Page 31 of The Botanist and the Beast

"You three don't know where he is either?" He was taken aback since they always were nearby the prince.

"Sebastian has a habit of disappearing during storms but he'll turn up," Oliver said reassuringly.

"Does he leave with Lyle often?" he asked.

"No, Lyle is here with us, too." Jacques nodded across the room. "They went their separate ways sometime last night. Sebastian's disappearances are always a solo event."

"I see," Theo mumbled. A tension left his shoulders now that he knew they weren't together. He looked and sure enough, Lyle was sitting in a circle with other guards who were playing a card game that was causing a ruckus.

"Don't bother asking where he runs to when he gets back. He'll dodge the question for ages." Henri slurped some soup out of a mug. "But he always comes back, so we decided not to worry too much about it."

"I worry." Jacques huffed. "I was hoping Theo was with him so he could give us some insight. Especially after his outburst the other day Sebastian shouldn't be alone."

"Don't use the ward as your spy," Oliver said with a laugh. He pulled him close and placed a kiss on his head. "I still think he locks himself in the east wing. I don't see where else he could hide for hours unseen."

"Makes the most sense," Henri said with a nod. "He does mourn privately."

I certainly hope not. I don't want him questioning who was tugging on the doors.

"You really should stay in here with us," Jacques said cheerily. "It's much warmer, and the soup is delicious. Collette outdid herself."

"Ollie, Jacques, Henri, the next round of cards is starting. Are you coming?" Lyle called as he shuffled a deck of pretty hand painted cards.

"Coming!" Jacques said cheerly. "Theo, want us to teach you how to play?"

"I'm awful at cards. For now I'll stay here. I'm enjoying the view of the blizzard."

"Suit yourself," Oliver said, looking down at Jacques. "If I win, what will you give me?"

Theo couldn't hear what Jacques leaned in and whispered but he could tell by the way Oliver's ears turned red it was suggestive.

"Uck! If you two start getting too handsy in here, I'm leaving," Henri said, walking ahead and shaking his head.

Those two are cute.Theo laughed to himself after the trio left him. He helped himself to a hearty mug of soup at Marcel's insistence as he got lost in the view of the storm. The wind roared and smacked so hard against the glass he worried it'd shatter.There's something beautifully terrifying about it. Like the roiling sea or a raging forest fire.

Out in the distance, something darted across a cliffside and caught Theo's eye.

It was a snow leopard with five tails.Prince Sebastian?Theo only saw it for a second before it vanished like a ghost.

He opened his mouth to call for Oliver but then hesitated.If he didn't tell them, he must have a reason.A few minutes passed and as Theo stared outside, his legs grew restless.It's not my business. It's fine. I'm sure he has a good reason to be out there.His heart raced.Why am I so bothered by this? He's probably safe. He confidently took on a bear.

Despite what he told himself over and over, the prince out in the storm invaded his mind until it was all he could think about. Once he was sure no one was watching him, he left the lounge, gathered his courage, and walked out the castle doors with a lantern in hand.

Chapter Twenty

Head down, Theo trudged forward. The wind howled and icy flakes scraped at his cheeks. He held a gloved hand over his eyes and searched for any sign of Sebastian. The cold air raked at his throat, feeling like pins and needles in his lungs with each breath. Still he hiked up the tall snowy hills. They became rockier and more treacherous with every step. Soon they went from hills to a mountains with wicked winds and even colder air.

"Prince Sebastian?" he called as loud as he could, but it felt like a whisper compared to the raging storm. Still he called again. "Prince Sebastian!"

He walked for what felt like forever in the snow, hiking up and down hills and along steep rocky paths coated with ice. The snow was so deep he had to take high, laborious steps that made his thighs burn.

"Where is he? I just need a sign and this would be easier," he mumbled to himself in frustration. A gust of wind knocked him over into the freezing powdery snow and down a steep sloping side of the hill. Wincing, he got to his feet with arms out to steady himself.

Then he saw a pale glowing white light. The glowing white being was further up the mountain, standing still and watching him intently.It hasn't hurt me yet so maybe it's not dangerous.

"Hello?" Theo called. The being stayed still and continued to stare. "You've seen me before, right?" Still no reaction. "Have you seen a snow leopard with five tails?"

The being turned and started walking. Thick strands floated gently behind them despite the whipping winds. It was as if they were walking on another plane of existence. Their glowing white body nearly vanished into the snowfall.

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