“Not at all,” Friedrich said. “We’re hoping tofindit.”
“Or find more material that proves it may be useful against the mirror,” Severin said. “Regardless, it seems prudent to pursue it given the attention the Chosen seem to place on the actions of thepast.”
Angelique sighed. “I see. Very well, then. I’d likely have to go back to Ciane, anyway, to find Firra and Donaigh; I’m hoping they’ll help me if Suzu truly has joined forces with Carabosso. While I’m there, I’ll see if I can find thatarchive.”
Friedrich smiled. “Thank you, Angelique. We are very muchobliged.”
“Yes, thank you, Angelique.” Cinderella inclined herhead.
“Also,” Severinstarted.
“Also?” Angelique couldn’t keep the full storm out of hervoice.
“I ask that you travel toBaris.”
Is he joking? I do hope it’s ajest.
Severin’s stony expression didn’t change as she gawked at him. He wasserious.
The endless missions, the weeks of sleepless nights, the months without stopping all wrapped around Angelique in a blanket ofanger.
“Prince Severin,” Angelique said. “While I am glad to help, I think we need to have a discussion about my role. I amnotyour magical errand boy you can send about the world as you please. I invited other mages to the Summit.Usethem!”
The store was as still asdeath.
No onestirred.
In fact, the three royals gaped at Angelique, seemingly surprised by the venom in her voice, but Angelique couldn’t find it in herself to regretit.
She did, however, clear her throat and add, “I, too, am concerned with the state of the continent and how we might best counter the Chosen. But I have my own matters I must attendto.”
“I understand.” Prince Severin bowed so deeply she couldn’t even see his face. “I must apologize, Lady Enchantress. I took liberties and did not take into account your concerns in these matters. It was my oversight and my grave mistake. I will see to it that I do not unduly burden you so in the future. Please ignore our request—we will find a different way to learn aboutFoedus.”
Ah. Now I don’t regret it as much as I feel like a selfish prat for complaining about all the effort it takes to save the world. How delightful. Though in his defense, I don’t think he meant to make me feelguilty.
Angelique sighed loudly. “No—it’s fine. I accept your apology, but I did not mean to say you cannot count on me for help. It’s just…” she trailed off lamely. “Why did you want me to go toBaris?”
Friedrich and Severin exchanged looks. Friedrich arched his eyebrow, but Severin scowled and shook hishead.
Friedrich looked like he might argue, but he glanced at Angelique, then frowned. He was silent for a few moments as he studied her. “Sorry, Angelique,” he said seriously. “It’s no excuse, but we’re military men. We’re used to moving squads and companies. You are so skilled and competent, sometimes it’s difficult to remember you’re a single person and not a general in charge of her ownarmy.”
“I don’t think it’s just that.” Cinderella stepped closer, her eyes tracing Angelique’s face with an uncomfortable amount of observance in them. “We forget—you did so much for us all before Prince Severin even told Friedrich and me he was thinking of holding the Summit. You’ve been running from country to country since this mess began, and we’ve only been dealing with localthreats.”
Cinderella hesitated, then took Angelique’s hands again. “We apologize, Lady Enchantress Angelique, for forgetting how you have saved us and held the continent together when no one elsewould.”
Hot tears stung Angelique’s eyes. She blinked rapidly to hold them back. “Yes. Well. It was—itismyduty.”
“I disagree,” Severin said. “The entire continent is not your responsibility, but we thank you for what you have done to save it—and us. And we will make certain not to ask you to stand aloneagain.”
Angelique nodded and felt something in hersoften.
That’s all I ever wanted. Though I’m cynical enough to know I’ll just have to wait and see if their promises match theiractions.
“So,” she said, “what’s inBaris?”
Severin shook his head. “We’renot—”
“Why don’t you tell me the mission, and I’ll decide if it’s something that truly requires my presence,” Angeliquesuggested.
