Page 24 of The Botanist and the Beast

Whispers came from the hall, and he perked up. The past few days, he hadn't heard the prince stir before the fog rolled through. Doing his best to stay quiet, he tiptoed to the door and listened.

"I'm telling you, Theo should be considered," Henri said in a soft voice. "I know I can't read the stars anymore but—"

"He's human," Sebastian said with a yawn. "He's not capable. Let's drop it."

"I saw you two when we were passing out rations. I'd say he's more than capable." He laughed. "Sebastian, say what you want. I have eyes."

"I don't know what you mean."

"Keep lying if that's what you want, but can we at least acknowledge the fact that he's practically dripping in the veil's favor? You really think that means nothing? What about the fact he enters every spring?"

"Henri, I'm tired. I'm not in the mood for this."

Theo shifted his weight, and the floor creaked. Instantly they both fell quiet.Shoot.He cringed and turned the knob. Hewalked out into the hall and smiled. "Morning. What are you two up to before sunrise?”

"Nothing," Sebastian said quickly. "You can go back to bed. We're done talking out here."

"Or you can help," Henri said with a bright smile. "There's an unexpected storm coming soon. It'll be big and it will last awhile, so we're rushing to get things together. Some of us are going to go out and chop some wood to keep the castle fires going. I was telling Sebastian you'd be a great help. He thinks as a human you can't, but I saw how strong you were yesterday."

"Sure," Theo said with a shrug.They definitely were talking about something else, but I don't want them to know I was eavesdropping."I'm used to working early and chopping wood is rather easy."

"See, it's perfect," Henri said smiling at Sebastian who was glaring back. "Get dressed and we'll go down together."

A short while later, Theo walked at the prince's side across the dark castle grounds with Jacques Oliver and Henri. The prince guided them all with a glowing lantern as snowflakes drizzled down.

They made their way to a white, snow-covered expanse where a small group of guards were lined up in pairs. Each pair had a wheelbarrow full of logs. One set a log on top of a stump, while the other chopped it in half to make a smaller log to be used in the fireplaces or kitchen.

"We'll grab one the wheelbarrows from the shed," the prince explained as they walked past the others and followed the last few pairs getting their wheelbarrow. "You'll work together obviously."

"Why not work with me?" Lyle said, blocking their way into the shed. "I waited for you. Send the ward to one of the others."

"I'm sorry you waited, but I think it's best I stay with Theo."

"I must insist." He flicked his eyes to Theo for a moment and folded his arms behind his back. "Is it safe for you to work with the ward in such close proximity to a deadly weapon? Without your powers, you're vulnerable. Your safety is my job, and this makes me nervous."

"No one has powers anymore. We're all vulnerable but I chose to leave Theo alive so I will be the one to take the risk."

"I have no interest in axing the prince to death," Theo said, rolling his eyes.

"I didn't ask you to speak," Lyle snipped, glaring at him now.

"Lyle." The prince practically sang his name. "It's far too early to be upset. I promise I'm fine." He put a hand on his chest and offered a sweet smile. "You're worrying too much about me these days. Besides, how much trouble can I get in with you watching over me?"

“Are you implying I’m always looking at you?” Lyle asked with a sly smile.

“I’m saying I see your wandering eye more than you think. It’s made me exceptionally confident in my own safety.”

Theo cocked a brow. He had spent a lot of time with Sebastian, but this was a side he had never seen before. The little touches and playful cadence left him speechless.Is he flirting?

Lyle softened and whispered something in Sebastian's ear that made him giggle.

What exactly is going on?Theo's stomach twisted.Nothing he said could be that funny.

"If it makes you feel better, you can set up nearby," Sebastian offered.

Lyle softened and took Sebastian's hand in his. "If I can stay close and we can speak in private later, I'll accept this compromise."

"Of course we can. What do you want to discuss?"

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