A Tale of Beauty and Beast (Beyond the Four Kingdoms, #2)

by Melanie Cellier

I groaned. The duke was never going to find him. And who knew what danger Cole would stir up?

I think he’s going after Celine 🤔

Stories were exciting, since you never knew what you might find, what answers they might hold. But, at the same time, books were also solid and dependable; once you found a favorite, it never changed.

Books reminded me of the comfort of home, but roses filled me with an alluring sense of hope. For surely any wonder was possible in a world that could produce such beauty?

I needed to focus on the positives, or I would lose every last shred of my bravery.

“The captain of the guard believes he has somehow managed to flee across the southern border into Talinos. And he has not gone alone.”

For the first time in my life I was having experiences my twin was not a part of and could not understand. I would have to trust in my own judgment. I have to try to help him.

Are you always like this? “Like what? Right?”

I remembered now that I would never be powerless over my own actions, and choices. I was no longer here as his prisoner. I had chosen to be here because I believed—had always believed—that I had the ability to save others. And not only my sister and the younger girls of the Tourney, but also the people of Palinar who were caught in the curse. And last night, as the Beast had saved me from the wolves, it had occurred to me for the first time, that maybe Prince Dominic needed saving, too.

Perhaps you would be willing to read to me? “Read?” He barked another laugh. Yes, you know. Books. Words. Stories. “You like to read?” Don’t sound so surprised. I lost my ability to talk, not to read.

If I truly believed that I had power over my own actions and choices, then my apologies and thanks couldn’t be conditional on his.

As painful as apologizing would be, it was still the right thing to do. And my family had taught me that it was the role of royalty to do the right thing regardless of how much it might cost.

The trick to beauty is having confidence in yourself. Start thinking of yourself as willowy, and you’ll soon find everyone else does, too. Only if I announce it loudly at every opportunity, muttered Lottie. See! said Tara. You think you’re wounding me, but I take ownership of my outrageous statements—I’m refreshing and fun.

“She’s blushing, isn’t she?” I asked. I think she’s heating the whole room. You would, too, if you had this horrid pale skin that turns red at the least emotion, said Lottie,

One day you must return and tell me how he looked in action. He is one of the most magnificent stallions I have ever had the care of. I agreed, hiding a smile. I hadn’t expected to hear the calm old stable master sound so much like Gordon. Apparently, the boy never quite disappeared, no matter how many years passed.

He barked a laugh. Each of our outsides reflects our insides, do they not? My anger melted away, and I had to hold back tears. “When I entered this evening, I thought that I had never seen you look so handsome.”

I was here with a purpose, and I didn’t have time for doubt to slow me down.

And the most important item I still had, tucked into my dress—the rose, which had somehow survived the journey in full bloom.

“Men! Ugh! Fine, send out your search parties. I just want to find my sister.”

You are not your father, and you have not yet committed his crimes, though you bear the responsibility for correcting them. I can give you some assistance, but it will come at a price.

Dying is far too easy. If you wish to prove your ability to love, you must go on living and show that you can sacrifice every day, in the small things as well as the big. I would live if I could, he projected. Even though I would never see you again. Merely to be in the same world with you would be enough.

I’m Lily. And that’s my twin you’re holding so possessively.”