"Please, do not misunderstand, Your Majesty," Rose replied. "I simply would like a little rest. My body has been through so much in such a short time."

She was trying to guilt-trip him. Not that the Crown Prince had much of a heart. He only cared about his wants, but a part of her hoped he cared if his toy broke.

Caius scratched at his stubble, and for the longest time, he didn't say anything, which made Rose slightly uneasy. He adjusted in the seat and picked up the letter.

"If your health isn't any better by tomorrow…" Caius paused briefly as he stared hard at her, letter in hand. It was thick as he held it. "I shall be requesting a physician. I will only condone your charade for today."

Rose was slightly taken aback. Did the Crown Prince just say he knew she was lying but was going to let her carry on just for today? She had half expected him to find some way to punish her for it, but he was simply letting it happen. However, this was not her first dance in danger's hall. If the Crown Prince was being too agreeable, he had later plans.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Rose said for a lack of anything else to say.

She was also concerned that he was not leaving. He just said he would let her rest, but he seemed to be getting comfortable and clearly had no intention of leaving her be. Did he intend to remain with her? That would completely ruin the point of faking her illness if she still had to spend the day in his company. Rose would admit right now that she was faking it rather than still spend the day with him.

There was also the letter he held. Rose pretended not to be curious about it, but the way he carried it clearly showed it was important. Rose didn't think this was the letter that was supposed to be sent to her dad; it was too ceremonious, and it was clearly more than a single parchment paper.

Still, why would he bring it here, unless it had something to do with her? Rose felt her stomach knot. Was there a new ruling from the castle? Rose took a deep breath; she truly couldn't wait to be completely free of nobles.

"Where else do you feel strange?" Caius asked as he slowly tore into the letter. "I noticed your sniffles have stopped. Perhaps your upset stomach will follow suit." He was clearly mocking her and his tone, told her he was thoroughly entertained.

Rose internally swore; she had been so thrown off by his actions that she had partly forgotten to stay in character. "I am warmer now; I no longer feel as cold as earlier."

"Ah," Caius said in response and briefly turned his eyes to the letter. It was a stack of parchment papers, and Caius frowned as his eyes rested on them.

Rose didn't think the Crown Prince believed her words one bit, but he seemed far more engrossed with the papers and visibly displeased. Rose was curious, and she hated that she was giving in to the obvious trap.

The Crown Prince displayed the letter in such an apparent manner; it was clear he wanted her to ask about it. Rose convinced herself she wanted to change the subject and not that curiosity had gotten the best of her.

"Your Majesty," Rose softly called.

Caius tore his gaze from the letter to look at her. As soon as he laid his eyes on her, the frown on his face vanished and his face softened; however, it was quickly replaced with a smug look. Rose's curiosity died, and she immediately wanted him to get out.

"Do you intend to remain here?"

Rose really tried to phrase it in a manner that wasn't rude or stating he should get out, but there was only so much patience she could have, and spending this long in the Crown Prince's presence without breaks was enough to dry out her patience.

Caius smirked. "Are you saying I should leave?"

Yes! "No, Your Majesty. You seem busy," she gestured towards the open letter.

Caius glanced at it and then back at Rose. "Nothing I can't handle. Besides, it would be cruel to leave the sick lady all by herself. It's only ideal that I keep an eye on you."

Caius's smirk widened as Rose's expression fell. There was no point in hiding it any more; her plan had fallen flat on its face. Caius was going to stay in the room with her.

Why? she internally screamed. He stuck to her harder than glue. He already knew she was faking her illness; there was no need for him to do anything more. Now he was simply torturing her.

"Do you disapprove?" Caius asked with the smirk still on his face.

Rose gave him her fakest smile and said through her teeth, "No, Your Majesty."

Without waiting for him to say anything else, she laid back on the bed, rolled on her side away from him, and locked eyes with the drapes of the poster bed. She was in the worst-case scenario—well, not particularly, but this was just as bad.

He knew this was exactly what she didn't want and made sure it was exactly the case. Not once had she ever had one over him. Everything she did in retaliation seemed to come right back to haunt her.

Another thing that pissed her off was how aware she was of his presence. Even though she couldn't see him or hear him, knowing that he was only a few feet away from her was enough to make her gnash her teeth.

"You're not going to get any sleep if you keep tossing and turning," Caius commented. His eyes were still glued to the letter, and a frown was still on his face. He seemed to have finished the first paper and was on the second one.

Rose turned and glared at him. "Well, Your Majesty. It's not easy to fall asleep while I'm being watched." Knowing she couldn't win with him, Rose didn't have much restraint any longer.

"Watched?" Caius asked with a raised brow as he glanced towards her. "Whatever do you mean?" He raised the letter for her to see. "I have to go through this and send out a reply before nightfall, else I risk a visit from Rylen. I assure you, I have no intention to bother you. You'd hardly know I am here. Carry on; you need all the rest you can get." He stopped speaking and returned his attention to the letter.

"I can't fall asleep in the presence of another," Rose stated.

Caius scoffed but didn't take his eyes off the letter. "You've had no problems falling asleep in my presence before—" he paused dramatically and raised his head, a hint of a smile on his lips. "—Perhaps you aren't tired enough." His eyes twinkled.

Rose was mortified. "Your Majesty," she cried.

Caius laughed and returned his attention to the letters. "You shan't be rid of me. Best you get comfortable."

True to his word, Caius didn't say anything, nor did he look in her direction. He was completely engrossed in the papers, the frown on his forehead worsening. He dropped the second parchment paper and picked up the third one, an exasperated expression on his face.

Rose found that she was curious—not curious enough that she cared about the contents of the letter, but rather, she was curious to know if she could interrupt him.

"Your Majesty," she called. Caius reacted immediately. The frown on his face was already easing.

"What is it this time?" he asked. "All attempts to get me to leave won't work. You should be grateful I let you continue your little act."

Rose visibly rolled her eyes, not caring that he could see her. "I have no intention to do that, Your Majesty. I wanted to ask about the letters. You said you have to respond to Prince Rylen before nightfall."

The frown appeared on his face again. "I suppose my cousin is the only thing that can pique your interest."

For good reason, too. But Rose didn't dare say this out loud. She wasn't trying to piss him off; she was actually trying to be annoying, to distract him, but not enough to elicit any form of punishment.

"No, Your Majesty," Rose said and turned her gaze to the side. "I was just curious about the letter. You seem particularly engrossed in it."

"You speak as though you care about my interests," Caius replied with a sour tone.

I don't! Rose yelled internally. She was surprised he was aware of her disinterest. Was he only dense when it came to letting her go? She was starting to hate this; she should have just rolled on her side and gone to sleep. She had forgotten that conversations were exactly what he wanted. Best to end it now since he seemed uninterested and annoyed.

"I apologize for interrupting, Your Majesty. I-I thought conversing might help me fall asleep."

Rose lied and was about to turn around when Caius started speaking.

"This is Rylen's monthly report of the affairs in the kingdom."