Page 190 of Nanny and the Beast

"This is homemade blueberry compote," she says, pointing at the chunky blue jam. "I made it just for you."

"Helena, I'm not really in the mood to eat anything right now," I say.

"Speak for yourself," Alaric says, reaching for a plate.

Helena glances at the table, where the ring box still sits, taunting me.

"I heard about what happened," she says, looking at me. "I'm sorry, Klaus."

"It doesn't matter," I say.

She piles three fluffy pancakes onto a plate and tops it with butter and blueberry compote.

"You need to eat something and rest," she says.

"I really don't have much of an appetite right now," I say.

"I know you," she says. "Left to your own devices, you're going to neglect sleep and food. So I added a little something to the blueberry compote. It'll help you rest."

Alaric's eyebrows shoot up.

"Helena," he says. "I didn't know you were cool like that."

Helena keeps her eyes fixed on me. She looks like she wants to give me a hug, but she's holding back.

I stand and open my arms for her.

Her eyes widen as she looks between me and Alaric.

"Oh yeah, that's a new thing he's doing," Alaric says around a mouthful of pancakes. "He let me hug him first."

"I prayed for this moment," she says, wrapping her arms tightly around my middle. I hold her back and notice the way I feel.

There's no more resistance inside me.

Before, even the thought of touching another human being used to make me feel like I would break out in hives. But it feels different now. I'm more open to love.

And...I need this hug, too.

She wipes her cheeks with the back of her hand when we pull apart. Alaric has nearly demolished half of the pancakes.

"Go easy on the blueberry compote," Helena warns him. "You're going to end up in a coma."

"That sounds so relaxing, honestly," Alaric says. "I think that's just what I need. I've been working so hard lately and..."

He trails off when Helena snatches the bowl of blueberry topping away from him.

"You don't even know what I put in it," she says.

"That's how much I trust you," he says.

I don't really feel like eating, but the fluffy pancakes look too inviting. I take a bite and understand why Alaric can't get enough of it.

"It's delicious," I say to Helena.

She watches with satisfaction as I finish my plate in a few bites.

"Get some rest now," she says, clearing the tray and leaving my bedroom. "I'll see you tomorrow."

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