Chapter 107: the medicine

I walked fast and covered all the files with silver parchments so that no one would realize what I was reading. I don't want Killian and her headmistress to know that I had called them here to keep an eye on their behaviour.

"Your highness, the physician had given this medicine to you," said Daisy, bringing a cup filled with brown liquid. Its smell was like rotten eggs.

"In no condition, would I drink this, I am fine, just take it away from the room," I ordered and she bit her lips.

"Do you have a hearing problem now, Daisy?" I snapped, the smell was so strong it was making me nauseous.

"What happened mother, why are you getting angry.'' Killian furrowed his brows as he too looked around to know the source of the smell. His eyes fell on the cup and then me.

"You are not taking medicine," he stated rather than asking and I narrowed my eyes on him.

"You were also the one making faces, now don't be so strict on your old mother,'' I said, making a pitiful face and he bit his lips.

"It could not be that bad, at least try mother, come let's take a sip first, you want to get healed, right.'' He coaxed me like a father does to his daughter, and I wanted to accept it, but I was sure it would taste awful.

"I would be fine without it too, I promise," I said and he looked at me as if I was a fool.

"Your highness, sir Ian is here," said Kate, saving me from the crisis.

"Let him in," I replied, waving a hand at Daisy to take the medicine back, she finally walked out from there, bowing her head.

"Your highness, I hope you are better now." he greeted and I nodded.

"You are not here to only greet me, are you, Ian," I said looking at the box he had in his hand.

He shook his head as he forwarded the box which was taken by Kate. 

"I am here to thank you, your highness, for the rare treasure you lent me to study. And your favourite red camellia, and this small gift as a token of appreciation for you.'' I smiled looking at the flowers, they had instantly covered the smell of that foul medicine.

"I wonder how do you know about my exam, your highness," he asked and my hands tighten on the bouquet. Should I say that I knew you were going to fail in the law part and had to give exams again after 6 months. So I asked Roselia to bring those books from his uncle for you. 

"I have my eyes and ears open, Ian. Did you forget that I am also part of the office now?'' I lied and he shook his head.

"I apologise, your highness. I am just too grateful that you paid attention to this servant," he said and I furrowed my brows.

"By no way, you are a servant, Ian, even if you leave this palace, you can still claim your father's title of earl," I replied and he smiled.

"You are too kind my lady.'' I could see that he was trying to prolong the conversation. That was just not like him.

So I stayed silent yet he did not go, "is there anything else, Ian?" I asked and he looked around.

'Don't tell me that you suddenly developed an affinity for my chamber's decoration.'

"I was wondering when would you take your medicine, your highness.'' he finally asked and I furrowed my brows.

"How did you know that I was having my medicines and why do you care about it.'' I was sure that the stubborn girl had moved before him entering in.

"Oh, I have my ears and eyes open too. And I had always cared about you, your highness," he added, though his words did not have anything wrong, then why did I found it very suspicious.

"Thank you, for the concern but I would take my medicines later," I announced and he bit his lip. He was behaving weird.

"Mother medicines should not be taken late, you should take it now so that you can take rest for a while" added Killian and I nodded his head like henpecked chicken, and as if on cue daisy entered again with the bowl without even being called.

I looked at the bowl and felt nauseated. I hate medicines to the core, they were bitter and had a weird smell.

"I am fine, really '' I told them but they covered me from all sides.

"It's okay mother, I had ordered sweets for you, to eat after that '' Killian assured me, even nodded as if waiting for me to take it. 

I sighed as I took the foul liquid in my mouth in a single big gulp closing my eyes and nose.

I coughed vehemently as Killian rubbed my back shaking his head, "there, there, it was not that difficult." he said and I glared at him.

"Since my work is done, I shall be get going, your highness," Ian said and my eyes narrowed.

"What work?" I asked and he looked stunned.

"Oh, the gift, your highness. I had already thanked you, now I need to go to the royal palace," he said and almost ran out of the room.

Penny entered the room with a trolley filled with sweet and sugary dishes. My eyes went back to Killian, "how did you know that I was having medicine and would need sweets afterwards."

He coughed, "mother you are sick, so it was normal that you will take medicine." he said but I still smelled something fishy, "now don't throw tantrum like a child, come let us have breakfast, I am starving since yesterday evening." he added and I forgot what I was thinking.

"Why did you not have dinner?" I asked as we sat at the dining table, "Come let me serve your meal today." I offered and he smiled as we both enjoyed our breakfast.