“Will you ask themages?”
Angelique raised her hands—palms up—in supplication. “When would you have me address them? For I would prefer not to hold such a discussion over ameal.”
“Of course—I don’t know that Elle ever means to let you dine with them at dinner anyway.” He folded his arms across his chest and stared out into the dim gardens. “We’ve heard most of the reports that summarize the difficulties and troubles plaguing the countries. Tomorrow we will begin hearing from the representatives—specifically their thoughts on our enemy,” Severin said. “We need to be in agreement that something is wrong, and there is an enemy behind it. I was going to suggest you mages have a separate meeting, for I do not wish to put any pressure on you given your vows to the Veneno Conclave, though I was hoping you would discuss the matter among yourselves and perhaps even begin to add up what you might do tohelp.”
Angelique released a bark of laughter. “That won’t be a tall order,” she sarcastically said. “But it is probably a wise idea. Very well, I’ll bring the matter of the sorcerer forwardthen.”
“Thank you. I can arrange a salon for you to meet in—unless you’d prefer thelibrary?”
Angelique bit her lower lip. “The library,please.”
I don’t know that it will make a difference for the meeting, butI’llfeel better in alibrary.
“Consider it done,” Severinsaid.
Angelique studied the illegitimate prince, noting the slightly haggard look around his eyes and the corners of his mouth.Despite Gabrielle’s observations, I do think Severin carries a burden—perhaps even more vast than mine. People look to me to solve individual problems, but he is willingly trying to wrangle countries—not all of whom get along—to fight together. And that’s something not even magic canaccomplish.
“How are you?” Angeliqueasked.
“Pleased—or as pleased as I can be given the circumstances. Everyone appears to be taking the matter seriously already—which is more than I had hoped for.” He looked into the shadows of the chateau and said in a louder tone. “Wouldn’t you agree,Elle?”
There was the gritty noise of sliding rock, and Elle slid down the wall of the chateau, still wearing the elaborate gown she had worn during the meetings. “How did you know I was there? I am sure I was nearlysilent!”
“Your perfume gave you away,” Severinsaid.
Elle cursed under her breath. “That’s what I get for wearing a rose scent to please you.” She turned to Angelique and started to wriggle her eyebrows. “How about you, Angelique? Were you shocked?” She frowned a little and added, “You don’t lookit.”
“I don’t know that after my various interesting interactions with you, you could properly surprise me anymore,” Angelique placidlysaid.
Elle made a tisking noise. “That sounds like achallenge.”
“Please do not interpret it that way,” Severin sounded tired—but more of an amused sort than the weary kind he had used momentsbefore.
Elle shook her head. “It’s my honor on the line. Next thing you know, your soldiers will be able to keep up with me, and my reputation will be intatters!”
Severin squinted at the sky. “Most reputations are ruined by social scandals and thelike.”
Elle tapped her lower lip. “In addition to defending my infamy, I could pull a noblewoman’s hair or kick a duke if it would make you feelbetter.”
“You’ve already kicked aduke.”
“Yes, well, he deserved it.” Elle primly pointed her nose into theair.
Angelique laughed. “The two of you are suchfun.”
Elle cackled in triumph, but Severin looked pained. “I question your definition of the wordfun.”
Elle patted Angelique’s hand. “No, I think our Lady Enchantress has it right, Severin. We should re-arrange tonight’s seating arrangement for dinner so Angelique can sit with me again. She was supposed to before youintervened!”
“I specifically made the seating arrangement to keep youawayfrom Angelique, and Crown Princess Gabrielle, and Princess Astra of Baris, and anyone else who might—knowingly or unknowingly—encourage your antics,” Severinsaid.
Elle frowned. “IthoughtI’ve been stuck with a lot of stuffy dinner mateslately.”
Angelique couldn’t help it; she grinned and said, “You must have sat with Finnr,then.”
“A tall male mage, frowns all the time and has a face like granite?” Elleasked.
“Yep.”
