Not surprising—they said as much in the meeting. And I’m just grateful she’s handlingCarabosso.
Donaigh nodded and fixed his straw hat with the innocence of the summer sky. However, given that today Angelique was seated next to them, she heard the scuffle under the table as Donaigh kickedFirra.
Angelique held her smile in place and again pointedly watched the othermages.
None of them would meet hergaze.
Sybilla—seated on Angelique’s other side—patted Angelique’s hand. “You’ll be fine,dearie.”
“Sybilla is correct.” Finnr’s voice was creaky—from disuse, perhaps. “You, out of all of us who are gifted with magic, shouldn’t have a problem offing asorcerer.”
Angelique stared at the GrandMaster Mage.So you take great pains to remind me I’m an apprentice, but you’re willing to send me off to attack a sorcerer. Your empathy is overwhelming.She raised her chin and refused to let her eyes burn with tears.Perhaps this is my own doing—because I spent so many years running around alone, it’s assumed I can surviveanything.
“I thank you for your help, Lady Enchantress,” Emperor Yevgeniy’s warm gratefulness broke the icy film of Angelique’s thoughts. “We will provide you with whatever resources you need to face Rothbart.” His smile was so big, it made his eyes little crescents, and Angelique could not miss the slight shake in hishands.
This is why I will look into the sorcerer instead of refusing out of spite. Because Kozlovka needs and deserves the help. Because Yevgeniy wants what is best for his people.Angelique thawed enough to smile and graciously tilt herhead.
However, I’m not going to let the other mages get away withthis.
Angelique raised her head again, her smile a little savage this time. “Very well. Since it seems that the other mages present will be otherwise occupied, I will attempt to face this Rothbart alone—unless I go to Kozlovka and learn he is beyond my abilities. But I find myself quiteeagerto hear what the rest of the mages will be doing to aid our efforts in themeantime.”
If they don’t want to help me, fine. But I will not tolerate a lack of activity anylonger.
Those outside the magical community must have heard the blatant challenge in her words, for Prince Broken Nose of Arcainia whistled lowly, and Princess Astra of Barissmirked.
Puss put his front paws on the table. “I would clap, if I hadhands.”
“I agree with the Lady Enchantress,” Colonel Friedrich of Erlauf charmingly smiled. “Whatareyou lot intending todo?”
The various mages shifteduncomfortably.
Angelique smiled sweetly at Finnr in particular. His stoic expression gave nothing away, but his gaze flickered from her face to the area around her. Her magic, cold and powerful, curled at her shoulders, but she didn’t care.If they’re not going to help me, they have no right to criticize how Iact.
“Donaigh and I could use assistance in Sole.” Firra smirked and drummed her fingers on thetabletop.
“And any craftmages are welcome to join me here in Chanceux as I work on enchanting items and equipment for use in the coming battles,” Stilsaid.
Glaze pressed her lips together. “I have some items I need to finish and ship to their buyers, but I can return to Chanceux afterwards.” She awkwardly cleared her throat and glanced at Severin, who was still taking notes. “I specialize in charming artisanal jewelry, but I can bespell sculptures, and a gem that is roughlycut.”
Severin nodded as hewrote.
“I can go wherever you need me.” Sano smiled. “I’d offer to stay here, but I have healing magic, so I imagine I’d be most useful with whatever troops are sniffing outgoblins.”
“Erlauf, I believe, is seeing the most combat.” Severin shifted his gaze to the one-eyed colonel. “Would you not agree, ColonelFriedrich?”
“We’d love a healer,” Friedrich said. “If the Conclave can spareyou?”
Sano swatted his hand. “I’m a Master Healer—which means I can’t be bossed around nearly as much as they would like. Thus, to Erlauf I shallgo!”
Sybilla nodded. “Very sensible. I, unfortunately, will be unavailable for a bit longer. I took on a few specific assignments that Ihopedwould give me an excuse to ferret out dark mages, but the rogues are nowhere to be found.” She slapped the table with her open palm and puffed her cheeks in her irritation. “I hope that—between all countries present—you might be able to get farther with your spies and thelike.”
Elle smiled widely. “That sounds doable—with somespecialhelp.”
Severin glared at her. “No.”
“When I finish these assignments, I’ll be free to aid you as needed,” Sybilla continued. “Though I would like to put in a recommendation that something is done to search for Lord Enchanter Evariste besides the committee the Veneno Conclavehas.”
Startled, Angelique turned to face Sybilla so quickly her chairsqueaked.
