Page 16 of Beast and Remedy
Maybe my exhaustion and not being alone tonight will provide a deep sleep, too.
I can only wish.
As I gather the sheets opposite Marian, she offers, “It’ll be okay, Vi. We can both go look in the woods tomorrow.”
The wolf might be too far gone for either of us to track. But while her words are meant to be encouraging, they send my shame deeper into my jailing thoughts.
I nestle down into the feather-filled pillow. “Tomorrow,” I agree, hating that I am venturing into the forest yet again.
I shift to my side, facing her.
“Some name day, huh?” Marian jokes.
I snort. “Some name day indeed.”
Marian settles as I gather my arms around my pillow, clutching it close.
It could be worse, Vi.
But it would never be worse than that day seven years ago.
My dark thoughts chase me in the quiet.
Shifting. Mama’s death.
Him.
An injured wolf wandering the woods and a voice I surely imagined.
But that faint orange shimmer reminded me so much of…
4
Tying up Loose Ends
My sleep wasnotpeaceful. Never-ending thoughts and questions rattled my mind, and my sister’s light snoring rustled me awake every time a glimpse of slumber beckoned me.
Near dawn, I gave up on rest, lighting a candle and settling in for my favorite novel. A librarian venturing into a castle, discovering the prince and everyone who lived there were cursed.
Educational text normally resharpened my focus, but today, I felt like it would only feed into the problem. And it had been so long since I read for pleasure.
I didn’t even make it halfway through my book before Marian yawned her good mornings. After checking her foot andapproving of its progress, I changed, lending my sister a tunic and trousers for our trek in Haliver Woods.
I puff my messy, long waves away as Marian braids her shoulder-length tresses, her eyes raking over me.
“Have you considered plaiting your hair today?”
I brush her off. “I’d rather get this over with than style my hair.”
She doesn’t succeed in muffling her snort as we bundle up and I grab my dagger. We head to her quarters for her weapon before we drift to the main level.
We stroll past the ballroom, the throne room, and one of the few dining rooms. The early signs of dawn shine through the stained glass windows, casting emerald-green, magenta, and orange hues against the walls, curtains, and trim.
Waves of bread-scented air linger from the kitchens, and I am half tempted to stop there for a quick meal. But I decide against it, refusing to delay and ignoring my grumbling stomach.
Marian arches a brow, and I urge her onward, exchanging pleasantries with the house staff. We greet Bronn, Alec, and Marius, a few of the many guards we are close with, as we approach the castle’s exit.
“Princesses, good morning,” Bronn says with a kind smile, his crooked nose wrinkling.
