Jess is conscious

Brock was seated on a small stool beside the bed, watching as Jess's chest heaved with every breath she took. The temptation to run his fingers across her beautiful face was irresistible. 

Giving in to his desire to worship the beauty of his queen before she woke up and started her tantrums. He ran his fingers across her jawline, admiring the serene look as she slept before slowly moving his hand lower until he stopped at her cleavage.

Brock groaned as he felt a tightening in his chest when Jess unconsciously held his hands and brought them closer to her chest while muttering something under her breath that he could not understand.

His eyes darkened, and his breath hitched. His neither region was aching and begging to be released, but Brock knew he needed to be patient. Brock clenched his fist and took a deep breath as he recited a poem he learned from Melissa in an attempt to control himself. 

Damn,

Brock muttered under his breath in frustration as he tried to control the raving beast inside him that wanted nothing more than to ravish Jess and make her scream his name in pleasure.

What have you done to me to drive me wild and crazy?

Brock asked as he removed his hands from her hold, making Jess stare in her sleep.

Jess groaned as her eyes fluttered open as she scanned her environment. As she became conscious, the smell of lavender and sandalwood invaded her senses. 

You finally woke up after a long nap.

Said a male voice teasingly, which made Jess crane her neck in the direction of the voice.

Your Highness, what are you doing here?

Jess asked, surprised to see him by her bedside.

Brock ignored her question and went to close the curtains to stop the sunlight from penetrating the room.

I was taking care of you.

Brock replied nonchalantly.

The wooden floor echoed as his shoes made contact with it. The bed dipped as Brock sat beside her, making Jess scoot back from him.

Is it wrong for me to take care of my future bride?

Brock asked teasingly.

Jess shifted uncomfortably under his imposing gaze as her heart hammered in her chest with an undescribable sensation that was foreign. Her eyes roamed the room to avoid meeting the deep oceanic eyes demanding an answer from her.

The last thing she remembered before losing consciousness was being in the bathroom before her legs buckled underneath her.

Where am I?  

Jess asked as she realized this was not her quarters. 

The room was warm, and the bed soft and big, a stark contrast from her bed, which could barely fit two people. The candles at the four corners of the bedpost and the cushions at the far corners of the room further confirmed her suspicions. 

I asked Christine to bring you to my quarters when she found you unconscious in the bathroom. 

Brock answered with a mischievous smile.

Your Highness, 

Jess gasped at the realization.

It is not proper for me to be in your quarters as it will fuel the rumors circulating in the hospital estate of an inappropriate affair between us. 

Jess spelled out.

If this matter is known to the public, it will cause a big scandal that can tarnish your reputation.

Jess explained while clutching the blue bed sheet to cover her upper body.

Seeing her cleavage slightly exposed, her face heated up in embarrassment as the gown was made from thin material.

Brock noticed her nervousness and tried to ease her fears to make her comfortable. He saw the situation as an opportunity to bond with her and ease her into accepting their relationship.

The doctor recommended a quiet place to recuperate, so Christine suggested we move you to my quarters. This place is secluded from the rest of the Estate and has enough torches to keep you warm until you recover.

Brock explained while he tucked a strand of hair behind his ears.
He placed a hand on her forehead and nodded in approval.

Your fever has gone down.

He stated.

He went over to the table to pick up a tray of food kept there by the kitchen staff. 

Bock uncovered the food, and Jess could not help but notice the mouth-watering dishes splayed out before her. Her stomach grumbled, making her face heat up like a red tomato. 

Brock smiled and tucked her hair beyond her ear to stop it from cascading on her face.

I am glad the food is to your liking.

Brock stated. He scooped some soup with the spoon and brought it to Jess's lips for Jess to taste after blowing on it.

Jess shook her head as her eyes widened in shock.

I can feed myself.

Jess declined the offer.

She hoped she had not hurt his ego by rejecting his help, but she found it awkward for the crown prince to feed her.

Brock chuckled as he dropped the spoon into the soup bowl and placed the tray on her lap after helping her to an upright position. 

Jess scooped the soup into her mouth, and the savory taste had her moaning in delight. It had been a while since she had such a wholesome meal.

Brock closed his eyes as he took in a sharp breath.

Are you okay?

Jess asked when she noticed his behavior and his clenched fist.

I find it satisfying watching you eat.

Brock smiled reassuringly. Jess could see the turmoil dancing in his expressive eyes but did not pry further into the matter.

She continued eating while pretending not to see the lust in his eyes.

A sudden knock at the door broke the awkward silence in the room.

Jess looked at Brock, who gave her a reassuring look.

Come in.

Brock commanded.

A few seconds later, the door creaked open, and Christine walked in with a letter for Brock to put his seal on. 

Seeing Christine invoked memories of the night before and the sad reality that she was already living in a golden cage despite refusing the crown prince's affection. 

Your Highness,

According to your instructions, Beatrice will resume as the new chief physician from tomorrow while Loren will assist her. 

Jess snapped her head up when she heard the news and looked at Brock, who only chuckled at her expression as he found it amusing.