Page 23 of The Botanist and the Beast

"I'm good down here," he said, hopping down and holding out his arms. "The prince gets a better view of you up there anyway."

"Henri, stop talking," Sebastian said, shoving him lightly as he passed. He put on a regal smile and addressed the citizens. "Hello, everyone. Please line up and be patient. My ward Theo will be working with us. He is not dangerous or cruel. His companion broke Sara, and he is taking the punishment in her stead. Though he isn't from here, he has been kissed by the veil, and I believe that suggests he is safe. Please be respectful."

Theo stayed up on the cart and passed crates one by one down to Henri. He worked steadily and the prince was right. The people were peering up at him and whispering about the lack of stone on his skin and his scar. He knew it wasn't the same as back home, but he felt a slight discomfort similar to when he first emerged from the veil with his new marks.

As his old insecurities bubbled up, he distracted himself by eavesdropping on the prince who was chatting with those who already got their rations.

He complimented a woman on the new braids in her hair, discussed an ongoing card game he had with an old man he had to finish despite playing for months. While chatting with another, he asked about the new cloak they had sewn by hand. And with another he asked about their sick parent. There was no doubt the prince loved his people. He remembered every detail about them, and it was clear that attention to detail made his people love him back. The warmth as they all spoke was like a spot of sunlight in the wintry kingdom.

When it was done, he realized that Sebastian still had the special crate that road up front by his feet.

"Who's this last one for? Did we miss a family?" Theo got his answer when a door opened and two teens, a boy and a girl, timidly came over.

"Hello, Prince Sebastian," they said in unison, bowing.

Theo's heart ached seeing their arms covered in grey stone.Regardless of how Wynter felt at the time of her death, the children didn't deserve this.

"Hello, you two," the prince said, kneeling and shifting through the crate. "Thanks for waiting. I have your rations but there's something special in here for you both."

Theo watched curiously as the prince pulled out a small sack and untied the twine. Instead of the dried meats, it was full of colorful dried orange fruits. The kids’ eyes lit up.

"You actually got them?" the girl said with wonder.

"An elk had an apricot branch tangled on its antlers and I know you two said you've never had fruits before and wanted to try them. Now I don't know when I'll be able to do this again, so please savor them, alright?"

"Yes, yes we will," her brother, said practically bouncing.

"Good. Now don't fight over them. There's an even number in there, so share." He bent to grab the crate but was cut off as the kids hugged him tight. He paused, surprised, and hugged them back. "Enough now, you need to get out of the cold. Make sure you eat a real dinner tonight. I packed some frozen broth for you to heat up, too."

They took the crate and practically ran back to their home.

Theo's heart melted. "Do they live alone?"

"Their parents were near the center in town, so they've been on their own for a while, but the community raises them together."

"I see what's going on now."

"You see what, exactly?"

"I see that you're secretly quite soft hearted. I don't know how I missed it," Theo said, laughing a little and shaking his head. "You act so cold but it's a façade."

"I don't know what you mean. As the prince I should do what I can to make this curse bearable for the most innocent." He climbed back on the cart. "Ollie, Jacques, Henri, we're leaving."

"I know a gentle soul when I see one," Theo insisted as he took a seat next to him. "Your people are the reason you call yourself a prince and not a king, right?" Theo crossed his arms and looked at the sky. "You're sweet and strategic."

"I don't know what you're talking about." The prince cracked the reins, and they took off.

"I just mean if I lived in a kingdom that was suffering, the prince keeping authority so there's less chaos but still trying to show he didn't view himself as too far above us by calling himself a prince instead of rushing to take the crown would be comforting. How much you love your people is admirable. They're lucky to have you."

After a long stretch of silence, the prince spoke in a soft voice. "Thank you for the compliment earlier."

Theo was going to tease him, but he noted the prince's opal nails growing into claws. Not wanting to provoke an attack on the road, he held in his taunt. "You're welcome, Prince Sebastian."

Chapter Seventeen

Theo was used to waking up before dawn and walking to the market, so he lay awake in bed waiting for the rest of the castle to stir.

His mind drifted to his sisters.I wonder if Coralie made it to school on time without me around.He groaned and put his head on his knees.If Luna stayed up reading the stars, I hope she sees I'm trying to think of a way home.

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