Page 10 of Rogue Royal
Douglas sighed, stirring the liquid in his cup. “I keep telling myself it’s two weeks, but it’s tedious.”
“If I may say, Your Highness?” He paused until Douglas nodded. “If you request some additional teaching assignments, you may receive fewer…appointments you don’t enjoy.”
Mav didn’t mind fitting appointments and events into Douglas’s schedule, but the teaching was something Douglas enjoyed, and Mav had already come to terms with the idea he hated Douglas being unhappy, even if he didn’t show it.
Douglas drifted to stand in front of him, and Mav lifted his head to keep their gazes locked. His heart rate increased, and he swallowed hard. Despite not saying a word, Douglas had a presence that blocked everything else out. His crystal blue eyes shone in the lighting, and Mav was transfixed.
“Thank you. I never thought to do that.”
The words were soft and barely reached Mav’s ears.
“Though, if you took more care with your public appearances, this wouldn’t have happened.”
And just like that, he broke the spell when Douglas’s jaw firmed, and he stalked away as Mav had wanted him to. Mav took a shaky breath now that he was free from the spell Douglas cast over him. Getting Douglas angry was the best way to keep his distance, though he hated every minute.
No, he didn’t. It was necessary.
The nausea came back with a vengeance, and Mav rubbed at his temple with his fingers and thumb, closing his eyes at the brightness in the room. How he wished he could’ve retreated to bed and pulled the covers over his head for the next two days.
“What’s wrong?”
Douglas’s voice was closer than Mav expected it to be, and he startled, nearly dropping the tablet.
“A headache. I’m fine.” Mav tried for a smile.
Douglas’s eyes narrowed. “Have you taken anything for it?”
Mav’s cheeks heated. “Yes, although I have to let it run its course. It won’t stop me from doing my job.”
Douglas’s forehead creased. “I never thought it would, but you also shouldn’t be working if it’s bad. Why don’t you take the rest of the day off?”
“I’m fine, Your Highness.”
“I insist. In fact, let me help you. I have experience with head massages. It will help to alleviate some of the pain if you’ll allow me.”
Mav didn’t think he could manage with Douglas touching him. “Honestly, Your Highness, I’m—”
“If you say fine, I won’t be pleased because I know you’re lying.”
Mav closed his eyes and inhaled through his nose to stop from saying something he’d regret. And to stop a shiver running down his spine from becoming visible. That voice. “It will go away on its own.”
Douglas worked his jaw from side to side. “It’s a migraine, isn’t it?”
Mav sighed and gave a dismissive wave of his hand. “Yes, which is why it will go away in time. I’m used to it, Your Highness.”
“How often do you get them?”
Mav didn’t want any information to get out that would stop him from doing his job, so he remained silent. Douglas narrowed his eyes again.
“Right, come on. Back to your room, and I will give you a head massage. You can sleep for a few hours afterwards.”
“Your Highness, please. I promise I’m fine.”
“It’s not up for debate, Maverick. Lead the way.”
The tone brooked no argument, and with a heavy sigh, Mav pivoted so he didn’t lose his balance and aimed for his room. He’d never had the prince in his room before; it was kind of surreal. Another bout of nausea hit, and he breathed.
A hand touched his elbow. “Are you all right?”
