Page 63 of Beast and Remedy
I swallow, hoping for control as I hold his hand still on my shoulder. It’s enough for his eyes to widen and finally meet mine.
My soulflutters.
Deities, he is breathtaking.
“There is nothing to forgive,” I tell him, my twin encouraging me with a nod before I take in the rest of our friends. “We are the ones who should be seeking forgiveness from all of you.”
Marian scoots up. “You have been and still are friends to me and Vi. But we can’t say the same for our father, even though we have tried over the years to change his mind.”
My sister’s brown eyes turn to me, the two of us sharing a long, shaky breath.
The heaviness and thoughts we shared about Torgem, kept private for so long, finally admitted aloud and amongst our friends. It eases the pressure in my chest.
Beau’s light envelops me, and I dare a glance, instantly regretting it.
His damned gaze heats. Full of curiosity. Full of hope.
“I-I—” Beau coughs into his fist, separating contact with me. “I-I am honored to you”—his voice cracks—“bothof you, for sharing that with us.”
Marian’s voice is soft and quiet as she speaks. “Vi and I have wanted to share that for years. Torgem was always our closest ally.”
“And I wouldneverseek to jeopardize the friendship and alliance we had,” Beau offers back, touching his chest as sadness creeps through his eyes. “It broke my heart when the King of Belmur assumed otherwise and ignored our every effort to communicate.”
An ache presses against my ribs at his doleful expression. “It broke our hearts, too—”
Beau perks up, and I add, “Y-Your Majesty.”
His dimples appear, and a swirl of magic and longing flips my stomach.
Leo rests a hand on his brother, comforting him in a way I wish I could. “I think it broke all of our hearts,” he says, his solemn expression echoed by the others.
“But I think I speak for all of us when I say it truly is good to see you both again.” Beau smiles, and my stupid heart flutters.
Everyone nods, grins expanding amongst friends and family.
Yet the melancholy reminder of the virus in my kingdom pulls this small joy from me.
We may have come to an understanding tonight, but that’s all it can be. Marian and I need to get home. We’ve done our part in warning them, and I pray to the Makers my friends will remain up to date through Tove and Jerrick now.
It has to be this way.
Jules and Christine remain close as Marcel asks, “Does she need another healing session?”
“I-I think I need some rest,” Marian says.
Beau looks between my sister and me, a muscle in his jaw twitches as if he is restraining himself. Hesitation lingers behind his stare, and I know something is wrong.
I can’t stop from pressing. “What is it?”
But he doesn’t say anything, and Marcel crosses his arms as Leo rakes a hand through his hair.
The three men remain quiet. Too quiet.
“What is what?” Christine asks Beau.
He regards his sister, adoration softening his features before he scratches his clean-shaven jaw. “It’s something I was hoping to discuss privately with the princesses, but—”
“But what?” Jules demands and rests her hands on her hips.
