“Of course.” Angelique watched Lovelana resume pacing back and forth, then cautiously said, “But…why are you telling methis?”
Lovelana met her gaze. “Because you’re the only one Itrust.”
Angelique squinted and wondered if Lovelana was experiencing mental fatigue.I am always thelast personany normal mage wouldtrust!
“You’ve continued to look for Lord Enchanter Evariste, no matter how the Council has attempted to dissuade you and despite the threatened punishments from the Veneno Conclave,” Lovelana said. “You want to find him. Which means you obviously aren’t mixed up with those who took him.” Lovelana paused. “I don’t know what to do,” sheconfessed.
Angelique shook her head and cleared her throat. “Do you think it’s a single renegade informant, ormore?”
“I don’t know.” Lovelana’s face was only half visible as the lengthening shadows of the evening started blending with the dimness of night, but Angelique could still see her fright in the way her hands trembled. “I’d like to say it’s only one. However, given what I’ve seen, it might be as many as three orfive.”
“It’s troubling,” Angelique said. “But in an organization like the Veneno Conclave, they can’t hide for long—particularly now that you are watching forthem.”
To Angelique’s shock, Lovelana sat down on the ground and shut her eyes. “I don’t know what to do about it,” sheconfessed.
“I don’t know either,” Angelique said. “I think the best course would be to tell those who aretrustworthy.”
“You have someone inmind?”
Angelique tapped her lower lip. “Clovicus and Sybilla for certain. Stil is safe, but I don’t know that he could do much tohelp.”
“Finnr is certainly trustworthy,” Lovelanasaid.
“I suppose so.” Angelique was quite proud that she managed to keep a grimace off her face.After spending “quality” time with him at the Summit, I don’t particularly care for Finnr—but she’s right. He can’t be the leak—not unless he is this world’s greatest actor. His obsession with following rules would never let him do such athing.
“I will send word to Finnr. Will you tell Clovicus and Sybilla?” Lovelanaasked.
“Clovicus is here—right now. We could tell himtogether.”
Lovelana shook her head. “I don’t want to linger too long. Given our…history, it will raise some suspicions if it’s widely known that I sought you out. Also,” Loveland slightly wrinkled her nose. “I don’t know that Lord Enchanter Clovicus thinks much ofme.”
“Clovicus doesn’t think much of anyone except himself,” Angelique grumbled under herbreath.
“Thank you, Angelique.” Lovelana glanced at Angelique, sadness darkening her expression. “I appreciate that you listened—andbelieved.”
“Of course.” Angelique hesitated and pressed her lips together.Do I risk sending her to Severin? We’re trying to contain our actions to keep the Chosen unaware, but given that Lovelana is concerned about a possible spy, she already is extracautious.
“There is one last person who should know,” Angelique finally said. “Prince Severin ofLoire.”
Lovelana staggered backwards a step, as if Angelique had assaulted her. “You want to tell aroyalabout Veneno Conclave matters? We can’t show weakness to the continent, nor is it any of theirbusiness.”
“I’m sorry to say it’s too late for that,” Angelique grimly said. “And that ‘royal’ has a better grasp on current events than anyone in the Conclave. For the sake of the continent, he needs toknow.”
Lovelana nervously patted her hair—which was pinned to the top of her head with jewel-topped pins. “Very well. Because of all you have done for the continent, I will trust you in this—though I will voice myreluctance.”
“Thank you, Lady Enchantress. That is all I can askfor.”
Lovelana nodded and took a few more steps away before she paused mid-step. “What are you seeking here,anyway?”
Angelique exhaled so heavily her cheeks puffed out. “I’ll tell you when Severin’s suspicions are either confirmed orallayed.”
Lovelana nodded. “Farewell,Angelique.”
“Goodbye, Lady EnchantressLovelana.”
Angelique watched Lovelana until the enchantress disappeared into the dim light of dusk. She peered up at the sky—which was a deep shade of ebony blue, studded with the glitter of stars. She turned, intending to finally go back to the camp, when she heard a faint sort of chortling-grunt.
What sort of creature makes thatnoise?
