The Price of Happiness: A Strong Woman in the Middle Ages (A Medieval Tale Book 5)

by Lina J. Potter

  Lily nearly howled in desperation. The last thing that should be done to an ulcer of this kind was to put a balm on it. The bacteria under it thrived and flourished. She didn’t yet know what type of ulcer it was.

  “Tahir,” called Lily. He was carefully removing the leeches. He rubbed the skin with alcohol and turned around. “We need to properly wash the wound.”

  “Yes, it’s hard to diagnose at the moment,” agreed the man sadly. “Your Majesty, with your permission.”

  Gardwig indignantly raised his eyebrows.

  “Isn’t it obvious that it’s an ulcer?”

  “It is, Your Majesty. I apologize terribly if what I’m going to say annoys you, but any illness has its cause. Your ulcer appeared for a reason, and we are currently trying to establish it. May Your Majesty be kind enough to tolerate our examination?”

  “I may,” nodded Gardwig. Although he was angry and his leg hurt, there was something about these two that inspired his confidence. Every king had to be a good psychologist. He could see that Lily wasn’t merely a student of Tahir. At best, they were equals. At worst, the countess was in charge. Tahir seemed to also know a lot. Despite all the Khangan customs, he followed all her orders without question. There was something in the way he looked at her, something akin to deep respect. Their curious partnership was a worthy sight. Besides, they were the first among many who weren’t blindly complacent and didn’t claim that they could cure any disease. They were realistic about things. The Khangan seemed to be slightly afraid of failure, but the countess remained undisturbed. She cast a quick glance at the jar with leeches and made a grimace of disgust.

  “Dear medicus, how did you catch these creatures?”

  “With the pig!” the man was offended. Lily sighed with relief.

  “I don’t like them, although they are very good for healing wounds. You’ve only ever used them on His Majesty, am I right?”

  “Of course!”

  The medicus wasn’t lying. Lily sighed with relief.

  A blood infection is the last thing we need!

  “You can help if you want,” Lily said in a simple voice. The man snorted but didn’t leave. He got closer and watched. Lily asked for His Majesty’s consent. She put on a sterile shirt with straps on her back, helped Tahir to put on another one, moved her hair under a headscarf and set to work. Tahir, who had recently shaved off his beard for hygiene reasons, assisted her confidently. He passed the instruments and helped to clear the wound.

  Although he was given an anesthetic, Gardwig was still pale and green. He gritted his teeth in pain. Lily cleared the ulcer. She did it slowly and with confidence, just the way they taught them to treat purulent wounds in college. She would give half the kingdom for furacilin. Finally, she managed to get rid of the upper layer and sniffed it, trying to identify a distinctive smell. The smell of gangrene was impossible to confuse with anything else. But no, it’s not gangrene. What is it then? The ulcer was thoroughly washed with calendula tincture. Afterward, the doctors put a sea salt compress on the wound and began questioning Gardwig.

  Although they used the most eloquent figures of speech, they sucked his energy no worse than leeches. Half an hour later, Lily sighed in relief. Thank god, it wasn’t diabetes or varicose, which would leave her no chance to cure him. The matter was far simpler. A few years earlier, Gardwig had gotten a wolf bite on his leg. It was well-deserved, in Lily’s opinion. He shouldn't have poked animals with sharp objects for fun. That was different than killing animals for food. The king, however, simply did it for amusement. As a result, he got what he deserved. Wolf bites were a dangerous thing. The wolf managed to dig his teeth into the limb and tear it apart. Considering that wolves did not brush their teeth, the wound got infected.

  At least the wolf wasn’t mad, otherwise so much for Gardwig! The man seemed to have a brilliant immune system. It seemed that the medicuses hadn’t cured the wound properly. It was likely that the wound had something left in it. The beast could have broken his tooth against the bone. The local medicuses didn’t even think to check. There was no odor and eventually, the wound healed over. Sweet, thought the doctors. Only later, after half a year of a merry life, the first ulcer opened up in its place. Everyone panicked. Nobody thought to link it to the wolf story and identify the ulcer as post-traumatic.

  At first, the ulcer was small but deep. It was healed again. After another half a year, it grew deeper and more disgusting. The wound closed up for as long as the immune system could process the ingenious remedies. Once the immune system weakened, things got worse.

  No one was going to explain this to Gardwig. His misfortune was his vile character and well-spoken doctors. Nobody dared to argue with him. He led an unhealthy lifestyle. The medicuses tried to heal him with all folk remedies, right up to using the urine of a pregnant mare. The result was disastrous. Instead of opening the wound, making a drainage, and waiting for scarring as was required, they tried to soothe his pain and make the ulcer look less inflamed on the surface. And so the ulcer grew.

  How is he still alive? While Lily tried to figure out the way to put it to Gardwig, Tahir spoke out.

  “Your Majesty.”

  Why not? Gardwig is more likely to follow recommendations of the respectful Khangan, thought Lily.

  Tahir explained that the ulcer was possible to treat and cure. The process was long and costly. The king shouldn't neglect it. He had to forget about hunting, walk around with a cane and follow a daily regimen. Alcohol and other harmful foods had to be excluded. Tahir put it so eloquently, with so much respect, that even the vilest of kings wouldn’t have found fault in his words. Lily only shook her head. She wasn't strong in diplomacy. Gardwig contemplated everything and decided to try their treatment. It would last a year.

  A year is not so long. At least these two are telling me something new. The rest of them do nothing but shake from fear and feed me promises. My ulcer is getting worse and worse. I cannot afford to die now. My children are still too young.

  Lily and Tahir exchanged glances, and the Khangan began persuading Gardwig. He said that he wanted to either stay or teach his medicus how to go about the treatment. They agreed on a compromise. Once a day, Tahir would come with ointments, sterile bandages, and tinctures and watch how the medicus carried out the procedure. From time to time, the countess would also come with him. Tahir insisted on taking the medicus away for a little briefing.

  Gardwig felt easier with painkillers, lotions, and competent dressing. Therefore, he agreed to send his medicus for a lesson in medicine.

  ***

  Lily and Tahir dragged the royal medicus out of the king’s chamber almost by force. They went to the park and sat on the nearest bench. They could finally breathe freely.

  “Phew! Tahir, praise Aldonai that there wasn't any green discharge. The king has a wonderful immune system!”

  “I also got scared at the beginning. Lilian, how long do you think the treatment will last?”

  “Around a year, or even longer.”

  The medicus from Wellster listened. The two doctors discussed the king’s treatment in a matter-of-fact tone. They seemed to know exactly what they were talking about. The medicus, on the other hand, was often half-guessing. He genuinely believed the ulcer was caused by internal poisoning of skin juices and bad blood. He now learned that his assumption was faulty.

  Do they possess some new kind of knowledge? Perhaps the Khangan knows a lot. It was he who spoke, whereas the countess merely tended the wound.

  The main trouble with people was a lack of desire to learn. The reason for it could be arrogance, self-admiration, self-confidence, or mere stupidity. Without the desire to learn, there would have been no new knowledge. Yet, the medicus from Wellster was eager to learn. The man bowed to Tahir.

  “Dearest––”

  “Tahir Djiaman din Dashar,” Tahir introduced himself.

  “My pleasure. I am doctor Leonard Libertius. Would you care to explain to me what happened to His Majesty and ho
w to treat him?” Lily and Tahir exchanged glances. The Khangan began explaining in simple language. He could do it better than Lilian, who always switched to her medical jargon out of habit. Tahir, on the other hand, explained it the way he understood it himself. The lecture lasted about an hour. The medicus from Wellster listened with his mouth and his eyes wide open.

  He didn’t care about his pride. His only wish was to cure the king. Those medicuses who were dismissed from their jobs could count themselves lucky. The others were hanged. Leonard didn’t want to leave Wellster or die. To cure the king, he would even follow Maldonaya if he had to.

  The difference between a good doctor and a bad doctor was the ability to admit to a mistake. It had been half a year since Leonard became His Majesty’s medicus, and he realized that his treatment wasn’t helping. On the contrary, the ulcer had become even bigger. It wasn’t in his powers to heal it.

  If these two think they know how to cure the king, let them teach me. They look like they don’t mind sharing their knowledge. If something goes wrong, I can blame it on them. All of us are mortal, after all.

  ***

  Both Tahir and Lily could read these thoughts on the medicus’ face yet they didn’t want to sit by Gardwig all day. Their own king and his neuralgia caused them enough trouble already. On top of everything, Edward often complained about his spine and the aching in his liver.

  Leave Leonard to treat his own king. If he follows our medical advice, it will be more than enough. Either way, it cannot get worse. Treating ulcers with leeches isn’t the best idea. They are more effective against other illnesses. Although maybe they did help a little…

  Some people hated mice or spiders. Lily had a real bee in her bonnet about leeches.

  ***

  “Your Majesty!”

  “Leir Hans!” Lily was sincerely happy to see Hans.

  When the royal representative wanted to see someone, he always got his way. He and Lilian crossed each other’s paths somewhere in between Taral and Laveri.

  “I'm glad to see you, Lilian,” said Hans with a hint of hesitation.

  “You know that you can always call me Lilian.”

  “What does your husband think about that?”

  Lidarh caught up with Hans’ stallion. The horses glanced at each other but remained calm and continued walking side by side. Their owners also exchanged glances and continued talking without smiling.

  “I hope he will understand me correctly and won’t stand between our friendship.”

  Hans nodded. It wasn’t a good idea to mention that Jerisson Earton didn’t believe in friendship between a man and a woman. In his opinion, the only thing a man and a woman could share was a bed.

  “Lilian, you can always count on me, you know that.”

  The answer was a grateful smile.

  “I don’t love my husband. But I don't know what to do next.”

  “Is that so, My Lady?”

  “I can run out the clock. But what’s the use of it?”

  “Sometimes time is our everything.”

  “Hans, I feel like I'm being mean. I took everything Jerisson Earton offered me, but I don’t want to pay my dues.”

  “What do you mean by your dues? Repeated attempts on your life?” the man innocently suggested.

  “You understand what I’m talking about. My name, my title, money—”

  “No, I’m afraid I don’t. Your name? Yes, it helped you to get noticed and heard. Surely, you don’t need me to tell you that had you remained Lilian Broklend you would have still achieved the same heights? Your name and your title aren’t worth very much. As for money, it gives you a certain freedom, but it is your own dowry. Where did you think Etor got his from?”

  “Ah, I see now!”

  “Slave-trading doesn’t earn that much. You achieved a lot by yourself. You can thank Jerisson for your daughter. However, would Mirrie have loved you if it wasn’t for your personality?”

  “I doubt it.”

  “You don't owe him as much as you think you do. Don’t blame yourself for anything.”

  “I do blame myself!” Lily looked solemn. Her sad eyes touched Hans’ soul. “If something happens to Jerisson because of me, I will never forgive myself.”

  If something happens, you won’t even know, thought Hans, but didn’t say anything.

  “Everything that happens or doesn’t happen to Jess is entirely his own fault.”

  “I wish it was that simple!”

  The man and the woman rode side by side, accompanied by the Virmans who tactfully slowed down their horses’ pace and rode behind. Both of them were silent. Sometimes, words weren't needed. The silence made the bond between them stronger than a blood oath.

  ***

  “Uncle, my wife is so sweet, but it’s impossible to get hold of her!”

  “Perhaps you don’t try hard enough.” Edward was evidently mocking Jess. “Only today, she managed to visit Taral, my palace, the embassy of Wellster…and that is not everything.”

  “I understand why she drops with fatigue every evening.”

  Edward snorted.

  “Doesn’t she fall into your arms?”

  “No,” uttered Jerisson with grief.

  “Who warms her up at night then?”

  “Miranda, Lou-Lou, Nanook and two ferrets. This menagerie seems quite comfortable in my wife’s bed.”

  Edward laughed heartily.

  “If I were you, I would be jealous of the ferrets. Women love fluffy little creatures.”

  “I know. I am too big for her.”

  “Your daughter will also grow up soon. By the way, Prince Amir spoke to me about her.”

  “And?” Jerisson was clueless.

  “He asks to marry your daughter.”

  “Never!” shouted Jerisson.

  Edward raised his eyebrows in surprise.

  “Why not?”

  “He is a pagan!”

  “He’s already announced that he is ready to accept our faith in Aldonai for the sake of Miranda. He would even allow our missionaries to enter the Khanganat. The aldon is very happy about it.”

  Edward didn’t mention Amir’s cunning smile during his passionate speech. In reality, the Khangans cared nothing about who their ruler believed in. Amir wasn’t going to build churches in the Khanganat and forcibly convert his people. He only promised to let the aldons enter the Khangan lands.

  They could preach if they wanted to, only who would listen? First and foremost, I believe in the Heavenly Mare. I don’t know her stableman. It’s a question of philosophy, and I will leave it to the priests.

  The Khangans didn’t choose their crown prince by religion. They selected the ruler by wisdom, connections, and power to keep the country together. The ordinary people didn’t care about what happened outside of their own country.

  “I think we need to strengthen our relationship with the Khanganat.”

  “But why Miranda?”

  “Because the prince has chosen her himself. If he chose Angelina or Joliette, I wouldn't say a word against it.”

  “My daughter is still too young!”

  “Precisely. Therefore, we will arrange for an engagement. The wedding itself wouldn’t happen earlier than seven years from now. Amir himself said so.”

  The king’s words only increased Jess’s fears.

  “Is it common for them to have several wives?”

  “Miranda will be his first and only wife.”

  “What about the concubines?”

  Edward’s gaze was openly malignant.

  “Am I really hearing this from the man who visited every lady of the court with his banner raised and his trousers lowered?”

  Jerisson cast down his eyes. Edward continued adding insult to injury.

  “If polygamy was allowed in our kingdom, you would have certainly gotten yourself a dozen wives. Without a doubt. Good luck chasing ferrets!”

  “Uncle!”

  “Not everything is entirely your fault. Nevertheless,
you are the one to sort everything out. I pity you.”

  Jess sighed, realizing that he had no choice.

  “Uncle, may I speak to Prince Amir?”

  “You may. Bear in mind that I’m interested in establishing a close relationship with the Khanganat. It would be good for Richard to marry Anna. Our tripartite union will destroy the pirates from Loris and trade will get going. Gardwig is annoyed about the salt, but if Tahir cures him, it will make him more tolerant. Besides, we wouldn’t be able to produce in such large quantities. We would have to be buying it for some time anyway. It will give them enough time to sort their produce.”

  Jess shrugged.

  “There is no escape from politics.”

  “That’s right. You should stay in the palace for the night and check that the guards are in order. The Iverneans come tomorrow. They are already near the capital.”

  “Your Majesty, but I wanted to—”

  “You can see your wife tomorrow. She comes to see me every day. I must say that I feel sorry for you and envy you at the same time. I wish I was twenty years younger.”

  “What about my aunt?”

  “I loved Jessamine,” confessed Edward with sincerity. “People admire women like your wife. She is clever and useful. Think about how much she can do for the capital!”

  “Are you suggesting that I should settle for being a sponge?”

  “Certainly not. What an idiot!” Edward rubbed his temples. “Not a sponge, but a husband who leaves the business to his wife because she does it better.”

  “What would people say?”

  “Go and think about it!” Edward said forcefully.

  Jerisson sprang to his feet, bowed, and left the king’s study. His mood was worse than ever. His daughter was given in marriage, he wouldn’t get to see his wife, and he’d been given a job for the night.

  He would make sure his guards got their fill of cake. Jess needed to take his anger out on somebody.

  I will kill everyone right now!

  Chapter Five

  Princess’ fickle game