The image zoomed out, as if they were watching through the eyes of a bird who suddenly took flight. It showed craggy mountains smoothing into white plains before hitting a thickforest.
“Aha,” Angelique said, fighting to keep her voice pleasant. “I recognize that area. It’s in Verglas, a dozen or so miles from your border. That mountain on the horizon is called Gelus. She’s heading for FrigusForest.”
The only reason she so easily recognized the area is because she had passed through it when fighting her way back to Torrens after Evariste had flung her to Verglas with his portalspell.
Evariste. He’s going to laugh until he cries when I tell him how I bungled this.Her smile faded as she realized there was no telling how long she’d have to wait to share the story withhim.
Angelique shook her head, then blinked when she realized Severin was no longer behind her but was shoving folded clothes in a pack. He strode swiftly and efficiently through the room, grabbing things he mightneed.
“You are going after her?” Angeliqueguessed.
Severin grabbed two waterproof maps, then unearthed a crossbow, three hand axes, and a rolled cloth case of daggers from a chest. “Yes.”
He is a good boy,she thought fondly. (Angelique figured it might be strange to call him a boy given his age and station, but she couldn’t help but feel that he was still her junior.) “Bring clothes for her as well,” shesuggested.
Severin nodded and opened the door to bark into the hallway, “Send for Emele, and have Fidele and a spare mount of similar build and temperament saddled. Also ask Bernadine to make up a saddle pack with provisions to last two people a week.” Severin shut the door and swung his attention back to Angelique. “Will you remain herelong?”
“I will be here when you return,” Angelique said. “I am interested in meeting this Ellegirl.”
“I will inform a steward; he will have a room cleaned out foryou.”
No, no, no, no! The last thing I want is to be stuck in this palace with Lucien scurrying around!Angelique thought frantically for a moment, before she recalled her latest communication with Stil—the craftmage she and Evariste had found in Baris all those yearsago.
“No need,” she said brightly. “I have friends in the area with whom I wish to stay. I would appreciate it if you did not alert your family to myarrival.”
Severin paused for a moment. “Lucien recited poetry about you for some time after youleft.”
Angelique couldn’t help the scowl that twitched across her lips. “Lucien is a toad. Or he will be if you tell him I amhere.”
Darn it—I shouldn’t have let thatslip!
She glanced at Severin but was surprised to see him crack a half-smile at her comment. He said nothing in response and instead slung his pack over his shoulder and picked up his weapons. “Then I apologize for my abrupt exit. I cannot thank you enough for your help. Is there any way to repayyou?”
It was partially my fault you had this misunderstanding to begin with, but if you don’t remember that, I’m not going to bring it up.Angelique smiled. “Seeing you with Elle will beenough.”
Severin bowed. “If you need anything, seek out Burke. He is discreet and will grant you whatever youdesire.”
“Thank you, and take care, Your Highness. I look forward to yourreturn.”
“Thank you for everything, my lady,” Severin said before leaving hisroom.
Angelique smiled fondly at his exit, before she realized it was rather awkward to be left alone in the prince’s private study with the prince gone.Well. I guess I had better go find Stil. It’s perfect timing, really. I can see if he found any spells forme!
Chapter 9
Angelique foundStil’s home just outside Noyers. It appeared to be nothing more than a tattered tent that was in grave danger of collapsing under the slightestbreeze.
An ornery donkey that was the size of a small horse was picketed next to it, his giant ears hanging out to the side, though he didn’t seem to mind the snow that covered hisfur.
“Hello, Pricker Patch,” Angelique greeted the donkey with familiarity, for he was Enchanter Evariste’s graduation gift toStil.
Looking at the donkey, she snorted as she recalled Evariste’s explanation for the gift. (“He’s a craftmage, which basically means he will become a hoarder. It’s inevitable given all the tools and materials he will use in his career. Since I care deeply for our child”—“He is not our child!”—“I will provide him with the best method possible to transport hisgoods.”)
She cracked a smile at the memory. She had given Evariste a lecture about continuing to refer to Rumpelstiltskin as their child. The lecture ended only when the Lord Enchanter had unrepentantly and nonchalantly asked her if she thought a male or female donkey would suit their son better, and Angelique had given up out of sheerdisgust.
Pricker Patch snorted, drawing Angelique back to thepresent.
“Sorry,” she apologized. “I don’t have any treats with me. But why are you standing in the snow? It looks like Stil set up a little shelter for you.” She pointed to a canopy nestled between two trees that blocked thewind.
