“This medicine is harmless. You will simply relax. All your muscles will relax, you will not feel pain in your spine, and you will soon recover, Your Highness. Please drink this. I think you will be completely well in two or three days.
“Actually, it might be better if I visit you again this evening. But if you do not feel well, ask for me at any time.”
Wishing the infante a speedy recovery, the doctor headed for the door and warned the infantes and infantas standing at the door that Fernando needed rest. Everyone also wished Fernando a speedy recovery and followed the doctor out. But Philippa stayed behind. The nurse was in the room by the window table, putting out the vials the doctor had left, and Philippa stood by the bed with her lips pursed in frustration. She was wiping tears from her eyes.
“I thought you were dead when they carried you down the corridor. I was frightened," Philippa said. “When the doctor said you fainted, I calmed down.”
“What did you think, Philippa,” Fernando said, smiling. “That I would die so foolishly? My destiny will be bright and meaningful. I will die in battle like a hero, and my death will not last long.”
“I don't want you to die at all,” Philippa said. “When you are an adult and go off to war, I will pray that you will survive and not die in any battles.”
“Thank you, Philippa. God will surely let me live for you if you pray from your heart.”
Philippa smiled and said, “Fernando, I will pray very hard. You will always be alive and with us.”
“Philippa, how long have I been unconscious?”
“Not long, Fernando. You came to your senses very quickly when they put you on the bed.”
“Оh! I have a dance class that should be starting soon! Could you let Isabel know that I won’t be attending today?”
“Of course! I’ll run and tell her. Otherwise, she’ll be worried. You know, Fernando, Isabel is the kindest and best senhorita in the palace. After you, I love her the best. She has a good heart, a pure soul, and the most beautiful eyes in the world.
“I'll run to her and come to you again tonight, OK?”
“Thank you, Philippa.”
When Philippa left, Fernando tried to remember everything that had happened until he fainted. Soon, he began to fall asleep. “The doctor's potion must be working,” Fernando thought as he closed his eyes.
After a while, he heard a knock at the door. He reluctantly opened his eyes and saw a nurse hurrying to the door. Behind the door, he heard Philippa’s voice. She was asking the nurse something.
“He’s asleep,” said the nurse.
“Who’s there? I haven't fallen asleep yet,” Fernando muttered faintly.
The nurse immediately moved away from the door, and Philippa’s head appeared in the doorway.
“Fernando, that’s me, Philippa. Isabel is here with me. Can she see you?”
“Who? Isabel?” Fernando asked once again, unable to believe his ears.
“Yes, Isabel,” Philippa answered.
Fernando felt his heart and temples beat heavily. The effects of the root infusion ceased immediately. “Of course, come in,” Fernando replied in a raspy voice, trying to rise and assume a sitting position in bed. He was dizzy from sitting up too quickly and grabbed the back of a chair. The nurse, noticing this, sprang to his side and promptly arranged cushions behind his back so he could sit up comfortably. When the dizziness passed, he saw Isabel sitting on a chair beside his bed.
