For a moment, grief cracked Angelique’s façade. She was sotired. Why was all of this being laid at herfeet?
Because it’s my duty as an enchantress—even one in training—to see it through.Angelique took a deep breath. “It survived Erlauf’s takeover of Trieux,” she pointed out—more because she wasn’t going to play so easily into their hands than out of any truebelief.
“I beg your pardon, Lady Enchantress, but that was several years ago. The world is in a different mess now,” Sir Artemiosaid.
“So what would you have me do?” Angeliqueasked.
Princess Alessia took a deep breath and glanced at her husband—who nodded encouragingly. “We ask that you tie all of Ciane to Rosalinda’scurse.”
Angelique stared at her, dumbstruck.What the—are they mad? They want to purposely inflict a curse on the capital of Sole?A short bark of laughter escaped her, then she took another step away from them.If they make one more potentially explosive suggestion, I’m leaving.“You areserious?”
The princess bowed herhead.
Sir Artemio gazed at the slumbering Princess Rosalinda, wrinkles carving deep crevasses in his forehead. “If the seat of the government sleeps with the princess, it will forcibly smother all conflicts,” he said. “We have a number of knights and government officials standing by, ready to leave Ciane. While the rest of us sleep, they will keep the country running and circulate through the countryside and cities. Already, the ambassadors who had returned home to celebrate Princess Rosalinda’s arrival have left and returned to theirposts.”
Angelique blinked. “You want me to put your royal family and the majority of your government under a spell so theysleepuntil Princess Rosalinda wakes up?” They want me to make an entirecityslumber? And the capital, no less! How many people live here? Forget lectures—the Council will seal me, and that’s only if I have enough power to pull itoff!
She glanced at Firra and Donaigh feeling a slight sting of betrayal. Firra oozed worry and concern, and Donaigh was scowling. Firra was throwing her to the dogs, but it appeared she felt they had no otheroption.
“Some of us Magic Knights would remain in Ciane and sleep as well,” Sir Artemio said. “If we all left, King Giuseppe would suspectsomething.”
Yeah, you better bet the badger kingwould!
Sir Isaia also looked to the sleeping princess. “What of Carabosso? He is still at large and will pose a danger toCiane.”
Donaigh made a noise ofapproval.
“We have been assured that we will receive more help from the Veneno Conclave,” Sir Artemiosaid.
“As loyal as I am to the Conclave,” Donaigh said, “I must warn you it is not known for acting withhaste.”
Firra raised her black eyebrows and glanced meaningfully atAngelique.
Ahhh, that is why she supports this plan. She doesn’t think help will arrive soonenough.
Sir Artemio nodded. “Perhaps, but I am confident those knights who remain awake will be able to manage while wewait.”
Angelique sighed. “If the princess does not swiftly wake up, things could go very badly veryquickly.”
“Then, in that case, we will remain sleeping until the continent is more peaceful and enough enchanters can visit to remove the spell,” Princess Alessiasaid.
Sure, just wait it out until the worst is over. I’m sure Severin would LOVE to hear that plan!Angelique narrowed her eyes. “Some believe things are going to growworse.”
“I agree. This does not seem right,” Donaigh said. “In fact, it smacks of what Carabosso sought all along—keeping Sole pre-occupied with its ownproblems.”
“Be that as it may, what other choice do we have?” Sir Artemio asked, a chord of anger in hisvoice.
Princess Alessia smiled sadly at the war mage. “If we leave things as they are…my father will ruin usall.”
Silence reigned for several tensemoments.
“I have heard that Princess Cinderella and Prince Cristoph of Erlauf are to visit Prince Severin and Princess Elle of Loire. I assume they are among those who believe things will grow worse?” Prince Consort Filippo asked. “If that is the case, it is even more important that we quiet Ciane. If the chaos continues, Sole will only degeneratefaster.”
Angelique had to keep her jaw from dropping.I dally for a few weeks in Trieux, and they know Severin’s movements already? Gossip flies faster thanmagic!
She shook the thought from her mind and turned to study the princess, prince consort, and Sir Artemio. She tilted her head as she took in the creases in Princess Alessia’s gown and the redness of her eyes. She saw the sorrow present in the furrowing of Sir Artemio’s brow and in the downward slant of his chin, and she could practically feel the despair that radiated off Prince Consort Filippo as he stared at his daughter, lookinglost.
This isn’t something they’re bringing before me on an impulse. They believe it’s necessary, and they’re scared what will happen if I don’t doit.
