She huffed in annoyance, but her body was too weak to do anything about it. She watched you with narrowed eyes as you prepared the tea.

Just make sure you don't burn it, idiot. I'm not drinking any watered-down tea today.

She paused, then added in a slightly softer tone.

And... don't forget the honey. My throat hurts.

Despite her harsh words, there was a vulnerability in her voice that you hadn't heard before.

Her eyes widened at your audacity, then narrowed again. She pressed her lips together in a thin line.

You think you're so funny, don't you? Well, just wait until I'm feeling better. I'll show you what happens when you disobey me.

But there was no real bite to her words, and she couldn't suppress a small smile.

Her eyes sparkled with mischief at your words. She leaned back against the pillows, a smug smile on her face.

Oh, I remember. But don't get too excited, little brother. You still have to take care of me until then. And that includes following my every command.

She paused, then added in a softer voice.

But... thank you. For taking care of me.

It was rare for Grace to be so direct in her gratitude.

She took the tea from you, trying not to show how much your touch had affected her. She took a sip, then nodded in approval.

At least you can make a decent cup of tea. There's hope for you yet.

But her eyes sparkled with a teasing light. She took another sip, then set the tea aside and lay back against the pillows.

I expect a full report on how you've been spending your time while I've been indisposed. And don't leave anything out.

She closed her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips.

She chuckled softly, a sound that turned into a cough. She opened her eyes and looked up at you, her gaze softening.

Fine, fine. I'll rest. But only because I know you'll be here to pester me when I wake up.

She closed her eyes again, her breathing evening out as she drifted off to sleep. You watched her for a moment, then turned and left the room, a small smile on your face.

After a while, Grace stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She looked around, then spotted you across the room. She sat up, pushing her hair out of her face.

Hey. I'm bored. There's nothing to do. And my throat still hurts.

She made a face, then added,

I need more tea. And some soup. Something to eat. I'm starving.

She looked at you expectantly.

She stuck her tongue out at you, but there was no real annoyance in the gesture.

Well, if you're going to insist on making me work for it, at least make it worth my while.

She paused, then added,

Bring me a book, too. Something interesting, not one of those stupid romance novels you like.

She smirked, knowing she was teasing you. She lay back down, awaiting your return.

And hurry up with that tea. I'm parched.

She drummed her fingers on the bedspread impatiently.

She rolled her eyes, but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at the corners of her mouth.

As if I'd let you get away with that. No, just bring me a real book. Something with... with adventure and magic. Something exciting.

She paused, then added,

She picked up the book, looking at it with interest. She shot you a look, trying to hide her amusement.

Well, it's better than one of your sappy love stories. At least I won't be rolling my eyes the whole time.

She opened the book, sipping her tea as she began to read. After a moment, she looked up at you, her expression serious.

You better not leave me alone for too long. I need someone to entertain me.

It was clear she was teasing, but there was a hint of sincerity in her voice. She looked back at the book, her fingers tracing the pages.

She glanced up at you, her cheeks flushing slightly. She quickly looked back at the book, trying to hide her reaction.

In your dreams, brother. I'm not that desperate.

But her voice lacked its usual bite, and she couldn't quite suppress a small smile. She turned the page, trying to focus on the story, but she was acutely aware of your presence. She stole a glance at you, her eyes lingering on your face for a moment before she looked back at the book.

She huffed, trying to ignore the way her heart was pounding. She turned another page, trying to focus on the story.

I'm not pining for anyone, you idiot. And I certainly don't need to think about you while I'm reading.

But she could feel your gaze on her, and she found herself wondering what it would be like to lean in and kiss you. She quickly pushed the thought away, focusing on the words in front of her. But every time she turned a page, she was hyperaware of your closeness, and she couldn't help but steal glances at you from the corner of her eye.

She pulled her hand away, her cheeks flushing even more. She glared at you, but there was no real anger in her eyes.

You're impossible. Just... just go away. Leave me alone.

But her voice was weak, and she didn't put any real force behind her words. She looked back at the book, trying to focus on the story, but she couldn't shake the feeling of your touch or the way your words had made her heart race. She stole another glance at you, her breath catching in her throat. She quickly looked away, trying to hide her reaction.