Page 85 of Beast and Remedy
Jean clasps his husband’s shoulder. “As long as we keep in touch, it will all work out.”
“You know we will,” my sister replies.
“You two could never be separated for too long,” Jean adds.
Everyone snickers as Marian rolls her eyes. “We have spent plenty of time alone.”
“Yes, but you both are at your best when together,” Pierre says with rare amusement in his blue irises. “And your father would want it that way.”
My heart tightens at the mention of Papa. He had never been gone from our family for too long, and this time, being the longest, stirs a homesickness I can’t ease with the presence of only Marian, Jean, and Pierre.
Another gentle squeeze from Beau pulls me from my thoughts. I tilt my head to the King of Torgem, my friend, my love, my everything, and the ache smooths over a bit.
His soft smile consumes me, and his reassuring comfort nearly undoes me.
“Alright,” I concede. “But we need to leave immediately.”
Everyone agrees, walking toward Beau and me in a rush.
Beau moves us to the side, still holding me as they each pass by, Jules and Christine chuckling as Jean and Pierre nod to Beau. It’s as if they arethankinghim.
But thanks for what? For dealing with me?
With everyone gone, I tell Beau, “You can let go of me now.”
His eyes flick to mine, his dimples coming on full display. “But what if I said I never wanted to?”
His words unravel me. How badly do I want that, too?
Desperately.
But no matter how much every fiber of my being wants that, I have to let him go.
I brush off his notion as meaningless, hating the acidic words leaving my mouth in retort. “Well, I want you to.”
The double meaning strikes him hard, shock sparking across his features, his hold loosening.
It leaves me feeling sick. The removal of his touch feels like ripping away the only bandage keeping me from bleeding out. The rush of stress, anxiety, and anger filter in, the smallest warmth of comfort snatched away.
Beau sweeps back with a bow, his voice honeyed and charming as his gaze still captures me. “Seems like I need to fix that.”
With a wink, he turns, giving me his gloriously sculpted backside and leaving me speechless. Sweet Makers, please give me strength.
Summer, The Makers Year 1021
To Prince Beauvais of Torgem,
I know we have not corresponded with letters in a few years. And I’m not sure if this will ever be read by your eyes or not. However, I still wish to convey my deepest sympathies to you and your family. Maxim will be deeply missed by your kingdom, and by Belmur and my family as well.
From,
Princess Vivienne of Belmur
19
After All This Time?
Drafting correspondence to Prince Stefan and Papa was fast, along with packing the barest of essentials. Time is not on our side, but horses will be, and we need space for books, journals, research, and supplies more than clothing. I want to bring one of my favorite reads, yet I eye the concealed stone hiding all the old letters between Beau and me.
