Evariste stopped and leaned against a tree that had a trunk so thick he wouldn’t be able to wrap his arms around it. “They do. Unless,” he grinned cheekily, “you’re an elf-friend. Then you have free run of theplace.”
“You’re an elf-friend?” Angelique asked as she took another step into theforest.
“I am. And they won’t mind that you’re withme.”
Angelique buried her hands into the soft cloud of her skirts and took abreath.
The forest smelled different from the one that surrounded Evariste’s. The air had almost a minty scent to it, and elf magic seemed to tap Angelique on the end of her nose. When her own powers rose up in response, Angelique grimaced. She squashed it back down—as deep as she could in her soul—then trundled after Evariste, determined to ignore hermagic.
Evariste pushed off his tree and ambled deeper into the forest, walking shoulder-to-shoulder with her. “When we’re in Sideralis, watch the elves,” he said. “Pay close attention to their magic. They’re more like us enchanters—able to use their magic in multiple ways—though they do have individual strengths andweaknesses.”
“Do they cast magic the same way wedo?”
Evariste shook his head. “They’re a different people, so though it appears similar, there are different mechanics behind it. But they’re more similar to us than you might think, so with your bright mind, you’ll be able to learn a thing ortwo.”
Angelique nodded but straightened her head when she heard the muffled sound of hooves pounding the ground. “It seems we might soon have somevisitors.”
“Ahh, yes. That’s likelyEmerys.”
Chapter 6
The thundering grew closeruntil a large unicorn with a coat as black as coal emerged from the shadows. The unicorn was quite large—far more muscled than the average unicorn for certain—and it had glowing red eyes, a pearly black horn, and hindquarters covered by what looked like gray swirls of elvishscript.
Mounted on the ferocious unicorn’s back was an elf, who could easily give Enchanter Evariste competition in degrees ofhandsomeness.
His eyes swirled between a dark and pale blue, and his long silky black hair was pulled back in a high ponytail that made him appear a tad cocky. A black moon and star were tattooed across his brow, adding to the elegance of his straight, chiseled facialfeatures.
He grinned—a smile that was surprisingly wolfish—when he saw Evariste and slid off his mount’s back with ease. “Evar—you ingrate. You’re back finally, are you—and with company?” He arched an eyebrow at the enchanter as he flicked his eyes back and forth between him andAngelique.
“Angelique, allow me to introduce you to King Themerysaldi of Alabaster Forest—it’s a dubious honor to meet him,” Evariste laughed. “Emerys, this is my new apprentice,Angelique.”
“Apprentice?” the Elf King snorted. “They trusted you with an apprentice? Are you even a legaladult?”
Evariste gestured for Angelique to come closer and smiled warmly. “He thinks he’s funny. It’s polite to laugh, but don’t feel that you haveto.”
“That’s rich coming from you, boy-o.” The king paused, and his gaze rested solely uponAngelique.
Angelique kept a slight smile on her lips and tried to make her gaze as innocent and artless as possible as she felt the Elf King’s magic brushher.
“Did you choose her?” the Elf King asked. “Because she seems a bit empty-headed—OW!” He broke off with a yelp when Evariste ground the heel of his boot into the elf’sfoot.
“Angelique has war magic as her core.” Evariste gave no indication of irritation as his voice was as sunny and smooth as ever. “And since she is my dear apprentice, I expect you to welcomeher.”
“Fine—I got it.” Emerys sniffed then offered Angelique a brief but attractive smile. “Welcome to Alabaster Forest, ApprenticeAngelique.”
Angelique used the fanciest curtsey she knew. “It is my honor to be here, YourMajesty.”
“I’m sure,” Emerys said. “Come, let’s head for Sideralis. Some of my men and I were heading home from a hunt when I sensed you and made a detour. I want toeat!”
He patted his unicorn on the neck but didn’t remount it, and instead sashayed past. “Pookie, followme.”
The unicorn fell in line behind him, as did Evariste andAngelique.
“I assume you’re here for a reason, not just because you missed my pretty face?” King Themerysaldiasked.
“I thought it would be a good experience for Angelique, and I was hoping for a rematch of our last card game,” Evaristesaid.
“I see how it is—hide your real purpose with a claim of education, nicely done.” King Themerysaldi laughed—a deep, throaty sound. “You mean for her to learn about elven culture? I can set Alastryn after her. She’d bedelightedto tutor your littleapprentice.”
