Page 73 of Beast and Remedy
“Because it was our fault,” Marian answers, pulling Pierre’s resentment to her.
“What in the Oblivion did you two do?” he demands.
I really don’t want to further the hole we’ve dug for ourselves. But if we want any chance to let Beau in these castle walls to help us, I have to bite down my pride and deal with Pierre’s scrutiny.
Marian’s hand finds mine again, and she squeezes it twice.
It calms the aching rage spasming in my veins, and I heave an exhausted sigh and sit. I’m surprised Pierre does the same, he and Jean still waiting expectantly for answers.
Marian and I take turns explaining everything that has transpired, including bringing our friends here.
“With a direct line to Torgem, versus having to work through Queen Tove and King Jerrick to get their assistance—”
Pierre’s eyes bulge as Jean gapes. “You didn’t—
“We did,” Marian replies before nodding for me to continue.
“With the help fromeverykingdom, we can help our people faster. And King Beauvais is the best chance we have of saving Marian. Saving everyone. You need to trust in that, too,” I finish, pleading on the last part.
They watch us in silence, the anger in Pierre’s face slackened and Jean’s concern etched deep with worry.
“TheykilledJohanne,” Pierre says, voice cold.
Marian’s soft murmur fills the room. “You know we never gathered any real proof.”
Pierre’s gaze falls on my sister, and she continues. “And the proof we tried to gather, Papa ignored it because he was too lost in his grief. You know this. You’veseenit. He’s too stubborn and prideful to admit it and see sense. And I think we all know if he were to acknowledge it and find the answers, it would be closure for him. And clearly, he still isn’t ready.”
My twin’s eyes fill with fierceness before facing Jean and Pierre. “But we all have had our own closure. It’s why we have chosen to trust our friends. The bigger question is, will you? And if not, will you trust in us to make everything right?”
She gestures to herself and me, and my heart hammers as Jean and Pierre’s wary expressions do nothing to settle my nerves.
Pierre remains frigid and immovable. He blinks once, arching back, and the tension lessens. He looks to his husband, another person who has helped govern this land with my father for years.
My toes curl, anxiety fueling the rush I’m sure will come crashing down at any moment.
Jean touches Pierre’s side, and I understand his judgment, his opinions, and respect and duty he has for our home.
But I, too, will be in Papa’s position one day.
I offer him sympathy, hating myself for faltering, but hoping it will reach his tightly concealed emotions.
“I know you only see me as a girl, Pierre,” I whisper.
Rather, he remains focused on his husband as he thinks and waits.
“Oblivion, you probably see me as stupid, too.” I laugh.
A sigh of annoyance comes from Marian, and I imagine if I was looking at her, she’d be rolling her eyes.
I stretch across the table, reaching for Pierre’s forearm.
He stiffens, coldness visible as his eyes find mine before I speak. “You have taught me what it takes to be a ruler. Papa taught me where to find joy in this role. Jean taught me the importance of balancing being merciful and strict. But you, Pierre, you also taught me to be rational, stubborn, and to trust my instincts.”
I squeeze his arm twice, telling him I love him. I don’t tell Pierre often because we are always at each other’s throats. He is always the thorn in my backside, pushing me to my limits and still helping me grow.
But he is my family and a huge part of my life.
And the flash behind the frozen tundra of his deep-set eyes leads me on. “I am doing what you have taught me, and I need you to trust me.”
