Kiss the Stranger

A commotion erupted throughout the hall. The ceremony was immediately halted, and the Crown Prince collapsed, losing consciousness. All that remained where he had stood were countless spots of blood. I fought to steady my racing mind and dashed after Steward.
“Bring a stretcher! Hurry, move the Crown Prince!”
Steward shouted, then turned to me.

“Yohan, fetch my emergency cart from the lab. Leave this here.”
“Yes.”
I handed over the first-aid kit I’d been carrying and sprinted back to the lab. Twice I slipped on the polished marble floor and fell, but I scarcely felt the pain. I grabbed the emergency cart and raced back.

It wasn’t hard to find Steward—most of the palace staff were running in the same direction. Yet when I arrived, the gathered crowd blocked the doorway. Those outside could only wait anxiously. I implored each guard and attendant, finally reaching the one {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} posted at the door.
“I-I’m Steward’s assistant. You’ll need this medical cart.”
His stern gaze reminded me I’d seen him before—Captain Dive, head of the guard. Without a word, he opened the door for me. Pushing the cart inside, I found the royal medical team clustered around the prince. One familiar face waved me over.

“Come on, Yohan. Move the cart here.”
I hurried forward and at last saw the prince’s face. My heart plummeted. It was exactly the same face I’d first met—Kamar’s face. Pale and unconscious, he lay there, and I gasped as my heart thundered.
“Kamar.”
There was no doubt. He was the same man. Steward’s voice cut through my shock.

“Start an IV and run blood tests. Poison seems likely—test for that first…”
He conferred earnestly with the royal physicians. Panic seized me as I clasped my hands, praying silently for his safety. Another doctor spoke up.
“But would poison work on him? We all know such toxins don’t affect His Highness’s physiology.”

At his comment, the others exchanged uneasy looks. Steward replied,
“That may be true, but it doesn’t mean every poison is ineffective. Even the strongest agent can have some effect. There’s a difference between poor efficacy and complete immunity.”
“It’s no small matter to procure a toxin that works on someone of his constitution. It’s not readily available.”

“Exactly. First we identify the substance via bloodwork, then we’ll know how to proceed.”
Steward ran a hand through his hair, anxious. The physicians’ glances felt oddly charged, and a cold shiver ran through me. They seemed to share secret signals—then abruptly shifted topics.
“What now? You know His Highness’s condition best, don’t you?”

“He’s entrusted me with all his care, including these checkups,” someone added.
Steward rubbed his brow and answered wearily,
“For now, we watch. I’ll stay close and respond immediately if anything changes. Don’t worry.”

Kamar lay motionless as if dead. I panted, my sweaty hands opening and closing as I watched them. After moving him to the bed and observing him, the doctors found no change and fell into silent thought.
“What shall we do? Shouldn’t we take turns keeping watch at his side?”
“Of course. We can’t leave him to just Steward. At least until he regains consciousness, let’s rotate.”

“How do we schedule that…?”
They spoke as if Steward weren’t there, and he, arms crossed, said nothing. I swallowed hard, recalling that icy sensation, and edged closer to Steward.
“Steward…”
At that moment the door flew open, and a blast of cold air swept in. All eyes turned toward the newcomer, and at the sound of someone speaking, everyone bowed. I followed suit, and the man stepped forward.

“Rest easy, everyone. I’ve come only to check on my nephew’s condition.”
Behind Zakriya stood the tall, elegant form of Princess Najima, wearing the same dress as before. She smiled at me, and I quickly lowered my gaze. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw them approach the bed where Kamar lay.
“He looks stable,” Zakriya said.

One physician responded, “Yes, somewhat more steady….”
“Steward, what’s your assessment?”
Zakriya cut in, drawing every eye to Steward. Scratching his head, Steward replied,

“We must monitor him. It appears to be poisoning, though we haven’t identified the agent…”
“I see…”
Zakriya stroked his chin thoughtfully, and I felt my unease deepen. His violet eyes met mine, and a sweet yet unsettling scent wafted from him.

“Very well, let’s pause here. Thank you all for your efforts. You may return.”
“Sir?”
“Master Zakriya?”

A murmur of surprise ran through the physicians. Zakriya chuckled.
“What good is waiting here? First we determine the poison, then we act. Steward, you’ll remain, correct?”
Steward hesitated, then nodded reluctantly.

“Yes, of course.”
“Excellent. Everyone else, be gone and rest. Thank you.”
I too sensed something amiss. The physicians exchanged glances, and one spoke bravely.

“Master Zakriya, we cannot simply abandon royal medical duties to a foreign doctor.”
Zakriya laughed.
“A doctor is a doctor, even foreign. Besides, my daughter can assist in nursing my nephew—no need to worry.”

“That won’t do, Father.”
Interjecting in her graceful voice, Najima joined us. Zakriya paused mid-smile.
“Princess?”

She smiled softly.
“It’s improper for me—unwed and unsanctified—to share a man’s chamber overnight.”
“Najima, that’s enough…”

Zakriya opened his mouth, then snapped it shut. A flicker of displeasure crossed his face, but his smile returned.
“My daughter knows the prince’s health better than anyone, having cared for him. Trust her judgment.”
“But….”

As a physician prepared to object again, Zakriya’s smile vanished. A chill filled the room. No one dared speak further. One by one they departed, leaving only Kamar unconscious, Steward, Zakriya, Najima, and me.
Once the door closed, a heavy silence settled. My mind whirled with anxious thoughts when suddenly Zakriya raised his hand and struck his daughter’s cheek.
“Najima!”

The sharp slap echoed, and Najima staggered before sinking to the floor. I gasped, instinctively reaching to catch her, but froze—no one dared lay a hand on a princess. Zakriya ground his teeth.
“How dare you disgrace me before others!”