53.

Aeryn had decided to play her cramps for all they were worth. She wasn’t usually one for manipulation, but the sight of Alex running around like a headless chicken, utterly clueless about human ailments, was too amusing to pass up. She stretched out on his luxurious bed, her hand pressed dramatically to her forehead.

“Ohhh,” she groaned, just loud enough for Alex to hear, “the cramps, Alex, they’re so much worse now.”

Alex, who had been pacing near the chamber window, immediately spun around, his eyes wide with concern. He rushed to her side, kneeling beside the bed, his hand hovering awkwardly over her stomach. “Aeryn, do you need more chocolate? Should I call the medics again? You don’t look well.”

Aeryn bit her lip to stifle a grin. This was just too easy. She fluttered her lashes at him and sighed dramatically. “It’s unbearable,” she whispered in a small voice. “I might not survive this day without... without *something*.”

Alex looked utterly terrified. “Survive? What do you mean? No one mentioned that human women could die from this!” His voice rose in panic. “I won’t let that happen. What do you need? Name it, and it’s yours.”

Aeryn couldn’t hold back her grin any longer. She glanced at him, biting her lip in mock hesitation. “Well,” she started slowly, her eyes gleaming mischievously, “you could... maybe get on your knees for me?”

Alex blinked, completely missing the playful tone in her voice. “On my knees? Will that help? Is it some sort of human tradition?”

Aeryn almost burst out laughing at how serious he was, but she quickly composed herself, nodding solemnly. “It helps ease the pain. You know, emotional support. It’s... a big deal for humans.”

Without hesitation, Alex dropped to both knees beside the bed, his hands clasped in front of him, looking up at her with the utmost sincerity. “If this helps, then I’ll stay like this as long as you need, Aeryn.”

She had to turn her face into the pillow to hide her laughter, but the sight of the powerful alien prince kneeling by her bed like an obedient servant was too much. She peeked at him, still keeping up her feigned misery.

“Maybe if you also say something nice,” she added, trying to keep a straight face. “Humans love hearing sweet words when they’re in pain. It helps... a lot.”

Alex, still oblivious to her game, leaned closer, his face serious and intense. “You are the strongest, most beautiful woman I have ever met,” he said earnestly. “Even in pain, you are more radiant than the brightest stars in the universe.”

Aeryn’s heart fluttered a bit, even though she was the one leading him on. She hadn’t expected him to be so sincere about it. “Go on,” she teased, though there was a hint of genuine affection in her voice now.

“I would give up my entire kingdom to see you smile,” he continued, his hand reaching up to gently brush a strand of hair from her face. “No battle or enemy could ever worry me as much as the sight of you in pain.”

Aeryn's playful demeanor faltered for a moment. She was supposed to be messing with him, but his words were starting to melt her. “Alex...” she whispered, genuinely touched now, though still fighting the urge to milk the situation a bit more.

He leaned closer, his forehead nearly touching hers. “I will protect you, Aeryn, from everything—even from your own body if I must. If I could take this pain from you, I would. Just tell me how.”

Aeryn could feel herself blushing now. She hadn’t expected to get so swept up in this. “You’re... really sweet, you know that?” she said, her voice softer now. “I didn’t mean to worry you this much. It’s just... cramps. I’m not dying.”

Alex blinked in confusion. “But you said—”

“I exaggerated a little,” she admitted, sitting up slightly and wincing at a genuine cramp that hit her. “I mean, yeah, it hurts, but it’s not life-threatening. I just... wanted to see how far you’d go for me.”

Alex stared at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, a small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. “You... played me,” he said, realization dawning in his eyes.

Aeryn’s mouth twitched. “A little.”

“I was *kneeling*,” Alex said, though there was more amusement than annoyance in his voice now. “I thought you were on the verge of death, and you just wanted to see me kneel?”

Aeryn grinned. “Well, yeah. You’re a prince and all, and I figured it wouldn’t hurt to see you be a little... human for once.”

He laughed—a deep, rich sound that made Aeryn’s heart skip a beat. “You are the most infuriating, complicated creature I have ever met,” he said, shaking his head. “And yet...” His hand slipped to her chin, tilting her face up toward him. “I find myself completely at your mercy.”

Aeryn’s breath hitched as she met his gaze. There was a teasing light in his eyes now, but also something much deeper. “You really are too good to be true sometimes,” she said softly.

His lips twitched. “And yet, here I am, kneeling at the bedside of a human who tricked me.”

Aeryn couldn’t help but laugh. “I didn’t really think you’d fall for it that easily,” she admitted. “But in my defense, the chocolate *did* help.”

Alex chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. “If I had known that chocolate and sweet words were all it took to make you happy, I would’ve prepared better for your arrival.”

“Well,” she said, leaning closer and giving him a sly grin, “you know now.”

He leaned in, his voice dropping to a soft whisper. “And what do I get for my troubles? For all the kneeling and worrying over imaginary threats?”

Aeryn’s heart raced as their faces hovered just inches apart. “I suppose... a kiss might be a good reward,” she murmured, her gaze flicking to his lips.

Alex didn’t need any further invitation. He closed the small distance between them, his lips meeting hers in a soft, lingering kiss. It wasn’t rushed or demanding—just sweet and perfect, exactly what she needed after her little game.

When they finally pulled apart, Aeryn was smiling, her earlier antics forgotten. “Okay, maybe I did play it up a bit too much,” she admitted, her voice playful. “But at least now I know you’d do anything for me.”

Alex smirked, brushing his thumb over her cheek. “Even kneel if that’s what it takes.”

Aeryn’s laughter filled the room, her cramps momentarily forgotten in the warmth of his embrace. Even as the pain crept back in, she felt lighter, knowing that Alex was there, willing to bend to her whims—not out of duty, but out of love.