Chapter 14: A Broken Mind

James stood on the balcony in his room. As he looked over the large city. Henry stood there watching James. For the past 10 years almost every night, James looks out the balcony. Henry can cut almost anything with his sword. But not even the sharpest blade can cut through the king's pain. We both men were lost in thought there was a knock on the door. 

“Enter” James called out as he exited the balcony and went to sit down on a chair inside his room. The doors to the room opened and out came a woman with black hair and light blue eyes she wore a simple short white dress. She bowed before she entered the room. 

“Greetings your majesty. How are you feeling sir?”

 She then made her way over to the king. James’ gaze turned to Henry. 

“Please leave us Henry” he requested to which Henry bowed and said

 “I will take my leave,” he said then left the room. Once Henry left James sighed and said. 

“The nightmares are getting worse Adelina.” 

The king said as he leaned his head back and stared at the ceiling hopelessly. Adelina looked over to the bedside table. 

“Your majesty these elixirs are already very strong it’s not healthy to take so many” the healer warned. 

“I don’t have a choice. I just need to ease this pain” he protested to which the healer sighed and said. 

“You are a great man sire. But no potion or elixir in the world can fix the trauma of the past.” She advised. James looked over at her and asked. 

“Is there nothing you can do? You're the best healer in the kingdom you must have something… anything…” he asked in a shallow voice. Adelina sighed and thought for a moment after a few moments she came up with an idea. 

“Well… we haven’t tried hypnosis yet.. since the issue is related to the mind, maybe hypnotism magic can help you…” she said to which James’ eyes lit up with hope. 

“Are you sure?” He asked to which she shook her head. 

“I’m not sure… but it’s worth a try, right? But remember this is only a temporary solution. These nightmares won’t end until you completely come to terms with the past” she warned to which James nodded. 

He knew that all too well.. but it was easier said than done. Adelina walked over to the entrance and said. 

“I will find you a good hypnotist. In the meantime, I will prescribe some elixirs to calm your mind. And you will take only one bottle, not three, not four, just one per night. You are my king but I am your doctor and when it comes to a patients treatment the doctor's word is law” 

she said seriously but with a little playful humor to which James nodded. 

“I understand… am I well enough to attend the summit of kings?” He asked her to which she thought for a moment and replied. 

“Normally I would say no but there’s nothing physically wrong with you. If you feel like you are well enough to do the journey then I see no problem letting you go. Just be sure to regularly practice the breathing exercises I taught you... besides getting you out of this dusty palace will do you some good” 

Adelina then bowed her head and said. 

“I will take my leave now your majesty,” she said to which James nodded.

 “Thank you, Farewell Adelina.” He said dismissively to which Adelina bowed and left the room. James then stood up. He didn’t want to sleep just yet. ‘Maybe a walk can clear my mind.’ James thought as he exited his room and made his way out into the palace gardens.