Page 24 of Beast and Remedy
“We were discussing how we think our father might try to get you to name your heir after him.”
“That’ll be the last name we consider,” her husband deadpans.
Tove covers her mouth, suppressing her own snicker. “Bernie would try for that, wouldn’t he?”
King Jerrick’s jaw tics, and Papa asks, “Try for what?”
“Sweet Makers,” the King of Palaena mutters before he takes a sip of his beverage.
Marian, Tove, and I burst into a fit of laughter.
Tove holds her chest, her teeth gleaming as she dismisses my father with a wave. “Nothing to worry about, Bernie.”
Papa arches a brow but sweeps it off as music breaks into a new song.
The group exchanges glances and shares jokes. And rather than wishing to be secluded in my room with a book, I find myself wishing to know the King and Queen of Palaena better, the night more enjoyable than I expected.
6
The Ember
We departed Palaena, making it home in time for my magic beckoning at the winter month’s new moon.
Another three-day shift. And it wasgrueling.
As a beast, a pang of unbalance tightened in my ribs, unease coursed through my veins, and my posture stooped from the tension straining so deep in my muscles.
I patrolled Haliver Woods, relying on the pull of my gifts from my chest to guide me. Snow piled up for the cold season, and the decaying trees and covered shrubbery made me wish for a cave—wish for hibernation like most bears do.
But I was no average bear.
I was a humble servant of Leander, ensuring peace. But the peace wasn’there.
Restlessness clung to me on the second day with each step as I scouted for the disruption, steering my power into following my own intellect and suspicion.
Creatures bowed as I strode past, not one challenging my reign and presence. Many would evoke emotions I could interpret, aiding me in a direction, but the trails I followed led nowhere.
I scoured the woods, not bothering with food or sleep, frustration building in my throat, enough for roars and growls to escape.
I sensed—no, Iknew—something changed. But my magic couldn’t pinpoint it, and the beasts I ruled over couldn’t help me.
And the gnawing distress taunted me—endlessly clawing its way around my mind.
I couldn’t find a reprieve.
Marian and I considered more theories, more tonics to experiment with for my next shift once the majority of my ingredient shelf was restored. But I couldn’t remove the news of an animal attack while we were away along with the unrest in the wild.
Each night, I lay in bed, agitated and alert. The impending fear crept along my skin in a tantalizing caress, making me revisit the events leading up to the wolf lunging out my study’s window. And every morning when I would bring it up to my sister, Marian would reassure me everything was fine.
Jean and Pierre told us they handled the animal attack, but why couldn’t I banish this festering torment in my heart?
Today, we are holding court and need to attend a meeting before held by Papa, Jean, and Pierre. The discussions prior to visiting with our people have varied based off the latest updates of Belmur, reported by bannermen, nobles, citizens, and Pierre’s hired spies.
The kingdom’s business often turns into lessons for Marian and me on how Belmur should be run. Regardless of whether I inherited the magic, it is expected that my sister and I know the ins and outs of running our territory.
We were all surprised magic was not bestowed on both of us, and I’ll never forget the conversation we had when I came into my power.
Marian promised to never stray from my side, knowing if the roles were reversed, I would offer her the same. We vowed to be there for one another and take our positions seriously, understanding our elders’ time would eventually run out and our people would need a united front.
