“Good. You agree, then?” Severinasked.
“I would like a more solid piece of proof,” Angelique admitted, “but I might have found a way for us to secure such a thing. Rothbart hasdied.”
“Stil and Gemma shared with us the letter you sent,” Severin said. “You say he was defeated by this swan maiden,Odette?”
Angelique shook her head. “No, that is what we first believed, but Odette found some papers Sorcerer Rothbart left behind forher.”
Elle frowned sharply. “I beg your pardon. Did you say heleftpapers forher?”
“It seems he was being blackmailed by his wife to attack the Kozlovkan royal family. That was why he created multiple wyverns—one of which I killed,” Angelique said. “But he purposely allowed himself to be defeated—for the sake of hisdaughter.”
“His daughter?” Severin narrowed his gold eyes. “She hasmagic.”
“She does,” Angelique confirmed. “I sent word to Sybilla—by now she has likely descended on the girl and will mentorher.”
She paused for a moment.I don’t know how to phrase this next part without making Severin sound like a heartless man who is only interested in using people.“Odile successfully tamed a wyvern,” Angelique slowly said. “But shecannotbe used in combat. She shouldn’t even leave Kozlovka. If her mother finds out the true depth of her abilities, the Chosen will snatch herup.”
Severin raised an eyebrow. “That is highly understandable, given what she has gone through,” he said. “But you said all of this was done at the behest of Rothbart’s wife. Do we know anything abouther?”
Angelique grinned. “We have her name: Sorceress Suzu. It seems she traveled much based on the various stationery and inks she used to write her letters, but I left before Stil inspected them. With his craft magic, he might be able to tell something more about their origins and thewriter.”
Severin actuallysmiled, flashing white teeth and turning his somewhat stony facial features dazzling. “A name is far more than we hopedfor.”
“Yes!” Angelique enthusiastically agreed. “If I can track this Suzu, she might lead us to the mage that attacked me—or toEvariste!”
“Ah,” Severinsaid.
Angelique paused. “Ah?”
Elle smiled. “We actually had a task we hoped you might be amenable to seeing through forus.”
Angelique smiled woodenly. “Ofcourse.”
Why else would you request mypresence?
“But this name is important,” Elle said, “And I think you’re right. Suzu may very well lead us to the Chosen—and your LordEnchanter.”
“On your behalf, we’ll put our best Rangers on the matter,” Severin said. “Elle and I are to attend the wedding of Princess Dylan of the Selkies and Prince Callan of Ringsted. We planned to update the other countries then. I will personally request that each country place their best agents after this Suzu. I am aware you have continuously sacrificed to help us. Please allow the royal families you have so greatly helped to aid you inthis.”
Angelique pushed her lips together.I’d rather look myself, but I’m not so stupid to think that I can do a better job than true intelligence agents—particularly if even half as many are put on the task as Severin isimplying.
But I have failed Evariste deeply by taking so long to find him. I owe it to him tosearch.
Angelique looked away from the prince andprincess.
The gold of the late afternoon sun faintly reminded Angelique of Evariste’s hair, and as she thought of the man, she could almost feel the warmth of his easysmile.
Feel the warmth of his easy smile? I sound like a regular idiot. I’m losing my edge.Angelique sighed.But he would want me to help the countries rather than search for him—he’d surely give me some long-winded lecture on duty until I gave in because I couldn’t bear to listen anylonger.
But…this is the first real lead I have since discovering he’s in a mirror…and I miss him soterribly.
Angelique cleared her throat. “I would appreciate that. Thankyou.”
Elle curtsied, and Severin bowed. “It would be our honor,” Severinsaid.
Angelique nodded awkwardly. “What, then, is this task you wish me to seethrough?”
Severin set his pruning shears down. “You know the legend of the SnowQueen?”
