Page 101 of Beast and Remedy
He shifts his heated gaze, those deep russet eyes capturing me and making me want to drown in them. Prince Stefan is striking. Devastatingly so.
But he isn’t Beau.
Stop thinking about men, Vi.
I rub my temples, trying to clear my thoughts.
The Prince of Northtry sighs, his shoulders sagging as he clicks his tongue. “And here I believed you missed me, Princess Vivienne.”
Beau grumbles and dismounts, his bow and quiver strapped to his back and his hand resting on his sword’s hilt.
In one fluid motion, every soldier arms themselves. Daggers and blades drawn, arrows nocked.
My body locks, my hands tightening on my reins as Marcel and Leo unsheathe their swords, ready to defend their king.
Christine gasps, her horse neighing and staggering before Jules helps the steed, hushing her partner.
Beau steps closer to the prince, unbothered by everyone, and I forget how to breathe.
Beau’s voice comes out stern and cool. “I suggest you order your men to stand down and fetch your father. The King of Torgem and the future Queen of Belmur request an audience.”
The order sends a chilling kiss down my spine, and I clench my thighs.
Vi! Now isnotthe time to imagine what this low, gravelly voice of his would sound like whispering the darkest of sins in your ear.
I bite the inside of my cheek to pull myself back to the present.
Prince Stefan is cold, all flirtation cast aside as he addresses Beau. “The king is indisposed at the moment, and we are not receiving guests at this time.”
Beau’s boots scrape against the pebbles, the courtyard quiet as two royals assess one another. “You know you are dismissing not only one kingdom, but two?”
Prince Stefan straightens to his full height, still shorter than Beau as he adjusts his black tunic, acting unbothered. “If it’sgrave news, please share it now or come back after writing to request an audience.”
Beau crosses his arms, this anger I’ve hardly ever seen still lacing his next words. “Am I really to believe the king is too busy to hear pressing news about Draymenk and his own kingdom?”
“Yes, you are,” Prince Stefan replies with finality. “Now, please.” He gestures to the large barrier doors we entered mere moments ago. A silent dismissal.
I look between the gate and Beau near the prince.
I need to leave with the roseroot. The esprit gave me hope, and I will be damned if I came all this way to lose it.
“Please, Stefan,” I beg softly. “Will you hear me out?”
Prince Stefan remains stone-faced in front of Beau, but he slowly flicks his gaze to me. His eyes rake over me, and heat prickles along my scalp, traveling down my body.
I wiggle in my saddle, trying to distract my thoughts from the ache growing between my legs.
What is thematterwith me?
A slow smirk stretches across Prince Stefan’s features. “Let us talk somewhere private, Princess.” His voice tempts and taunts me to dismount.
But Beau blocks me.
“She is not going anywhere with you alone,” Beau hisses, and my heart plummets.
What is he doing? He knows we need this.Marianneeds this.
Prince Stefan smiles viciously at Beau. “Too bad you have no authority in this kingdom.” He offers me his open hand.
