Page 100 of Beast and Remedy
He pauses, tenderness spreading across his features as he relaxes underneath my touch before I turn to the guard looming above us.
“Princesses Vivienne and Marian of Belmur are here to meet Prince Stefan and King Vinzent. Along with our companions and the King of Torgem,” I holler.
The commanding officer assesses Leo, Marcel, and Beau. “How do we know who you are, when you all carry weaponry with you?”
Beau eases his horse forward, shielding his eyes from the sunlight as he speaks. “Even you know we cannot travel without protecting ourselves from creatures in the forest. Especially withthe growing animal attacks. Please, sir, we seek an audience with His Majesty.”
The commanding officer leans to a man beside him, whispering something inaudible. The two exchange a nod before the soldier departs, the commander addressing us. “You shall wait in the courtyard before we allow admittance into the castle.”
Metal screeches against its hinges as the onyx gates open. More guards move throughout the courtyard as we enter, the large barrier doors slamming shut behind us.
Leo and Marian nudge one another, wide grins across their faces, as Jules and Christine huddle close, careful of their own conversation being overheard.
Beau drifts close and whispers, “Are you sure we are welcome?”
Marcel comes up, scanning every alcove for escape and every person he might have to take down. “This certainly doesn’t feel like a pleasant welcome for friends.”
I look at Marcel. “I don’t see why we wouldn’t be welcome. Prince Stefan invited me to his home back when we danced during our name day celebration. I figured with me sending him notice and the reason for my arrival, there wouldn’t be any issues.”
Marcel licks his lips and rubs his neck.
But when I face the keep, I feel Beau’s gaze and I turn. “What?”
His jaw flexes, like he is restraining himself or struggling with something. “It’s—”
The doors of the castle bellow open, cutting off Beau and drawing my attention toward the Prince of Northtry at the head of a group of guards.
A small curl of his swept-back brown hair falls forward above his eyebrows, softening the sharpness of his entire demeanor. His gaze finds Beau and Marcel before landing on me.
Or maybe my sister. I’m not sure.
Prince Stefan’s rich voice fills the courtyard. “Princess Vivienne, welcome to Northtry.”
I straighten my spine, remembering my royal manners, and greet him with a kind smile.
“Had we been notified of your visit, my father and I would have made better accommodations for your arrival,” he says, my heart pausing.
I tilt my head. “Did you not receive my letter?”
“What do you mean?”
Did something happen to my correspondence?
Marian strides forward, her voice cracking. “Did you receive mine, Stefan? I sent word when we entered your borders and rested in Mezu.”
Prince Stefan looks toward my sister, and she stiffens, blinking fast and then rubbing her temple.
Did something happen? Could a new symptom be starting?
“I regret to inform you,PrincessMarian, I received no such notice,” he says, but puts a hand over his heart. “Believe me, if I did, I would have arranged my entire schedule to visit with you.”
The Prince of Northtry winks, but Marian doesn’t react and seems rather puzzled.
“But IknowI sent word to you.”
The prince’s demeanor darkens, a calculating aura I remember seeing on my name day returning. “Are you accusing me of lying?”
“No! No one is accusing you of lying, Your Highness,” I interject on Marian’s behalf. “We are hoping for an audience with you and the king in regards to the infection.”
