Page 152 of Beast and Remedy
Sybille scoots closer, keeping her tone quiet. “I am a se—”
“Honey,” her mother says, Sybille tensing along with everyone else.
I find Beau’s gaze, unsure if the queen overheard us. My skin turns clammy, and a trickle of sweat skitters down my spine as Queen Verena captures her daughter’s attention.
The Queen of Unterkirch smirks. “King Beau and his family have offered to host us soon as a way of thanking us for our hospitality. How do you feel about visiting Torgem?”
Relief crashes against me as Sybille breaks into a broad smile. “That sounds lovely. I would love to have a reason to see our friends again.”
She bounces with excitement. “Oh! Could we write to each other, too?” Her eyes turn pleadingly on her mother. “W-Would that be alright?”
Queen Verena grabs her glass and swirls it in consideration. “I don’t see why not.”
Sybille spins to me and my sister. “Would that be alright with you? Could I write to you two?” She whips back to everyone across the table. “To all of you?”
Christine, the ray of sunshine she is, answers first. “I wouldlovethat.”
“I would, too,” Marian says, crossing her arms. “I was starting to get jealous my sister was stealing all your interest and leaving me with this guy.” She points to Leo, and he feigns shock.
Sybille giggles as Marian exaggerates her movements, angling away from Leo.
He shrugs, hiding his amusement terribly before helping himself with another portion of food.
“Better now?” I ask my sister as she joins me and the princess.
“Much,” she agrees.
Sybille wiggles in her seat as we chat, finishing our meal and diving into lighter conversations when dessert is served. She doesn’t reveal anything more about her abilities once Marian enters our discussions.
But I share a look with her when the others pull Marian’s attention away, the princess lifting her finger to her lips.
I dip my head, loving and hating my sister for interfering.
Although I missed the opportunity tonight to ask Sybille outright for answers, I did get confirmation of her power.
And Beau secured another way of seeing her again and managed to convince Queen Verena about letting her daughter exchange letters with us.
I plea to the Makers, silently praying we will soon get answers the esprit warned us about, before trying to enjoy the remainder of my time here tonight with my loved ones.
And every spare moment in conversation has my eyes traveling to Beau already watching me.
He rests his chin on his fist, studying me intently. The candlelight intensifies his features, his devastating magnetism luring me in as he rubs his jaw.
I drag my teeth across my lower lip, unable to stop the flutter in my chest nor the desire I felt earlier returning between my legs.
Fuck, I can’t wait to have him all to myself tonight.
Autumn, The Makers Year 1024
Dear Beau,
I wanted to personally extend my thanks to you for making a trip to my home when I mentioned being sick and my visit to Torgem would be delayed.
Your arrival was a delightful surprise as were the red roses you brought me. But I think the moment you and I were able to read in my chambers without any disturbance might have been the best gift.
What you shared with me, about your life, your ruling, your magic… I am honored you trust me. And I thank you for using your gifts to boost my health. I promise to keep your abilities to myself. While I am grateful to be feeling better, I must admit I miss the solitude and closeness of your presence. It sounds ridiculous to say everything feels easier with you near. But that is probably due to my excitement at having someone with similar interests close by.
Thank you again for your visit, your company, the flowers, your secrets, your help, and the extra books.
