“There is a possibility it might not be necessary,” Angelique said. “Though I am not powerful enough to take care of Clotilde by myself, surely the magical community will see the need to act and will take care of her—which would shatter the curse aswell.”
Puss narrowed his eyes, and Angelique could sense he still longed to remind her that if she used her core magic, that wouldn’t beso.
And yet, she couldn’t. Something in Angelique couldn’t let that happen. The few times she had used her core magic since leaving Luxi-Domus, Evariste had been with her. Andnow…
Technically, given the vast amount of power I have, it shouldn’t even be necessary to use my coremagic.
The thought made her frown—and if she had been alone, she would have been tempted tohiss.
It was almost ironic. The Council, instructors at Luxi-Domus, and Evariste were forever telling her how powerful she was. And yet she hadn’t really succeeded atanything.
I couldn’t erase Severin’s curse, only modify it. I couldn’t hold off against Clotilde and her wretched artifacts—I’m not nearly as strong as everyone believes, or perhaps I’m just very bad at magic. But I thought I had learned well. Evariste always told me I learned faster thanexpected.
Angelique cut the thought off—lest it linger and made her think even more of hermaster.
A gentle tap rattled thedoor.
Gabrielle stood, her hand on her sword, and Angelique readied hermagic.
“Yes?” Gabrielle cautiouslyasked.
The door cracked open, and a rather harried-looking guard peered inside. “Prinzessin,” he began, when something small and white scurried past his feet. “Stopthat!”
He made a dive for the white object, which wove around him with a surprising amount of agility. Itappearedto be a human shape—about hand-length—fashioned out ofpaper.
With a spry leap, the paper human jumped onto the soldier’s head, then the table. It came to a quivering stop just in front ofAngelique.
Angelique could feel the faint magical signature that radiated off the paper man. “Enchanter Clovicus?” shemuttered.
“I apologize, Prinzessin.” The guard peeled himself off the ground and bowed. “Thatthingarrived at the gate not ten minutes ago. We’ve been trying to grab it, but it kept evading us and coming in thisdirection.”
Puss tilted his head. “It’s safe,” he declared. “If not a bit crudelymade.”
Gabrielle smiled at the soldier. “Thank you for letting us know, but it’sfine.”
He bowed again and backed out of the door, closing it behindhim.
Once they were alone again, Angelique held a finger out, which the paperman held as if inrecognition.
He abruptly stiffened, then fell, unfolding into a crinkledletter.
Angelique,
Leave Arcainia,now.
Couriers have been sent out by Veneno Conclave officials with express orders to bring youback.
They are aware there has been an upset in Arcainia, and I don’t believe anyone thinks you are to blame for it, but reports have also outlined your use ofmagic.
Unless you mean to stand your ground, you need to leave before the couriers arrive. I’ll inform the Council what is goingon.
EnchanterClovicus
Gabrielle went back to leaning against the wall, politely looking away. Puss had no suchcompulsions.
“What does it say?” hedemanded.
Angelique stood. “The Veneno Conclave has sent out couriers with orders to bring me back,” she said, her chesttight.
