WHO MADE ME A PRINCE
chapter sixty nine - fever worries.

SOON CLAUDE AND ARIUS had arrived at Emerald Palace. Claude was going to go inside. His main aim in coming here was to find Athanasia for a family walk.

Arius chose to stay outside, in the Rose Garden. As he waited for Claude to return, he realized he really was burning up.

He was starting to get a migraine as well, and God did it hurt!

He had to lay down on the grass for a while, because he was experiencing a sudden burst of fatigue like he did when he was with Athanasia and Lucas.

He thought it was mental exhaustion, but as the migraine grew worse and he felt more exhausted he knew what it was.

But they were gonna go for a walk. . . and he was gonna start sword practice starting tomorrow! If he got sick right now, Claude might postpone the training out of worry he might get sick again.

This whole set up sounded so cliche to Arius, nevertheless Arius still decided to hide the fact he was sick. He'll just keep telling Claude his hands were cold.

Kazuma was already used to going to school even though he felt like dropping dead. Missing school for a day would be like begging for death.

So he would always push through and go through with it. His body slowly adapted to that lifestyle.

Arius's body was a different thing. Although the soul within had the experience and mindset, could the body keep up?

Claude soon came out with Athanasia in arms, and all of Arius's plans failed instantly because of his dearest sister and her mouth.

"Brother! How are you feeling?" She asked from afar as Clauds walked towards Arius.

Claude looked at Arius. "I-I'm fine Athy! Why do you ask?"

"What do you mean why? You felt tired at Sapphire Palace, but you stubbornly went to see dad!" Athanasia spoke and Arius mentally screamed.

"Now that I take a closer look, brother. . . your face is red." Claude placed Athanasia down and quickly held Arius.

"Dad! I'm really fine! I don't have a fever! I was just tired because I went for a walk before that–" Arius finished his sentence, but also felt the migraine get worse.

To hell with hiding his fever, in just two more seconds the migraine turned into a full on headache and now Arius's head was throbbing so bad he was resisting the urge to cry.

He felt sick.

His body felt heavy, he could feel his energy being drained from his body and although he was worried about Claude not allowing sword practice due to this, he still clutched Claude's robes tightly and placed his head on his shoulder.

Claude didn't say anything. Athanasia also remained quiet. Or maybe Arius had fallen asleep from the pain.

ARIUS WOKE UP IN CLAUDE'S BED and his body still felt so heavy. He couldn't sit up straight, but then again he didn't need to either.

To his left sat Athanasia and Claude. They were reading a picture book together, but stopped when they noticed Arius awake.

"How do you feel?" Athanasia asked as she leaned towards Arius.

Claude went around the bed and to Arius's right and sat there. Placing a hand on his forehead he frowned a bit. "The fever is still high."

Arius felt better when Claude's cold hands touched him. And soon those giant hands of Claude stopped touching his forehead as Claude retracted his hand.

But Arius quickly grabbed his hand and brought it back to his head.

"I like it this way. It feels cool."

"Go get a bag of ice." Claude ordered Olivia who was in his room. "And begin preparing his meal along with the medicine."

Olivia bowed and left.

Arius shifted a bit, and Claude simply kept caressing his forehead. Arius turned towards Claude and gripped his robes.

"Why did you try to hide the fact that you were sick?"

". . .I still want to have sword lessons." Arius spoke in a muffled voice.

Claude blinked twice before Athanasia spoke, "The doctor said getting sick is normal due to the changing weather."

Arius felt his cheeks turn redder.

"I. . .want coffee." Arius looked at Claude with puppy eyes and Claude glared at him in return.

". . .After your meal and medicine."

"Thanks dad." Arius smiled with his eyes closed.

He kept his eyes closed as he felt the coolness from Claude's hands, he soon felt the same coolness on his cheeks. He opened his eyes to see Athanasia with her hands.

He chuckled at her actions and she blushed with embarrassment.

"You're laughing!? and here I was worried about you!" Athanasia retracted her hands.

"Gee sorry, Thanks Athy."

"Now Athanasia, let your brother rest."

"I am! "

Claude and Arius stared at her.

"What's with that look?!"

Knock!

"Sire, it's Felix."

Felix entered the room. "There are a few nobles hoping to have an audience. . ."

"Tell them I'm busy."

" Sire. . ."

"You can leave now." Claude ordered.

Arius held Claude's hand and whispered,"It's fine dad, you can go. Just promise to come back right after you're free."

Claude and Arius stared at each other for a while before Claude said, "Promise." and stood up.

Soon the doors shut and Athanasia and Arius were left alone in the room.

It was unusually quiet.

Arius looked at Athanasia.

"Athy, you okay?"

". . . I read in a book that fevers are also caused by stress. . . is there something bothering you, brother?"

"Eh, uh? well I wouldn't say stressed, but I have been thinking about a lot of stuff."

"L–Like?"

". . .Athy, are you okay?" Arius tried to sit up, but Athanasia stopped him.

"I'm fine! it's just I had some things on my mind as well."

"Things like. . . Jennette Margarita?"

Athanasia paled and Arius gave her a sad smile.

"We really have been thinking of the same thing."