Page 39 of Beast and Remedy
Oh, she isdevious.
Prince Jonas mounts his steed as my father scratches his beard.
He halts before facing Marian and me, his face altering from vexation to pain.
Papa may not listen to anyone about our old allies, but I know our family being separated will be a challenge for us all. I know it from the pure love radiating from him, piercing through my heart.
“Oh,Papa,” Marian chokes out, rushing to him.
I hurry to him, too, ignoring the brunt of contact of his large round belly pushing off the hood of my cloak when he hugs us.
“My sweet girls,” he coos, his voice wobbly.
Pine and leather blend around me, and small hints of lilac and roses have me nuzzling closer, unsure of when I will see him next.
His lips press against my hair. “Promise me you will both write? I don’t want updates only from Jean and Pierre.”
“We will,” I tell him.
He rests his chin on my head, his chest expanding. The steady beat of his heart is a constant comfort, one drawing me back to my childhood.
He would enter the room I shared with Marian every night, sitting on the nearby chaise and cradling the two of us on hislap, bouncing his restless knees, his heart pounding the same rhythm it does now.
“Good,” he says, withdrawing.
His green irises glimmer, and my heart sinks, missing him already.
“Honey?” He cups my cheek, tenderness softening his voice.
I bite my lip. “It’s nothing. I’ll just miss you.”
He drags us both in once more, and I memorize his scent. “I will miss you too. I will miss you both.”
“Love you,” I whisper and give him two tight squeezes, a code my family uses for a token of affection.
Papa returns it before he breaks away and lifts my hood.
“Love you both, my sweet girls,” he says in farewell.
Marian and I walk to the gilded carriage.
Alec, Marius, and Bronn dip their chins as Riker holds the door ajar, and I’m grateful my sister and I aren’t traveling alone.
Marian waves to our father as he mounts his steed before stepping in the stagecoach, followed by me. She sits opposite, folding her cloak over her tunic and trousers as I glance out the window, tucking my waves behind my ears as my eyes find Tove’s.
I incline my head in thanks for everything she has done for me as Riker tugs the reins and the carriage takes off, Marian and I returning home to solve our mistake.
Autumn, The Makers Year 1010
To Vi,
I promise your secret is safe with me. My siblings are better than me at things too.
So I guess we must keep up and show our budding knowledge to remain ahead of them at something. On our last visit, you mentioned studying the seasons and how you dislike the outdoors.
But what about reading and discovering other facts regarding nature?
Your teachers could be very knowledgeable in this. Though I’ve added a list on the back of this letter of books that might be intriguing.
