Page 38 of The Botanist and the Beast

Slowly, Theo lifted his hand and pet his head. "Sebastian, it's me. Wake up."

"Theo?" His voice was still gruff as he pulled away. He blinked a few times and then sat like a cat in front of him. "Why are you in here?"

"You awake now?" Theo rasped, rubbing his chest. "Your claws are so pretty but so sharp."

"I'm sorry. Again. I didn't mean to."

"All fine, I'm growing used to it," Theo said with a shrug. "You want to talk about what's going on?"

"I had an overwhelming day." He covered his mouth with a hand to hide his teeth. "I think you should leave. I'll be fine. I just need to sleep."

"Sebastian, please don't do that," Theo pleaded. "You know since my parents passed, no one's been there to take care of me. I have to be okay. I can't break down with grief or exhaustion because the girls need to eat and I have to work. It's what I chose to do, but it's isolating and exhausting. I respect what you do for your people, and I understand they need you so you can't admit to them you're struggling. But I don't need that from you. You can just say you're not doing well. I won't judge you. I don't need you to be strong for me."

"I'm very tired." Sebastian let out a long breath and dropped his hand, revealing his sharp teeth. His shoulders slumped as the weight of the day washed over him. "I usually hold things together during waves, but I'm struggling tonight." He closed his eyes. "More people died than usual, I lost Henri, and I'm losing control more frequently. It's nothing new but it's a lot tonight. I feel utterly lost."

"You can be lost," Theo said, taking his hand. "I'll stay here with you. Getting lost doesn't bother me."

The slightest smile tugged at Sebastian's lips as he looked down at their hands together. "Why did you follow me into my room?"

"I came to check on you, but now I have a request," Theo said, letting his thumb trace the back of Sebastian's palm. "Spend the day with me tomorrow. No work, no guards, just the two of us relaxing. You need a break."

"I can't take breaks. My people need me to—"

"Nothing will get worse if you wait a day to get back to work," Theo pressed. "Plus tomorrow I doubt any of the guards will bein the place to work either. Everyone needs a day to grieve and recharge. Even you."

"Theo..."

"You spent time alone with Lyle twice now, why can't I have time with you?" He blurted out the words before he could stop himself.

"I didn't know it bothered you so much."

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that," Theo said quickly, feeling embarrassed. "I know you care for him. Of course you two spend time alone."

"I suppose he has been unreasonably rude to you." Sebastian thought it over then sighed. "Fine, I'll spend the day with you tomorrow but then I need to be left to work in the evening. That's the best I can offer."

"Excellent. Relaxation starts now. What would help you feel better after a hard day?"

"We didn't agree on it starting now," he said, laughing as Theo helped him to his feet.

"Humor me. Let me make you feel better tonight."

Chapter Twenty-Three

He carried a tray of food up for Sebastian and himself up the hall when he came across Lyle and two guards whispering to each other. They stopped as they saw Theo, and Lyle wore a smug smile.

"Ward, what are you up to?"

"It's Theo," he said coldly. "I'm getting Sebastian some dinner. Have a good night."

"I'm heading that way. Walk and talk with me," Lyle said, sticking his hands in his pockets and following. "Since when do you call him by his first name and not his title?"

"Just a mistake," he said, rolling his eyes though truly he wasn't sure when it began. "I don't have anything to say to you."

"Don't bother talking then. Just listen. Whatever you are doing with Sebastian, stop it." He glanced down at the tray. "I warned you to know your place. I won't warn you kindly a third time."

"Is that all you wanted to say?" Theo said, trying not to bicker with him.

"You have more bite than usual today. Are you jealous he stopped focusing on you for a few minutes?" He laughed. "I suppose pets don't like being neglected."

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