Page 119 of Beast and Remedy
Her smile is one I am grateful for, especially as she’s directed so much anger toward me as of late.
I know it’s a symptom of the infection, but it hurts for her to despise me one moment and love me the next. It makes me second-guess her treatment, and I glance at our campsite where Jules and Christine set up our blankets as we wait for Beau and Marcel to return from hunting for a meal.
The closest village, Corotos, did not have lodgings available, which was disappointing given Beau and I had not had another private moment since leaving Goldenbeck a few days ago.
But at least I was able to gather ingredients for the contraceptive brew the morning we left and restock my supply when we stopped in Corotos.
I smile at having stock with me for future occasions with Beau.
And yet my amusement is short-lived. Marcel received more grave news from his father, Veryon, and the rumors about Unterkirch grow the closer we draw toward the border.
“Maybe you need someone else to teach you,” Leo says, pulling me from my thoughts.
Marian angles her head. “What is that supposed to mean?”
I rear back at her snarky challenge, Leo even shocked and lifting his hands in surrender.
“Nothing! I swear. It has nothing to do with your teaching abilities. Only Vi’s learning abilities.”
But my sister’s eyes flick to mine with mischief, and I smirk before whirling on Leo. “Are you implying I’m not smart enough to know how to throw a dagger or aim an arrow?”
Marian rests her hands on her hips, and I stand, mimicking her actions.
Leo chokes out a laugh.
“Oh no, what did you do?” Marcel asks, carrying a handful of firewood.
I look beyond him, not seeing Beau.
Did he go off on his own?
Worry prickles up my spine, a swirl of magic pulsing to the pain tugging at my heart. Slowly, I breathe, hating the warning my power gives of its impending timeline. I send a prayer to the Makers to give me enough time tonight to sneak away from the others to cater to the whims of my gifts.
“I did nothing. I swear.” Leo gestures his blade wildly in defense.
“Liar,” Jules and Christine say in unison, laughing when Christine’s blonde curls blow in front of Jules’s face.
They help each other as Marcel lowers the dry branches.
“He implied I am a bad teacher and Vi is not capable of learning,” Marian explains.
Christine spins to her brother. “Clearly, you’ve forgotten how you failed to teach me to ride a horse and took forever to learn how to read.”
Leo tenses, and his cheeks deepen into a red darker than my wavy tresses as we struggle to suppress our laughs. “You were too short at the time to ride a horse. And who even told you it took me forever to read? You weren’t born yet!”
“I was there, though,” Beau’s smooth voice sings into the conversation, and my heart somersaults with relief.
His golden irises, always matching the sun, steal my breath as he comes into view, carrying a few rabbits.
My stomach churns as Leo waves off his brother.
“I’m going to get some more firewood,” he grumbles, storming off into the forest.
“I’ve already got plenty!” Marcel gestures to the small fire, Jules and Christine bursting into a fit of giggles.
Beau grins, his eyes scanning everyone’s and lingering on me as Marcel stands to help him with our dinner.
I’m queasy at the sight and look away, needing to think of something else.
