Evariste must have really spelled this gown straight to its seams.Her faint smile fell from her lips at the thought of him, and she took a breath, forcing her attention back to theconversation.
Elise’s eyes were furrowed, and she looked thoughtful as her brothers chattered aroundher.
Yep, she will attempt to break the curse—regardless of what they decide forher.
Angelique gently placed her hand on Elise’s shoulder, drawing the princess’ attention so she could speak in a quieter tone. “There is one small consolation I can give you,” Angelique said. “For the hour your brothers are human, you may speak. Butonlywhen they are human. If you utter a single word—even if it is while they make the switch from swan to prince—your work will be ruined.” She tried to put a warm smile on her lips, but in the privacy of her thoughts she knew Elise faced a monumentaltask.
Elise’s cloudy expression cleared. “Thankyou.”
Angelique shifted a step closer to Elise, making it easier to hear over the quarreling princes. “You will do it,then?”
“Yes.”
Angelique tried to give the princess the kind of warning a benevolent fairy godmother might give. “Be careful. One of the princes mentioned the dangers of being voiceless and without human aid. He spoke the truth. Verglas is free of evil magic, but it has its share of bandits andbrutes.”
“Wouldn’t it be safer in another country?” Eliseasked.
Angelique shook her head. “No. Verglas is still safest. It offers you protection from Clotilde and any vile magic she may have up her sleeve. No evil or tainted magic can breech the borders of Verglas. It has been so forcenturies.”
Elise set her shoulders. “Then we will remain here,” she said in a soft but determinedtone.
Angelique’s smile returned as she observed the stubborn set of the princess’ chin.I suspect—no—I believe she’s going to succeed. She seems determined, and I suppose any princess who can survive these seven patience-trying-brothers must have her fair share of guts.“I suggest you travel east, and a little farther north. There is a bigger pond there that is more hospitable for humans. It also has a large number of stinging nettles in the forest that borders it,” Angelique said, trying to keep the wryness out of hervoice.
“I thank you for your wise council,” Elisesaid.
Whether it was her exhaustion or general moroseness that the Conclave had sent mages after her, a snort—the sort she’d never use in public—slipped from her. “It is hardly wise. I circled it about five times when I couldn’t find you. I had to release the weakened curse and watch which way it went,” sheadmitted.
“I don’t understand what you mean. The curse wasn’t instantly weakened when you fought Clotilde?” Eliseasked.
“It was, but magic—just like everything else—takes time to cover distance. There’s only one kind of magic that allows for instantaneous travel, and those able to wield such a power are rare.” A pang that was becoming increasingly familiar stabbed Angelique’s chest, but she ignored it and continued. “As such, the broken curse ambled along with me as I sought you out,” Angeliqueexplained.
Rather, I ran into its magical trail while attempting to tail Elise, but then we get into magical theory I don’t believe she truly caresabout.
“I’m afraid I don’t understand, but I shall take your word for it,” Elise said. “Thank you, Lady Enchantress. You do not owe us your help, and I don’t know if we will ever be able to repayyou.”
The thanks almost made Angelique cringe—for if she had been better, if she was more skilled, she could have stopped Clotilde. But there was no judgement in Elise’s eyes, onlygratitude.
Unbidden, another smile rose to Angelique’s lips—though this one was perhaps too true in its sadness. “I know what it is like to lose someone dear to you as the result of an enchantment. I am glad I can help you reclaim your father and foster brothers,” shesaid.
Elise bobbed in a curtsey. “Thankyou.”
Angelique tucked her hand under Elise’s chin, making the princess meet Angelique’s gaze and stopping her from showing any additional-and-not-strictly-required signs of respect. “This is a burden they are placing on you, Princess. But I think you underestimate how important you are tothem.”
Angelique meant to say more, but there was a numb feeling at her fingertips; the sharp sensation of her magic that constantly slithered across her body since she let it be free was muted.What isthat?She slipped her hand out from under Elise’s chin and stared at herfingers.
“Lady Enchantress?” Eliseventured.
Does Elise have magic? But that’s impossible—a fairy godmother or godfather would have found her well before now—they search Arcainia carefully due to the magic ban on it. And it should be impossible for the princess to hide it. But…she did avoid Clotilde’s curse for unknown reasons.Angelique shook herself. “Something to think about.” She headed back to Pegasus, digging into the saddlebag she had purchased when she stopped to send off her letter. “You cannot wear your uniform. Arcainian work uniforms are impossible to miss, and it will mark you out in a country of cut-throats. Here are some clothes that will suit you better.” She plucked a burlap bag from the saddlebag and passed it over to theprincess.
“Thank you.” Elise peered down at her dress, which—even in the dimness of dusk—was clearly ripped andtattered.
The eldest prince—Steffen, whom Angelique only vaguely knew because of his marriage to Gabrielle—disengaged from the brothers’ argument and stood with Elise. “We thank you for your aid, Lady Enchantress. When this is all over, if there is anything we can do for you, please do not hesitate to call on us,” hesaid.
Angelique climbed onto Pegasus’ broad back. “Thank you,” she said. “I wish you allluck.”
She paused—because this seemed to be the ideal time in the conversation to spout typical vague and useless warnings higher-level mages seemed prone to say upon departure. “Be on your guard, but do not fear Clotilde. Evil can never win for long.Farewell.”
Steffen and Elise, the only two noticing her departure, bowed andcurtsied.
