Page 141 of Beast and Remedy
“Princess Vivienne, I am not sure if you remember me.”
“I do, Your Majesty.” I dip my chin, recalling the brief introduction we exchanged in Axidoria when Queen Tove was looking for a husband. “Though it was a while ago.”
She remains impassive and stoic but keeps her voice soft. “Be that as it may, I appreciate your correspondence as well as the journey you made to see our healers to exchange information about the virus. However, it pains me to see you suffered an injury on your way.”
“I hope it isn’t too much to ask if we might stay a little longer to ensure her enough time to recover before we resume our trip,” Beau says, guiding the queen’s attention to him.
She regards him before her lips lift. “We wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“That way, we can give you a full tour of the castle!” Princess Sybille chimes, and I peer over, my heart stuttering on my sister and friends grimacing.
A sputtered rasp leaves Marian, and I reach for my twin, hating to see her at war with herself. But she doesn’t move right away, and Leo comes to her side, walking her to me.
I take her hand in mine and squeeze twice as she sinks to her knees.
She shudders and braces against the bed, tremors rocking through her. “Vi,” she chokes out, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I’m so glad you’re alright.”
Her feelings, her emotions, and her body are being gnawed apart from the infection, and I know she is losing control of herself.
I squeeze her hand again, wanting to—needingto save her.
“You’re alright, too. And what’s even better is we are together.” I attempt to fill the supportive role she has always done.
Trying to move, I’m attacked by the searing pain returning with force, an eruption of pulses running down my spine. I hiss, letting go of Marian to apply pressure.
Hands other than my own cover me in a flash, a small flicker of light encapsulating me and ebbing the torture away.
My eyes find Beau’s, and concern grips my heart at his lackluster smile.
Exhaustion sags his shoulders, dishevels his hair and keeps his dimples from appearing. Keeps his radiance from filling the room and my soul.
Deities, he pushed himself and his gifts too much today. And he still needs to treat my sister.
“It’s been a long day for everyone,” Beau sighs, leaning back. “I suggest we take the remainder of the night to relax and rest.” He looks to Queen Verena. “Again, we are truly grateful for your hospitality during such a stressful time for Draymenk.”
“Belmur and Torgem would do the same for us,” she responds, guiding herself and her daughter to the door. “We’ll let your travel party tend to themselves. All guards and staff members are aware of your stay, and should you need anything, feel free to let them know.”
Princess Sybille lowers into a curtsy, and her mother hovers at the threshold, her hand on the door latch. “We can reconvene, and you can meet with the healers when you all have recovered.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” I say as the Queen and Princess of Unterkirch leaves without another word.
Beau turns to my sister. “I’ll watch over Vi so you can catch up on rest.”
“I don’t want to leave her.”
“You’re only going to be sleeping in another room,” I tell her, and she grunts.
“It’ll be fine,” Jules says as she comes up. “Beau’s the best one here capable of looking over Vi.”
Guilt and remorse flash across Marian’s features. She is losing control, and I know she wants to hold on to something.
But Jules is right. There isn’t much she can do for me.
Marian arches a brow. “You’ll tell me if there is anything wrong?”
“Of course,” Beau answers.
“Fine,” she grumbles and points at him. “But you better believe I’ll be checking in on her.”
