Page 56 of Beast and Remedy
The hope blooming in his eyes from saying his shortened name makes my gut twist. I tuck my feelings down deep, needing to put distance between us.
My heart will not—cannot—get the better of me here.
No matter how much I want it to.
Marian rests beside me as Beau squeezes my hand.
“I’ll have the cooks prepare something for us in the dining hall within the hour.”
My mouth feels dry as I try to respond, and Marian, thank the Makers, covers my lack of words. “Thank you, Beau.”
Why isshenot using his title? We should be keeping up appearances and playing along. Not relaxing back into old times.
My own anger must be evident because she elbows me, and I grunt, a snarl almost escaping.
Beau huffs a laugh. “It’s good to see the two of you again.”
He continues to chuckle, heading for the exit, and I slump, hating how my relationship with Marian was always amusing to him. It probably reminds him of his relationship with his siblings.
But I didn’t even want that to slip through during our visit. We can’t lower our guard while we are here.
Only when the door closes do I nudge Marian.Hard. She hisses and snickers, and I roll my eyes.
An odd bond to have with another person who will piss you off while having your back. It’s infuriating how quickly I can go from loving to hating her for being my best friend.
Summer, The Makers Year 1011
Dear Vi,
We are friends. And friends have nicknames for each other, much like our shortened given names.
And they all have meaning.
Yours, Vivienne, means alive. And mine, Beauvais, means handsome.
Nicknames can have meanings too.
Rosebud is indeed the bud of a rose, like you mentioned. But you missed the “Rose” part, which is that a rose is known to be the most beautiful of all flowers.
And given your name means alive and you have grown to have a budding knowledge, I thought it was poetic to call you something that shows you are always growing. Always learning, always blooming.
I will refrain from calling you Rosebud further if you so wish.
My deepest apologies.
From,
Beau
12
Chafing Is the Worst
Marian helped me to the bathing chambers, refusing to say anything until I cleaned up.
I waited until she left the room before opening my palm, hiding a small piece of folded paper. Each crease tugs at my heart, memories of past letters exchanged all throughout my relationship with Beau stirring my feelings.
I unfold the note, taking a deep breath as my hands tremble and stomach flutters.
