Rose felt bad as she lay on the bed while the maids cleaned the mess she had made. She felt even more guilty because the maids were both so polite and more concerned about her health than about the fact that they had to clean up after her.

"Would you like me to bring you something more to eat? I worry that you might be hungry after..." One of the maids asked, letting the rest of her words fade into silence as she looked at the drying spot on the floor.

"No," Rose said, shaking her head. "I can't bother you both any further. It must have been something in the meal that didn't sit right with my stomach. I think it is best that I shouldn't eat for a while."

She intended to keep her act for a bit and would feel bad if the maids had to clean up after her again so soon.

The maids looked at each other and then turned to look at Rose with concern. "Should we ask Master Fabian to send for a physician? I worry it might be something serious."

Rose slowly shook her head. "I just rushed the food a little too fast, and it upset my stomach. I should be fine once it settles down. I will make sure to get enough rest. I'm certain I will be able to eat again without any issues by dinner time, I should have gotten enough rest by then."

Rose added the last part so they wouldn't bother her. Knowing the maids, they would likely prepare something for her to snack on later. She needed a convincing act that she truly could not eat anything because of an upset stomach.

The maids didn't seem very happy about this, but they didn't push for her to eat more; rather, they said, "Okay, Lady Rose, if you need anything, please don't hesitate to call us. We could get a snack later, something light that won't hurt your stomach."

"Thank you. Again, for now, I think I'll just take a nap. I should be better by evening."

"Okay, Lady Rose," they said simultaneously and, with a curtsy, left the room.

Rose let out a sigh. That went well, and it was most likely to get even better. She was certain the butler already knew she had had an accident, and if the butler knew, Caius did too. However, she had not heard anything from him. Rose wasn't sure if she should be worried or pleased.

But she could not afford to think of that right now. She had to settle into bed and keep playing her part as the sick lady.

At first, she thought about requesting more covers or a thicker one from the maid but decided that was too much. She was already feeling warm in the thick dress and the covers, not to forget the fire; she would melt if she asked for more covering.

She was pretending to be sick; there was no need to hurt herself in the process. Besides, there was no need for more coverage; just the fact that she had thrown up should be enough.

Rose tossed in bed. It had been a while since the maids left, but she still had not heard anything from the Crown Prince. She closed her eyes as she tried to sleep but found that she couldn't.

On one hand, she should be glad that he wasn't bothering her. But in some way, she was more worried about what he would do later if he wasn't reacting immediately.

Not long after she was left alone, the door to her bedroom was slammed open, and Caius stood in the doorway, his eyes scanning the room. He stopped as he stared towards the bed, then proceeded to slowly approach her.

Unfortunately, Rose couldn't pretend to still be asleep as Caius had made enough noise to wake the dead. She groggily got out of bed, yawning and rubbing her eyes.

"Your Majesty," she called with a feigned slight shock in her voice as she started to get out of bed.

"Stay," he said.

Rose was genuinely shocked, and she couldn't even hide it from her expression. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she said with a soft voice as she sat upright on her bed.

Caius watched her without blinking. She noticed he held something that was partially hidden behind his back, so she couldn't get a good look at it, and she couldn't peek without drawing his attention.

Caius stopped by the side of the bed and leaned forward. Rose sat stiffly as she looked up at him. She knew what he was searching for. He was searching for signs that she was faking it.

Rose wasn't as worried as before. The fact that he had told her to stay in bed meant he slightly believed her to be ill.

Caius narrowed his eyes and turned around without saying a word. Rose was shocked and happy, but it didn't take long for her happiness to dissipate as she realized the Crown Prince wasn't turning around to leave; rather, he walked towards the table and with one hand pulled a chair towards the bed.

He stopped the chair right next to the bed and smiled at Rose. What he held was placed on his legs, and Rose saw that it was a letter. There was a large seal on it and an inscription that made it clear it was very important.

Rose suddenly felt uncomfortable, especially since the Crown Prince had not said a word about her illness since he walked into the room.

He sized her up with his eyes, as though enjoying the restlessness he knew he was causing. Rose didn't meet his gaze; rather, she spun questions in her mind that she could ask without it seeming as though she was chasing him away—though if she had that option, she would gladly take it.

"Your Majesty," Rose called softly as she sought to inquire why he was here. "Is something wrong?"

Caius gave her a puzzled expression. "Shouldn't I be asking you that? Fabian tells me you can't keep down your meals."

"I-I had a small accident," she whispered. "I simply forced myself to eat even though it was clear my stomach couldn't take more, and that caused me to… expel my lunch."

"Ha!" Caius laughed. "Expel your lunch, that's certainly one way to put it. I shall send for a physician to check on you and make sure nothing is wrong."

Rose did her very best not to show horror at Caius's words, as not once did he look away from her; his eyes stayed glued to her as he watched even the most minuscule detail.

"No, Your Majesty, I do not want to trouble you. There is no need for a physician; I should feel better in no time."

Caius smirked and leaned back against the seat, the letter still laying on his lap. "Let me guess: you're not ill, only tired."

"Yes, Your Majesty. With a bit of rest, I should be right as rain," Rose softly explained, ignoring the sarcasm in Caius's tone. "I wouldn't want to trouble Your Majesty."

"Trouble?" Caius smiled some more. "I assure you, it is no trouble. If I give the word, a physician would be here in moments. Perhaps I shall do that."

Rose could see that he was watching her very closely. With each word, it was as though he was trying to get a reaction from her. Rose was convinced that the Crown Prince didn't think she was ill, but she couldn't figure out what he was playing at.

She expected him to call her bluff, but he seemed to be humoring her. However, this was equally bad, as Caius never did anything without reason. She couldn't think of why, and that bothered her.

"There is no need for that, Your Majesty," Rose made sure not to rise to the bait. Acting agitated was exactly what he wanted from her, and she had to make sure not to play into it.

He had his elbow on the armrest as he spoke, his body turned slightly so he faced her directly. He wore heavy boots, breeches, and a doublet. His hair had been combed out of his eyes, but a few stubborn strands littered his forehead.

"I hear you're ill but you keep saying you're just tired, and you've equally refused to see a physician despite being unable to keep your food down. It is almost as if this is a ploy to stay away from me," Caius stated. His expression held amusement while his eyes dared her to deny his words.

Rose didn't show any reaction to his declaration. She already knew he suspected this was a hoax, but his stating it so directly was still a shock. Still, she was a little surprised; she hadn't expected the self-absorbed Crown Prince to realize she wanted to stay away from him. He couldn't even figure out why she would want to leave.

"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."