Page 58 of The Botanist and the Beast

"Theo isn't a ward anymore," Sebastian said dismissively.

"Just because you're fucking him doesn't mean his crimes are pardoned." Lyle scoffed. "Hardly seems acceptable."

"Watch your tone with me," Sebastian growled back.

"Apologies, your majesty. I'm simply concerned."

"I can go," Theo said with a shrug. "It'll be quick, and you can get some more sleep."

"You want to do this?" Sebastian asked hesitantly. "I don't want to force you into work anymore."

"I like being helpful. Besides, I doubt it'll take long."

"Fine, but you stay with Oliver and Jacques. No exceptions. And if something is in the veil, come right back. None of us can protect you because we can't cross over, so no wandering too far."

"Understood," he agreed, unable to stop from smiling at how protective Sebastian was since he returned. He could feel Lyle's deadly stare and, unable to help himself, Theo leaned in and kissed Sebastian on the lips again. “I’ll come right back to you when I’m done.”

Lyle turned and went, letting the door to the suite slam and shake the walls.

"He'll get over it," Oliver said, rolling his eyes. "Theo, get dressed and attempt to not get too distracted. I'll wait in the hall."

Once they left, Sebastian glanced at Theo. "You're too pleased with Lyle's reaction."

"Is it so bad that I'm a bit happy to show your ex-lover that you're serious about me?"

Sebastian rolled his eyes but smiled. "You don't have to prove anything, so please don't antagonize him, alright? I don't need you two to like each other, but I don't like all the bickering. I want to move forward peacefully."

"If I promise not to antagonize, do I get a reward for dealing with him?"

"What kind of..." Sebastian trailed off as Theo kissed his shoulder and made his way up his neck.

"I want you to bring out the gag and chains so we can try and go all the way," he said, letting his hand slide up Sebastian's thigh. "It might take a few tries, but I feel like with some patience we could do it."

"We can discuss it, but I don't know if...I'm not confident I could..." His eyes dropped closed, and he fell into soft purrs and hungry growls as Theo lightly nipped at his ear.

"Sebastian, seriously!" Oliver called loudly from the hall. "I know you go into rut, but you need to let your new lover go for a few hours a day."

"You should wear one of my better cloaks," Sebastian stammered as he pulled away and went to his closet. "It's still pretty cold outside."

"Do you really go into rut?" Sebastian tossed a cloak at him forcefully and Theo laughed. "I'm curious. If you do, I feel like I should know about it."

"We can discuss all that later," he snapped.

"So, you do. Interesting." Sebastian groaned and he laughed. "Sorry, sorry. I'm done teasing. I'll be back as soon as possible."

Chapter Thirty-Two

Theo followed Lyle and a few guards alongside Oliver and Jacques through the dark streets. Flurries swirled silently around them, and as they neared the edge of town, there were no more glimmers of life. There were only statues with burned out candles at their feet and notes tied to them with ribbons. Every building was boarded up with so much snow on the roof they began to sag.

"You doing okay, Theo?" Oliver asked as he walked at his side. "It's difficult to be out in this part of town."

"It is," he said with a sigh. "I just want to hurry and get this done so Sebastian isn't too worried."

"He was crushed without you," Jacques agreed, nodding. "We're all glad you came back."

"Ward," Lyle interrupted coldly as he held up the lantern and gestured ahead. "Come with me so I can show you where the statues are. Oliver, have everyone get the ropes ready. Theo will push, we'll lasso and pull."

Theo followed in an awkward silence and then he heard a grunt. He turned around to see the other guards attacking Oliver and Jacques in a fist fight.

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