“Then it’s settled,” Elle declared. “Stay with us—because frankly we’ve made some worrisome observations as well, and we would very much appreciate the input of a LadyEnchantress.”
* * *
When Elleand Angelique arrived at Chanceux Chateau, Severin was waiting in the front courtyard, his arms folded against his broad chest. At his side, unfortunately, was Lucien, turned out in puffed petticoat breeches of a deep burgundy color that matched hisdoublet.
When Angelique first saw the crown prince, she and Elle were only halfway down the long, green drive. The crown prince hadn’t noticed them, so while Severin stood firm, Lucien slouched and yawned before digging his pinky finger into hisear.
When he saw Angelique, however, he effortlessly switched into a preening posture and smileddazzlingly.
What a puffed-up little toadstool, Angelique wrylythought.
“Severin!” Elle said—all brightness and good cheer. “Hello, darling! Look who I ran into—I have convinced her to stay with us for a night ortwo.”
Severin gravely bowed his head. “Lady Enchantress.” He offered her a smile—which was barely more than the slight upturn of his lips. “Welcome to ChanceuxChateau.”
“Thank you, YourHighness.”
“I hope your journey was a pleasant one?” heasked.
“It was, thankyou.”
Severin nodded slightly. “And where do you think you’re going, Elle?” he asked, his voice flat as he addressed his wife—without looking away fromAngelique.
Elle, already off her pony and halfway to the chateau entrance, laughed airily. “I thought I might freshenup.”
“And change out of your disguise?” Severinasked.
“Yes, well, I might want to use it again, but if your men catch sight of me in it, it will be of no use.” Elle walked backwards towards the door and winked at her husband’sback.
Severin finally shifted so he could stare at hiswife.
Elle blew him a kiss. “I’ll just be a fewmoments.”
“We’re going to talk about this later,” he called afterher.
“Of course! I have an update to share!” Elle slipped inside the gorgeous chateau before her husband could saymore.
Severin growled under his breath, but no one seemed bothered byit.
Instead, a lad in a white shirt grinned at the prince as he passed by to collect Elle’spony.
It took Angelique a few moments to place the stable boy—for he had grown a great deal since she had last seen him. “Oliver?”
Oliver smiled sweetly and bowed, making the mussed mess of his hair flop over his face. “Welcome to Chanceux Chateau, MademoiselleAngelique!”
Angelique gaped for another moment longer before she slid offPegasus.
Pegasus, at least, seemed to share her surprise, for he cautiously sniffed Oliver and flicked histail.
It’s only been two years—how has he grown so much? Two years isnothing!
“Do you mean to let Pegasus run the skies tonight?” Oliver asked, interrupting Angelique’sshock.
“Er, possibly? What do you want, Pegasus?” Angelique gratefully turned back to hercompanion.
Pegasus pressed a muzzle to her temple, then walked off, heading for thestable.
“It seems he intends to stay here,” Angelique said, slightlybewildered.
