Page 149 of Beast and Remedy
I take in the food once more with indecision. “Is there anything I should avoid eating?”
Her nose scrunches like she is trying to suppress a laugh. “Everything is delicious, although you should avoid the carrots.” She reaches for the serving spoon. “Just so I can have an extra helping.”
A grin stretches across my face, and I opt out of the carrots, settling on an extra roll, a good amount of fruit and a small portion of meat. I take a bite, and I almost moan from how fluffy and warm the bread is.
I refrain from devouring my meal too fast.
“Princess Vivienne, I hope you were able to get enough information from our healers during your visit,” Queen Verena speaks up, her attention focused solely on me.
I tighten my hold on my silverware as I swallow my food. “Yes, your efforts and your healer’s studies have helped us better understand what symptoms we are dealing with and what we need to prepare for.” I place a hand over my heart. “I’m truly grateful for their help and insight.”
I hope it is enough to emphasize how appreciative I am of her and the healers’ aid. If it wasn’t for their report and findings, I’m not sure we would have known what else could be in store for Marian.
But we have their ledgers, we know what to look out for, what to be aware of, and what worked for treatments.
Now, I can only hope Beau’s healing sessions and the temporary tonics we will have to make will be enough to keep her stable. To keep her with me long enough to beat this infection before we run out of time.
I truly cannot fathom watching her lose herself.
You can’t and won’t, Vi.
Queen Verena’s silver-gray eyes narrow, almost as if she wasn’t expecting my response to be one of appreciation and praise.
The esprit directed me here for a seer, and I know I can’t return home without all our ingredients.
I clear my throat. “I also wanted to inform you of our progress.” The only tell of the queen’s curiosity is the small arch of her brow, and I continue. “Our research and findings have shown we need plants local to each region to make a successful cure. So, we are hoping with your kingdom’s cooperation, we may come to a financial agreement or trade arrangement for large amounts of lavender from your lands.”
“Is that why your two kingdoms are talking again?” Princess Sybille points her fork at Beau.
Leo coughs loudly, and he covers his mouth. Marian pats his back, and he mutters his apologies.
My gaze finds Beau’s, his expression not giving anything away as my heart thunders rapidly.
If she knows that—sawthat—could she know more? Could she know about Mama? Could she know who was behind her death?
“King Bernard mentioned a disagreement with King Beauvais when we bumped into each other while visiting Queen Tove,” Queen Verena explains.
I recollect the past, not fully remembering if I was present when Papa would have relayed any information to the queen. But with the way she studies us, I wonder if she knows more than she lets on.
Could it be because she has abilities? Or her daughter?
Maybe my father told her therealreason Torgem and Belmur aren’t close anymore.
Queen Verena adds, “But it’s nice to know, given your current cooperation with each other, it appears you all were able to come to an understanding and work something out.”
“Yes, we are glad, too,” Marian joins in. “We all grew up together, and despite the unfortunate circumstances, it’s been wonderful to reconnect.”
“I bet. It is nice to have friendships with others at your age,” Queen Verena says, cutting into her meat and taking a small bite, the mask of a ruler strictly in place.
“I would love to have as many friends as you all do!” Princess Sybille exclaims.
Her mother grimaces, and the joyful mood of her daughter dims.
“But you already do,” I rush out, unsure why I run to her defense. But I keep it up and gesture to my friends and sister. “You have all of us.”
“That’s very kind of you to say, Princess Vivienne,” Queen Verena acknowledges.
“Please, call me Vi,” I tell her before twisting to her daughter. “You too. All my friends call me Vi.”
