Page 23 of Beast and Remedy
But what if they don’t?
“I would recommend working close with your healers as they see you and will watch your progress more than I. However, given what you’ve told me about your bleedings, I would exercise caution in regard to stress. You will want as much rest and care as possible. Regarding pain and labor, you could try herbs in your foods and in teas, such as raspberry leaves, lemon balm, and rose hips.”
A grin spreads across her cheeks as she tucks her foot under her gown. “Thank you. Truly.”
“It’s my pleasure.” I incline my head. “It’s funny because I was hoping to mention something in our meeting earlier but missed the opportunity.”
“What can I do to help?”
Her immediate willingness to assist removes the tension and chill from my limbs as I smile with gratitude. “I was hoping I might be able to replenish my personal inventory of honey you gifted me a while back.”
“Of course. Are there any other ingredients you need?”
“Just the honey would be perfect. Thank you, Your Majesty,” I say, lowering into a curtsy.
“Oh, come now,” she chides, stepping forward. “If I can address your father as Bernie, you have no need to curtsy and use pleasantries every time we speak.Please, call me Tove.”
She takes my arm and loops it through hers, and I’m grateful the training royals learn at a young age can be relaxed amongst each other.
“If I have to call you Tove, then you have to call me Vi,” I quip, and she pats my hand.
We enter the ballroom, moving from the crowd as the music swells and bounces off the decorated walls.
From the long rug covering the marbled floor to the table covers and the seating areas on the sidelines, the room is drenched with black to symbolize Letum. But the light from the glass chandeliers, the staff members adorned in white, and the hundreds of lilies, chrysanthemums, and roses draw in Yeva’s existence.
Oblivion and Salvation.
Life and Death.
The very counterparts of our existence and balanced throughout the room.
My body warms as I scan the crowd, Marian and Papa happily chatting with Prince Jonas and King Jerrick.
My father’s eyes find mine, and he brightens, lifting a glass to Tove and me as we reunite with the group.
King Jerrick moves, nudging his brother to be beside his wife. He whispers in her ear with the same tenderness I saw when we arrived, my uncertainty about him dissolving the more I observe him.
Marian tugs on my cloak. “Everything alright? Did you ask about the honey?”
I hover toward her, whispering, “Yes to both.”
“Good. At least something worthwhile came from this visit. That meeting earlier was a waste. We already were trading metals with them—not sure why Papa wanted to add more items to the list.”
I glance to Papa, who’s sipping his wine and clasping Prince Jonas by the shoulder and laughing.
Leaning toward Marian, I reply, “I think he wanted a reasonable excuse to tell Jean and Pierre so we could visit the queen since her announcement.”
Marian smirks behind her own cup. “Yes, he is going to want to spoil that child rotten as if it is one of his own grandchildren.”
I snort, trying to stifle it. “I bet he’ll try to get her to name the child after him.”
Marian chokes on her drink, snickering and catching Papa’s attention. She coughs, and I mask my laughter and pat her back.
“Are you alright?” Prince Jonas asks.
Marian swallows, waving off his concern and rasping, “All well, Your Highness.”
Her flushed cheeks match my own as Tove and her husband eye us suspiciously. I’m unable to hide my comment.
