Page 161 of Beast and Remedy
Beau gazes at where I left a mark and lifts his eyes to mine. “Don’t be, I love it.” He leans in and kisses me before guiding me off him with ease.
I snicker, my head resting on his chest as he runs lazy circles around my back.
We help each other swipe away our sweat-slicked hair, grinning and laughing, and I take my time to memorize him.
My love always evolves—always grows—and I can’t even imagine how only a short while ago, I was afraid to let him back in. It makes me wonder if this was what it felt like for him when his brother and father passed away and when he withdrew from everything and everyone.
If he let me back into his life after all that time, deep down, I think I was meant to let him back in, too. Even the esprit’s reminder of my magic needing Beau drifts to the forefront of my mind.
My heart warms at the thought, but a flicker of fear crawls up my spine of having to shift at will now we are leaving in the morning.
“What’s that look for?” Beau asks.
I blink away my doubts, removing the negativity and returning to the joy. “What look?”
“The one telling me you’re either regretting our time together or you’re wishing for more.”
I snort. “Never the first.” I perk up and kiss him softly. “And always the second.”
“Good,” Beau says, his lips caressing my forehead before he continues. “As long as you always want the second, I always will, too.”
Winter, The Makers Year 1024
My Dearest, Rosebud,
I already miss you.
You left moments ago, and I ran to my study to write you so this may arrive soon after your return home.
I hate that you left after what you did—what you shared with me—before I could react. Before I could even respond. And now I especially hate how I will have to succumb to a lack of sleep, dealing with the days blending until I can see you again.
And when I see you again, I want you prepared for my reaction.
I want you prepared for my response.
Because we will need to be somewhere private just so I, too, can return the favor.
Yours truly,
Beau
35
Seer
The castle remained quiet when Beau and I woke, the two of us packing and enjoying a blissful breakfast in each other’s company before the rest of our family could join us. And when Queen Verena and her daughter meet our group outside, I fasten my grip as I tie off my gear, hoping for another chance to speak with Sybille alone.
To my surprise, she approaches me directly without her mother hovering nearby. “Good morning, Vi,” she says with a grin.
I glance past her, observing the queen approach Beau and chat with him, Leo, and Christine as I greet her. “Hi there. How did you sleep last night?”
“Not very well,” Sybille admits. “I hoped to have a moment with you alone.”
“Is everything alright?” I ask, my chest weighing down as I pray for a chance to ask for her insight.
“I—” She surveys her surroundings before scooting close. “I dreamed about the illness in your lands last night.”
“Oh.”
