Page 227 of Beast and Remedy
“Nothing will,” Beau promises, his voice hollow and weak.
My stomach churns as my father finally concedes, his gaze shifting to me and my sister.
Betrayal flares in his eyes. Betrayal directed toward Marianandme.
I reach for him through my tired and aching limbs. “Papa—”
He tugs Jules and Christine to lead him away, ignoring my broken plea as Marian screams, squirming and crying in anger.
“I will kill you! I will kill all of you!”
“Not if you’re passed out,” Jerrick says with nonchalance, Marian fainting in his hold.
My mouth falls, shocked as the King of Palaena adjusts her with ease like she is a pack of grains.
“Fancy trick,” Beau comments as Jerrick strides after his wife, my friends, and my father.
Jerrick pauses, peering over his shoulder with a smirk. “Trust me, you don’t want to know.”
Beau nods solemnly as Jerrick enters the castle with the others, taking Marian to the dungeons. He sends a batch of guards to follow the King of Palaena and orders his staff to fetch his small group of healers to meet in my chambers and his. Finally, he looks to Leo holding me, tilting his head toward the front entrance.
Leo strolls up to his brother and Marcel, and the four of us enter the foyer.
The bustling crowd and the musicians are nowhere in sight, the celebration having long since concluded. I can’t believe so many were here such a short while ago. Many have most likely traveled home or are resting in the guest wings of the castle.
Ugh. Rest. What I wouldn’t give for that and a good book.
I use the limited amount of energy I have to reach for Beau. My hand hopelessly falls, but Beau catches it and meets my gaze.
“Don’t leave me, B,” I beg.
He squeezes my hand twice, shaking as he lifts it to his lips and kisses my knuckles. “I won’t leave this world without you.”
“I-I—”
He hushes me and leans in, lips meeting my forehead. A spark buzzes along my scalp, and when he pulls away, the dim magic simmering in his features vanishes.
“I know,” he murmurs tenderly. “Stay strong, my love. My healers will help tend to your injuries until I’m fit to oversee your treatment.”
“You need to heal, too,” I croak as he releases me.
“He will,” Marcel says. “I’ll make sure of it.”
I bob my head as Leo pulls me from my heart and soul. Copper stings in the air, muffling the sensation of Beau’s kiss.
I glance down at Marcel’s black tunic darkening where bandages cover my wounds.
So. Much. Blood.
Leo notices and reassures me. “It’s going to be okay, Vi. Don’t fall asleep, alright?”
“Leo,” I prompt through my dazed fatigue.
“Yes?” he asks, concern lifting his voice.
“Don’t—don’t let Beau go untreated. He is king and must be looked over first.”
Leo dips his chin, carrying me up the grand staircase as the staff catches us, asking questions I don’t have the energy to answer. He answers each one as more healers come and go, fetching medicine and bandages before joining us in my guest chambers.
