The beast and the blessed novel by Ashley Breanne novel Chapter 100

One Hundred: Natalie

Natalie's P.O.V

Joselin looked right over me. Her face looked gaunt, and what little color she had to her skin had faded. I had wanted to speak with her to see if she was okay, but she hadn't been around lately.

Since we came home, this was the first time I had seen her outside of my visit to the infirmary days ago.

But I jumped at the chance when I saw her out and about. I hadn't seen her teleporting recently, and I took advantage of the opportunity, following her on foot to Agatha's grave.

Joselin whispered an incantation softly as she lifted the soil and let it fall through her fingers. She was hurting, and in turn, so was Tobias. He couldn't take his eyes off her. So I sat where he could see her as we waited.

I found a bench and waited for her, keeping my eyes averted to give her privacy. But Tobias openly stared at her with longing. His hands clenched and unclenched as he stood guard several feet in front of me and to the side.

When she was done, she walked right past me, her eyes floating over me as if she hadn't recognized me. It was awful to see her in so much pain. She hadn't even stopped to acknowledge Tobias.

That had concerned me more than anything. Until now, the woman had been mad about wanting him to notice her. She was in it deep, and while I knew he was too, he had yet to cave into her.

"Joselin!'' I called out, jumping to my feet and chasing after her. She stopped and turned, lowering her body into a curtsey, something I had never seen her do before when she didn't have to. My lips parted in surprise as I stared at her.

"Yes, your majesty?" Her reply was curt, short, and almost offensive. She was the one who had insisted on us being friends. Now, her sarcastic, quick, and witty attitude was gone. Her tone was void of any emotion.

I glanced around in confusion, but no one here could overhear her. Her respectful and reserved fagade was usually only saved for public interactions.

It was just my guards and us.

"What's going on? What happened?" I wished I could see more in her white eyes, but she didn't take her gaze away from my chin, refusing to meet my stare. I waited as she pressed her lips together, but I grew frustrated when she refused to speak. "Did I do something to offend you?”

Her eyelids widened before lowing again, her chin tilting further down. "No, you didn't. We are fine. I just need time."

"Are you leaving?" I was almost scared to ask. Our relationship had been rocky initially, but I had grown to care about Joselin. I didn't want her to go. She had been the only one here consistent in their treatment of me and everyone around me. She may have been socially awkward, but she was funny and good.

"Of course not. I can't leave you here with Rona roaming the halls. That bitch is up to no good." Joselin ground out from between her teeth, and I narrowed my eyes. I was there when Rona had admitted to stealing her mother's magic and killing her, so she could take her place on the council. Nothing indicated Rona was doing it to Joselin now, but I would be watching very closely.

I didn't trust her at all.

To be fair, I didn't trust anyone on the council, which was worrisome, but I had no other choice. Killian had told me that they had been chosen because they were the strongest of their kind and the most loyal to the throne.

Joselin was the only one I trusted. But she was clearly hurting, and I wanted to show my support. I reached out, squeezing her arm gently." Okay, but whatever it is, don't let yourself sit on it for too long. I'm here for you when you're ready to talk."

She nodded, looking away from me to hide her emotions. "Don't be so mushy. It's annoying."

I smiled when I saw the corner of her mouth twitch with amusement before she turned and stomped off. It reassured me that she would be fine, but when I turned to Tobias, the look in his eyes told me not to talk to him about her.

Something might have happened between them, but it was not my place to press for information on their relationship.

I narrowed my eyes at him, but he held my stare unashamed, revealing no emotions. There was no way that he would be giving me any information. He barely talked as it was. I doubted he would tell me what was happening in her head.Jf he knew.

The way she had blatantly ignored him wasn't a good sign to me, but I needed to give her the space she asked for. I would be here when she was ready.