"Your Majesty, how are you feeling today?" Mey asked as she closed the door to ensure their conversation remained private. She was fully equipped in her uniform, complete with masks and gloves.

"I am well, better than ever," the King responded cheerfully, though his voice was faint and unsteady.

"Today, I am here to administer the final dose of your treatment. You are nearing the end of your regimen. After this, all that is needed is adequate rest and proper nutrition. By the end of the week, you should be able to resume your previous activities," Maya said, setting her bag on a nearby table. She extracted a packet of brownish-tan powder, poured it into a bowl, and began grinding it into a finer consistency.

The King, lying in bed, observed her silently. "Today is the last day of treatment?" he inquired softly.

"Yes. Is there something troubling you, Your Majesty?" she asked as she took a seat to better address him.

"Everything is fine, child. Although I have been ill, it has been years since I had the chance to rest and disengage from court affairs. The peace away from the constant vigilance required in the courtroom has been a relief. The pressure there is relentless; one must always be on guard to avoid being undermined."

"Your Majesty, if you wish, I can arrange for an extended recovery period. This information will remain confidential. Regarding court matters, His Highness Prince John Alastair is managing everything effectively. Reports indicate he is proficient and his meticulous nature complements your own. Therefore, you need not be concerned," Mey assured him.

"I must meet him. He has seldom left this room since his return. I also wish to see my son as soon as possible. I need to be discharged this week to meet him promptly. Furthermore, Elizabeth will likely confront me since she is aware that my initial condition was more severe than she had anticipated. She will hold me as a criminal for investigation." the king said laughing as he anticipated her tantrum. "I miss them."

"They are eager to see you as well. They have requested that I be truthful about your condition, even if you instruct otherwise. May I comply with their request?"

"Come closer, my child," the King said suddenly.

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Sit," he directed, indicating a chair beside his bed.

"Should I not bring the medicine?"

"Just come quickly," he said, gesturing for her to hurry. She complied, and he gently took her hand, gazing at her with concern.

"Child, prioritize your own comfort. If visiting the royals is distressing for you, make an excuse on my behalf. Avoiding us, if necessary, is acceptable, but do visit us occasionally if you can."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Mey replied, avoiding eye contact.

"Seeing you weakens my heart. You are growing frailer each day. I am the elder here, yet you are the wasting away. Ensure you eat well and rest adequately."

"I am taking care of myself, Your Majesty."

"I am aware you are not," the King said with a click of his tongue. "I have known you since you were a child. You have a tendency to be harsh on yourself. I know you are working beyond what I advised. You are also audacious to defy my instructions, but I merely advised you, not commanded. However, life is too short to be overly critical of oneself. Learn to forgive yourself. I understand why you are more distressed these days."

The kindness made her uncomfortable. The more she was treated with care, the more guilt she felt.

"I need to get the medicine," she said, standing quickly.

"Child, do not overburden yourself. You have been working relentlessly since the epidemic was declared. You are pushing yourself to the brink. Take a moment to breathe and slow down."

"What have I done? I haven’t done enough for Your Majesty. People are dying every day. We must develop a new treatment as quickly as possible. Every moment of rest means another life lost."

"I understand. That is why I am allowing your team to work around the clock on lab materials. However, your well-being is also important. This country has a limited number of trained doctors; we cannot afford to have them overworked and exhausted."

"But we are so close—perhaps only two weeks away—from developing a treatment that could significantly improve our response to the epidemic."

"Maya," he said firmly.

"Yes?" she responded meekly.

"You are like a daughter to me. I know the burden this places on you, but it is how I feel. I worry about you. Do what you must, but remember that you do not need to exhaust yourself to be valuable to us."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Mey felt a surge of urgency to leave; the atmosphere was stifling. She did not argue further and quickly prepared the medicine. Her priority was to complete her task and exit the room promptly.