Page 303 - The Grotesque Children's Book
P. 303
Valerius thought, Confidantes of Dukes often end up hung by the neck for knowing too
many state secrets. So he said, “Perhaps it would be better then that I didn’t know.”
“Nonsense! I trust you, Valerio. You have only my best interests at heart. Mine and
Bianca’s. So you need to know --”
“I’m not sure I do.”
“I worry Bianca isn’t well.”
That’s it? That’s the confidence? Anyone looking at the heavy darkness below Bianca’s
eyes or observing the occasional shiver which she suppressed would come to the same
conclusion. “No, sire, she isn’t. But we’ll find out the cause and give her proper treatment.”
“Just keep her alive until the beginning of October and Libra’s influence should make her
strong again.”
The doctor diplomatically replied, “There’s another approach we might take. I’ve been
comparing the acidites in her urine before and after administering small doses of various
medicines.”
“You what about what?”
“I’m noticing she responds well to certain medicines, but to others she has no response,
or even some mild adverse reactions.”
“Certain medicines!? Aren’t you giving her snakeflesh?”
“Snakeflesh? What do you mean?”
“Zaccario says he prepares an oil with snake flesh. Good for coughs, chills, and even
improves the desire for nightly passion.”
“Do you mean theriac?”
“Theriac! That’s it, yes. Don’t tell me you’re withholding theriac from Bianca!?”
“The power of theriac, begging your Grace’s pardon, is about as potent as the scales of a
mermaid.”
“There’s no such thing as a mermaid. Don’t treat me like a child, Valerius. I want
Bianca put on theriac starting today!”
The doctor protested, “Theriac has been around for centuries --”
“Exactly!”
“But it’s nothing more than treacle and snake skin.”
“I want her on it.”
Valerius saw that he was not going to win this argument through reason. So he tried the
next best thing: capitulation. “Yes, Your Grace. There is a certain scientific validity to the
notion that introducing very small traces of poison, such as can be found in theriac --”
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