In The High Place

Ep.2 - The Royal Physician

**Antonia's POV**

  After a short ride and few steps walking, I sit on the edge of patient bed to answer Dr. Sanchez's questions and allow him to examines and runs tests on my body. Tests after tests and finally.

      "Looks like we're done here"

      "Argh, thank you, Dr. -- Sit still for too long drives me crazy. No offence"

      "None taken. And believe me, I understand, your highness"

  Dr. Merlin Sanchez has been a royal physician for, well, since I was born. He was bestow the highest insignia by father after saved many people's lives including mine from a plague several years ago. But he couldn't save my mother, the late queen Vivien, and my twin brother, the late crown prince Daniel, from the same event. And I think he still blames himself for that. It's a tragedy for my family and so our kingdom--not only we've to deal with deadly plague, but we also lost the queen and crown prince at the same time.

  Dr. Sanchez signs some papers then sends it to his assistant. They exchange a few word before Dr.Sanchez turns back to me.

      "Your result'll be ready by tomorrow, your highness"

      "Thank you, Dr."

      "It's my job"

      "Anyway--How're your family doing? Seems like we didn't get in touch for awhile"

      "Yes, it seems so. We're fine, your highness. Thank you for asking and don't worry As a crown princess, you have enough to worry already"

      " You know I couldn't, don't you?"

      "Heh. Thank you, your highness"

I hope I show my gesture clear enough that I don't want him to blame himself for the death of my mother and brother. And I considered him and his family my closed confidant.

      "Oh, one more thing"

      "Hmm?"

  Dr. Sanchez pull a turtle key chain out of his pocket and hands it to me. I look at him with questioned face.

      "From my daughter with thanks"

      "You haven't tell her, have you?"

      "These lips are sealed,your highness. Without your permission, me and my wife won't say a word"

      "Then what about this key chain?"

      "All she knew is I've an appointment with her anonymous savior, so she said she wanted to give something to show that she was grateful that you saved her live."

  Even it caught me off guard,it still brings me so much joy to know that she's doing fine and growing up to be a fine lady. I rub the key chain thoughtfully while asking.

      "Why turtle?"

      "Don't you know? It represents good health and long life while its hard shell refers to perseverance and protection"

  That moment, I came to realization. She means more than just to gave me a gift--It came with a secret message! I almost feel like I can hear what she might says.

      'Thank you for saved me. Now I finally have a wonderful life and being healthy. I'll live my life as good as I can to be worthy of the 2nd chance you have gave me. Thank you for the very bottom of my heart for saving me when I need it the most'

  But of course, it might just be my imagination, but I'd like to believe so.

**Continue on the next episode**