“Well, at least we’ll be free to take a holiday or two.” Firra grinned. “Maybe check in with Prince Severin and see if he has any need of us while we dodge summons from the VenenoConclave.”
“If you intend to go with the princess, you ought to leave,” Nadia remindedthem.
“Firra and Donaigh’s exit won’t add too much extra work.” Misha’s quill paused just long enough so he could select a new page to transcribe. “It will perhaps take us an extra hour. We’ll still be able to leave early thisafternoon.”
“Good.” Angelique pressed her hands together. “Because I have an additional job foryou.”
Odette suspiciously glanced up at her. “Why do I suspect it’s not going to be something Ilike?”
“Don’t be silly,” Angelique winked at the blonde—whom she was truly starting to like as more of a friend than an acquaintance. “It involves your favorite activity:smuggling!”
* * *
The exitfrom Ciane was uneventful—it actually didn’t occur to Angelique that the others were nervous about it until the capital was no longer visible and the princess’s entourage slumped withrelief.
(If they had been that worried about it, Angelique could have cast some alteration magic to change their appearance, but no one had breathed a word of theirconcern.)
They rode all afternoon, though Angelique had to grit her teeth to keep from groaning over the slow but necessary pace. (She often forgot how fast Pegasus was in comparison to a normalhorse.)
By late afternoon, just when the air started to have a bit more bite to it as the fall sun sank in the sky, they stopped to eat and rest thehorses.
“We should decide where we want to stop for the night,” said Sir Isaia—Rosalinda’s ever-loyal knight, whom Angelique suspected was also the most likely candidate present to receive the Legendary Sword Rosalinda had askedfor.
Donaigh settled his straw hat so it cast a shadow across his eyes while he peered up at the sky. “Yeah. I don’t fancy sleeping outside in thesetimes.”
“We willnotbe sleeping outside.” Delanna’s voice was firm and gave room for no argument, even as she slipped off her horse and tried—but failed—to take Rosalinda’s mount fromher.
“I agree—not while Carabosso is loose.” Firra dug through her saddlebags and pulled out some food and provisions. “But, then, how much farther do we want to push on thisevening?”
Rosalinda took an apple from Firra and nibbled at it. “Do we need to be concerned about meeting up with your companions in a certain location, Lady EnchantressAngelique?”
Angelique was the only member of their little party who hadn’t dismounted yet, because she could practicallyfeelPegasus’ unbridled energy surging under his coat. “No. I gave them a spell to help them locate me. They’ll catch up quickly—they can move faster than you canride.”
Rosalinda’s forehead puckered as she tried to puzzle through Angelique’s words, but when her apple was only half-consumed, she discreetly passed it off to her horse—who crunched it with great enthusiasm, dripping wet horse slobber on the princess’hands.
She wiped them on the skirts of her gown, seemingly without thinking, and studied Angelique. “Do you need to gosomewhere?”
“No. However, I was going to offer to scout ahead,” Angelique said. “Knowing if our way is clear might influence how far we decide to ride thisevening.”
“A splendid idea,” Firra said. “Perhaps I ought to come withyou.”
Donaigh snorted. “You just think I’m going to make you play Rumpelstiltskin’s guessinggame.”
“I don’t think, Iknowthat if the conversation ever lags, you’ll make me play it,” Firragrumbled.
“Though I appreciate the offer, I think it would be swiftest if I went alone,” Angelique said. “Pegasus can cover far more ground at his usual speed, and your mount needsrest.”
“Ah, goodpoint.”
Sir Isaia nodded his acceptance. “Thank you, LadyEnchantress.”
Rosalinda thoughtfully peered up at her. “Besafe.”
Angelique nodded. “Of course, YourHighness.”
“Angelique.”
When Pegasus turned in a tight circle—his silent declaration that he wished to gallop—Angelique met Donaigh’s gaze. “Yes?”
