Angelique turned to Firra and Donaigh. “The Veneno Conclave will be very upset,” she bleaklysaid.
“I know as mages we’re supposed to stay out of governmental matters, but I am reasonable enough to admit my bias for Sole,” Firra said. “If we attempt to wait it out, it might thwart Carabosso in some manner, but I fear it will be at the cost of Sole itself. I, for one, would rather minimize our losses with the proposed plan.” She hesitated. “If Lord Enchanter Evariste were here, perhaps we could do something differently, but he’s not. Please,Angelique.”
Heartfelt, but an expected reaction.Angelique shifted her gaze toDonaigh.
He scratched his chin, then smiled with his eyes. “I will respect whatever decision you make, for I understand that your path is a hard one towalk.”
In other words, he’s aware of what I’ve experienced already and isn’t going to ask me to endure more, even if it’s the right thing todo.
Angelique shut her eyes and raised her hand to coverthem.
What do I do? Fall in line with the Veneno Conclave and risk Sole’s downward spiral, tripping off other catastrophes, or sacrifice myself?But if I get kicked out of the Veneno Conclave…I won’t be able to search for Evaristeanymore.
It was an impossible situation, and Angelique felt like she had been plunged into darkness with no sign oflight.
What would Evariste say?The thought came unbidden to her, but it made her lower lip tremble for a moment before she reined in heremotions.
She knew without a doubt Evariste would gently tell her not to worry, that she was an amazing student, and then he’d probably hug her for good measure before telling her to run off…and then he would cast the necessary magic in herplace.
If the worst happens and I’m sealed, maybe I could go to Severin and Elle. Perhaps they would help me findEvariste.
Angelique felt like she had aged a century in a moment. “Very well.” She dropped her hand and opened her eyes again. “Send those you wish to remain awake outside of Ciane. I will set up the spell and add some natural defenses so Ciane cannot easily be broken into.”IF I have the power to pull thisoff.
Tears gathered in Princess Alessia’s eyes. “Thank you, Lady Enchantress. You have savedus.”
Sir Artemio tipped forward in a bow. “If you will excuse me. Isaia, come withme.”
Angelique waved him off. “Of course,” she said,distracted.
“Thank you, Angelique.” Firra smiled fiercely, thenbowed.
Donaigh adjusted his straw hat and offered her a slight smile. “Sole will be in your debt, Lady Enchantress. I don’t think many have the power to succeed inthis.”
“We’ll see,” Angelique said. “For now, we should beginpreparations.”
“Of course!” Prince Consort Filippo said. “Please, tell us whatever youneed.”
Angelique started for the doorway, but she paused and looked back at the sleeping princess.I hope this works. All of it. Or there are going to be irreversiblerepercussions.
Chapter 26
Angelique lickedher lips as she watched the small clusters of horses and riders that ebbed away fromCiane.
I hope thisworks.
Pegasus, sensing her anxiety, swatted his tail. He twisted his neck so he could bump her shoulder, ignoring Sir Isaia’s horse—who snorted and pranced sideways, trying to put more distance betweenthem.
“It’s not your fault, Pegasus,” Angelique murmured. She stood on the ground next to him and patted his neck—more for her comfort than his. Her magic roared within her—ready, even though she hadn’t begun to tap ityet.
I suppose that’s one good thing that came out of facing the basilisk. This task is daunting, but I wouldn’t even dream of attempting it if I hadn’t seen that little display from mymagic.
Donaigh and Firra’s argument finally broke through the haze of worry that gnawed atAngelique.
“All right, I have something in mind,” Donaighsaid.
Firra grumbled and sat deeper in the saddle. “I don’t care about that stupid word game. I should have burned Rumpelstiltskin to a cinder for teaching it toyou.”
“Aren’t you going to ask questions to try and figure out what itis?”
