“We’ll see about recruiting help from others,” he reluctantlysaid.
“Thank you,” Elle said. “As Colonel Friedrich said, whatever magical aid we receive will be a trueboon.”
Severin picked his papers up and tapped them on the table, shifting them into an organized pile. “We all agree, then, that remaining in contact and sharing resources is the best route?” Severinasked.
There were choruses of agreement from all therepresentatives.
Angelique almost slumped in her chair.I guess that’s the worst ofit.
She watched, amused, as frog-Lucien flopped over the side of the table, landing on his handler’slap.
But that means the Summit is almost over, and my next task will be to investigate Rothbart.The thought made her stomach sour.Despite Sybilla’s and Finnr’s belief that I can handle Rothbart, I think I will send word to Clovicus and ask for his help. It’s possible Rothbart is connected to the black mages. Or this nameless enemy ofours.
* * *
“The stained-glass skylightsare simply stunning in this hall, Madame Elle.” Princess Astra of Baris peered up with her praise, gesturing to the beautiful flower-themedskylights.
Directly above them was a stained-glass rendition of red roses unfurling on a background of blue, with bright green thorns jutting out from their stems, and pink hearts curled around thecorners.
“Indeed,” Angelique added. “I believe this rose one might be myfavorite.”
Elle laughed. “I shall endeavor to tell Severin—it’s quite new, actually. He had to replace it since I fell through the original the night he metme.”
Angelique—knowing the prince and the ex-Ranger’s love story—nodded inunderstanding.
Astra, lacking that knowledge, rapidly blinked. “I beg yourpardon?”
Elle’s green eyes glowed with mischievousness. “I was on the roof and—like a regular dolt—misjudged a jump and fell through the skylight. I broke my leg and was stuck here for months, but at least I got Severin for all mytroubles!”
“Are roofs common locations for you to explore?” Astraasked.
Elle started to deny, but Angelique cut in. “I imagine so—if Severin doesn’t catchher.”
“That is perhaps, or to say, quite…perhaps even most certainly, true,” Elleconfessed.
Astra nodded, a genteel expression of interest. “Have you undergone special training? I must confess I never thought of becoming learned in the art of roof climbing—something I am starting to regretnow.”
Elle’s smile grew. “It’sfun,” she said. “Chanceux has the perfect roof for climbing—I can take you up before you leave if youlike.”
“I would certainly appreciate a demonstration,” Astrasaid.
Angelique took a step back, smiling when neither of the seemingly fierce women noticed, then ambledaway.
The Summit had paused for a much-needed break of afternoon tea, giving all the representatives a pause from the rather grimtalk.
A quick scan of the room—which Elle had informed her was called the Little Hall, even though there was nothing little about it—and Angelique espied Stil and Gemma at the other side of the room, seated at their tea table with Queen Linnea ofVerglas.
Sybilla and Donaigh were two tables over, speaking with Prince Severin—who deftly stirred his porcelain teacup with a tiny silver spoon. Gabrielle and Puss were seated with the Ringsted representatives. (Gabrielle had brought Dylan, the selkie princess, a punch bowl of blueberries from her original table, forging a friendship between thetwo.)
Angelique’s table—covered with a lace tablecloth and a vase of fresh flowers—was deserted, to herrelief.
She sat down in her chair and poured more black tea from a white porcelain teapot with a flower motif into her matchingcup.
I’ve enjoyed speaking with the royals—and seeing them when they arenotfighting for their lives in some form or another—but being able to savor silence is nice,too.
She added a little sugar and cream to her tea before swiping a fewmacrons.
As soon as she did so, a maid in a perfectly pressed uniform swooped in to replace the temptingtreats.
