Stil blinked. “What do youmean?”
“I meanget out!” Angelique flung one of her slippers at thecraftmage.
He ducked it and obediently shuffled backwards into the hallway. “Who spoiled yourmood?”
Angelique put on her remaining slipper, then followed Stil into the hallway to retrieve the other. “No one. But if you’re serious about this Gemma of yours, you need to be more aware of youractions.”
Stil’s gravity abruptly left him, and he grinned. “You like her, doyou?”
Angelique pushed her hair out of her face and marched for the parlor. “I do. Though it seems you have your work cut out in wooingher.”
“I wouldn’t say that,” Stilsaid.
“Oh?”
“I’m handsome, and I have magic. That already makes me a desirable partner.” He preened, even as Angelique paused their forward progression long enough to turn around and studyhim.
“Is that so?” she flatlyasked.
Stil scowled. “As if you would know! You wouldn’t recognize romance if it knocked you into atroll!”
“I don’t think that’s quite the problem here,” Angelique saiddryly.
“No, you are right. It’s that you lived with Evariste—who is blindingly good-looking and beloved by all,” Stil grunted. “I suppose it’s only natural you would be deadened to the charms of those likeme.”
Angelique pursed her lips. “I suppose there is a truth to that.” She almost turned around to grin teasingly at where Evariste would have followed behind them…if he was there withhim.
Her throat tightened, and Angelique swallowed withdifficulty.
They entered the parlor, and the fire in the fireplace abruptly flared, burning hotter at theirentrance.
With no one besides Stil around, Angelique let herself flop gracelessly down on one of the settees. “Are you serious abouther?”
“Gemma?”
“Yes.”
Stil almost buried her in an onslaught of words. “Of course I am! She’s amazing! She’s brave—not for her sake but the sake of others—and brilliant. She might seem quiet, but it’s because she sees things as they are, and she understands people. She’s also a brilliant seamstress, and beautiful—her smile isdazzling.” He shot Angelique a reproachful look. “I’m a little hurt you felt you needed toask.”
Angelique shrugged. “She is nice—I rather like her temperament—and as far as I know you’ve never really been as interested in another woman as you are with her, but it seems…” She paused as she tried to find the word. “Sudden? Not that it’s unbelievable, but she’s wanted by King Torgen. You are being chased by a nightmare and itsrider.”
“And ahellhound.”
Angelique rubbed her temple. “Evenbetter.”
Stil perched on the edge of an armchair, his forearms resting on his knees. “You seem to be rather critical of those who find love intrials.”
“Not critical,” Angelique corrected. “It’s just…finding love would not be a high priority if I was also fleeing a mad king or a dark creature ofterror.”
Stil scratched his chin. “Do you know what love is, Angel? Romantic love Imean.”
Angelique shrugged. “Isn’t it supposed to be like friendship, onlybetter?”
Stil shook his head. “It can begin as friendship, but it’s a bit different. I love Gemma, but it doesn’t take away from my affection for you or Evariste. I’ll still be there when you need me, and I’ll walk through fire to get to you. But I know we’ll be close no matter where on the continent you go or if months pass before I see you. Gemma, though…” Stil stared into the fire. “I don’t want to part from her. And if we must, I’d spend every hour of every day thinking of her, wondering how she is, wishing I could hear her voice. I want to hold her close, and I want to experience life withher.”
Angelique raised one eyebrow and scratched her ear, but Stil stared adoringly into the fire.Blazing stars, she thought sourly.If love makes you into such a poetic and introspective soul, it’s probably just as well it doesn’t interest me. I don’t begrudge Stil his Gemma, but romance seems to be a luxury I can’t afford. One distraction, and I might ruin all the work I’ve put into my position and lose the few allies I’ve gathered. And given how little action the Conclave has taken against the ruin threatening the continent, I should at least symbolize mages and magic users to the royal families I’ve beenhelping.
When Stil made no move to continue, Angelique peeled herself off the settee and sat upright. “When you came to get me, you mentioned Gemma might have figured out something about the nightmare and rider chasingyou?”
