, Your Grace.” He bowed at him with the utmost respect and left us.

He closed the doors and pulled me to his chest hardly, “Your Grace, please.”

But he kept his index finger on my lips, “shhh….”

“Do not speak. If you keep disobeying me Emma, I will teach you a good lesson,” he warned, looking into my eyes. His gaze was drilling deep into my soul. Why is he looking into my soul? I noticed that his eyes were filled with so many emotions that I couldn’t comprehend.

“Your Grace, this is not suitable for both of us. You are a prince and I am your prisoner and servant. If anyone sees us like this, it won’t be any good for us,” I replied, trembling in his grip.

“This is my castle, Emma. I am the lord here and I will not spare that Hildry for hurting you,” he muttered while gritting his teeth. Why is he so angry towards her? I am just a servant and she is his mistress.

“Do not tire yourself thinking about her. Come, sit here.” He slowly directed me to his bed to sit. As soon as my body touched the bed, I stood up instantly.

“Why did you stand up? Is everything all right?” he questioned with a worried tone.

“My apologies, Your Grace, I can’t sit on your bed. I am just a servant here and I can’t sit on a Prince’s bed.” I felt really uncomfortable sitting on the bed that belonged to him and his mistress or his future queen. I had no right to sit on it.

“Emma, do not anger me further!” he warned, making me sit on the bed again. I bounced on the mattress a few times before settling down.

He pulled a chair for himself and sat in front of me. He was staring at me and I bit my lip, casting my eyes down. Suddenly he caressed my cheeks with his warm hands and I involuntarily closed my eyes to feel his warm touch. Then, all of a sudden, someone knocked on the door.

“Your Grace, may I come in?” I heard Agatha’s voice and snapped back into my senses, adjusting myself.

“Come in,” he permitted without taking his eyes off me.  

Agatha came into the room and her eyes went wide when she saw me, shocked by my presence, “Emma, what are you doing here?”

“She is hurt and I brought her here to apply for some medicine,” the Prince replied.

“Your Grace, the food and water are here. I will keep them on the table. Do you need any help applying medicine for her?” Agatha asked politely.

“No, Agatha. Thank you for your kindness. You can leave now,” the Prince conveyed and stood up from his chair.

Agatha bowed to him and shot me an impressed look before leaving. Silence echoed through the room. I didn’t say a word since I knew that it would be hopeless, so, I waited patiently.

He brought a basin of warm water along with a piece of clean cloth before returning to the chair. He pulled the chair and came closer to me, placing both legs on either side of my legs, locking me tight between his legs.

He dipped the cloth into the warm water basin and squeezed it to release the excess water. Then it gently placed it on my arms and I jeered in pain.

“Does it hurt very much?” he inquired, caressing my cheeks and I nodded like an obedient kitten. Why am I behaving like this? I hate him more than my life. Did he cast a magic spell on me?

I hissed from time to time but he continued to wipe my arms, gently blows smooth air from his mouth to soothe me. My eyes trailed his actions as he carefully sponged my arms and soon I felt the pain decreasing.

“Are you feeling better now?” he asked, gazing at me with sympathy and compassion.  

“I’m better now. Forgive me, Your Grace, I will leave now.” I was about to stand up but he sat me down again.

“We are not done yet, Emma. Your wrists are still red and a little bit swelled,” he pointed out, took the wet cloth again, and kept it on my wrist.

“Ow! It hurts!” I pulled my arm away and hissed.

“I will not spare Hildry for what she did to you!” He clenched his teeth and I clearly noticed his jawline tighten. He was so good-looking with his sharp jawline.

“Emma, please, let me treat you.” When I heard his voice, I didn’t know what overcame me and I just stretched my hand to him like a good girl.

He slowly and gently sponged my wrists.

“Wait here, I’ll be right back.” He stood up and walked towards a cupboard. I didn’t see clearly what he did but soon he came back with a small bottle in his hand.

“Give me your hand.” He took my hand, opened the bottle, and applied some green paste to it. At first, it burned but then it slowly washed a cool feeling over my wrist.  

“How are you feeling now?” he asked, cupping my cheeks. Only God knows why is he behaving like this with me.

“I’m feeling much better now,” I answered, swallowing my saliva nervously.

“Now, let’s feed something to your hungry tummy.” He brought the food tray towards me.

“Your Grace, I can’t do this, please. This is your food and I can’t eat it. You have already applied medicine to my wounds as a sign of your kindness. I can’t accept anymore, Your Grace.” I stood up and turned to leave.

All of a sudden, he pulled me towards him and we both fell on the bed. I was on top of him and he quickly changed our positions, leaving me on the bottom as he hovered over me. I squirmed to release myself but he pinned my hands on either side of my ears.  

“Emma, I asked you not to pull my nerves, but you are doing it again and again. Do not show your ego to me, or else, I will never let you go out from this chamber and you will have to stay here with me as my mistress!” His voice was deep and rigid, sending a shiver down my spine.

“Are you crazy? Sometimes you’re so kind and sometimes you behave like an animal. In what twisted dimension do you believe that I will become your mistress? I hate you from the bottom of my heart!” I spat out my verbal venom to his face. His eyes carried a hint of pain as he separated himself from me and I stood up immediately.

“I am sorry, Emma. I don’t want to force you on anything. Please have your dinner,” he said and forced me to sit on his bed again.

He took the tray and brought a spoonful of soup to my mouth. Somehow, no matter how arrogant I was, I suddenly became an obedient kitten with his kind word and action. I opened my mouth and let him feed me. Then he took the bread and spread some butter over it.

“I can have it myself, Your Grace,” I responded, but he pretended like he didn’t hear me and continued until the tray was empty.

“Look at that, you were really hungry, Emma! Make sure you have your meal on time. I don’t like to see you staying hungry and working hard. How are you feeling now?” he asked as he put the tray on the table with a smile. Goodness me! He’s really got a handsome face. The moonlight was falling on his face from the window and it highlighted his features.

“I’m good now, Your Grace. Thank you for your kindness.” I bowed before him.

“Now, go and sleep, Emma. Remember to wake up early tomorrow, I need to have an herbal bath first thing tomorrow morning and bring some extra eggs for my breakfast.” He gave me the list of work to do.

“I will, Your Grace. Please excuse me, I need to go now.” I bowed to him and got up to go.

“Emma, please be careful. I am worried about you,” he said with a caring tone.

I nodded and came out from his chamber. Why is he showing me all this kindness and care? Does he treat all his servants this way? I guess not.  I had never heard of a prince that sat with their servants in their bed-chamber, treated their wounds, and fed them.

While thinking about it, I eventually arrived at the maids’ quarters. My bed was empty and awaited me. I heard Agatha already snoring and soon I drifted off as I recollected the day. I knew that there was a lot more to come.