Page 47 of The Botanist and the Beast

When he didn't see him, he got worried he ran off to the mountains again. Then Theo finally spotted him in the corner in a hushed argument with Jacques, who shoved a satchel towards him despite his refusal. Theo tilted his head, curious what they were talking about but then he saw his antlers glow and had a suspicion it was about last night.

"Ward, you ready to move on?" Lyle voice snipped he walked by with his hands behind his back as he looked up.

Of all people, it had to be Lyle in charge.He forced a smile and climbed down. "Sure am. What did you need?"

"Stones," he said, with a smug look as he tapped a clipboard with notes scribbled on it.

"I don't think I understand."

"We heat stones in the fire, then wrap them in cloth so others can hold them to keep their hands warm. Some cases we place them under the bed to heat the mattress."

As he explained, Jacques, Oliver, and Sebastian came over. Theo was instantly distracted by Sebastian's beauty.

"Are we out of stones?" Sebastian asked, furrowing his brows. "It's not like they get tossed out. Theo shouldn't need to collect any."

"We have quite a bit, but on an exceptionally cold night we don't have enough for everyone to put them in the bed, hence why the ward should collect them," he said, shrugging. "Oliver and Jacques, can you collect the stones we have from the storage?"

"Sure," Oliver said, taking Jacques's hand. Since the last wave of death, he hadn't so much as let go of Jacques for more than a few seconds.

"I'll go with Theo," Sebastian announced.

"You should stay," Lyle said firmly. "It's cold out, you know. It's not great for water nymphs to be out in the snow too long. If you're worried about him running, I'll go with him."

"My shifter side nullifies that problem. I'll be fine." He flashed a smile and patted Lyle's arm. "I'm happy to do it."

Why do you always have to touch him? Is it that necessary?

Lyle reluctantly conceded and soon Theo and Sebastian were off strolling across the frozen yard towards some trees.

He could hear the subtle rush of the river implying the green house was tucked away nearby and the air nipped at his face. His mind kept going back to Sebastian touching Lyle's arm.This is silly. It was meaningless. He’s just pacifying him. Princes do that sort of thing.

Abruptly Sebastian gripped his wrist and pulled him to a stop.

"What is it? Are we in the right spot?"

"We are, but I wanted to talk to you." Sebastian stepped closer and peered up at him. "I'm inexperienced in relationships, but I am good at reading people."

"I don't think I understand."

"You don't need to be jealous of Lyle," he said, giving his hand a squeeze.

"Am I that obvious?"

"Completely," he said, offering an apologetic smile. "I won't touch him so much anymore if that'd make you more comfortable. I really feel nothing for him. If I did, I would have stayed betrothed to him."

"Right," he said with a sigh as he ran a hand through his hair." I feel embarrassed now."

"Don't be, it’s cute." He leaned in and pecked his cheek with lips that felt warm in the cold air. "Now come on, the rocks are buried in the snow this way."

"How many do you think we need?" Theo asked as he followed.

"Not many. I have a feeling Lyle is just picking on you today," Sebastian said, bending down and brushing snow away to reveal countless rocks. "We'll just fill the canvas bag we have and head back."

"Thanks for helping. I wouldn't have known where to start," Theo said, settling down next to Sebastian on the ground. He grabbed a few with his gloved hands and dropped them in the canvas sack they were given. "Are you out here with me because you're worried I'll run?"

"No." Sebastian paused as if choosing his words carefully. "Should I be? I assumed after the other night you wouldn't. Perhaps I'm being foolish."

"I don't plan to run," he said, feeling guilty seeing his worried look. "I admit that I do want to discuss going home soon for a visit."

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