CROWNS ACADEMY || A Royalty's Academia Book Series #1

෴VOLUME [40]෴

Rai's POV

It was finally Thanksgiving break. Unlike last year, I wasn't going home as I had some runways to walk. Plus, I had somehow caught the flu.

I hate the flu, give me anything but the flu.

Liam's whole family was visiting their grandparents in the countryside but he insisted I stay at the castle with him since I was sick.

"Hola mummy." I cheerfully greeted my mum through the hologram. We were doing a lot of holograms since I was going to miss Thanksgiving.

"How are you hunny, hope you're taking care of yourself." She was being caring just as always.
"Hi Rai!" Before I could even reply, the hologram was bombarded by my friends from back home."

We all caught up and talked for a long time that evening.

෴

The soft rustling of the curtains and the muted patter of rain against the windows were the only sounds in the grand chamber. Even the usual distant hum of the castle felt… quieter today.

I blinked open my eyes, wincing at the harsh light filtering through the tall windows of the States Castle’s prince suite. My head pounded like a drum, and my throat felt raw and scratchy. Every muscle in my body ached, as though I’d gone a round with a tornado.

I pulled the blankets closer around me, nestling into their warmth, but it did little to soothe the deep chill that had settled in my bones.

The door creaked open, and I heard footsteps — soft, measured, familiar.

“Stargazer?” 

Even through the fog of fever, I knew that voice.

I managed a weak smile, though it felt more like a grimace. “You’re still here?”

His brow furrowed as he crossed the room, carrying a tray laden with a steaming bowl of soup, a glass of water, and what I guessed were my medications. “Of course I’m still here,” he replied softly, setting the tray down on the bedside table. His eyes, normally filled with teasing light, were shadowed with concern. “Where else would I be?”

I blinked at him slowly, my head pounding too much to answer properly.

"In the countryside with your whole family." I managed and was met with a small chuckle.

With surprising gentleness, Liam brushed a damp strand of hair away from my forehead. His hand lingered there, cool against my burning skin. “Still too warm,” he murmured to himself.

“Liam, you don’t have to stay,” I rasped. Even speaking hurt, and my voice came out hoarse and raw. “You should rest, too.”

A wry smile tugged at his lips. “Nice try. I already sent the entire staff away for the day,” he confessed, easing himself onto the edge of the bed. “Figured they deserve a break, and you’ll get some proper quiet without people fussing everywhere.”

“You gave the whole castle a day off?” I asked, my voice weak but amused. “Is that even allowed?”

He shrugged, a playful spark momentarily lighting up his eyes. “When my parents are away, I make the rules.”

I couldn’t help a faint chuckle, though it immediately turned into a coughing fit. Liam was instantly there, holding me upright as I struggled to catch my breath.

“Easy, easy,” he soothed, his arm steady around my shoulders. He reached for the glass of water and helped me take slow, careful sips. “There we go.”

When the coughing subsided, he set the glass down and gently eased me back against the pillows, fluffing them behind my head like I was made of glass.

“You’re fussing,” I croaked, though deep down, I didn’t really mind. Not at all.