Page 170 of Beast and Remedy
With the extra guidance from Beau and the esprit, I was more willing to practice my shifting. And every shift since, the pain significantly reduced, my whole world and mindset altering with understanding my own will and the Protector of Beasts’ will thrumming underneath the surface.
Everything in my bear form became instinctive to me and less by my power. Evoking empathy to creatures as Iroamed, acknowledging every bow and call of obedience stirred confidence and acceptance in my heart.
Beau hardly used his gifts on me after he woke with the others this morning, allowing Marian a chance to have a longer healing session, and even her mood seems brighter than the last few days.
“Hopefully, your temper doesn’t come back,” she muses when we reach the stables.
“Hey!” I scowl as my sister laughs and dismounts.
“Oh hush. You know it to be true.”
My agreement doesn’t keep me from rolling my eyes as Leo approaches.
“Did I miss something?” he asks, glancing between us suspiciously.
“Don’t worry about it.” Marian steps up and pats his chest.
Christine removes her riding gloves, and Jules tidies her plait as they saunter toward us. Marcel and Beau carry a few packs, scrutinizing Leo with expectancy to help them with the other bags.
“I hope Jean and Pierre will have food ready,” Christine says as I drop from my saddle and lead my mount its stall.
I let Marian take over that conversation as I pet my steed’s mane, a thrum of magic streaming to my fingertips. Smiling, I curl into its body, cooing and sending pulses of affection as I guide it to the water and food barrels.
The horse neighs, and I chuckle before stepping away and catching up with my friends as we enter my home.
Leo shoulders the weight of the roseroot we brought back from Northtry, striding beside Marian. Jules and Christine give Marcel a wide birth, letting him walk between them and still have a chance to be included in the conversation of what food might await us.
Beau stays put until I come up to his side. Our fingers brush along one another throughout the halls, careful of each touch and each exchanged look of happiness when we venture into the less formal dining room.
Spiced meat attacks my senses, my stomach rumbling as chairs scoot from the table, Jean and Pierre rising.
“You’re finally back,” Jean breathes, his eyes intense despite the visible exhaustion he and Pierre wear.
“Please, eat. You all must be hungry.” Pierre gestures to the table, plates already set up, thanks to Marcel notifying them of our expected arrival.
“Starved for a good meal is more like it.” Leo slumps off his packs as his sister and Jules rush to take a seat.
I keep my features schooled as I stride past Beau, already missing his proximity as I join Marian in embracing Jean.
Pierre’s skeptical gaze holds mine, but I dismiss it and offer him my hand. He reluctantly takes it, and I yank him into our hug, inhaling and reveling in the sweet bliss of reuniting.
A pang of guilt festers underneath the surface, reminding me of my father in Palaena.
“How is Papa?” I ask when we break away and join the others, enjoying the vast amount of food.
Pierre releases a long sigh. “He’s antsy. Especially since Queen Tove and King Jerrick sent over the chanterelles without agreeing to let him accompany them.”
Thank the Makers for Tove and Jerrick being aware of my true whereabouts and covering for me. Jean and Pierre would have fumbled that arrangement without their help and Torgem’s.
“And did Esme work with you about sending over a supply of our sugar beets?” Christine asks as she makes a plate. “Jules and I told Marcel to send word when we established the right plant in hopes it would arrive here in time.”
“Yes,” Jean answers. “We went ahead and stored the chanterelles from Palaena and the sugar beets from Torgem in our pantries but left a more manageable amount along with the valerian you asked for in your study, Vi.”
I incline my head in gratitude as I take a sip of water.
“Has Stefan or his father reached out about more roseroot?” Marian asks, her eyes sparkling at the mention of the prince.
I don’t miss the grimace Leo wears as he scoops food onto his plate, keeping his eyes on his meal rather than my sister.
