Page 148 of Beast and Remedy
“Alright, fine,” Leo says playfully, his eyes never leaving Marian’s as he smirks. “You did beat me.”
“Off,” Jules mutters into her glass, and I gape.
Leo and Marian both turn a shade of red darker than my hair as they whirl on Jules.
But Christine snorts so loud, and her face scrunches when liquid comes out of her nostrils.
Jules grins from cheek to cheek as she offers her partner a napkin.
Beau and Marcel bark and howl up to the skies with unfiltered cackles, and I can’t help but cover my mouth, trying and failing to suppress my laughter.
Everyone’s laughs grow in volume, and Marian averts her gaze, admiring the tablecloth.
Leo clears his throat. “Come on, it wasn’t that funny.”
“It definitely was,” Marcel says as Beau holds his chest, trying to catch his breath.
We all still snicker, Christine even wiping away a tear as guards open the dining room doors.
We all stumble upright, poorly masking our amusement, and greet Queen Verena and Princess Sybille.
The Queen of Unterkirch remains stoic, the acknowledgment barely noticeable in her movements as she and her daughter join us, the princess smiling as she approaches.
Beau moves and pulls out Queen Verena’s chair, Leo quick to follow his brother’s steps and do the same for Princess Sybille.
“How did you know this is where I always sit?” she asks with curiosity.
I shrug. “I took a guess.”
Princess Sybille dips her chin, settling in her seat and whispering her thanks to Leo.
I go to join her, but I’m caught off guard when Beau’s fingers intertwine with mine.
Peering up, I melt from the heat simmering in his golden irises as he guides me into my seat, his dimples on full display.
Sweet Makers, this fucking man.
My stomach flips when he remains near, just to scoot me in before he and everyone else make themselves comfortable.
I follow suit, tightness building in my chest. But I bristle at Queen Verena studying me.
Does she think Beau was out of place for helping me? Was he being too affectionate?
“I am so pleased to see you up and moving, Princess Vivienne,” the queen says as a staff member fills her glass.
“I am, too,” I reply and straighten my posture. “Though I did need a little help getting here. I owe many thanks to King Beauvais.” I gesture to Beau, hoping my mention will be enough to justify his actions and reduce the nerves erupting in my gut.
“It was no problem,” Beau says across the table. “As your healer, I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
A small wisp of my waves falls in front of my line of sight, and I tuck it behind my ear as staff carry in trays. They set the platters in the center of the table and lift the lids, steam rising from the mouthwatering display of food.
A spicy aroma attacks my senses as Queen Verena dismisses her employees with a snap of her fingers. They all bow or curtsy, exiting as a trio of musicians passes them and heads to the corner, breaking into a soft melody.
Everyone helps themselves to the glazed carrots, ripe fruit, freshly baked rolls, and meat, making my stomach growl.
I clutch my abdomen, hoping the music drowns out the embarrassing noise.
Princess Sybille scoots close and whispers, “Don’t worry, mine made the same noise, too.”
