Page 228 of Beast and Remedy
His warmth leaves my side as the support of my bed encases me.
My eyes cloud with darkness, even as I fight to stay awake.
I can’t fall asleep.
I need to make sure Beau will be okay, and I need to see my father.
What about Marian, though?
Healers surround me, trying to cast Leo aside, but I touch his hand, and he holds it.
His voice lowers into seriousness. “I’ll keep an eye on you, Vi. And I’ll make sure my brother is alright and everyone is looked after.”
I huff. “Y-You’re so serious.”
He shrugs, indifferent. “When shit escalates, it’s my job to step up and make sure everyone is taken care of.”
“Your job?”
“I’m a prince. Remember?” He teases with a smile so soft it casts him in a different light and takes me by surprise.
I laugh, but it is a half cough and a half grunt of pain.
He squats beside me, worry scrunching his features. “You—you need to be okay, Vi.”
“I will,” I tell him, not knowing if I really will be. But I want to be. “Your brother has a lot to answer for.”
I hiss as the healer lifts the tunic near my chest, peeking through and frowning.
She looks to Leo. “You should leave us to it, Your Highness.”
“I just said I wouldn’t,” he replies.
“You also said you’d ensure Beau was alright,” I chime in.
He sighs. “Fine.” He rises and addresses the healer. “Come and fetch me with any news.” Leo starts for the door but turns back. “Actually, please make sure you also give updates to both our king and the King of Belmur.”
“Of course, Your Highness,” the healer replies.
Leo’s fierce blue eyes, filled with hope, hold mine. “See you soon.”
“See you soon,” I call back long after he’s closed the door, exhaustion unbearable to fight as darkness drags me under.
50
With Open Arms
Figures blur and flash between my dreams and my reality. Some comfort me while the others haunt me.
The steady rhythm of two pulses periodically distracts me throughout sleep.
My vision stirs as the darkness of my mind ebbs, a solitude of peace cocooning me as I brace my grin to meet Beau’s—
Sniff.
My eyes jolt open, my happiness yanked away by Letum as I take in the faded, red-bearded man before me.
Wrinkles blend in with sunspots, and my father’s face softens as he presses his lips together. He squeezes my hand twice.
