Page 187 of Beast and Remedy
Beau offers me his hand next, and I take it with a smile matching his own.
My entire world comes back to life, glowing brighter than ever when he draws me close.
“I love you, and I am so fucking proud of you,” he murmurs, brushing his lips against my cheek when he pulls away.
I clutch my chest, and Marian faces us with expectancy. She inclines her head west, and the three of us heave a long breath.
We set our sights back for the castle. Back for administering the second dose to Marian. And back for sharing the good news we can finally—finally—start spreading.
41
Building
Marian took the additional dose upon our return. And with my limits stretched, Beau and I agreed it was best to recharge and put effort into making batches for our allies.
But being around my sister again, not fearing for her health, helping her make amends with the others all felt nostalgic. I was so used to Beau’s light and aura, but with Marian herself once more it’s…indescribable.
And with Beau’s name day celebration tomorrow, we all have worked at filling each vial while his advisors put together the festivities.
Everyone, save for Papa, received an invitation and news of the cure. It was exciting to see each kingdom’s acceptance andanticipated arrival, but my heart still ached about doing this behind my father’s back.
Tove, Jerrick, Jean, and Pierre have supported me throughout this process, allowing me the chance to delegate and grant me the time to save my sister and Draymenk.
If Papa found out what we did, there’s no telling how this might have played out. Now I can only hope Marian and I will earn his forgiveness when we return with the remedy.
Jules, Christine, and Marian try on various gowns for tomorrow’s party as I read over Pierre and Jean’s approval and warm wishes.
I skim the other letters from Sybille and Tove, both their responses and my exchanges with them easy and fluid. And joy stirs in my chest at the prospect of us all working together in the future.
“Are you almost done, Vi?” Jules asks, coming up and yanking me into a hug.
I laugh. “I just finished.”
“Thank the Makers. You need to pick out a dress to wear, too!” Christine says as she sorts through an array of gowns, inspecting them one by one.
My sister’s eyes find mine. “And I thought I was bad at selecting a gown.”
“Oh, hush,” Christine chides. “Fashion is an art.”
“Is it?” Jules approaches, her partner holding up an onyx gown to Marian, her features cheery and vibrant.
The girls all share a look before Christine asks me, “What do you think?”
I shrug. “You three are better at this than me.”
“I like it,” Jules decides, taking the dresses and placing them on the chaise. “But we do need to leave for dinner.”
We agree and hurry down the corridor and halls.
Staff parade past us, the castle glowing even more as they polish the brass, dust the curtains, and line the walls with decor suitable to honor a king. They sort red roses, taking time to weave each flower together before using the thorns to pin them into the sheer fabric lining the area.
We reach the dining hall and are embraced by the candlelit ambience. Golden trays, gilded glassware, porcelain plates, and red roses stretch across the table. And Leo, Marcel, and Beau have already helped themselves to the food.
Christine scoffs. “Rude of you to start without us.”
They halt their conversation and stand abruptly. Leo and Marcel pull out the chairs near them, and Beau moves from the head of the table, two spots down from his brother. He lowers his own plate before gesturing to the vacant seats.
His damned dimples and his desire to sit beside me stir a pang of longing. Sweet Makers, I wish I could dine alone with him.
