hesitated, then added. “I apologize. I didn’t need to drop this all on you. It’s my responsibility.”
Angelique met the princess’s eyes. Her gaze was steady, but apologetic. She wasn’t asking for help.
But…I need to give it to her.
Chapter 18
Angelique’s soul howled. She was so close to finding Evariste!
I can’t ignore this, though. If Princess Snow White hadn’t fled Hurra, she could have kicked off a civil war between her grandfather and whatever has Queen Faina. And what are the chances that’s what the Chosen want?
Angelique rubbed her face and groaned.
But, Evariste! I’m so close—why now, of all times?
Angelique wanted to either cry or kick a tree. Both seemed appropriate. She was pausing her plans—again! Her search for Evariste was being pushed back—again! Unless…
Faina and all of the trouble is in Juwel, where Evariste might be. The Chosen are too crafty for that to be a coincidence. If there are black mages in Juwel harming the queen, it’s possible Evariste and his mirror are being kept with them. That means in helping the princess, I may have a better chance at uncovering what the Chosen are doing in Mullberg.
Angelique peered up at the dark canopy of tree branches that stretched high above them.
It was settled. She would help the princess. It wasn’t really giving up on Evariste—it was approaching the battle from a different angle...admittedly an angle that was a little more royal than she’d like, but working with Snow White would mean she’d have a much easier time getting into the palace to investigate.
“The Seven Warriors have been angry with stepmother because they thought we weren’t doing enough to counter the monster attacks,” the Princess continued, the tone of her voice growing tight with nerves. “But if I can convince them that Stepmother is in danger, I think they’ll be more likely to help me since they already believe something is wrong with Mullberg. I came here searching for them…though I haven’t found their home yet.”
They must be the residents of that quaint little cottage Pegasus and I saw earlier.
“Hmm.” Angelique only half listened as she mentally rearranged her plans, making them as strategic as possible.
I’ll need to tell Severin that my plans changed and inform the alliance of the trouble in Mullberg. We thought they were fine because the Veneno Conclave is here, but perhaps that is why the Chosen have taken their time in enacting their plans?
“Of the Seven Warriors, a number of them are nobility, which means they have influence that could be used politically to convince other nobles of Faina’s innocence as well,” Snow White continued.
“Mmhmm.” Angelique rested her hand on her satchel, idly wondering if she should sneak away from Snow White for a moment to inform Severin or wait until after meeting the Seven Warriors. Because she was not telling Snow White her true identity—princess or not.
There’d be no hiding her rank as enchantress once the truth came out, and since the Chosen were skulking around, she didn’t want them preparing for her.
But as Angelique mulled over the matter, she saw the darkness behind Snow White stir.
Her eyes threatened to pop out of her skull as, slowly, the shadows took shape—grew stars, in fact—and Pegasus stepped out of the forest and stood directly behind Snow White.
Angelique’s mouth dropped open.
That cheeky nag! After I just concluded I shouldn’t say who I am, he’s going to blow it for me!
She cranked her neck to the side, indicating the constellation should retreat deeper into the forest—away from Snow White.
Pegasus stared at her with his unfathomable eyes and swished his glowing tail.
Angelique did her best to promise suffering, gnashing of teeth, and a distinct lack of treats and brush sessions through the bulging of her eyes.
Pegasus stretched his neck out, his muzzle inching closer and closer to the oblivious Snow White.
“Those warriors of yours,” Angelique hastily said, trying to keep Snow White’s attention so she didn’t notice the magical being looming behind her. “There’re seven of them, you say?”
Snow White stood a little straighter and raised her chin—even though it trembled ever so slightly. “Yes.”
“All males?”
“To my knowledge, yes.”
Angelique couldn’t help the now deeply-rooted suspicions she’d likely carry for the rest of her life. “They aren’t cursed, are they?”
She flicked her eyes to the space behind the princess, then leaped forward and put her hands on Snow White’s shoulders, pulling the princess a step forward, so closely missing Pegasus’ muzzle that the gelding almost brushed the braid of her hair.
“…No,” Snow White said.
Angelique exhaled in relief. “Good—we avoided