“Among royalty and countryfolk alike it certainly is,” Astra said. “And I don’t believe it is an undeservedtitle.”
Angelique exhaled a sharp bark of laughter. “I doubt that. If I deserved it, I would have found Evariste bynow.”
“The Veneno Conclave has failed to find him,” Astra pointed out. “You can hardly hold yourself to standards that an entire organization cannotmeet.”
Angelique shrugged a little. “Perhaps. How is yourfather?”
“I’d like to say he’s old, crotchety, and moving slower, but the only reason he is not here is because he broke his leg riding a war elephant,” Astra sighed. “He sent me in his stead to deliver ourreport.”
Angelique frowned deeply and was stabbed through by guilt. “Have things been so grim in Baris, then, that you have needed to use warelephants?”
Astra snorted. “Not at all. It was a practice drill. No, we’ve been bothered by harpies—and there was one bad kraken attack on the shore. But we’ve been watching this develop for years, so this surge of darkness has not caught us as off guard as it appears to have othercountries.”
“I see. Regardless, I am sorry to hear of the harpies—and kraken, ofcourse.”
“As am I.” Astra shifted so she gazed into the banquet hall. “I look forward to seeing how this Summitdevelops.”
“Severin is an excellent tactician. And…” Angeliquehesitated.
This is Solon’s daughter. She, more than anyone, willunderstand.
“I think we’ve reached a crisis point,” Angelique said,finally.
Astra nodded. “Too much has happened,” she agreed. “If you would excuse me, LadyEnchantress.”
“Only if you call meAngelique.”
Astra smiled. “It will be my pleasure. I look forward to speaking more with you,Angelique.”
Angelique watched the Baris princess glide off to greet the new VerglasQueen.
“Angel!”
“LadyEnchantress!”
Angelique’s shoulders almost stooped in relief as she saw the next crowd of Summit attendees. “Stil, Gemma, Mage Firra, and Mage Donaigh! I cannot stress how delighted I am to seeyou!”
Donaigh—who was first in line—performed a low and sweeping bow. “It is my honor and pleasure, Lady EnchantressAngelique.”
“Donaigh, we’ve known each other for how long? The formalities are unnecessary,” Angelique chided. The smile faded from her lips when she saw that Donaigh’s hair was messier than usual—even though he didn’t wear his infamous straw hat for the dressy occasion—and Firra—who ambled behind him—seemed a little pale and tired. “How go things inSole?”
“Could be better—could be worse, too,” Firra sighed. “We haven’t caught Carabosso,unfortunately.”
“And theprincess?”
“Sleeps on,” Donaigh saidgrimly.
“I’m sorry,” Angeliquesaid.
Firra shrugged. “There is nothing more you can do—you’ve accomplished beyond what any normal mage would have—or couldhave.”
“You can say that again.” Stil veered around the pair to give Angelique a side hug. “Hello,Angel.”
“Hello, and congratulations, again, on your wedding.” Angelique patted Stil’s back, then leaned past him to embraceGemma.
Gemma’s slight smile betrayed her deep joy. “Thank you,” she said. “And thank you again forattending.”
“Of course,” Angelique said. “Where is Hvit?” she asked, naming the white dog Gemma had transformed from ahellhound.
