Page 60 of Beast and Remedy (The Last of the Heirs #2)
After explaining everything and being bombarded with so much understanding, I regretted doubting my friends. Everyone took the news in stride, offering suggestions for the next steps into Unterkirch, as well as when I’d need to start tapping into my magic willingly.
I didn’t mention anything of the curse, reluctant to steal everyone’s focus on creating a cure.
We all agreed my shifting should wait until we were on the way home, first needing to write Queen Verena and ask for an audience.
Beau offered to send that message and thankfully, we were permitted into her lands. A letter from her and the healers in her household arrived as we reached Torrhal, and they wanted to share their discoveries about the infection in person.
The prospect of good news bloomed in my chest.
We took the chance to send word of our stop in Unterkirch to our loved ones in Belmur and Torgem, relaying our hope that the new information from the healers would steer us down the right path.
Marian and I also had another letter from Papa, which stirred homesickness for us both. And Tove’s note reassured me that my father and my people were doing well, all things considered.
Their messages were a reminder for me to remain steadfast, and I updated them both with the anticipation of us making a groundbreaking discovery soon.
Camping outside of Oundalk tonight, Jules and Christine extend small mugs to each of us.
“Is it going to be worse this time or better?” Leo grumbles, sniffing the contents warily.
The two women gathered more lavender these last few days than I thought necessary, taking time each day to test different ratios of the plant to see if it eased Marian’s symptoms. But to make her feel more comfortable ingesting their concoction, we all agreed to try it.
“It’s always going to taste worse, you know,” Marian snaps, reluctant to even take the mug.
Her irritability and mood swings are hard to avoid these days, not to mention the fever returning at the start and end of each day.
But recently, Beau confided in me about a swelling appearing in her lower spine. It was something new, and something he said could travel upward until it reached her brain.
“It’s good this time,” Jules says with confidence as she lifts her cup first.
Marian’s dark gaze flicks to mine, and I raise my glass, hoping I might be able to see a change in her after having the tea.
“Cheers,” Marcel says, and we all take a sip, surprise dancing across everyone’s features, even Marian’s.
The ratios this time are perfect, and at the swallow we take, it’s clear everyone thinks the same.
“It’s disgusting,” Leo says with a grimace.
Christine smacks him. “Clearly, you don’t have any taste buds if you think it’s gross.”
“Yeah, because you two have ruined my taste buds since making us try this every night.”
Everyone breaks out in laughter as Christine fights her own amusement.
“Whatever.” She crosses her arms, rolling her eyes with exaggeration.
Leo takes another sip, enjoying it like the rest of us.
Beau smirks into his cup as we enjoy ourselves, his fingers brushing along mine anytime no one is looking.
With everyone relaxing for the night, Jules and Christine lie beside one another on their blanket, pointing to the sky as Marcel huddles close to his partners.
Marian’s mood lightens, with her healing session with Beau shorter than this morning, and I’m hopeful the tea counteracts her symptoms. She hovers close to Leo, the two of them admiring the stars.
It is then that I, too, peer up, a comfort settling over me from the lavender tea as Beau remains beside me.
“I’ve missed that.”
Beau’s barely audible whisper catches my attention.
“Missed what?”
He gazes up at the constellations before he covers my hand with his. “That smile of yours.” He squeezes twice, sending my heart into a frenzy.
I shrink inwardly, my waves falling forward as heat creeps across my skin. I tilt my head up to the night-filled sky. “I’ve missed this.”
“Missed what?”
“Time spent with you.”
He hums and reclines, folding his hands over his chest and closing his eyes with a contented sigh. “I’ve missed that, too.”
I admire and savor every detail of him like it could be my last, my heart so full and so… relieved he’s here.
Beau’s golden eyes open, holding mine with desire and tenderness as he pats the blanket.
I’ve slept next to him for most of our trip, and while the urge is there to nuzzle into his chest, I take a deep breath before easing down.
“Careful, I would think you don’t like me,” he teases.
With a hint of sarcasm, I say, “And what if I also said I don’t like being close to you—”
“ What ?”
Beau whips his head, and I fight back a grin, losing the battle when I snort and face him. “I don’t like being close to you because all I want to do is be on top of you.”
Surprise flashes across his eyes, and a sinful smirk appears. He inches closer, his arm molten next to mine. “Well, I’m more than happy to oblige all your wants and needs.”
My breath hitches at his lowered voice, smooth and velvety with promise. I lick my lips, trailing my fingers near his.
His breathing shifts at my touch, and it sends arousal down to my core. I scan him from head to toe, halting at the protruding bulge in his trousers.
I clench my thighs, desire and need building in my core and between my legs. Looking away, I notice my friends and my sister all having similar hushed conversations.
And I hate the restraint I have to keep when all I want to do in this moment—in every moment—is get utterly lost in him.
Releasing a long, disappointed sigh, I glance at Beau. “The next time we are away from the others, you better fulfill that obligation.”
His eyes darken, furthering my want as he murmurs, “Oh, I’ll do that and more, Rosebud. That and more.”