Page 18 of The Botanist and the Beast

"Yet you're kissed by the veil," Sebastian said, nodding to Theo's chest. "Clearly you've traveled through often. You must be one of the skilled."

"Is kissed by the veil what you call this?" He touched his chest absentmindedly as he asked.

"Yes," he said, poking at his food. "In the wilds, what we called the uncolonized portions of the veil, I'm sure you've seen certain things glow. It's believed that all the living things that glow are favored by the veil and all share a connection with each other. For example, in theory a snake that glows won't eat a mouse that glows. The more of a glow, the more favored the thing is. Some view glowing items as lucky. Your marks suggestion you're exceptionally favored."

"Well, if the veil favors me, I am grateful." Hearing his scar referred to as something lucky made his heart swell, and a small part of him healed. "Hopefully that means you can come to favor me, too. Who knows, maybe I can be your good luck charm."

"Now I see why Theo got a request put into the kitchen," Henri said with a chuckle. "Theo, when do you enter the veil? It moves around season to season. Do you chase it or wait?"

"I don't chase it. I have too much responsibility at home. I only go in in the spring."

There was a loud clatter as the prince dropped his spoon on the table and knocked over his glass of water.

"You alright?" Theo said, surprised by the noise. He quickly took a cloth napkin and patted the water on the table dry, his instincts from raising his sisters taking over.

"Like I said interesting," Henri said under his breath.

Lyle slammed his hands on the table and stood, making the rest of the room fall silent. "Why are we treating him as if he did nothing wrong? What he did was disgusting. He shouldn't be allowed to speak so casually, let alone live and eat among us."

"I agree with Lyle," the lanky blond added. His voice was less confident, but he continued. "And what happened to at least keeping the ward in chains?"

Theo tensed under the rage filled glare from across the table. The other guards were silent, looking between the two and not wanting to anger either party.

"Watch your words when speaking to the prince," Oliver warned but Sebastian put up his hand, silencing him.

"Remy, Lyle can defend his opinion on his own. I suggest you stay quiet."

The lanky blond lowered his eyes. "I apologize, Prince Sebastian."

"Lyle, Theo will be here for a while," the prince said calmly, ignoring the apology completely. "Getting to know him is only natural. I ask that you all treat him respectfully. We aren't uncivilized."

"It's not about being civilized. It's about the principle. You should have hanged him or left him out in the cold to fend for himself." Lyle scowled. "There's still time to correct your mistake."

"I know quite a few of you want justice for what was done. Theo didn't commit the crime and yet I made him give up his home, his family, and his life to be here in this cursed wasteland with us." He scoffed, gesturing to the room. "Are you suggesting living here under the curse is easy?"

"Obviously not but—"

"You are my general and head of my royal guard. I value your opinion, but my word is final. Don't forget that. And don't forget your place." He stood, scooting back his chair. "If you disagree with me, you know where the door is. You are welcome to move out and go back to the city."

There was a long pause and Lyle sat and scowled. "I apologize, Sebastian, I just—"

"It's Prince Sebastian. You've forgotten how to show respect this morning. I hope you remember before the day is over." He turned to Theo and offered a smile. "Theo, have you finished eating?"

"Um, yes?" he said, startled by Prince Sebastian's sudden attention.

"Perfect. Time for us to start our tour. Leave the bowl. Lyle can clean it up with the rest of the dishes."

Sebastian was already heading for the doors and, not wanting to be left alone under Lyle's furious glare, Theo hurried after.

Chapter Fifteen

They rode on a horse into town. Theo was in front as the prince reached around and held the reins. It was a bit odd for him at first, but he quickly got used to the heat of the prince’s body behind his. They weaved through statues frozen in motion.

When he had first arrived, Theo thought no one lived here. If he only focused on the many boarded up buildings he may still believe it was a ghost town.

However, every so often he'd see a hint of life—a window glowing with light, the smell of meat roasting on a fire, or a plume of dark smoke from a chimney against the ashen sky. Theo couldn't hear anyone, but he could feel the life tucked away along the edges giving it a melancholic charm. It was a pretty forgotten place and despite being trapped here for now, Theo felt lucky to witness its existence when most humans could never even imagine such a place.

Abruptly, Sebastian stopped the horse and hopped down before offering his hand. "This is what I wanted to show you, but we have to leave the horse for now. Stay close and do your best to not bump any of the statues."

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