At his indifferent reply, Talia raised the corners of her eyes.
She couldn't tell whether he was simply brushing her off because arguing was bothersome, or whether he truly didn't care about something as trivial as clothing and was agreeing without a second thought.
After scrutinizing his expressionless face as though dissecting it, Talia eventually let out a weary sigh.
“Sometimes, being around you makes me feel like I'm going to burst.”
Even at her sudden provocation, he showed no particular reaction.
The prolonged silence gradually made her uneasy.
Pulling the blanket up to her chin, Talia turned her back to him.
“Leave already.”
“I'll leave after seeing you take your medicine.”
“I'm not taking it, so leave.”
“I'll leave after you take it and I confirm that you're feeling better.”
“I said I'm not taking it!”
Turning back with an irritated face, she found her gaze caught by pale eyes in which gold flickered faintly.
Dragging a chair beside the bed, he sat down and spoke slowly.
“If you continue being stubborn, I'll make you take it by force if I have to.”
Talia stiffened.
Suddenly, memories of their wedding night stirred her mind.
That confusing memory, which she still couldn't distinguish between dream and reality, replayed vividly in her thoughts.
Was Varkas remembering that night too?
Sweat formed above her upper lip.
Unable to endure the strange tension filling the room, Talia awkwardly changed the subject.
“Did you drink?”
“A little.”
Leaning against the back of the chair, he answered indifferently.
Watching him with guarded eyes, Talia snapped in an even harsher tone than usual.
“If you're drunk, you should wash up and go to sleep. Why are you coming into someone else's room and causing trouble?”
“I didn't drink enough to become drunk. They made such a grand welcome celebration that I merely humored them.”
He answered carelessly before removing the ornaments wrapped around his arm and placing them on a shelf as though they were bothersome.
Staring at him, Talia cautiously asked,
“Didn't anyone complain that I never showed my face?”
“Who would complain to you?”
A frown suddenly appeared between his brows.
“Your Highness holds the highest rank in this castle. There is no one here whose opinion you need to concern yourself with.”
“Who said I was worrying? I was just curious.”
Muttering, Talia glared at him.
It was somewhat absurd hearing such words from the man who had never truly treated her like an Imperial Princess.
Just as she was about to snap back that he should worry about himself first, someone knocked on the door.
“Young Master, I have brought the medicine.”
“Come in.”
The door opened, and a petite maid entered the room.
Taking the medicine bottle from her, Varkas immediately sent the maid back outside.
Talia stared nervously at the bottle in his hand.
For some reason, her stomach tightened.
Struggling to swallow with her sore throat, she saw him shake the bottle in front of her.
“Drink it.”
Talia alternated her gaze between the small blue glass bottle and his face.
If she refused, would he kiss her again like that night?
The thought that suddenly surfaced made her heart clench.
Unable to gather herself, she avoided his eyes.
Leaning closer, he asked quietly,