Page 111 of Treasured
Sebastian stared at my brother’s retreating form. “I think… I think he’s mouthier than you.”
I snorted. “You might be right.”
Before the cure, most of Marius’s energy had been allocated toward staying alive. Now, it felt like I was getting to see my brother for the first time. He was energetic and brimming with life, ready to tackle whatever came his way.
I couldn’t be happier for him. I only wished Kinthani and Papa were here to experience it, too.
Sebastian kissed me. His voice was soft as he said, “You’re a fantastic sister and an even better wife.”
His words were a warming flame in my veins, fighting against the Eleytan cold that was always present in this northern kingdom.
Hand-in-hand, Sebastian and I followed Marius back into the abbey.
This was a good moment. A happy moment. But it wouldn’t last.
The slip of paper was on my mind, and I knew our little bubble would pop soon enough. I needed to tell Marius about our family—when he was awake, this time—and the queen needed to be stopped. The possibility of death loomed heavily above me.
I prayed fervently that these happy moments wouldn’t be Marius’s last good memories of me.
* * *
By the time we made it back to our rooms, the moon was setting. We’d caught up to Marius, who was asking Sebastian a million questions about Phyrra and spying in general. Sebastian answered each one patiently while the Binding Mark steadily filled with amusement.
Marius was happy. For now. He wouldn’t be soon. I hoped he wouldn’t be angry with me for not telling him the moment he woke. I just… I’d wanted to protect him.
But that could only go so far.
Marius yawned, and I seized the opportunity to put an end to his questioning. “Go get changed into pajamas, but don’t go to bed just yet,” I ordered him in my best “big sister” voice, pushing him towards his door. “There’s something I want to talk to you about.”
His hand landed on the doorknob, but he paused, looking at me. “What’s wrong?”
His clothes were dripping on the abbey floor, the sound echoing through the stone hallway.
“I’ll tell you once you’re not soaking wet.” I reached over and turned the knob, gently pushing him into his room. “Go.”
This time, he obeyed.
The bedroom door slipped shut, and I turned around.
“You’re going to tell him?” Sebastian asked quietly.
“I have to. It’s time.”
He didn’t argue with me. He didn’t tell me it was too late and we should go to bed and do this tomorrow. No, he knew as well as I did that this could be put off no longer. Until now, I’d deflected any questions Marius had about our family, but that time was up.
“I’m nervous,” I admitted. “What if he hates me for not telling him right away?”
What would I do if that were the case? Would it be worse to have Marius alive but not want to be around me than to be all alone? I thought so.
An arm wrapped around me, and Sebastian drew me in for a hug. “He won’t.”
“He might,” I argued.
“He’d be a fool to hate you,” Sebastian said. “But either way, I’ll be with you the whole time.”
Sebastian slipped off my wet cloak, hanging it next to his in our room. Then it was time. Squeezing his hand, I gathered my strength and knocked on Marius’s door. It swung open a heartbeat later.
As directed, he’d changed. His wet clothes were nowhere in sight, and he wore a long tunic and breeches that were slightly too big for him. Adding in his laughter from the snowball fight from earlier, I was immediately reminded of my brother’s youth.