Page 25 of Once Upon A Bear

“I would like that,” he admitted, and the two brothers sat side by side, working on the papers until the door opened and their younger brother appeared.

“I should have known you two would have your heads buried in numbers,” Caspian said, wrinkling his nose.

“We know you'd rather be out with a sword,” Kellan said.

“I never could stand sitting behind a desk.” Caspian shook his head. They knew that, which is why he had gone to the Royal Guard, and Gideon had taken on the task of being the estate's steward of sorts. “I don't know how you boys manage it.”

“How you boys manage what?” their mother's voice said as Lady Rendon sailed through the open doorway, her eyes brightening when she saw all three of her sons in one place.

“Hello, my boys,” she said, as she made her way around the desk to give Gideon a hug. “It's wonderful to see all of you here, because I have something to tell you. I’ve been thinking we should throw a ball.”

“Not a ball,” the brothers said in unison, each to varying shades of dismay.

Gideon thought perhaps he was the most upset at the thought of the ball, for obvious reasons. Followed by Kellan, who no doubt was trying to avoid their mother's matchmaking, and then Caspian, who had no reason to avoid a ball except that he would be asked to dance with someone other than his wife.

“I think it shall be just the thing. We haven’t done any planning yet, but I wanted to let you all know so you might have some time to acclimate yourselves to the idea.” She pinned a stare on Gideon. “I expect all of you in attendance.”

Gideon's stomach twisted. Depending on when it was, he might have no choice.

But if the ball was after Guinevere broke his curse…he offered up a smile. “I shall do my best, Mother.”

She leaned over and pressed a kiss on top of his hair. If Gideon hadn’t been so starved for affection, he might have protested that he was no longer a little boy—but as it was, all he wanted to do was lean into her and soak up all the warmth he could.

If everything went according to plan, he’d be able to spend more time with her soon, and he couldn’t wait.

They just had to break his curse.

Chapter eleven

Guinevere

The bees buzzing all around her were the first sign that she was getting close. The second was the humming that she heard, and the third was the sight of Gideon bending over a beehive with his head covered, long sleeves on, and a smile on his face.

Guinevere paused, taking in the sight of Gideon doing something he loved.

It was the most peaceful she’d seen him yet, and that was saying something, because she had seen him as a bear that had fallen asleep in the middle of her cottage. But this—this was far more peaceful.

She smiled as she watched him. It was plain to see that Gideon was in his element with the bees, and as much as she hated to disturb him, she had something that would hopefully make him happy.

So she strode into the tiny meadow, clearing her throat as she did so.

Gideon looked up and stopped humming, the smile fading from his face as she approached. Guinevere wanted to bring it back.

“Good morning,” she said as she approached.

He nodded in acknowledgement before looking back down at his bees. “I’m almost done. Give me a moment.”

She waited patiently as he put the top back on the beehive and took the two large jars of honey he’d collected, then began carrying them toward her. She would have offered to help, but she was not nearly as inclined to trust the bees as he was.

“I can take one of those,” she volunteered when he reached her, holding her hands out to take it from him.

“Thank you,” he said, smiling at her. It was not the same peaceful smile he’d had when he’d been humming to his bees, but she would take it. “I thought you might need more honey.”

“To replace all of mine that you ate yesterday?” she teased. “Just in case you need it next time you turn into a bear in my home.”

“I was rather hoping I wouldn’t turn into a bear in your cottage again,” he said.

“That is a good point.” Guinevere nodded. “I hope that too. But on the off chance that you do, having honey seems like a good decision.”