I couldn’t see anything because it was pitch black. I’ve been running nonstop. I tried to yell, but my voice wouldn’t come out; instead, I heard someone crying. 

 

“Why do you do that, Mother?” The voice said

 

It was a young girl’s voice. I scream at the top of my lungs, “W-who are you?!” but there is no response. “Help me please,” she begs in agony. “Where are you?! ” I scream as I keep running. 

 

“Here,” a whisper comes from behind my ears, and as I open my eyes, I realise it was just a nightmare. I am back in my bedroom, drenched in cold sweat. 

 

Taking a breath, I sit up. It was already morning since I can hear birds chirping outside my window, yet the dream felt so real that I shuddered.

 

Emma then entered my room carrying a pitcher of water and a basin. She said, “Good morning my lady.” I grinned and responded, “G-good morning.” She assisted me in getting ready for the day. I was quite exhausted, “Is everything okay?” concerned Emma.

 

I admitted, “Yes, I’m simply tired.”

 

“Oh.. dear.. why don’t you just rest?” she suggested. “No.. I am fine,” I replied, “it is a very important day today.”

 

I reminded myself that today is the day I will officially attend a royal court meeting.

 

Aimery came by to tell me that the meeting would begin soon, and he escorted me to the royal court hall; it wasn’t the first time I’d visited the hall; the last time I came here as a verdict and accused of breaking a royal oath, and now as I walked with my head held high, But when I saw King Baldwin sitting on his throne in the centre hall, I felt embarrassed again; he gave me a slight nod as I quickly walked beside Aimery.

 

The royal court hall is packed with royal knights from other noble families, patriarchs from various households, Sir Omar, Sir Roger, and some clergymen. Uncle William is correct; I am the only female in the hall, which is why they stared at me the moment I walked in.

 

Then there is the sound of a trumpet, indicating that the Royal Court meeting is about to begin. The meeting began with Aimery, the chamberlain to his majesty, reporting the status of the royal household, and was followed by Sir Roger, the grand master of the Knight Hospitaller, who shared a report of casualties from the previous war as well as the need for more men to join the knights in case Saladin struck back. The royal court session lasted at least two hours. long discussion about the preparation of the upcoming crusade.

 

Even though I was in the army, I was never a fan of war, and seeing these guys discuss and argue about mediaeval crusades exhausts me. I was dozing off and slowly closing my eyes to sleep when Sir Omar caught my head and surprised me, “I- I am sorry,” I said.

 

“You appear tired,” Omar said curtly.

 

“y-yes.. I wasn’t able to get a goodnight sleep.. that’s all,” I said as I tried to smile at him. “you.. you don’t like listening to this subject?” he inquired.

 

“Well, it’s not my cup of tea,” I explained.

 

“You should pay attention, because after this topic, our division will be the next one to discuss, because in addition to the king’s health, we also oversee the health of the crusaders,” he explained.

 

“Oh… well, I’ll try to listen,” I say.

 

“hmm… I know you chose to be a part of his highness royal court to help him, but let me also tell you that it is our duty to oversee the health of his people, he is Jerusalem, and his people are his first priority, that is the type of king he is,” Omar explained.

 

I realised how self-centered I had been; I was always thinking about gaining independence, but I had no idea King Baldwin was always thinking about his people before himself.

 

“I’m sorry,” I said, looking down. “Now I realise how selfish and thick-skinned I am.”

 

“I didn’t mean that… I just wanted to let you know how our king felt… but at the very least you realise something… that’s a good thing,” Omar said as he smiled at me.

 

Following the discussion of warfare, Omar stepped in to provide reports about King Baldwin’s loyal subjects, which the economic growth of his Kingdom prospered greatly and there were no problems with his subjects’ livelihood except the numbers of mortality for both noble and peasant increased due to plague. “the increase in death was already alarming, sire, and this must be addressed as soon as possible.”

 

“What can we do? I can’t let my people suffer,” King Baldwin said. “I proposed that we embark on this matter first, before considering another crusade.”

 

I admire him for being a truly dignified and loving King to his people. I smile as I look at him. Hearing King Baldwin’s Opinion, the Courtroom was filled with murmurs.

 

“But your Highness, Where we are going to get the funds for these plague? we are still in need to raise funds for the arms and weapons that we need for the next crusades. As the head of all of the noble families here, we can assure you that the nobles will take care of their family members affected by this disease,” Duke Bernard of Ridefort said. “We can send them to a treatment home to help them recover,” he added.

 

“My Lord, what about the commoners?” Omar inquired.

 

“They are mere peasants! who have made no contribution to this society, why should we worry about them? If they live, they live; if they die, they die; it is their fault that we always have this plague, it is their fault,” he sneered.

 

“The duke is right! If they wanted to be cured, we should raise their taxes; we cannot spend another coin for them!” interjects the other noble.

 

The crowd’s whispers grow louder as they all agree on the Duke’s plan.

 

“Because of them? how vexing,” I said as I stood up and confronted him.

 

“What is this lady blabbering about?” he snickers.

 

“How can you be so foolish for a man of your noble status, like yourself?” I smirked.

 

“How dare you!” he exclaimed.

 

“No! how dare you!” I exclaimed.

 

“Those mere peasants are his highness loyal subjects, they are the same as all of you, what distinguishes them? is it because they are not of noble blood? is it because they are not as educated as you are?” I smirked. “If that’s the case, then you’re the plague, not those poor people.”

 

“Lady Philippa! know your place,” Archbishop of Henry said, “as the head of the church, I say Duke Bernard is absolutely right there is nothing we can do for those peasants, your grace the plague always happens every year and those lowly peasants are to blame! it is because they are the carrier of this ailment. it is punishment from god for their sins, they are being condemned and this is for the best.”

 

What a selfish motherfucking bastard, I thought.

 

“Are you kidding me? God’s punishment? And you call them a plague? Clearly God will not be pleased to hear you, priest,” I scoff.

 

Archbishop Henry was enraged when he heard my response to him, and he grabbed my arms tightly, yelling, “Sinner!!”

 

It hurt’s… King Baldwin, without hesitation, pushes him away from me and shields me from him, much to his Eminence’s surprise.

 

“That Girl!” he screamed, “is a sinner, my King!”

 

“Enough!!!” King Baldwin yelled angrily; I never expected to hear him yell; he is usually calm and soft spoken.

 

“I warned you, touch her, and I’ll forget your God’s servant,” he stated coldly.

 

“But,” he added.

 

“No more! I will no longer listen to you! Roger, accompany his eminence out!”

 

“Yes, My King,” Sir Roger replied.

 

The court hall was silent as Archbishop Henry was escorted outside the royal hall.

 

“My king,” I say as I kneel, “I’m sorry if I spoke out of place, but I never regret anything, and what I say is my truth, and you will be the judge of it.”

 

“You don’t need to apologise My lady, I want to thank you for sticking by my people and for that you may have gratitude,” King Baldwin said as he kneeled down and raised my chin.

 

“Do you have any ideas to help those commoners, my lady?” Baldwin asked, as the entire court looked at me.

 

“Actually, I do,” I asserted confidently.

 

“Listen, people’s poor sanitation and a lack of clean water sources are the root causes of the plague; I personally saw a contaminated main water source,” I explained.

 

“The only way to eradicate the plague is to construct a cesspit away from the main water source, filter and cure the water, and allow people to practise sanitary conditions.”

 

“How will you be able to do all of this?” Duke Bernard inquires, and the court begins to murmur.

 

“I need a master mason for the cesspit, and I already have a water filter system that I can share with the town people so you don’t have to worry about that, and I can also visit the town people and teach them proper sanitation.”

 

Duke Bernard appears dissatisfied, but he is at a loss for words.

 

“I believe in you, my lady,” declared King Baldwin. “Everyone, listen, I want to focus on this situation, and I need your complete participation,” he demanded.

 

“My lady, my people’s faith is in your hands; if you require anything, please let me know,” he said.

 

“Yes…there is one thing I need to ask you.”

 

I invited him to accompany me to the town centre to inspect the water source and to see his people on the outskirts of town. He was astounded by their living conditions. Their predicament had deteriorated.

 

Baldwin was saddened to witness their plight: “I never knew that my people lived like this.”

 

“It’s not your fault… you care about your people, and they knew…”

 

He sat silently with me in the carriage, and I could tell he was still bothered, so I touched his hands and reassured him, “Everything will be fine.”

 

When we stepped out of the carriage, the people were surprised to see him and said, “It’s the King,” as they bowed to the ground.

 

“My good people! please stand up, we are here to help you as I have brought my people from the castle to help and support you, we humbly request your joint efforts,” Baldwin said.

 

“We thought you had forgotten us, my King,” an elderly man said.

 

” I am sorry… if you felt that way, my good sir… but I assure you that I will never abandon you… you people are my priority and the very reason why I still stand as your King… ” Baldwin continued, adding, ” and I am here to help each and every one of you.”

 

The crowd slowly stands up and whispers. “What can we do for you, My King?” one of the townspeople inquired.

 

“We need strong men who can work hard to dig a new cesspit,” I explained.

 

“I can do it!” exclaimed one volunteer, “and so can I!” exclaimed the other. More volunteers stepped forward.

 

We began the Cesspit operation immediately, and the King personally oversaw it. I assist in the examination of people who have become ill as a result of the plague. The majority of their symptoms include fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, and agitation. If I’m correct, these are symptoms of Cholera, which is contracted through contaminated water.

 

Many people have already died as a result of this disease, and I need to do something about it. Omar and I were in charge of providing initial care to the patients. while I directed Abu to assist with the installation of Water Filters in every household

 

We set up a small hut for all patients infected with the disease. It was a difficult two days, but we were able to get through it because we worked together.

 

“Merci, Milady,” one of the patients said, smiling, “just take a rest…” I replied, smiling back.

 

A little girl approached me as she pulled my skirt “Milady?” I kneeled down to her height “yes… how can I help you?” I asked, smiling.

 

“milady… my sister… please help her,” she began to cry. “It’s okay.. tell me what happened?” I wiped her tears away.

 

“My sister is very ill.. she keeps throwing up… she can’t even stand.. I tried dragging her but she is heavy.. she has also been defecating water like stool.”

 

“What is your name?” I inquired. 

 

“Bella,” she replied.

 

“That’s a lovely name… how old are you?” 

 

“six… ” she replied, her eyes welling up with tears.

 

“Tell me, how many days has your sister been sick?” I asked as I caressed her dirty yet red cheeks.

 

“It began yesterday morning,” she explained.

 

“Dry your tears, I’ll help your sister… can you show me where you live?” I inquired.

 

I went with Bella to see her sister with Abu and tell Emma that if Omar is looking for me, tell him I went to this little girls house. Bella’s house is located outside of the Town village; it is a small barn house with broken doors, and like any other house in this village, it emits a horrible stench from the cesspit. As I entered her one-room house, it was dim and rustic.

 

“What a sight… the horse stable is much nicer,” Abu exclaimed as he looked around. “Shut it…” I whisper to him.

 

“What?” he inquired, his voice low.

 

Bella took my hands and led them to her sister, who was lying in a haystack with a dirty rag for a blanket. She was frail and pale, with protruding eyes. She is extremely dehydrated. I immediately check on her; she has a high fever.

 

I told Abu to get everything ready and to get me some warm water. Fortunately, months ago, after my body made contact with Dysentry, I developed a prototype antibiotic. that I am now using with other patients For her dehydration, I prepared an oral hydrate solution of sugar, salt, and boiled filter water and gave it to her.

 

” Will she be alright?” Bella asks. “Please.. don’t let her die…I don’t want to be alone,” she sobs.

 

“Of course, I will not let anything bad happen to her,” I assure her as I pat her little head. “How old is she?” I inquire.

 

“14,” she replied quickly, “what is her name?” I inquired.

 

“Mary,” she said.

 

“Where are your mother and father?” I inquired.

 

“Father died last year due to the plague, then mother married another but died shortly after,” Bella said as she looked down.

 

“Oh… my…I’m sorry to hear that… it’s just you, your sister, and your stepfather”

 

She nods quietly.

 

“You know what, you are a brave young girl.. your sister is very lucky to have you,” I said as I smiled at her to cheer her up.

 

“Where is he, your stepfather?” I inquired.

 

“I’m not sure… maybe out drinking…” she replied.

 

Oh dear… Her stepfather is a typical good for nothing drunkyard stepfather. What a shame she’s only a child… I thought to myself as I sighed.

 

“listen… I promise to help your sister, so don’t worry. everything will be fine,” I said , and she slowly nodded.

 

We changed Mary’s bedding and even her blanket to a clean and warm blanket, and I ordered Abu to clean the house and send some mason to fix the broken door and window. I also made an arrangement with some male villagers to build a cesspit away from Bella’s house, to which they agreed.

 

A drunk man enters the house a few moments later, “who are ye?” He inquired as I hid Bella behind me.

 

“You must be Gustav, their stepfather,” I speculated.

 

“Aye,” he said as he teetered closer to us.

 

“How could you leave these children alone and sick while you were out drinking?” I confronted him.

 

“What are you doing?” enquired Abu, who appeared nervous in the presence of the large muscular Gustav.

 

“nothing.. just speaking my mind ” 

 

“You do realise we have bones that are actually like twigs that he can snap whenever he wants,” Abu said quietly.

 

“Hush,” I told Abu.

 

“aye.. but you don’t have the right to tell me what to do with those girls! and now who let you into my house…?!” Gustav snarled.

 

“I’m sorry… step f-father… but Mary is sick, so I’m asking her ladyship for help,” Bella, trembling in fear, said.

 

“I told you! don’t bring any useless visitors into my house!!!!” he yells as Bella hides behind me, crying.

 

“My good sir! There is no need to yell at the child! We are simply trying to help your step daughters! Mary, she could die any minute, without any help,” I defended the children.

 

“heh! I don’t care what happens to them! they aren’t even my blood, if she dies, she dies, it’s better that way, at least I have less mouth to feed,” he grunted.

 

“How could you? They are still your children, even if they are not your blood!” I respond.

 

“You married their mother and took on the responsibility of raising them! Don’t you dare tell me that these children are not yours!” I added.

 

“m-my lady… I think it’s better if you don’t make him angry, we’re basically in his house,” Abu says, trying to pull my arms away from charging at Gustav.

 

“heh! what ever happens to them, it’s not your concern lady! I hold there very life you see,” he smirked, “but I see that you are a fine young lady and I like feisty woman like you.. how about we agree that I will let you take away these slobs if you are willing to accompany me tonight.. aye.. what do you say?” he said, touching my chins and pulling my waist towards him.

 

I felt nothing but disgust when I smelled his bad alcohol breath coming towards me. “Unhand me or you will pay the consiquence,” I warned him as I tried to flee his sexual advances, but he was too strong as he tried to kiss me.

 

But I was surprised to see the terrified Abu smash the broom stick on Gustav’s head, saying, “unhand my lady! you monster!” Finally, letting go of his arms and being thrown on the floor, the broom stick snapping into two, he ragefully looked Abu and smacked him hard in the face. Abu was thrown into a corner, knocking him unconscious.

 

Bella began to cry when she saw Abu with a bloody nose and was unconscious. 

 

“Abu!” I scream as I rush towards him, “you!!! animal!!” In my rage, I ran towards him and punched him in the face with all of my strength.

 

But he remained standing, smirking at me, advancing towards me with his lustful gaze, and I began to tremble as I realised the vast difference in our strength and size. I can’t blame this body for its shortcomings because Philippa’s body is weak and fragile to begin with. I needed to do something or else I’d be done for.

 

I looked around and picked up the broken broom yelling, “s-stay back! I’m warning you!”

 

“heh.. go ahead little lady do it… no one will hear your scream.”

 

Earlier that day

 

While the Lady and Omar were busy with the people who were struck by the plaque, I personally oversaw the re-construction of the well and Lady Philippa’s water filter idea. It was a two-day hard work for all of us. She was right; not everyone in my Kingdom was prospering, and as their King, I needed to pay more attention to my loyal subjects.

 

“Your highness, the water filter is nearly finished, and we will be able to finish it before noon,” Aimery stated.

 

“Well done,” I said, but with all of this work, I was exhausted. 

 

“Aimery, is Lady Philippa still in the bedehouse?”

 

“I believe so, your grace,” Aimery says.

 

” I want to pay her a visit.”

 

“but…it would be risky, your grace for your health and well-being, the bedehouse is full of sick and contaminated people, I cannot allow you to go near there,” Aimery explained.

 

“But… I really need to see her…. “

 

“For what reason, your highness, did you wish to see Lady Philippa?” Aimery inquired.

 

“Well… ” I said, placing my hand at my nape, wanting to see her… Her smile gives me a warm feeling… I was thinking to myself as I pictured her bright smile.

 

“Well?” aimery continues.

 

“You see, I promised her that I would teach her horseback riding, and with everything going on, I couldn’t tell her that we would have to cease,” I explained.

 

“Oh.. so you’re concerned about the promise you made to her,” he explained.

 

“Yes… ” I nod quietly.

 

“Alright, I will escort you your highness, but only for a short time; I will not allow you to stay there for a long period of time,” Aimery said.

 

“Of course,” I chuckle.

 

As I mount my horse and march to see Lady Philippa, I have no idea what danger awaits her…

 

Meanwhile at the Bedehouse, Omar’s POV :

 

” Emma, have you seen Lady Philippa?” I inquired as she attended to one of the sick people.

 

“Oh, yes, her Ladyship went to Bella’s house just outside the village,” she explained.

 

” Bella?” I asked

 

“She is a little girl from this village, and her sister appears to be sick, just like the ones we have here, so our lady went to pay them a visit and help,” she explains.

 

“She shouldn’t wander around in strange places; danger can strike at any time,” I advised.

 

“Don’t worry, Lord Omar; she’s with Abu, and everything will be fine,” Emma said with a smile.

 

“What can that twig do?” I sighed, “I will go and find her, she needs any help she can get.” As I was about to leave, one of the knights came in, reporting that the King was outside the bedehouse.

 

He should have known better that this was not the place for him, especially since he is prone to illness due to his fragile health. I say to myself

 

“Tell his highness that I will go outside and meet him,” I told the knight, turning to Emma, “please look after the sick villagers, I will speak to his highness first and then go find Lady Phillipa, if anything happens, let a knight go after me.”

 

“Yes, my lord,” she said.

 

I saw His Highness King Baldwin on his horse as I stepped outside the Bedehouse.

 

“My King,” I say as I kneel.

 

“Good day, Omar… ” greeted King Baldwin. “Is everything all right here?” he inquired.

 

“Yes, my king… Everything is fine… We have stopped the increase in deaths in the village, and thanks to Lady Philippa’s well-made medicine, we have helped the villager a lot,” I explained.

 

“That’s great to hear,” he says.

 

“But, my King, may I inquire as to the reason for your unexpected visit?” I inquired.

 

“Well, I just want to know if everything is alright,” he said.

 

“You shouldn’t have come here, you are well aware that your health is more fragile than anyone else’s, you could have just let Aimery come by instead,” I sigh as I glare at Aimery as he turns away his gaze.

 

” It is not his fault, I insist on going, I just wanted to see Lady Philippa and apologised to her for not keeping my promise,” King Baldwin explained.

 

“Her ladyship is not here; she went to one of the villagers’ house to help a sick person just outside this village wall; I’m about to go there and see what’s going on,” I explained.

 

“Then let me accompany you,” he said.

 

“But…” just as I was about to finish my sentence, a little girl’s scream can be heard running towards us, pleading for help.

 

“Please! somebody help us!!!” she screams, running frantically.

 

As she ran towards us, she collapsed and wept; I ran towards her and helped her stand up; and King Baldwin dismounted from his horse and approached the little girl. “Can you tell me what happened?”

 

“Her ladyship…L-lady Philippa… please s-save her,” she sobs.

 

“Lady Philippa,” King Baldwin muttered, “assemble the knights!!!” He demanded, “tell me where she is?”

 

“Her ladyship is in our home; I will lead the way,” she explained. The young girl was carried by King Baldwin as he hurriedly mounted his horse and departed. as I mount my horse and ride along with them.