Ahhh, so this is merely the lure to draw me to him. There’s no way we can adequately discuss this over a few mere correspondences. And with Pegasus willing to tote my carcass around, it would be faster just to speak withhim.
She tilted her head while she mentally replayed Oliver’s words. “Madame Elle, not HerHighness?”
Oliver grinned. “Madame Elle does not easily bear being called a royal and insists the household calls herMadame.”
The thought made her smile for a moment as she let the scroll roll up. “I should have guessed. But, more importantly, I think I will forgo a reply and simply seek your master out posthaste.”
Oliver nodded, chugged the hot beverage in his mug—Angelique would have paid to find how he did so without scalding his mouth—and stood. “Very good, Lady Enchantress. His Highness said to tell you they will have a room ready for yourarrival.”
Angelique cocked her head at the wording. “And what will youdo?”
“Follow behind as soon as I amable.”
Angelique shook her head. “No, that’s silly. Pegasus knows you, and you haven’t gottensobig that he can’t still carry usboth.”
Oliver’s somber expression transformed into a mischievous grin. “I was hoping you might say that. It’s why I volunteered tocome!”
Angelique pushed her eyebrows up so high her forehead wrinkled. “Youwantto ridePegasus?”
Some of Oliver’s childishness returned in the shining of his eyes and the way he wriggled like an excited puppy. “Of course! How many regular folk can boast a constellation has given them a ride? And hisspeed! It’s a thing of beauty tobehold!”
Angelique cracked a smile. “At least it seems you are in a position that suits you well. Do you have supplies or a steed of yourown?”
Oliver shook his head. “His Highness rented me a horse from a stable—I returned him to the branch’s local building when I first got here afore I started looking for you on thedocks.”
“Very well. It’s late, but we can at least get some distance behind us tonight. I just have to pick up my saddlebags from my room and call Pegasus.” Angelique swiveled so she faced the smuggler sisters, who sat together. “Neely, Farriage, thank you for your aid andhospitality.”
“My pleasure!” Neely winked. “If you find yourself needing to go back to Zancara, I hope you rememberus!”
Farriage smiled hopefully. “With all that has happened, are you still so opposed to the song that stands in remembrance of you, LadyEnchantress?”
“Yes,” Angelique said vehemently.The last thing I need is a rumor about Evariste and me being star-crossed lovers. That is something The Council would not overlook, even if I refuse to return to the Conclave to belectured.
“If you are so eager to make money off songs,” Angelique continued, “why don’t you write of the elves’absence?”
Farriage rolled her eyes. “You obviously haven’t got a seller’s sense, Lady Enchantress. A song about the missing elves would sell poorly. People love a good tragedy, but they don’t want to be reminded of the real tragedies that haunt us in our wakinghours.”
Neely nodded, her expression serious. “She’s right, Lady Enchantress, but fear not! I’ll not let her release your song. We wouldn’t be able to advertise ourselves as the first smugglers to successfully drop someone off on Zancarian soilandsee them alive and out of the country if she had everyone singing about yourdeath!”
Angelique stared at the pair. “I’m not sure which of you is more driven by the lure ofgold.”
Neely and Farriage exchangedlooks.
“It’s probably about equal,” Farriageadmitted.
Angelique shook her head. “Thank you—for everything the two of you have done,” sherepeated.
“It was our honor.” The sisters bowed together—Neely giving Angelique a playful wink when she poppedupright.
Angelique raised her hand in a last farewell, then motioned for Oliver to leave their homefirst.
Once outside, Oliver pulled his scarf tighter around his neck, trying to keep off the chill of the winter air. “Are we off to your inn next, LadyEnchantress?”
“Yes. I can’t summon Pegasus in the city. Such close quarters would greatly displease him.” Angelique glanced at her companion. “When he arrives, we’ll still have to ask if he agrees to let you ride him before we setout.”
“Of course!” Oliver said with a little too much enthusiasm. “And then, we’llfly!”
* * *
