  &quot;Your presence is anything but intimidating. It s disturbing, annoying would be the proper term,&quot; I replied, not being affected by her taunts. &quot;Nobody in this room is intimidated by you.&quot;
  &quot;Oh, please, Robert, stop with the act,&quot; Mallory scoffed. &quot;We both know that once Laura leaves you alone, you can easily hurt anybody.&quot;
  &quot;Mallory,&quot; a soft voice came from the kitchen entrance. We turned our heads to see Nana Olsa, trying to stand firmly as her crooked staff assisted her weight. &quot;I believe that exchange of words is enough for today,&quot; she began to approach us.
  &quot;Nana, this doesn t concern you. It s better that you return inside. You don t even know what we re talking about,&quot; Mallory snarled at Nana.
  &quot;Can t you show Nana some respect?&quot; I scolded Mallory. &quot;Don t vent all of your frustrations on her.

  &quot;Good sir, you can see my state. An immortal, weak and fragile, unable to leave her bed. How can I go to another city with my condition?&quot; she questioned, a hint of humor and sarcasm in her voice.
  &quot;Amelia, this matter isn t to be taken lightly,&quot; he scolded. &quot;Your situation is already a matter of life and death. If you agree to this treatment, I can go and get the materials needed so we can begin.&quot;
  &quot;I m already too ill for myself to handle. As much as I can, I add a little bit of humor in everything that I do to lighten up the mood around me,&quot; Mother explained.
  &quot;With your condition, humor isn t needed. Humor isn t a priority,&quot; the Medicine King continued to scold her. &quot;You need to take this seriously and accept treatment. James already agreed to this treatment. Don t you want to get better for your family?&quot;
  &quot;Good si

  &quot;Gonzalo, you may leave,&quot; I said, my eyes not leaving the sight of Laura.
  &quot;Are you sure, young prince?&quot; he asked.
  &quot;There s no need to worry, Gonzalo,&quot; I smiled at him. &quot;She s a friend of mine. Take care of the letter.
  He then bowed and left me with Laura.
  &quot;Laura?&quot; my mouth finally spoke as I approached her. &quot;Come now, Laura. There s no need for that,&quot; I helped her up. I lifted her face and smiled at her, pleased that she s here right now. &quot;You don t have to do curtsies when it comes to me.&quot;
  &quot;Don t be silly, Robert. You know I have to do that,&quot; she replied, fiddling with her fingers. &quot;I m in your realm, in your kingdom. I have to show you the respect that is given to you here.&quot;
  &quot;Laura, you re no different from me. Therefore, I say that you don t have to be all ceremonial whenever you vi

&quot;Your presence is anything but intimidating. It s disturbing, annoying would be the proper term,&quot; I replied, not being affected by her taunts. &quot;Nobody in this room is intimidated by you.&quot;
  &quot;Oh, please, Robert, stop with the act,&quot; Mallory scoffed. &quot;We both know that once Laura leaves you alone, you can easily hurt anybody.&quot;
  &quot;Mallory,&quot; a soft voice came from the kitchen entrance. We turned our heads to see Nana Olsa, trying to stand firmly as her crooked staff assisted her weight. &quot;I believe that exchange of words is enough for today,&quot; she began to approach us.
  &quot;Nana, this doesn t concern you. It s better that you return inside. You don t even know what we re talking about,&quot; Mallory snarled at Nana.
  &quot;Can t you show Nana some respect?&quot; I scolded Mallory. &quot;Don t vent all of your frustrations on her. She s not involved in this.&quot;
  &quot;Why defend her? She s not your family?&quot; she answe

Chapter 34 Overwhelmed (b)