Angelique smiled—because that seemed better than crying. “Of course,” she said.Of course, I have to bear it. Of course, it’s left to me.Angelique pushed the thought away and squared her shoulders. “I’m still mostly concerned about the sorcerer. It is our duty to take care ofhim.”
“Try bringing it up again in public when you tell Emperor Yevgeniy you’re coming,” Sybilla suggested. “Public pressure often does wonders in cases likethis.”
“And if that doesn’t work?” Angeliqueasked.
Sybilla’s smile turned just a bit mischievous. “Then we’ll send word to Clovicus, and then everyone willwishthey had volunteered togo!”
* * *
As the Summit progressed,the discussion shifted from a general consensus that something was wrong to a discussion of what each country could donate to thecause.
Verglas offered supplies; Arcainia vowed to send troops and some funds, and Ringsted offered the use of its vast fleet of ships—and the cooperation of the selkies who would provide safe and swift travel for thevessels.
“And what of Sole?” Prince Broken Nose of Arcainiaasked.
Firra and Donaigh shook their heads. “We are only mages and cannot promise anything,” Donaighsaid.
Can’t promise anything? From the way King Giuseppe acted when I last saw him, he’d sooner spit in someone’s eye than let any knights leave Sole.Angelique kept her expression placid, offering Donaigh a smile when he glanced in herdirection.
Severin flicked his eyes from his notes to the mages. “Do you believe, when they awaken, the royal family would be willing to give any sort ofaid?”
Firra hesitated, then shook her head. “Unless the situation radically changes, I don’t believe King Giuseppewill.”
Donaigh scowled. “Briarwould.”
Severin paused in his note-taking. “Who?”
“Briar Rose—Princess Rosalinda,” Firra said. “She is far more…open to such discussions, but she holds very little power at themoment.”
“It would be best, then, if we write off Sole entirely.” Colonel Friedrich ran his thumb on the lower edge of his eye patch. “If they send us anything, we may view it as aboon.”
Rider Nareena—the Farset representative who was also a distant relative of the King of Farset—tapped her long fingers on the table. “It’s a shame. What I wouldn’t give for a squadron of the Magic Knights of Sole to take on these rogue mages—or the likes ofRothbart.”
Angelique nodded and tried to ignore the way Severin’s gaze turned toher.
Emperor Yevgeniy straightened. “Perhaps we couldbarter?”
Donaigh shook his head, nearly dislodging his straw hat. “As long as Princess Rosalinda is in danger, King Giuseppe won’t be willing to send out any MagicKnights.”
Firra snorted and folded her arms across her chest. “Which is beside the point, as he’s not even awake to do sonow.”
There was a pregnant pause, and Severin’s intense gaze became impossible toignore.
Angelique sighed a little and gave into his wordless question. “Once the Summit is over, I will travel to Kozlovka with Emperor Yevgeniy to scout Rothbart,” she said. “When I have an understanding of the threat he poses, perhaps other magic users will join me in facinghim?”
Chapter 15
Angelique hadn’t fully givenup on the hope thatsomeonemight help her—particularly when facing public censure from nearly every country on thecontinent.
Investigating Rothbart is one thing, but facing him is an entirely different task. Come—you can’t possibly expect this from me!Angelique purposely looked from mage tomage.
“Of course,” Stil said. “I’ll get to work on some goods while you scout it out. By the time you’re back, I’ll have something to help you,” he offered.Again.
Angelique nodded and tried to stare down Finnr, Glaze, and a few othermages.
Donaigh narrowed his eyes for a split second, then completely transformed his face with a bright smile. “Icould—”
“No, you can’t,” Firra cut him off. “We have to get back to Sole forBriar.”
