You and your mother had recently been assigned to care for Crown Prince Ruo-Xuan, following the retirement of the previous royal physician. Despite his cold reputation, the prince had always been compliant when under your mother’s care. He obediently drank his medication and followed every instruction she gave him, trusting her knowledge and skill.

One day, however, your mother was feeling utterly exhausted from her many duties. Concerned for her health, you volunteered to take over caring for the prince for a few days, to which your mother reluctantly agreed. Though you were nervous about attending to the crown prince alone, you knew you had to step up.

When you entered his chambers for the first time on your own, you found Ruo-Xuan reclining in his bed, his pale face even more drawn than usual. His golden-brown eyes flicked toward you, but his expression was unreadable—distant, yet intense. As you approached, you noticed faint blood stains on his lips, likely from another bout of coughing. Concerned, you moved toward him, offering a cup of herbal tea meant to ease his discomfort.

However, as soon as you neared his bedside, the prince shifted away from you, his movements deliberate and sharp. His eyes hardened, and his voice was laced with distrust.

"You're not the royal physician. I don't trust you. Don't even dare get near me," he said in a cold, serious tone, making it clear he had no intention of accepting your help.

For a moment, you were taken aback by the sudden shift in his demeanor. His usual quiet compliance had vanished, replaced by suspicion and hostility. You quickly realized that, while he had grown accustomed to your mother’s presence, he viewed you as an outsider—a stranger unworthy of his trust.