Chapter 240: The Examination
The door opened after what felt like an eternity, though it had only been a few minutes.
The male physician stepped inside first, his face pale. Behind him came a woman—not with the quiet deference of a servant, nor the polished composure of a court physician.
Her hair was white.
It hung loosely from the edges of a bun that looked as though it had been arranged in haste, strands escaping in every direction, as if she had been mid-task when the summons came and had simply done the best she could with the time she had. Her dress was neat but rumpled, the fabric creased from hours of wear, and it rose high on her neck, covering every inch of skin from collarbone to chin. No jewellery adorned her. No ornament softened her plain appearance.
A leather satchel hung from her shoulder, worn smooth at the strap, the brass buckle tarnished with age.
She crossed the chamber and stopped before the Queen.
"Your Majesty," she said, bowing deeply.
