Page 15 of The Botanist and the Beast

"Did you always have the leopard ears and a tail? I don't remember them when we first met."

"No, I didn't." He frowned as if the words stung. "They come and go."

"Do you not have control over them?"

"It's complicated. I can make them show up, but certain traits stick around longer than others after I shift forms. They can also spring up when I'm emotionally or physically overwhelmed. It signals that I'm going to shift soon. I don't usually lose control, but to be safe, you should stay away from me if you notice." He let out a sigh. "I know I'm unsettling, but you don't have to worry. I will do my best to keep my distance so you aren't too uncomfortable during your stay here."

"Uncomfortable? I'm uncomfortable with being a prisoner here but little else. Why would I be uncomfortable with how you look? As long as you don't attack me, I don't mind."

"You said being described as an animal was an insult. I assume gazing on a nymph who is in fact part beastly pet isn't ideal. Especially when my nymph form already startled you."

"I didn't mean anything by that," Theo said quickly. Guilt welled in his chest when he thought of his cruel words.Being on his bad side can't be good. "I needed to get rid of you. I'm sorry I was harsh. I truly don't find you unsettling. I'd be lying if I said your leopard form doesn't scare me a little, but I can get used to it as long as you're usually nonviolent."

"If I don't disgust you, why do you stare?" He rolled his eyes. "You've done it since you've arrived."

"You're the most beautiful man I've ever seen. Though I guess you're not a man but a nymph." Theo smiled up at him. "I don't see how I could not stare, but I can do that less if I'm making you uneasy." The prince furrowed his brow but stayed quiet. "Did I upset you again? It seems I do that a lot."

"No. You're just bold," he said with a shrug.

"I'm a grown man. I don't see the point in pretending I don't perceive someone's beauty."

"I guess I misunderstood you."

"Well, I misunderstood you, too, so let's call it even." Theo felt like he was attempting to win the favor of a skeptical house cat as prince Sebastian gazed down at him with unblinking eyes. "Listen, you saved my life and for that I am grateful. But I beg you to consider letting me go for my family's sake. We only have each other and my absence will weigh on them."

"I can't let you go anytime soon." He reached down and grabbed a long strip of gauze. With gentle hands, he took Theo's' wounded arm and slowly wrapped it. "For now, will you stay the night in your room? We can discuss your future here tomorrow."

Theo nodded, doing his best to not look as dejected as he felt. It was clear that at least for tonight, his escape was out of reach.

Chapter Fourteen

The next morning, Theo came out the washroom with a small towel wrapped around his waist. To his surprise, Prince Sebastian was there setting a stack of clothes on the bed.

"Morning, your majesty."

"Oh. Good morning," he said, clearly a bit startled.

His leopard ears and tail had vanished now, but he still looked like an ethereal being from fairytales. His eyes swept Theo's body.

"I saw you didn't have many clothes suitable for our climate, so I brought you some for today. I will get more for you later. Leave your ruined clothes in the hall and I'll dispose of them."

"Thanks," he said, cheerily plopping down on the edge of the bed. He unfolded the clothes to take a look as the simple blouse and furry cloak. "How are you feeling, your majesty? You were pretty scraped up the other night."

"I'll manage. How is your arm doing?"

"I'm healing." He held up his bandaged arm. "The bear was rough but no permanent damage."

"That's good." He folded his arms behind his back. "Would you like to eat with us today?"

"I'm starved, actually. I know I was combative before, but I'm willing to eat now. The chains are lost to the forest though, so perhaps I could eat up here?"

"You should come down and eat with everyone. You've earned some goodwill for saving me, so let's forgo the chains."He came over, took Theo's arm, and examined it. "I will do my best to ease some anxieties among my people. As I said, you stay by my side when we leave this suite at all times. Your presence has angered many, and I don't want anyone to hurt you."

"I will." Theo nodded.If I stay by his side, how am I going to figure out how to escape?He couldn't ponder this too long because he was distracted by the prince's thick snowflake white lashes as his downcast eyes inspected him.

"You're staring again." He flicked his eyes up to meet his. "Truly a bad habit of yours."

"Sorry." Theo laughed, amused by the snarky comment. "I'll work on that, I promise. But it's really because you're just very—"

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