A Beast's Tale

Chapter 66

"Is there anything else you need from me, Prince Chevalier?" Ivetta asked, collecting my teacup and presenting herself at the end of her workday.

Gilbert, leaning in the doorway, chuckled. "So formal. You don't have to put on an act for me, little dove. I know you two have a closer relationship than that."

Ivetta blushed. "I'm not putting on an act, Prince Gilbert. This is part of our normal routine."

"Out," I told him. He'd been following her around all afternoon, ensuring she hadn't been alone for even a minute, and I wanted to speak with her in private. At least Jin, Luke, Belle, and Rio had come to the library for an afternoon study session, assisting me in supervising Gilbert.

The pest in question frowned. "Hm, I'm not so sure that's a good idea. You upset my little dove quite a bit earlier."

"She is not 'your' little dove."

"Prince Chevalier, Prince Gilbert—"

"Ivetta! Oh, good, I caught you in time," Clavis interrupted. His timing, for once, was excellent, and even Ivetta looked relieved to see him bursting into the room. He went to her and clasped her free hand in both of his. "First, let me say that I am deeply sorry for what happened before. I shouldn't have flaunted our love in front of everybody else and pushed you to do the same when you're not ready to make an official announcement. No, you don't need to say it," he said, pressing a black-gloved finger to her lips when she opened her mouth in protest. "It's enough for us to know. Now, I'm sure you're dying to kiss me goodbye, but I think it would be improper to show off in front of these two louts. We're already making them jealous as it is. So, in lieu of a kiss, I present you with this."

A reluctant smile came to her lips as he reached into his coat pocket for a small glass vial. That didn't surprise me. She was too forgiving, and she recognized Clavis' behavior as an assurance that everything was fine. If he'd come grovelling to her on his hands and knees, she might have felt guilty for slapping him, however well-deserved it was.

"I just got back from seeing your mother's doctor, and this won't cause any trouble with her current medications. It's one tablet every three to four hours as needed for nausea. It's fast-acting, and she can hold it under her tongue and let it dissolve if she's afraid swallowing anything will make her vomit. The instructions are all on the label."

"Thank you, Prince Clavis. I really appreciate it."

"Not at all. Now, you'd better get going before Yves gets impatient. I'd be happy to escort you—"

"That won't be necessary," Gilbert interjected, a subtle threat in his narrowed eye. "I already told the little dove I'd walk her to the carriage." He offered her his arm, and she shook her head, her blush deepening.

"That's very kind, Prince Gilbert, but I'll need both hands to carry the tea set."

"Oh, don't worry about that. I'm sure the little rabbit's faithful pet can take care of that."

He waited, a pleasant smile on his lips, and she bit her lip and glanced at me. I nodded. Judging by Clavis' gift of medicine, her mother needed to take priority. I could speak with her about Gilbert in the morning.

She sighed and took his arm. "Have a good night then, Prince Chevalier, Prince Clavis."

Clavis' grin twisted into a grimace when the door closed behind them. "He's already taking possession of her, I see."

"He thinks he is. What do you know about her mother?"

"Ah, that. Well, she didn't want me going with her on her lunch break, and then she didn't want me getting out of the carriage, but I used all my charm and wit and talked her into letting me see her mother—once I convinced her my skills with pharmaceuticals were not all fun and games." He sighed and lowered his voice. "Her mother can't keep any food down lately because of the strong pain medications she's taking, but if she doesn't take those, then she can't even get out of bed. Not that she's doing much of that without Ivetta's help anymore. I don't think she'll last another week."