She was outside, trying to find Pegasus’ constellation—for she had sent him back to the sky for the duration of the summit. Her heart warmed when she found him, and she plopped down on a cold stonebench.
“That besotted with the magic beast, are you?” Puss trotted out of Chanceux Chateau, his black tail held high like aflagpole.
Angelique smiled as he jumped onto the bench to join her. “It took a constellation to replace you—doesn’t that speak highly ofyou?”
Puss twitched his pink and black nose. “I’d be flattered if I didn’t know that seething creature of stars and darkness has claimed more of you than I ever did. How are you holdingup?”
“Well enough,” Angelique paused, then added. “I went toZancara.”
“Youwhat?”
“Obviously, that bit of news should stay quiet,” Angelique blithely continued. “I told Prince Severin, of course, but I’d prefer that no mages hear of it justyet.”
“You’re completely mad,” Puss declared. “What would drive you to attempt to visitZancara?”
“I didn’t attempt; I made it in,” Angelique said. “It wasn’t quite what I expected—there was no drudgery or rampant evil. But I was attacked by a black mage who followed mein.”
“Youwhat?” Puss’ voice was even louder with thatecho.
“He spoke of Evariste.” Angelique stared at her hands, feeling lost. “I think he knew where the black mages are keeping him. And I let himgo.”
Once again, the sour flavor of failure filled hermouth.
Puss was silent as he stared ather.
“Or rather, I wasn’t good enough with my magic to fight him properly. I passed out, and Pegasus had to defendme.”
The tale of the fight spilled from Angelique’s lips—how Acri had chased her across the wall and nearly killed her in theirfight.
“You didn’t use your core magic?” Puss asked when shefinished.
“No.” Angelique groaned and let her head hang. “I’m starting to think I should have. Just like I should have when the nightmare and its rider attacked Stil. Did you hear aboutthat?”
Puss nodded. “The brat told me himself when wearrived.”
“I should have killed it. I could have. But…” She flexed her fingers. “I’m afraid of what will happen if I really grow skilled at it—if I come to rely on it, or worse, if I learn tolikeit.”
“Power isn’t necessarily evil,” Puss said. “And if you ever hope to temper it, you’ll have to use itfirst.”
Angelique made a face. “You read that in a book, didn’tyou?”
Puss was quiet for several long moments. “No,” he finally said. “It’s what Evariste told me long ago when I complained to him that you wouldn’t use your warmagic.”
Missing Evariste was an old ache by now. But remembering how he believed in her—and the proud way he would tell others he believed in her—that was as effective as a slug to hergut.
I was so blind to the quiet shows of support he made. I took them for obliviousness. If I could go back and do it again, I’d spend less time hiding and more time showing my appreciation—or throttling past me for mystupidity.
Angelique cleared her throat and chose to change the subject. “Will you tell Stil about the mage and Zancara, if you get a chance? I didn’t think to inform him, and I don’t know if Severin ever discussed it with him. When I submitted a report to the Veneno Conclave about the attack, I purposely didn’t mention where I was, and for now I’d like to keep that a secret. So as long as the other mages watch me with this continued, er, diligence I don’t think I could tell him without one of them overhearing. Butyou…?”
“No one minds a cat—even a talking one. Yes, I know; I’ve used it to my advantage before.” Puss narrowed his bronze eyes that glowed in the faint torchlight. “And while I detest the truth of it, nothing would bring me more pleasure than to deliver such a message under their verynoses.”
Angelique smiled at the malicious glee in his cultured voice. “Thank you. I appreciate yourhelp.”
“I willalwayshelp you,Angelique.”
“As will I,” Gabrielleadded.
Both Angelique and Puss twisted on the stone bench to watch Gabrielle step out of the shadows. She was beautiful in the evening light in a pale blue dress that set her golden eyes and hair off justso.
