Angelique smiled. “Do not worry yourself over it. You are safe in Stil’s home, and the border is but a short rideaway.”
“Is it? That’s a relief,” Stil said. “It feels like molasses runs faster than Pricker Patch is willing tomove.”
“Perhaps Pegasus can speak sense into him, although I fear he is growing to be just as ornery as your donkey,” Angelique said, recalling the constellation’s bad humor after speaking to Blanche and Rein. “The time away from Master Evariste has been hard onhim.”
“Pets.” Stil shrugged. “But, it would appear we are here for the night, so we should enjoy it. Tonight we will have a feast,” hepromised.
“I look forward to it.” Angelique smiled, hoping she didn’t appear as tired as shefelt.
Stil, thankfully, didn’t seem to notice. He was staring across the parlor as he scratched his cheek with his free hand, most likely plotting out the night’s menu. “It will take me a while to get everything ready. Do you need to see to Pegasus oranything?”
“No, but if you do not mind, I think I would like to…rest for a while.” The thought of a soft bed almost made her eyes flutter shut, even as she stoodup.
“Certainly. Any of the rooms are open—except mine and the frost room,” Stil said, finally releasing Gemma. He hustled for the parlor door so quickly it took Angelique a moment to register what he said. “Take all the time you need,” he called over hisshoulder.
The door swung shut before Angelique could say anything in response. “Except for…?” she muttered bewilderedly.The frost room…that’s the nicest room in his house, and he rarely lets anyone besides me use it since he complains it takes too much time toclean.
On a hunch, Angelique turned to Gemma—who seemed to have no desire to leave the parlor now that Stil had made his exit. “Gemma, are you in the last room in the hallway?” Angeliqueasked.
“Yes.”
“Oh,” Angelique’s eyes widened.He’s not just a bit smitten—this might be something more…permanent.She thoughtfully studied Gemma from head to toe.But it seems he chose well.“I’m glad you are so lovely,” she absently said, her usual self-control quickly dwindling in her desire to stumble off to bed. “If you will excuse me, I will see you at ourbanquet.”
Angelique held her posture together until she made it into the hallway, then stumbled with all the grace of a baby fawn until she reached the other guest bedroom she was familiar with, the dusk room—a bedroom decorated in hues of dark blues andreds.
Staring inside at the soft bed mounded with pillows and a plush wine-redcarpet,
she let her head sag and accidentally cracked herself on the doorframe. “Ouch. Yep, I just need tosleep.”
Angelique closed the door behind her and shuffled across theroom.
I will feel better when I wakeup.
If it was a lie to herself, it was a kind one. But it didn’t matter; she was asleep by the time her cheek touched herpillow.
* * *
Because Stilseemingly couldn’t resist showing off to Gemma, less than two hours later, Angelique found herself seated at the massive table in the tent’s dining room. A few empty plates were scattered across the table’s surface, but Stil had cleared the majority of them when he left to fetchdessert.
Angelique had gotten a short nap that had taken the edge off her exhaustion, so her eyes no longer felt gritty as she tried to discreetly study Gemma across thetable.
The more Stil struts around, the more he reveals exactly how much he likesher.
Angelique stifled her desire to pat her over-filled belly and checked that a friendly smile was still on her lips.I had better make the effort to befriend her.She cleared her throat and tried to ask casually, “How long have you knownStil?”
Gemma raised her gray eyes and clasped her hands in her lap. “A few weeks. And you, LadyEnchantress?”
Here’s the fun bit—do I embarrass Rumpelstiltskin or take pity on him and give her a nudge?She was a bit inclined to have her fun…but she could still make a case forhim.
Angelique worked to keep her smile casual and straight rather than going lopsided. “I’ve lost track of the time, but years. Would you like to knowmore?”
Gemma adjusted the blue hairband that held her hair back from her face andnodded.
“Master Evariste and I were traveling when we found Stil in a market in Baris. He was just a youngster and was selling magic-infused items. My master recognized him for what he was and tried to get him to leave with us, but Stil was suspicious ofhim.”
Ahh yes, if Evariste were here, he would urge me to take pity on our son and help him. He’s been gone so long, but it seems like I’m reminded of him more and more everyday.
Angelique hid her grimace by taking a sip ofwine.
