The Beast And The Blessed

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.

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

lowing again, her chin tilting further down. "No, you didn't. We are fine. I

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

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

didn't trust

on the council, which was worrisome, but I had no other choice. Killian had told me that they had been chosen because they

arm gently." Okay, but whatever it is, don't let yourself sit on

hide

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

have happened between them, but it was not my place

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

to me, but I needed to give

him, but he stared straight ahead. If I had to guess, it was his attempt to spare his friend from my glare. But I gave up, turning to walk back into

hot mid-day sun beat down on my shoulders with cruel intent, and

smiling widely as she spoke to Lindsey, Killian's ex. Lindsey's shoulders tensed, and her eyes widened when she

and I watched her smile harden as she turned to look at me. It was incredible how malicious she looked as she lifted her hand and waved her fingers in my direction. The long pointed grey nails resembled claws so closely that I imagined she was just waiting for the chance to

too. A woman willing to kill her own mother for power was a

and I plastered a smile on my face as

exclaimed with feigned excitement, and

Majesty." Thomas corrected with a

is." She hummed in agreement, falling in step with me as I climbed up the castle's front entrance. Her failure to

something you need,

she moved closer. "I thought that maybe we could get to know each