“Thank you. It’s very kind of you,” she said, grinning broadly.
He nodded at the food. “Eat.”
She selected a plump fig. It was sweet like honey.
“Elizabeth—”
“Yes?” she asked, turning to look at him and covering her mouth still full of fig.
Ambriel had a sweep of blond hair and the palest blue eyes she had ever seen. His square jaw was clean-shaven, and his nose was long and slender. He looked like the fair side to Caspian’s dark coin. She glanced at the snowy white wings tucked behind him.
“I hope you come into your power swiftly,” Ambriel said, looking off into the distance. “I have the sense that we do not have the luxury of time.”
She blinked. “What do you mean?”
His wings flexed behind him as his shoulders shifted. “The war of men approaches. I must find the amulet before it’s too late.” He gave a long exhale. “I worry that when war comes, my angel brothers and sisters will look to me for guidance, and I will not be able to offer it.” He paused and smiled. “Forgive me, these are my troubles, not yours.”
Elizabeth hesitated. Guilt ate at her. “Er. I’m sure you’ll find it.”
Hopefully, someone else will help, and I’ll never have to be a part of any of this. This was a war for demons, angels, and witches to sort out—not me.
Ambriel nodded, smoothing his white robes over his lap. “Perhaps I just needed to find you,” the angel said, smiling warmly. “Maybe you’ll happen upon it by accident and find the amulet hidden in the forest on one of your rides, then all our problems will be over.”
Elizabeth took another fig and forced a laugh. “I hardly think we’re going to find the amulet just lying on the forest floor, but I appreciate the optimism.”
“You would know best, lady from the prophecy,” Ambriel said, inclining his head to her.
She laughed again, genuinely this time. “I don’t think so.” She smeared a bit of soft cheese on a piece of bread and took a bite. “I hope you find the portal, but sometimes, I feel like the prophecy might have been mistaken. Surely there’s someone else better suited.”
Ambriel leaned forward, his eyes sincere. “You are stronger than you know.”
Elizabeth looked away. “Er. Right.”
Silence stretched between them.
She had a couple more pieces of bread and cheese while Ambriel gazed out at the lagoon, seemingly uninterested in the food he’d brought. He seemed content to say nothing and sat cross-legged on the rock.
“I have hardly a drop of magic,” she found herself saying. “If your prophecydidchoose me, I fear it made the worst choice possible.”
Ambriel frowned and turned towards her, tilting his head. “But I saw your magic. It is no meager gift,” he said. She scoffed at that. He added more seriously, “Truly. I can teach you more about your magic, if you wish.”
She sighed. “I already have a teacher, it’s just—my magic just doesn’t seem towantto work.” She paused. “Or I have very little of it to begin with.”
Ambriel smiled. “Then, when you leave the demon’s castle, I will mentor you. Magic is something that I know, and I will help you if I can.”
She had another fig, tearing the green skin to expose its pink flesh. It tasted like berries and honey on her tongue. It was nice to hear the angel speak of hermagic as if it were something grand, something worthwhile. Ambriel’s teaching methods would be a welcome break from Nasera’s snarky comments, at any rate. “I’d like that.”
Ambriel leaned in. He smelled of fresh linen and rainwater. “We will help each other. I will teach you more about the history of our world and of magic, and you can help me look for the amulet—if that is agreeable to you.”
She smiled warmly. “That sounds perfect.”
“How are you doing with your plot to finance yourself a home?”
“Not too bad. I’ve just about reached my goal,” she said, pleased that he’d remembered.
Ambriel nodded. “Good. I’ve helped you from afar. I’ve already tried to help your investments and ease your path. Before she saw you, I warmed the dressmaker to the idea of buying new styles of gowns. I can continue to help you in this regard.”
Elizabeth whipped her head towards him, surprised. She had assumed it was her own cunning and careful planning that had eased her path, but apparently it had been the angel. It had taken time and effort. For every person who wanted to buy from her, several told her off for even asking. Apparently, her sense of accomplishment had been misplaced.
