Page 37 of Beast and Remedy
My chest expands with affection. Still, after all these years, he can read between the lines of my letters.
I roll up the scroll slowly, offering it back. “Thank you for not sharing this with my father.”
She huffs through a strained laugh as she takes the note, my heart breaking at not being able to keep it. A small wisp of silver hair falls forward before she tucks it back. “I truly thought it wasmeant for me, but after reading it, I assumed Beau must have known you were coming to Palaena.”
“Yes, I warned him of our travels in case he chose to respond. I didn’t want the risk of my father’s advisors getting a response while we were helping our people evacuate.”
Tove rests the scroll on the table, deep in thought. “You know”—she pauses, meeting my gaze—“Beau is a kind king… I, too, find it hard to believe him assassinating another monarch when he is the main reason why I’m still alive.”
“Wh-What—”
He’s more knowledgeable in the studies of healing than I am, but I can’t help but wonder if he used his abilities.
I don’t think he would reveal his powers to anyone beyond his borders. Or beyond me.
Could he?
Every kingdom knows he has some sort of power, much like they know King Jerrick and Queen Tove inherited magic since both of their parents had passed when they ascended their roles.
People know of Tove’s abilities because of the almost six-year-long winter she started, coining her cruel nickname, Snow Queen.
But there’s never been a hint of information about her husband’s gifts nor Beau’s.
Inhaling a deep breath, I interlace my fingers, safeguarding Beau’s secret as much as my own. “What do you mean?”
Tove’s eyes flash and she hesitates. The hand on her stomach drifts up and over her heart, rubbing it in circles, a small scar peeking through the squared neckline of her dress.
“When Palaena was under attack,” she struggles out, rubbing her chest once more, “Beau saved me.”
I blink, startled. It was unclear what happened during the fight, the truth only known to those within the throne room. “I-I thought your husband saved you?”
Tove snorts, her nose wrinkling. “My husband saved me in many ways, but Beau made the difference that day.”
Her choice of words leaves me wondering what she may or may not know, and I respect her for it. But seeing her so joyous, despite the travesties she has seen, I think she is wiser than she lets on.
I admire the strength she carries. Maybe someday I, too, can reach her level of peace.
“Forgive me for assuming and jumping to conclusions regarding King Jerrick,” I say.
She waves off my comment. “Everyone always does, given how our marriage came to be.”
I struggle to suppress my wince, remembering his ruthlessness and coldness after Papa walked her down the aisle on her wedding day. But something must have shifted between her and her husband for the two to look sohappy.
“But that’s beside the point.” Tove braces on one side of the chair before rising and sighing. “I appreciate your honesty. It’s suffocating at times to put on a brave face.”
I stand. “I couldn’t agree more.”
Her eyes drift, and I peer over my shoulder to King Jerrick leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed and a singular dimple on display.
“I was half expecting there to be a food tray,” he says, his voice charming and cheerful.
Food tray?
“I didn’t want to burden Ophelia and Cordelia,” Tove replies as the King of Palaena saunters toward us, his stare hooked on his wife.
“Or you didn’t want to embarrass our guest with how fast you’d steal all the solstice pastries.”
“Jer!” Tove smacks his side, and he chuckles, drawing her into his chest. Her cheeks turn rosy, and she clears her throat.
