Page 20 of The Botanist and the Beast

As he descended the stairs, Theo saw a glowing white light in his periphery. He spun around and searched for any sign of the white figure, but the glow was gone.

Chapter Sixteen

"We're delivering rations today," Sebastian explain as he led Theo to a collection of horse-drawn carts lined up at the back door of the kitchen. Steadily, guards carried wooden crates out and loaded them onto different carts. "You will be riding into town with Oliver, Jacques, Henri, and I."

Guards flowed in and out with crates full of canvas bags. The smell of smoked meat filled the space, and Theo's mouth watered as they stopped inside.

"Colette, do you have my special crate by chance?" Sebastain asked.

"Yes of course." She nodded to one crate that sat aside on a dark countertop. "Everything you asked is in it."

"Perfect, thank you."

As soon as he lifted it up he winced, and Theo snatched it from his hands. "I got this. Just tell me where to go."

"I am capable." The prince reached for it, and Theo turned away.

"I know you're capable. I also know you're sore from the other night. I don't mind carrying things. You can focus on your clipboard."

"Why are you sore?" Lyle strolled over and looked Sebastian up and down. "If you're hurt, you should stay with me today. Let the others watch the ward. He can go with Remy and Charles."

Theo looked over and saw the two men that chatted under his window before waiting by a loaded cart.Like I'd trust themto not harm me after agreeing I should behanged. "I'd much rather stay with the prince."

"I didn't ask you."

"I said Theo would be my responsibility. If I don't keep a watchful eye on him, you're going to be sour."

"I understand I was harsh the other day but—"

"Your harshness is never a surprise," he said, turning away and scribbling something with a fountain pen on the clipboard. "Theo, don't fall behind. I need that crate up front with me."

Theo quickly followed, trying to ignore Lyle's eyes boring into the back of his head.

He dropped the crate and looked at the horse with a midnight black coat. "Where do you keep these horses, and what do you feed them?" Theo asked, surprised to see any domesticated animals in such harsh conditions.Maybe I can ride one of these out of here if I time it right.

"The animals are unaffected by the curse, so we let them roam outside the kingdom to graze, but they return when called for. You probably heard the whistle yesterday evening." He used his pen to count how many boxes had been loaded so far. "They won't let you ride them, so don't bother."

"What do you mean?" he asked innocently.

"You're painfully transparent and I'm not a fool. If you're going to consider escaping, at least be less obvious."

"Theo!" Oliver said, hopping off the cart. "Come on, no time to stay and chat with Sebastian, we need to make good time."

Theo left his cloak on the back of the cart and followed Oliver. He worked happily, grabbing two or three crates stacked on top of each other at once. A thin layer of sweat coated his brow despite the cool air, but it felt good to get some exercise, so he didn't mind. He repeated this until he got to the last stack. On his way over, he noticed Jacques and Henri were watching him intently as they set perched on some boxes. The prince was alsothere standing between them. His fangs poked slightly out of his lips.

"Everything okay?" He dropped the crates with a grunt and looked up at the prince.Maybe the pain is physically overwhelming?

"Yes, every thing's fine." His voice slurred slightly over his teeth, and he quickly covered his mouth with his clipboard. "We're done. Please come up so we can leave."

"You're sure?" he asked, noting the glances between Henri and Jacques who were stifling laughs.

"Yes, positive." He left without another word and moved to the front of the cart to take over the reins.

"That shirt is a bit tight, Theo," Jacques said as he stuck out a hand a heaved Oliver up to join them. "Is it comfortable?"

"Oh." He laughed. "Is that why you two are giggling at me? It's Sebastian's, so I suppose it's a bit form fitting, but I feel good. Does it look silly?"

"Not at all," Henri said with a sly smile. "Oliver usually rides with Sebastian, but Jacques and him want to spend some time together. Why don't you join our prince up front?"

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