Angelique waited until her vision—blurry from the equine’s speed—cleared, then patted his neck. “Goodboy.”
Pegasus snorted in agreement, then made a wide circle as they started back to theothers.
One thing is for certain, we have to start preparing. Or this enemy will end us all before we can even cobble together acounterattack.
* * *
After less thanan hour more of traveling—when it was barely light enough to still see—Stil called a halt. “We’ll pitch the tent here.” To Gemma, he added, “Even after Angelique clears the rider off, I’m not keen to sleep in a realm outside the Snow Queen’sprotection.”
Angelique remained perched on Pegasus’ back for her own comfort; the powerful constellation was a soothing presence. “Where will you gotomorrow?”
“I don’t know.” Stil dragged the poles and tattered cloth of his tent off Pricker Patch’sback.
Angelique mashed her lips together as she thought.Severin and Elle need to be informed of our new suspicions. I was originally planning to travel to Chanceux Chateau after speaking to Clovicus, but perhaps it would be best if Stil went? Severin and all the guards that trail after Elle would surely be able to keep Stilsafe.
She absently patted Pegasus on the neck when he swished his tail and shed bright sparks in the dim light. “I suggest you go to Loire and seek out Prince Severin and Princess Elle,” she said. “Though Severin’s curse is broken, I feel—out of all the royals on the continent—he has the best understanding of what we are upagainst.”
“Perhaps I should offer my services to him,” Stil said as he started piecing the tenttogether.
Oohhh, that’s an even better idea. Then I’m not the only mage at their disposal!Angelique refrained from clapping her hands in glee. “He and Princess Elle recently hosted Crown Prince Cristoph and Princess Cinderella—although by now she is almost Queen Cinderella—of Erlauf. I believe he meant to speak to them about their goblininfestation.”
“So, he’s starting toorganize.”
“Yes.”
Stil pounded a peg into place, then glanced at Gemma. “Then as long as Gemma has no objections, I think we will call upon the prince andprincess.”
“Do they live in Noyers?” Gemma asked, naming the capital ofLoire.
“No. They live in a chateau that is quite close, though, since the roads have been repaired,” Angeliquesaid.
Gemma nodded. “I would like to travel toLoire.”
Stil finished pitching the tent and studied her with narrowed eyes. “You plan to abandon me forNoyers.”
Angelique hid her smile when Gemma slightly pursed her lips.He’s certainly met his match in terms of willfulness—though to Gemma’s credit, she’s not so much willful as she is filled with goodsense.
Stil strode up to the seamstress. “You will be able to find work there, but you will be safer withme.”
“This I doubt so long as you are sought out by darkness,” Gemma said ratherlogically.
Angelique laughed and slid off Pegasus’ back, landing with a slight bounce. “She has youthere.”
“But I will be going to see Prince Severin and Princess Elle. She sets all the fashions for Loire. Don’t you want to see her?” Stiltempted.
Gemma tilted her head as shethought.
Stil shot Angelique a smug smile—which turned tender when he again addressed Gemma. “Think about it. In the meantime, Angelique and I must leave to get rid of my stalker. Go inside and warm up before you bother with Pricker Patch. He can wait to have his dinner.” Stil slid one arm around Gemma’s waist and scooped her close to his chest. He used his free hand to clasp one of Gemma’s mittened hands and place it on his face, smiling down at her like a lovesickboy.
Gemma exhaled loudly and looked not the least bitimpressed.
Angelique observed with the same amount of enthusiasm. “I hope you can wear her down before you both die of oldage.”
Stil scowled at her, sneering slightly. “Thank you for the show of support, Angelique.” His handsome smile made a bright return when he looked back at Gemma. “Be careful.” The dolt was so daring, he kissed Gemma on her hairband, but smart enough that he beat a hasty retreat before the seamstress could smack him for hisimpudence.
Angelique winked at Gemma as she yanked a white fur muff from Pegasus’ single saddlebag, but the seamstress seemed not to notice as she frowned at Stil’sback.
Stil paused at Angelique’s side. “How on earth do you stay warm in thatdress?”
