“Correct,” Severin said. “Is there a matter you must see to that we could help youwith?”
Angelique shook her head. “It is merely that it is high time I return to Evariste’s home in Torrens—to see to the building and make certain nothing has changed. From there, I will return to Kozlovka—to check with Sybilla and ask myfriendsforhelp.”
“Sounds reasonable,” Ellesaid.
“Is there anything besides funds that we can provide you with?” Severin asked. “The craftmages staying here at Chanceux Chateau have been producing heat charms for theexcursion.”
Angelique tilted her head. “I have proper clothing for the mountains, and Pegasus will make my journeys swift and short in length. But I might take some of the charms for my friends, thankyou.”
“Absolutely! You can take whatever you think they might need.” Elle stood. “But I’m afraid we must be rude hosts and leave for Ringsted—though you may remain in Chanceux as long as you wish. I imagine you must be fatigued after yourtrip.”
Depending which craftmages are here, I might be able to ask them for help to create string or ribbon that could hold a heat charm so the Black Swan Smugglers could wear them in their swan forms.Angelique tapped her lower lip. “I will spend the night so I can gather the heat charms. But tomorrow, it would be better if I continue on for Torrens. However, I thank you for the generousoffer.”
Severin strode across the room and opened a massive wooden door carved with music notes. He gestured to the dim hallway outside the door. “In that case, then, please allow me to supply you with the necessary funds. Thisway.”
Angelique rose and started after the prince but was stopped when Elle grabbed herhands.
“We can’t say thank you enough, Angelique.” Elle’s smile was tight, and the crinkle around her eyes betrayed her worry. “We have come this far because ofyou.”
“Nonsense.” Angelique shook her head. “This movement is a result of the efforts of the continent—as seen in the way you and Severin have united the othercountries.”
Elle cocked her head. “Are you really certain there is nothing more we can do to thankyou?”
Angelique hesitated.It was just a dream. A stupid, foolish dream. But…“Could you also have the Rangers look into the names Liliane and Acri? I believe they are blackmages.”
“You believe?” Elleasked.
“It’s a long story, but if I can confirm their names, it might be something,” Angeliquesaid.
“Very well. We’ll have them look into it.” Elle squeezed Angelique’s hands and released them. “Safejourneys.”
Angelique bowed her head. “To you aswell.”
* * *
“And they truly think themirror isreal?” Odette looked quizzical—and perhaps a little doubtful—as she picked her way through the grassyfield.
Pegasus snorted, and Angelique placed what she hoped was a calming hand on his shoulder. (She particularly hoped it was calming given she wasn’t riding him, but walking next to him. If he chose to prance or spook, he was going to slam into her first.) “The book was written by King Steinar—the Snow Queen’s brother. It is unlikely he included such a falsehood in his record for the fun ofit.”
“I know,” Odette was quick to agree. “It makes sense…but I always thought that part of legend was a bit like a nursery rhyme.” She turned around and peered back at the eight Black Swan Smugglers who trudged behind them—interestingly in a Vshape.
I wonder if that is intentional or a habit?Angelique pondered as she admired a blooming foxglove—its purple petals a brilliant spot of color in the shade of thewoods.
“It seems we will soon find out if the mirror is indeed fact or fiction,” Angelique said as they left the coolness of the forest and carefully crossed what looked like planted fields. “But given the discovery that The Chosen are still alive and well, I’m inclined to believe it exists—though I wish it didnot.”
“I’m not afraid to admit I hope it’snotreal, because if it is, the future just got a lot darker.” Odette frowned. “I wish the elves could break their curse and finally leave their woods. It would make this a loteasier.”
“Yes,” Angelique automatically agreed. It took her a few moments to realize what Odette had just said. “Wait,what?”
Odette raised an eyebrow and repeated herself. “If the elves were no longer cursed, they couldleave.”
“Are you referring to the Elves of AlabasterForest?”
“I didn’t know there were any other elves on thecontinent.”
“Odette!” Angelique’s voice was a little loud—and perhaps desperate. “Have you been in contact with the Elves of AlabasterForest?”
“I have,” Odette confirmed. “They’re one of our clients. We deliver ètonse philtre to them. It’s a draught that freezes the hearts of those who drink it and fills them with a love ofdancing.”
