John was running as swiftly as he could, hoping to catch up to her. How could she vanish so quickly? Yet, as he retraced his steps along that familiar path, he found himself before the quiet, secluded walkway once more. He felt an overwhelming need to discover whether she had ventured that way. With a deep breath, he pressed onward along the stony road, where the lake shimmered beneath the moonlight. And there, by the bank near the bridge, she was.
It felt hauntingly familiar to the time he found her there before. There she was again, her head bowed, hands cradling her face. Hesitating for a moment, he stepped forward, approaching her with a nervous anticipation that seemed to intensify.
"Doctor?" he called hesitantly.
She flinched and turned abruptly towards the source of the sound. Annoyance trickled into her expressions as soon as her eyes landed on him. Why did fate insist on bringing her into contact with him when she yearned for solitude? John moved closer, hoping to mend the tension that had settled between them, but she recoiled as he drew near.
"What brings you here, sire?" she inquired suddenly, a trace of formality returning to her demeanor.
"Are you alright?" he asked, his brow furrowed with genuine concern.
"I am fine," she replied.
"But you do not appear to be," he pressed on gently.
"Regardless of my appearance, I assure you I am perfectly well. I only ask for you to leave me alone," she insisted, her tone betraying her irritation, though he sensed her struggle to mask it.
"I apologize for disturbing you, but I felt compelled to seek your welfare. I had to see for myself that you are indeed unharmed." With boldness he hardly understood, he moved even closer. His voice softened, filled with an earnestness that made her heart ache. "Tell me, are you truly.... Truly alright?"
"Yes.I am. Truly" she replied, softening her tone as she sensed his genuine care.
A cold breeze swept through, sending shivers down her spine and causing her hair to flutter in the wind. Her beauty captivated him again. In that moment, that fierce longing surged within him again, one he fought to suppress. Ignoring the tumult of emotions, he removed his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. It was cold outside and she seemed too frail to him.
"Will you stop at nothing?" he inquired abruptly.
"What do you mean?" she replied, her voice tinged with confusion.
"You intend to journey to Sereath at any cost, do you not?" he pressed, his eyes searching hers for the truth.
"Indeed," she affirmed with unwavering determination.
"But His Majesty remains opposed? Though he has shown kindness, he may yet attempt to restrain you by whatever means he can. He is not one to rethink his decisions—not even if one were to plead with him a thousand times. Of that, I am quite certain."
"I don't care," she responded. She met his gaze and declared, "I shall go forward, regardless of the consequences. I believe this is something I must do, and I will find a way to see it through. I do not fear the power of His Majesty—for it is integrity and strength that truly define a person, not rank or authority. His Majesty may not choose to rethink his decision, but that changes nothing for me. Please, Your Highness, do not attempt to persuade me. My mind is already made up, and I know the path I must take."
"Integrity and strength is what defines a person." John smiled as he repeated her words.
"Very well," he said after a thoughtful pause. He took her hand and raised it gently to his lips, adhering to the time's etiquette of honoring a lady. His lips lingered on her skin, warmth igniting a fire within him as he lingered a bit too long finding it hard move away. But he forced himself and stepped back.
"My lady, never lose that spirit of yours. It is what renders you truly beautiful. Have you already completed the plasma treatment development?" he declared, his tone filled with admiration.
"Yes. But why do you inquire?" she asked, a note of caution creeping into her voice.
"Fear not; my intentions are pure. I wish only to assist you. Strive to summarize your work swiftly, and in the meantime, I shall endeavor to persuade the court's minister of the necessity of your journey to Sereath. If His Majesty has denied you, do not act in haste. Allow me to gather allies, and I shall apply pressure to secure your passage. Even if he is the King he can't dimiss the royal court."
Mey regarded him intently, seeking to decipher the sincerity of his expression. All she found was honesty. Why was he suddenly advocating for her when he had always adhered to the rigid protocols? He had been a staunch enforcer of the rules. What had shifted within him?
"Why would you champion my cause?" she finally asked, her voice laced with disbelief.
"Because," John replied, his voice steady, "you are right. His Majesty has lost sight of his priorities. His actions stem from personal biases. Moreover..." He hesitated for a moment, then continued with conviction, "just like you said a person must live with purpose. To follow one's own path, unrestrained—that is how life ought to be lived. I just… Its just that you inspired me."
Mey remained silent, absorbing his sentiments. John urged, gesturing toward the labs. "Go and prove yourself. This time I'll stand on your side, believe me." Mey turned in the direction he indicated, understanding the sincerity of his encouragement. Overwhelmed with gratitude, she grasped his hands in hers.
"Thank you so very much, Your Highness. I vow you shall not regret placing your trust in me," she declared, bowing gracefully before hastily departing.
John stood there, watching her retreating figure as she moved farther and farther. The warmth of her grasp lingered in his hands, and he sighed, shaking his head slightly. Was this decision to go after his impulsive emotion correct?