Page 67 of Beast and Remedy (The Last of the Heirs #2)

Now, I can only hope Beau’s healing sessions and the temporary tonics we will have to make will be enough to keep her stable. To keep her with me long enough to beat this infection before we run out of time.

I truly cannot fathom watching her lose herself.

You can’t and won’t, Vi.

Queen Verena’s silver-gray eyes narrow, almost as if she wasn’t expecting my response to be one of appreciation and praise.

The esprit directed me here for a seer, and I know I can’t return home without all our ingredients.

I clear my throat. “I also wanted to inform you of our progress.” The only tell of the queen’s curiosity is the small arch of her brow, and I continue.

“Our research and findings have shown we need plants local to each region to make a successful cure. So, we are hoping with your kingdom’s cooperation, we may come to a financial agreement or trade arrangement for large amounts of lavender from your lands. ”

“Is that why your two kingdoms are talking again?” Princess Sybille points her fork at Beau.

Leo coughs loudly, and he covers his mouth. Marian pats his back, and he mutters his apologies.

My gaze finds Beau’s, his expression not giving anything away as my heart thunders rapidly.

If she knows that— saw that—could she know more? Could she know about Mama? Could she know who was behind her death?

“King Bernard mentioned a disagreement with King Beauvais when we bumped into each other while visiting Queen Tove,” Queen Verena explains.

I recollect the past, not fully remembering if I was present when Papa would have relayed any information to the queen. But with the way she studies us, I wonder if she knows more than she lets on.

Could it be because she has abilities? Or her daughter?

Maybe my father told her the real reason Torgem and Belmur aren’t close anymore.

Queen Verena adds, “But it’s nice to know, given your current cooperation with each other, it appears you all were able to come to an understanding and work something out.”

“Yes, we are glad, too,” Marian joins in. “We all grew up together, and despite the unfortunate circumstances, it’s been wonderful to reconnect.”

“I bet. It is nice to have friendships with others at your age,” Queen Verena says, cutting into her meat and taking a small bite, the mask of a ruler strictly in place.

“I would love to have as many friends as you all do!” Princess Sybille exclaims.

Her mother grimaces, and the joyful mood of her daughter dims.

“But you already do,” I rush out, unsure why I run to her defense. But I keep it up and gesture to my friends and sister. “You have all of us.”

“That’s very kind of you to say, Princess Vivienne,” Queen Verena acknowledges.

“Please, call me Vi,” I tell her before twisting to her daughter. “You too. All my friends call me Vi.”

“And you may call me Beau.” Beau’s charming voice echoes.

Princess Sybille’s expression blooms back to life. “Thank you.” She turns to her mother and is given a curt nod before she whirls back. “You may call me Sybille. It’s not short like either of yours, though.”

“Short or not, it’s a beautiful name,” Jules comments, earning a small tinge of pink across Sybille’s cheeks.

“It was her grandmother’s name, and she was a wonderful monarch. Just like my late husband, and I have known our daughter will be, too,” Queen Verena affirms, a sweet exchange passing between mother and daughter before Sybille lowers her head, swishing the food on her plate.

The sharp pang of envy stirs and witnessing the brief love between them leaves me missing Mama.

A hand rests on my knee underneath the table, and when I look down, Marian squeezes it twice.

I glance up, catching Leo slumping instead of my sister. I press my lips together before taking in Beau and Christine on the opposite end.

They, too, know how Marian and I feel, maybe even more so because they don’t have either of their parents. Nor do they have their brother, Maxim.

Queen Verena’s low voice pulls me from my contemplation. “I would like to continue showing my daughter what it’s like to rule and work with wonderful monarchs. We will be happy to supply you with the lavender necessary in finding a cure.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Unable to contain the excitement and gratitude vibrating through me, I stand and curtsy. “We are most appreciative.”

Her silver-gray irises hold mine. “Of course, Vi.”

I almost blanch when she smiles back.

She takes a sip from her glass, the small facial tell vanishing as I sit back. When she clears her throat, she ventures into a new topic. “I hear Queen Tove and King Jerrick are expecting their first child.”

Beau chimes in. “I received a letter and an invitation to celebrate during the festivities, but sadly, I was not able to attend. Did you?”

They engage in discussion, and I regard Sybille, still moving her food in a trance. She doesn’t even touch the carrots she mentioned loving so much.

Leaning in, I ask, “Are you alright?”

She startles, jolting upright. “Oh, yes, I am alright.”

Her blatant dismissal leaves me concerned. “Where did you go, though?”

She blinks rapidly. “Wh-What are you talking about?” Her soft laugh comes out more like a choke. “I-I-I’ve been here the whole time.”

I level my gaze, keeping my voice hushed as I take a chance. “I know, physically, you did not go anywhere. But you seemed very sad, as if lost in your thoughts at the mention of your future.”

Her eyes flash with something I can’t interpret, but the small reaction is enough. I swear my power thrums with satisfaction at the confirmation.

It is her. She’s the seer!

“F-F-Future?”

“Your mother mentioned you being a wonderful queen, and you shrank into yourself,” I clarify, careful about insinuating anything.

Sybille remains frozen, and I give her a moment, getting another scoop of food, wanting to savor the solid meal before our journey.

“I-I don’t know if she really means that, though,” she confesses in a barely audible whisper. “I don’t think I will be a good monarch.”

How could she think such a thing?

We haven’t known each other for long, but her radiance and kindness are parts of her I know will grow into her adulthood.

“I don’t think I will be a good queen, either,” I admit, allowing the vulnerability and the sympathy for the pressure of ruling to stretch between us.

“Oh, but you will,” she replies with a smile.

“But how do you know? Me or my sister could rule over Belmur.” I do my best to not feel guilty for luring her into my conversation trap.

She hesitates, pondering a response.

I can’t help but admire her for keeping her magical ability so quiet. Taking a risk, I offer her my secret with the hope she will return the gesture. “I think you know because you’re gifted like I am.”

Sybille’s eyes flash with shock. “Y-Y-You told me—”

“About my gift, yes. Like how Beau is gifted, too.”

“Yes.” She swallows. “I did know that. Mother told me before your arrival how he’s been open about it, like Queen Tove.”

“Indeed. And I’m working on being more open about my magic like them, too.”

“But wh-why?”

The question should not come as a surprise, but it does, and I huff a laugh, looking at Beau conversing with the queen. The constant pull I have to him tugs at my soul as I ogle him, my heart thumping loudly in my chest.

Facing Sybille, I don’t hide how I truly feel. “Because they are my friends. And I don’t want my friends to feel alone in being open about it.”

“What about King Jerrick?”

“What about him?”

“Is he your friend, too? Do you know what his abilities are?” Sybille asks.

“I don’t know him well enough. But through being friends with Queen Tove, maybe one day.”

“I think we should all be friends!”

“You already are my friend.” I laugh.

Her demeanor shifts. “Do you really mean that?”

Through her grim expression, light still shimmers in the depths of her rich brown irises—hope flickering like it could die out at any moment. It makes my stomach sour, wondering if she’s ever had someone to call her friend.

“I do.” I beam, wanting to be truthful. “And do you want to know another secret?”

“ Another secret?” She squeaks with delight.

“I only give two squeezes to my friends.” I show her on her forearm for emphasis, and she giggles.

She returns the gesture before peering over to her mother and Beau, now deep in a discussion with Marcel, Jules, and Christine.

Turning back and motioning for me to lean in, I oblige her as she whispers, “My secret is, I’m gifted.”

When we pull away, her eyebrows wiggle with mischief and her confirmation a breath of fresh air. Not only that, but her willingness to open up.

I lower to her ear and murmur, “I can shift into an animal.”

She angles toward me, her mouth gaping. “Whoa, really? Can you shift into one right now?”

The painful reminder of what I need to do has me answering quickly, “Unfortunately, I’m still working on that. But I do turn into a bear.”

“A bear!?”

Her hushed voice cracks in astonishment.

I grin and nod.

Sybille scoots closer, keeping her tone quiet. “I am a se—”

“Honey,” her mother says, Sybille tensing along with everyone else.

I find Beau’s gaze, unsure if the queen overheard us. My skin turns clammy, and a trickle of sweat skitters down my spine as Queen Verena captures her daughter’s attention.

The Queen of Unterkirch smirks. “King Beau and his family have offered to host us soon as a way of thanking us for our hospitality. How do you feel about visiting Torgem?”

Relief crashes against me as Sybille breaks into a broad smile. “That sounds lovely. I would love to have a reason to see our friends again.”

She bounces with excitement. “Oh! Could we write to each other, too?” Her eyes turn pleadingly on her mother. “W-Would that be alright?”

Queen Verena grabs her glass and swirls it in consideration. “I don’t see why not.”

Sybille spins to me and my sister. “Would that be alright with you? Could I write to you two?” She whips back to everyone across the table. “To all of you?”

Christine, the ray of sunshine she is, answers first. “I would love that.”

“I would, too,” Marian says, crossing her arms. “I was starting to get jealous my sister was stealing all your interest and leaving me with this guy.” She points to Leo, and he feigns shock.

Sybille giggles as Marian exaggerates her movements, angling away from Leo.

He shrugs, hiding his amusement terribly before helping himself with another portion of food.

“Better now?” I ask my sister as she joins me and the princess.

“Much,” she agrees.

Sybille wiggles in her seat as we chat, finishing our meal and diving into lighter conversations when dessert is served. She doesn’t reveal anything more about her abilities once Marian enters our discussions.

But I share a look with her when the others pull Marian’s attention away, the princess lifting her finger to her lips.

I dip my head, loving and hating my sister for interfering.

Although I missed the opportunity tonight to ask Sybille outright for answers, I did get confirmation of her power.

And Beau secured another way of seeing her again and managed to convince Queen Verena about letting her daughter exchange letters with us.

I plea to the Makers, silently praying we will soon get answers the esprit warned us about, before trying to enjoy the remainder of my time here tonight with my loved ones.

And every spare moment in conversation has my eyes traveling to Beau already watching me.

He rests his chin on his fist, studying me intently. The candlelight intensifies his features, his devastating magnetism luring me in as he rubs his jaw.

I drag my teeth across my lower lip, unable to stop the flutter in my chest nor the desire I felt earlier returning between my legs.

Fuck, I can’t wait to have him all to myself tonight.