Page 94 of Beast and Remedy
“It’s… complicated,” I confess, and Jules looks at me knowingly. “Even I haven’t figured it out. I’ve barely had time to think on it because my focus has been on Marian and her condition.”
“I get it.” She hums. “But don’t give up on it, though.”
I arch a brow. “It?”
Jules slows her horse, distancing us from the group before she explains, “Him. Don’t give up onhim.” She glances toward Beau before looking back. “He treasures you, Vi. He always has. And you didn’t see what it was like when we were banished.”
I halt my steed and grab her elbow. “What happened?”
Jules turns somber, her heartbreak visible in her hooded brown eyes as she takes a long steadying breath. “It was like he lost another part of himself. Another part of his family. It was almost—if not worse—than when he lost Maxim.”
Maxim.
“Oh.” My voice quiets as the grim conversation dims with the sunset.
We ventured in silence until we reached a cave. Everyone agreed to stop and camp for the evening.
I remained quiet and agreeable when rotations of who will be on watch together were decided, the past consuming me. Even when the stillness of the night stretches over our group, I still can’t stop the flood of memories rattling my mind.
Maxim, Leo, Marcel, and Beau went hunting together. A typical occurrence for the four of them in their adolescence.
They trekked deep into Glaston Forest, camping and training, always wanting to strengthen their skills. But the boys separated during one of their hunts, and Maxim was attacked by an animal, bleeding out before help could come.
Beau and I had not spoken in years when this happened, and I regretted the resentment I built around my heart when Jules shared the news with me.
When my parents found out, Mama went into the forest to hunt down the animal that attacked Maxim. I remember her saying,Our friends, our family. And regardless of my human or beast form, everyone and everything shall be reminded not to harm those I care for.
I was never brave enough to ask if she had fulfilled her search, the grief of losing my friends weighing too heavy on me back then.
But I extended my condolences, wanting Beau to know that despite time apart, it didn’t remove the friendship we had.
And I kept writing letters, understanding they’d probably go ignored. But I hoped that, should he ever read them, he would know he wasn’t alone.
And I’ll never forget the day our friends all came back.
We received them all with haste, hugging them and offering our love.
Beau was the last to arrive, and I’ll never forget how he dismounted his horse, dodging and ignoring everyone with his eyes set on me.
I’ll never forget the determination in his step and in his golden stare.
And I’ll never forget how he embraced me, his strength catching me off guard and his sweet citrus scent hitting me as he whispered,Thank you for the letters, Rosebud. I am so sorry I never replied.
I smiled brighter than I ever had in years, returning his embrace.Write me back next time.
And he did.
Autumn, The Makers Year 1023
Dear Princess Vivienne,
It feels so different writing to you now. Especially when I pushed you away during my adolescence. I should have been more considerate you yourself were entering those years. I do regret not keeping up on our correspondence.
I feel as if I am not worthy to call you a friend.
Though if you’ll have me, I would like for us to exchange more letters. I need to build my muscle strength for all the correspondence I must do now as a king.
Since it’s been so long, tell me what you’ve been studying.
