Reign

10. In sickness and in health

        10. In sickness and in health

It's not just something you take, it's given

Round and around and around and around we go

Oh now, tell me now, tell me now, tell me now you know.

Not really sure how to feel about it.

Something in the way you move

Makes me feel like I can't live without you.

Yeah, it takes me all the way.

I want you to stay.

"Stay" Rihanna, Mikky Ekko

"Sir, I suggest you try to relax," Hudson commented for a hundredth time and there was a suspicion of sweat on his forehead.

"Go away," the prince groaned and sniffed burying his head in the pillows.

Since the previous night, when he returned from the gym, he was so moody and wanton that he even abstained from dinner. The real reason of that distemper was an unprecedented illness. Hudson had to drag him to the royal infirmary, which was a whole wing of the second floor. It consisted of the main infirmary, doctors' offices, a pharmacy and two bedrooms for the members of the royal family who were sick.

"Sir, I will cancel all your appointments. The doctor mentioned that you should stay in bed two days minimum."

He didn't answer back. He just pouted and covered himself with the bed cover, leaving Hudson staring at him puzzled. After a while, footsteps were heard, and Roselyn emerged in with eyes large and worried. Her hair was wild around her face and her complexion had acquired a scarlet color.

"What is happening?" Hudson had informed her via text message in the middle of a crucial conference, and she arrived immediately giving up on everything else.

"Rose... I'm dying," she heard him groaning under the blankets. She looked at their poor assistant, who shrugged in disbelief.

"It's the common flu, my lady. The doctor examined his Highness. He has a sore throat, sniffles, and fever. He's coughing and sneezing all the time. Mr. Phillips suggested rest, antibiotics, and saltwater gargles, but his Highness isn't very keen on medication. That's why I brought him here so that the doctors can principally monitor the fever."

Roselyn looked at her man with disapproval. She came closer, pulled the blanket carefully and uncovered his head. His face was reddish, and his eyes were watery and tired. With the back of her hand, she touched his cheeks and forehead affectionately and he seemed to enjoy the feel of her soft skin on his.

"Alexander, you are hot."

"I know." He smirked spontaneously and playfully rolled his fatigued eyes.  "Oh, Jesus, I feel horrible. It's too cold." 

"Not even syrup?" she asked Hudson who nodded. "Fine. Let's try some traditional remedies. Mr. Hudson, please, send someone to buy some throat lozenges and nasal drops and tell them to bring us hot tea with honey. Nasal drops are harmless, aren't they, Alexander?"  

He groaned involuntarily and started coughing again, while Hudson left hastily, leaving them alone. Roselyn immediately entered the bathroom trying to find the necessary supplies.

"Go," he ordered. "You will get it too."

"Don't worry," she replied and appeared in front of the bedroom holding a small soaking towel. "I have good antibodies. Jade was always with the flu, so I was the one who took care of her. Stay still. I will apply a compress on your forehead for the fever, ok?"