Page 188 of Beast and Remedy
My friends, Marian, and I find our spots and help ourselves to the well-prepared meal, my appetite satisfied the moment I take a bite of the venison.
Pure joy is exchanged the more we eat, my mind, body, and soul relaxing and overjoyed as I nestle between two people I love dearly.
Marian beams as she and Leo lean into each other, and Beau sneaks his hand under the table, drawing tantalizing circles along my outer thigh.
I seek his touch and interlock our fingers.
He squeezes twice, and my pulse flutters before he lets go and resumes eating with a cheeky, mischievous smirk.
Esme, Hugo, Veryon, and Odette stroll past the entrance, pausing to update Beau on the arrangements, before Leo ushers the staff to set up places for them to dine with us.
Staff members keep the food coming and our wineglasses full as the conversations grow. Memories and experiences areexchanged between Marcel and his father, Veryon. Even Beau and Leo are taunted and brought into the fray of jokes.
I press my lips together, trying to admire the food more than the man beside me as he lights up the entire room. My waves fall forward, and I tuck the loose strands behind my ear, snickering as Odette and Esme revisit embarrassing stories about Marcel and Jules.
Beau’s knee brushes against mine periodically, and we exchange stolen glances with each laugh and story our loved ones share.
He clasps my shoulder, and I almost panic until he eases up and reaches for his glass. Raising it, he peers across the room. “I want us to make a toast to each other. For working together. For Vi and for Marian coming back into our lives. And for everyone smiling again.”
We lift our cups. “To smiling again,” we say in unison before drinking.
The wine coats my throat, and I savor it, enjoying this moment despite the flicker of doubt creeping forward in my mind.
When we finish and lower our drinks, silence stretches, exhaustion and fatigue taking over us all. Esme and Hugo share a look before rising.
“I think it’s time to retire for the night,” Hugo says, grasping Esme’s hand.
“The same goes for us as well,” Odette adds as she and Veryon push up from their seats. “It was a joy to dine with you all.”
“Like old times,” Esme muses, stopping at my sister and me.
“Like old times,” I repeat. Marian and I lower our heads with respect as Beau’s four advisors excuse themselves.
Marcel eases up, yawning and rubbing his neck. “Ladies, would you like to rest for the night?”
“Just rest?” Jules blurts.
Marcel’s eyes bulge as Christine’s skin darkens a shade, and Marian and I fail at stifling our snorts.
“I wastryingto be polite,” Marcel says, gritting his teeth.
Jules laughs off his slight annoyance as she stands. “You always are.” She pecks him on the cheek.
Marcel’s grin grows. He helps Christine up, the three of them exchanging heated looks before Jules nudges them toward the hall.
“Until tomorrow,” she says, waving us farewell without a second glance.
Leo adjusts his tunic as he rises. “Make sure no one wakes me earlier than necessary. I can already tell my head will be aching tomorrow.”
Marian chuckles. “I’m inclined to agree with sleeping in.”
“I’ll see we’re served a late meal. I’ll be up for a bit tonight, too,” Beau responds.
“Is everything alright?” I quirk a brow as he cleans his mouth with his napkin.
“Oh, yes. Everything is fine. I just need to ensure the staff is taken care of tonight before I go to the alchemy room or even visit the library and read for a little.”
I bounce with delight, and Marian laughs. “Uh-oh, Beau. Careful there. You’re getting her excited about books.”
