“I perfectly understand,” Blanchesaid.
Rein, surprisingly, frowned a little. “That’s unfortunate—your particular core magic would be a great reassurance, but it seems it can’t behelped.”
The conversation died, leaving an awkwardsilence.
“Shall I take you to see the prisoner?” Donaighasked.
“Yes, please,” Blanchesaid.
“I ought to come as well, then,” Firrasighed.
“You just can’t stand to be parted from me, sister,” Donaighlaughed.
“You’ve found me out, brother.” Firra tugged on the brim of his hat and stepped out of thetent.
Rein followed behind them. “I didn’t know you two wererelated.”
“They’re not,” Blanche saiddryly.
“We’re siblings of the heart,” Firrasaid.
“Which is merely a romantic way of saying you are cohorts who understand each other’s humor,” Blanchechuckled.
The four war mages bowed before trotting after Firra, Donaigh, and the weathermages.
As soon as they disappeared behind a large tent, Rosalinda heaved a sigh of relief. “I’m glad they came,” she said. “Grandfather isn’t going to like that he doesn’t get to punish Carabosso, but I don’t know that we’re prepared to deal with his brand ofdarkness.”
“There’s something unsettling about him,” Odette agreed, speaking up for the first time since they joined the mages. “Can’t say I’m sorry I don’t have to hang around him any longer.” She rested her hands on her hips and turned to face Angelique. “I take it I am to tell Prince Severin that Carabosso is being taken to the Veneno ConclaveFortress?”
“Yes, please,” Angelique said. “I’ll ask my contact at the fortress to send Severin updates once the trial begins.” She sighed and rubbed her temple. “I cannot wait for the magic mirrors to be finished so these endless courier messages becomeunnecessary.”
“How long do you think it willtake?”
“A few more months,” Angelique said grimly. “Magic mirrors are expensive because they are difficult to create. The only reason it’s even possible is because GrandMaster Craftmage Rumpelstiltskin is doing the bulk of thework.”
“If you would pardon the interruption.” Rosalinda took a few steps closer to them and nervously smiled. “Firra and Donaigh told me about the Summit and the effort led by Prince Severin to fight against the enemy that is stirring up trouble continent-wide.”
“The Chosen, yes,” Angeliquesaid.
Rosalinda grabbed the skirts of her dress and clenched it. “Please allow me to be extremely forward—and quite possibly go against the wishes of my grandfather—and ask that Sole be included in these efforts.” She hesitated. “I spoke with Carabosso a bit when he had me under control with his black spell… The Chosen have obviously been planning this, and theywantSole to be crippled. I cannot allowthat.”
Behind her, Delanna smiled with pride, as did Sir Isaia. (The other two Legendary Knights started to nod but awkwardly changed into a shrug and a fidget when they realized what they weredoing.)
“Severin will be pleased to hear from you.” Angelique met Odette’s gaze. “You don’t mind passing that message along aswell?”
“Nah,” Odette said. “This will be an easy run. As long as no overly zealous forester tries to shoot us down, thatis.”
Rosalinda’s eyes bulged. “Has that actuallyhappened?”
“There have been a few close calls,” Odette said. “But if you’ll excuse us, Misha, Nadia, and I ought to head out. There’s still plenty of the afternoon left, so I’d like to get a start on thetrip.”
“Of course,” Angelique said. “Thank you,Odette.”
“Yes, thank you, Swan Queen Odette,” Rosalindasaid.
Odette rolled her eyes at the title but gave the princess a slight bow and a quick smile before she strodeoff.
“I imagine you will leave today, Angelique?” Rosalindaasked.
