Page 53 of Beast and Remedy
Prince Leo, the next heir to the throne, towers above his sister, Princess Christine. The siblings share the same upturned nose and high cheekbones. And their blue irises study me as Christine’s golden blonde curls billow in the wind.
Jules, a lifelong friend of the Rosselots and the Sylvianes, brushes away small wisps escaping her raven plaited hair. She is the shortest of the group, her frame slender, face oval shaped, and jaw sharp like the man beside her.
Marcel, Beau’s best friend, maintains indifference as he crosses his arms, his muscles flexing underneath his dark tunic, the same shade as his complexion and deep-set umber eyes.
Jules and Christine look exhausted and worn down from hurrying to the keep, where Leo and Marcel remain unfazed, thanks to their tall, muscular builds probably used to more brutal ways of training and remaining fit.
But my friends part, and I squeeze my thighs together as golden honey irises lock on me.
Each step he takes is with command and purpose, the scent of pine and lemon drowning my senses as King Beauvais approaches, stopping mere feet from me.
Time halts as we remain fixated on one another.
The quiet of the world and the years of not seeing him sends a deep ache through my chest.
Goose bumps prickle up my spine in our silence. My heart thunders, my core clenches, and my eyes never leave his.
He blinks once and bows. “Princesses.”
Marian and I curtsy. “King Beauvais.”
When I rise, Jules stomps toward us, fury etched in her features. I shrink back, not ready for an attack or reprimand from my childhood friend.
She throws herself at me, hugging me tight. “Screw pleasantries. I’ve missed you,” she says, and I relax.
Marian snickers as I echo my friend. “I’ve missed you too.”
Her lighthearted laugh is full of joy, and I can’t help myself. But with our standing with Torgem, I carefully release Jules.
Marian and I need to get home.
Beau’s features furrow as I grimace, gathering my courage to remain diplomatic and not throw my arms around him, too.
“Thank you for aiding us. I apologize our arrival was unexpected, but we are truly grateful for your help.” I swallow thickly, building up more strength to return to my life without him in it. “We must be on our way now, though. Our home is in great need of us.”
Beau steps forward. “We are always happy to aid our allies, although I’m not comfortable letting you leave tonight. I would like to extend a room for you and your sister so you gather enough rest to travel back in the morning.”
I stare at his open palm, hesitating.
I can’t touch him. If I do, I will never wish to let go of him.
I bite the inside of my cheek as Marian nods, agreeing to his suggestion.
Sighing, I hate how right his logic is.
I drag my eyes to Beau’s, fighting every part of my mind, body, and soul to touch him.
“We—we would appreciate that, Your Majesty.” I curtsy again, ensuring I give no visible signs of my desperation to reunite with him.
“There is no need for formalities between friends, Rosebud.”
My heart rips from the affection and slight sorrow in his voice. I cast aside my pain and rise, wanting to move past the torture of hearing his nickname for me.
“Please come inside and enjoy refreshment and food. Let us converse before your journey tomorrow,” Beau says as he sidesteps to guide us into his home.
My stomach twists as our friends go first, Marian and I pausing when Beau’s advisors, Hugo, Esme, Odette, and Veryon, observe us.
Looking at them hurts, and my mouth runs dry from their disappointed expressions.
