Unfortunately, Lucien had sharper hearing than she expected, for as he picked at a loose thread in his jacket, he snorted. “Probably to avoid thewar.”
Angelique blinked. “War?”
Lucien scratched his neck and frowned slightly. “The war between Erlauf and Trieux? Though I suppose it was so brief, it may not even qualify as a war.” He shrugged. “Regardless, Trieux was invaded and successfully overtaken by Erlauf. It was officially dissolved several weeksago.”
“I see,” Angeliquesaid.
Internally, she was not quite socalm.
Trieux—a sovereign nation—had just been taken over? How had she missed such a thing? It sounded like it took place shortly after Evariste was captured, which would explain her preoccupation. But something like awarshould have stirred the magicalcommunity!
She cleared her throat so she didn’t sound strangled when she asked, “And you are not upset bythis?”
Lucien adjusted his jacket. “We’re not happy—with Trieux under their control, Erlauf gained quite a bit of land and money—but I don’t think anyone was surprised. Trieux had all but publicly announced their plan to wage war on Erlauf, which was rather cheeky ofthem.”
“A lesson you would be wise to learn,” Severingrowled.
Lucien waved his brother off and continued. “Erlauf just beat Trieux to battle and took themunprepared.”
Although she nodded politely, Angelique was still rather dazed.A war. There has been a war on our continent, and we mages did nothing about it? What is our world comingto?
“Though the takeover was quick, I don’t think merging the two countries has been all that peaceful,” Luciensaid.
“That is hardly surprising,” Severin said. His lips curled back, revealing his jagged teeth. This seemed to startle him more than anyone else as he took a staggering step back and slightly shook hishead.
Angelique brushed her skirts off.He has some adjusting to go through. And I don’t want to be stuck here when King Rèmy and Queen Nicole find out what happened. I need to leave. Now.“Thank you, Your Highness, for the use of yourmirror.”
Severin slightly inclined his head. “I hope it was of use toyou.”
Angelique smiled, but she couldn’t help the sad tinge that leaked through. “Yes. Now I’m afraid I must say my farewells. You have the limits of your curse; you may proceed as you seefit.”
The cursed prince bowed. “Thank you, LadyEnchantress.”
Enchantress-in-Training!A muscle jumped in her cheek, but she kept her expression strong. “It was my honor,” shesaid.
Lucien grabbed her hands and squeezed. “Ought you not stay, Lady Enchantress? It is late. You must allow us to extend an invitation to remain in the palace.” He started to raise her hands to his lips, but Angelique yanked them from his grasp before he couldproceed.
“It is very kind of you but unnecessary. Good evening, Prince Lucien, Prince Severin.” Angelique bolted from the room, but she froze when she entered thehallway.
It was crowded with people wearing masks.They must be more of Severin’s servants?She tried to smile at them but awkwardly cleared her throat when they either bowed or curtsied toher.
“Good evening,” she murmured. “If you’ll excuse me, I was just looking to leave thepalace…”
A young boy trotted forward, his smile big despite the mask that covered half his face. He gave her a wobbly bow, then motioned for her to followhim.
Angelique glided after him in her best elf-imitation, but she glanced back over her shoulder at the cursedservants.
I wish I could have done more.But…
Despite Evariste’s belief, she was a mere student—with frightfully dangerous magic toboot.
As much as it pained her, such work was far beyond her abilities. She’d more than likely kill them by accident than fix thesituation.
Which is why I need to find Evariste. I owe him.She nearly cringed as she remembered her last real conversation with her teacher, which had been a shoutedargument.
They had always disagreed about Angelique’s magic. She knew it was dangerous; Evariste insisted it wasnot.
But while Angelique still believed she was correct, she would give anything to wipe the argument away.I have miserably failedhim.
