Page 143 of Beast and Remedy
A lump forms in my throat, tightening when I swallow. “But as much as I want those things, I have a duty to help my people. If I don’t—” My voice cracks, heartbreak seeping in at the thought of losing him and failing my kingdom. “Everyonecould die.”
“Vi.”
Tears threaten to blur my vision, my damned emotions getting the better of me. I clench my jaw and press down my woe, refusing to break.
I knew what I was doing when I signed up for this. Forallof this. And yet regret blooms, and I wonder if I made a mistake in reconnecting with him.
But if I never did, I would have lost Marian long ago.
And if I lost Marian, what would I have done then? Who would I have become?
Being with Beau reminds me of the person I was. Who I used to be before everything shattered between our territories. And back then, I was capable of handling anything because I had him, my sister, and my closest friends.
If I didn’t seek Beau out when Marian first got bitten, I don’t know if I could have endured as much as I have without him and all my friends coming to my aid.
Beau interlaces our fingers and sends me two pulses.
My heart stutters, the action itself the silent confirmation I needed to feel. Needed to be reminded of.
The esprit said I needed him, and maybe even the Makers themselves are telling me I need him.
Beau and I were meant to have this time, and I don’t want to waste any of it with regrets. Regardless if I lose him again, I can’t go another day without telling him.
I drift back to the love of my life. “Beau?”
“What is it, my love?”
I turn my hand over in his, a small smile spreading across my cheeks as I admire how perfectly we fit.
I lift my gaze to his. “I love you.”
Tenderness stretches across his features, adoration shining in his eyes as they search mine.
“I love you, B, and I never once stopped loving you,” I repeat.
Our lips collide, and Sweet Makers, Beau does not hold back.
He scoots more on the bed, our mouths tangled in one another as he hovers over me, moving to rest beside me.
Passion burns between us, my heart leaping with joy as he cradles my face.
He grasps my hip, using my body to pull himself in until he is pressed into my side. Slowly, he shifts the kiss from one of intensity to one full of longing, allowing us time to come downfrom the high of our wants. We break apart without panting heavily.
Beau cups my cheek, his thumb caressing my skin. His smile matches my own.
“I never once stopped loving you either, Rosebud.”
31
Personable
Beau never once left my chambers, insistent on watching over me. He had Marian come here for her healing sessions and had the healers visit us today.
All so I can be comfortable for as long as possible before we leave tomorrow.
The searing pain in my head has reduced drastically over the last few days. My dizziness subsided, and I woke up hopeful this morning with the news of the healers telling us of their findings.
Luther, the head healer here in Unterkirch, is an old man with a crooked nose, hunched back, and he favors his right side. He leads the report, accompanied by a few students behind him.
