“It’s quite the contrary,” Evariste said. “I learned myself as an apprentice that it is best to clearly define the terms of your spell. I had a charm blow up on me once—singed my eyebrowsoff.”
Angelique stared at her teacher, trying to picture him without eyebrows. “You’re fibbing,” she blurtedout.
Evariste grinned as he shook his head. “The stories my old master—Enchanter Clovicus—could tell you. Regardless, it’s always best to keep the terms of your magic defined—whether it’s boons, breaking a curse, or otherwork.”
“I will remember that for the future,” Angeliquesaid.
“I’m sure you will. Besides that, you did a wonderful job and were a true credit to my name.” Evariste fondly squeezed her hand, which Angelique bore with markedly more joy than she did thehugs.
Bizarre ideas, Angelique summarizedinternally.
“With two rounds of practice done, I believe we can move onto Fillia.” Evariste didn’t release Angelique’s hand. Instead, he tugged her along, maneuvering her so she didn’t step on one of the boon-granted grass snakes. “King Solon requested an audience with me. I don’t know if that means he wants to consult me on a matter or make a request, but we’re going to find out. This will mark yet another king you’ve met,Angel!”
“How exciting,” Angelique said, though she felt like she’d rather sit by the oasis and watch more toads and frogsmaterialize.
While she liked traveling and seeing different countries, fraternizing with royalty was not high on her list of “favorite things to do.” Already Evariste had dragged her to meet the King and Queen of Torrens multiple times, and they had briefly fraternized with the Farset King and Queen on one of their visits to AlabasterForest.
Evariste gave her a sly look. “You could stay behind. That might be for the best, in fact, as I planned to purchase you a few newoutfits.”
Angelique snapped to attention, her sweet smile and honied tones back. “Oh, Master Evariste, it is my duty as your apprentice to follow you so I might glean every piece of wisdom from you that Ican.”
And also, to make sure you don’t waste more money on mywardrobe!
“In that case, we ought to stop by a horse breeder,” Evariste said. “I intend to purchase a set of horses and a coach for you in the next year or two. You can tell me if you prefer the more hot-tempered Arabian horses or perhaps a flashyAndalusian.”
“What would I need a coach for?” Angelique asked,bewildered.
“I keep horses and coaches all throughout the Continent,” Evariste informed her. “You ought to do the same as we travel more and more. But come—for now we must prioritize our meeting with the King. ToFillia!”
* * *
When Evaristeand Angelique were presented to the King of Baris, even Evariste was a little taken aback by the manner in which they foundhim.
He was seated on a cushion inside the royal aviary—a giant glass building filled with lush greenery and deep blue springs. A little girl sat in front of him, her lips pursed in displeasure as he—the King of Baris—braided herhair.
“Papa, you are not braiding tightly enough,” the little girl scolded. “My hair is going to comeloose!”
King Solon laughed. “You can’t see the back of your head. How can youknow?”
“Because when Mama braids my hair, it feels like she is trying to tear it out of my head,” the little girl reporteddutifully.
“Then aren’t you glad I have a gentle hand?” King Solonasked.
“No!” the little girl said mournfully. “Because I am to have dagger practice next, and my teacher said if my hair gets in my face again, I’ll have to cut itoff!”
King Solon glanced up, catching sight of Evariste and Angelique standing in the middle of a gravel walkway that wound through theaviary.
“Lord Enchanter Evariste, it is good to see you again. This young lady must be yourapprentice?”
Evariste nodded as he set a hand on her shoulder. “Angelique, yes. How are you, YourMajesty?”
“Apparently, I am a poor braider,” King Solon saidnonchalantly.
“Youare,” the little girl saidmutinously.
“I’m not sure how I shall carry on with my life,” the Kingcontinued.
“Very shabbily, I would think,” the little girlmuttered.
