Despite her horror, Angelique was dimly aware that if Evariste could hear this conversation, he’d likely break a riblaughing.
The door to the small home banged open, and Neely strolled through. “Afternoon,” she lazilycalled.
“Captain Neely,” Angelique turned toward the smuggler, eager to abandon her conversation with the younger sister. “Did you findanything?”
“I’m afraid not. None of my fellows transported anyone—mage or otherwise—to Zancara. And there’s no one else to ask, I’m afraid, as that covers everyone. Well, it covers all of the good ones, I suppose. Sorry, LadyEnchantress.”
Angelique tried not to let her disappointment show. “Thank you for making the inquiries on my behalf.” She sighed a little. “He got into Zancara somehow. But I suppose it’s possible he got in the way we both got out—over thewall.”
“That’s not all the news I have.” Neely glanced back over her shoulder. “I ran into a lad who was skulking ‘round the docks. Said he was looking for you.” Neely beckoned with her hand. “Come in,laddy!”
A familiar young lad—who would probably protest the idea that he was still a child—grinned as he strolled into the smugglers’ home. He doffed his cap and bent at the waist—his scarf and snow-dusted cloak almost falling from his shoulders. “Good Day, Lady EnchantressAngelique!”
“Oliver.” Angelique slid off her barrel in her surprise, recognizing the Chanceux Chateau stable boy and the loyal employee of Prince Severin and Princess Elle of Loire. “What has brought you to Farset?”Has he grown again? But I only saw him a few monthsago!
“You have, Lady Enchantress.” He smiled easily as he pulled a rolled-up scroll from his belt. “I have news from Prince Severin and PrincessElle.”
“Oh?” Angelique took the scroll, surprised at itsheft.
“Madame Elle meant to come herself, but His Highness forbade it,” Oliver said. “He was going to send a Ranger, but Mademoiselle insisted it was unfair to keep her from coming if he meant to send a Ranger. I am theircompromise.”
Angelique laughed. “For that, I am grateful. It’s lovely to see you again. Do you need to leave rightaway?”
“His Highness said he expected a reply.” Oliver twitched his shoulders back, allseriousness.
“And you are to take itback?”
“Yes! It will be my honor.” Oliver planted his fist over his heart andbowed.
“Very well, then. Neely, might I impose on you a bit longer and read my letter here?” Angeliqueasked.
The smuggler stretched her arms above her head. “Of course! Take all the time you need.” She motioned for Angelique to sit in one of the creaky armchairs. “You, too, laddy. Set your feetup!”
Angelique hefted herself back onto her barrel, barely noticing when Oliver did as instructed and plopped himself down in a chair next to Farriage, who was giving him a calculatedinspection.
Probably trying to judge if she can make any coin off him.A tiny smile cracked Angelique’s lips as she unrolled the scroll. Her smile both broadened, then shrank as she saw what Severin had tosay.
Lady EnchantressAngelique
Elle and I have successfully organized a Summit regarding the darkness that we suspect is plaguing the continent. Most countries have agreed to attend. I would like to extend an invitation to you, aswell.
Your expertise of magic and knowledge of all the events that have taken place over the past few years would be indispensable to the Summit. Please consider joiningus.
The letter continued in much the same vein. The Summit—as Severin called it—was to be held in mid- to late-spring. Approximately a season away. It seemed most countries were sending at least one representative, and many were sending princes andprincesses.
It was a good sign, for in sending their children—the future rulers of their countries—the royals were communicating that the problem was an important one, and that they were invested in seeing it through. Hopefully. (Though there was no telling forcertain.)
There was one thing, however, that bothered Angelique about herinvitation.
‘Your expertise of magic and knowledge of all the events that have taken place over the past few years would be indispensable to the Summit…’ Does that mean no other mage will be present? Did he try inviting the Veneno Conclave? I know from our conversation months ago that his priority is engaging the other countries, but surely he cannot mean for me to be their sole magicalcontact.
Angelique played with the rolled corner of the scroll. “Oliver?”
“Yes, LadyEnchantress?”
“Do you know if Severin invited anyone else from the Veneno Conclave to attend?” Angelique raised her gaze to the stable boy, who was drinking from a steamingmug.
“I apologize, Lady Enchantress, but I don’t know. His Majesty expected you to have questions, however, and told me to extend to you an invitation to call upon him and Madame Elle at Chanceux Chateau whenever is convenient toyou.”
