It couldn't be that the crown prince wanted her to spend the entire day with him. Rose didn't think she would survive it. Her body wasn't her only major worry—constantly being in his presence was dangerous to her mind.
"In addition," Rose tried again. "I am sure Your Majesty has very important things that need to be done. I do not want to interrupt."
"You're not interrupting anything, Rose," he drawled out her name. "I want you to stay. We still haven't played a game of chess."
At the mention of chess, Rose turned her gaze to the fireplace, partly because she remembered where it lay last night and partly because she needed to look away from him for a bit. The way he spoke was disconcerting and the direct way he said she should stay annoyed Rose at the effect it had.
As she turned, she saw the chessboard had been set upright and the pieces placed on the board. Rose slowly turned her head back to look at Caius, hoping her smile didn't look too stiff on her face.
It was completely his fault that they hadn't played a single game but chess was certainly not enough reason to keep her here. Besides, they could play another time. It didn't have to be right now. It was only noon, and Rose needed time alone to recuperate before she had to face him at dinner time. The crown prince didn't seem to understand this, and by the look on his face, Rose doubted she was going to get her way.
"As Your Majesty pleases, but I beg that you allow me to dress into something more appropriate," she pleaded.
Caius looked her up and down and his lower lip twitched. He slowly dragged his gaze to her face, unnecessarily taking his time to reply.
Rose stood by the table with her hands on her robe. Dirty dishes lay on the table and the smell of the roast and the spices used in the meal still lingered in the air.
She was still uneasy in his presence, but she couldn't help but notice it wasn't as bad—just the fact she was able to argue with him was more than enough proof.
Caius leaned back watching her, he seemed to be enjoying her nervousness. "Send the servants," he eventually said. "They can bring clothes of your choosing to my chambers."
Rose almost cursed out loud but surprisingly maintained her stiff smile and tried again. "Please, Your Majesty. I am quite exhausted. I doubt I would be able to play properly during the game. You complain about how terrible I play each time, and I fear I might play even worse. I would like to rest up, please, Your Majesty."
Caius' eyes glinted—she was speaking to him with familiarity. There was still a little stiffness but it was certainly less than the night before as one would have thought he was a stranger and it was her first time meeting him.
"Of course, I am sure you need rest." There was a knowing smile on his lips that irked Rose. Caius stretched his hand toward the bed. "The sheets are clean and fresh. You can take all the siesta you need. If you need anything else, the servants will bring it to you HERE."
Rose didn't miss the finality in Caius' tone. She was not going to win, she could see that. However, unlike usual—when she would have given in, obeyed the crown prince to the letter for fear of eliciting punishment—she had the strongest urge to keep appealing her case, especially when it looked like the crown prince was holding back his laughter.
He was enjoying this and at first she had been infuriated but right now she was curious to hear what his response would be to all her excuses.
Rose turned to the bed. "It isn't as comfortable as the one in the room I was given. I fear it is a little too soft and I had quite a tough time falling asleep last night."
Caius smirked and Rose felt color rush to her face. He didn't have to say it, she could clearly see what he was thinking. She knew her excuse was ridiculous but she'd do anything to get some time alone.
Caius moved his hand to his beard. "Never thought I'd hear that complaint. Since you say the bed in your room is more comfortable then perhaps the servants should bring it in here."
Rose's mouth fell open and she instinctively yelled, "No need for that, Your Majesty."
"Then I suppose my bed would have to do," Caius said with a raised brow as he stood up.
Rose's eyes followed his movements, lifting her eyes and head. She instinctively took a step back as he stood to his full height and suddenly Rose remembered the man she stood before.
"As you wish Your Majesty," Rose replied and bent her head.
Caius frowned as he looked down at her. Her shoulders slumped and her eyes didn't look toward him anymore. He didn't like the feeling but he also didn't want to give in to her wishes.
She had been away from him for a long time. He intended to spend every waking minute with her. It was the main reason they were in his grandmother's house and not in the castle. He wanted no interruptions.
Caius rounded the table, stopping about two feet away from her. Rose didn't step back—not because she didn't want to—but because she figured there was no point and she would likely piss him off again.
"Anything else?" he asked, bending his face to peer at hers.
Rose felt her heart in her throat. He was close—too close again. Close enough for her to smell the lavender on him and the smell of soap in his hair.
His brown eyes glinted and she realized she was looking at him right in the eyes. "No, Your Majesty."
"Wonderful," he said and stepped back. "So which would it be first? A dress, a nap, or perhaps a game? Quite the mistress of demands, wouldn't you agree?"
"I didn't mean to be demanding, Your Majesty," Rose cried. His playful tone was throwing her off.
"It's of no consequence. There isn't a thing you want that can't be done except it might require magic." Caius was walking away as he spoke.
Rose didn't ask even if it was on the tip of her tongue. Caius was in a good mood, she didn't want to ruin it by asking him to let her go. Instead, she said with a stiff smile, "A dress, please. Thank you, Your Majesty."