Clovicus winked. “I thought so—you were definitely acting as though you remembered such athing.”
“Be that as it is, we—again—cannot charge Apprentice Angelique,” Enchantress Feliciennesaid.
Though normally Angelique would have sagged with relief, instead bitterness swept throughher.
They’re disappointed. They’re aggravated they can’t seal me because I followed the rules, because I saved Pegasus. It’s been the same way every time. Why do theywantme to be evil? Why do they act disappointed when it’s made clear I’ve acted on behalf of the greatergood?
Enchantress Primrose smiled warmly at Angelique. “You are cleared, Angelique. But while we are here, I would like to discuss the possibility of transferring you to another enchanter orenchantress.”
Ice filled Angelique’s veins. “I beg your pardon,” shecroaked.
“We really don’t know how long it will be until Evariste is found,” Primrose continued. “It seems unfair to leave you in an uncertainposition.”
“It’sdangerous,” Tristisim said with great certainty, “to let her frolic, unfettered, around thecontinent.”
“New supervision is required,” Enchantress Felicienneagreed.
“We will create a list of enchanters and enchantresses who could properlymanagesomeone of your…talents,” Enchantress Galendrasqueaked.
“But I don’t want a different master,” Angeliquesaid.
“Your loyalty is admirable, Apprentice, but with Evariste’s future uncertain, this is the best move for you,” Enchanter Crest said. “With a new master, you’ll soon be able to take the necessary tests to become an enchantress.” Though his voice was warm and his smile inviting, Angelique wasn’tfooled.
After what I just witnessed? Not likely. There is no chance that they would ever let me become an enchantress. They’re just trying to shift me to someone else so they can seal—and possibly exile—me with a new master’spermission.
Clovicus tsked, and all the Council Members shifted wary gazes tohim.
“Whatnow?” Tristisimdemanded.
“I just find it regrettable that the Council—the most esteemed members of the Veneno Conclave—know so little about our organization’s laws.” Clovicus sighed and slightly shook hishead.
Angelique held her breath.Is he going to get me out ofthis?
A look of puzzlement settled over Primrose’s face as she patted her plump cheeks. “Oh dear, did I forget alaw?”
Enchantress Felicienne rubbed her eyes with the palms of her hands. “What is it, Lord Enchanter?” sheasked.
“Unless a master has either died, been sealed, or is in the process of being charged with a serious crime, the master must approve of the change,” Clovicussaid.
“Evariste died?” Enchanter Lazare leaned over his desk and squinted at Clovicus. “Why didn’t anyone tell me?” hedemanded.
“Enchanter Evariste is still alive, Lazare,” Primrose assuredhim.
“I am familiar with the rule,” Tristisim said. “But there are other exceptions—if a master is taken suddenly ill or if he disappears. Evariste might not have disappeared in the traditional sense, but we’ve lost all sign ofhim.”
“Yes,” Clovicus agreed. “But the rule also states that at least one to two years must pass since the master was recorded as missing before the apprentice can be changedover.”
“Agreed,” Enchanter Crest said. “Which is not a worry because it’s been three and a halfyears.”
“That’s for a regular mage student. For an Enchantress-in-Training, the timeline expands due to the longevity of our kind.” Clovicus brandished a finger in the air. “For at least tenyears.”
“Oh,” Primroseblinked.
Tristisim screwed up his mouth so it looked like he had swallowed a toad. “He iscorrect.”
Enchantress Felicienne’s groan was only slightly muffled by the arm she slung across herface.
Clovicus directed his gaze up to Angelique and smiled—an infectious sort of smile that made Angelique’s mouth start to move as well. “I usually am,” hesaid.
