face.
Snow White…she…
Despite Angelique’s jaded thoughts about the princess’s budding romance, Snow White was being forced to face some of her worst fears in her campaign to save her stepmother. She’d lived a royal life, and now she was staying in a cottage, helping with chores, and forcing herself to speak and bargain with veritable strangers.
And yet she still concerned herself with Angelique’s situation.
“You’re amazing, you know?” Angelique abruptly volunteered. “Mullberg is incredibly lucky to have a princess like you—one that truly cares about her people and remembers their grievances.”
Snow White smiled a little. “I’m not nearly as good as you think. You are helping me, after all. Isn’t it prudent that I ask after my own allies?”
“Except I’m just an herb wizard’s apprentice.”
“Why would that matter?”
Angelique laughed and slung an arm over Snow White’s shoulders—just as she would have to Quinn, Elle, or Gabrielle. “The fact that you even have to ask that is just another example of why Mullberg is going to be better off having you as a queen. Your intelligence will surely make this place flourish, but it’s your kindness that your citizens will treasure.”
Snow White set her lips in a half frown that said she didn’t quite believe her. “It is a nice thing for you to say. But I’m still concerned for you—and for the matter of finding your master. It can’t be easy.”
“It’s not.” Angelique tucked her letter into her sleeves. “But I’m done crying about it. I’ve decided I’m going to free him—no matter what.”
Angelique grimly stared at the fire, her vow echoing in her heart.
When we march on Juwel and breech Glitzern Palace with the Mullberg lords and their forces, I’ll be ready. I’m going to find him—no matter how much of my power I have to use.
“You still haven’t given me your master’s name,” Snow White said, breaking Angelique’s gray mood.
“Later,” Angelique said, intending to do no such thing—at least, not until she finally told Snow White who she was. “For now, we should think of happier things. Maybe we should join your warriors playing Glockshaus.”
Previously, I never really planned to tell her until it was inevitable—hopefully well after I was gone. But now…she’s my friend. I want her to know.
Snow White stood and brushed her skirts off. “It’s also called House of Fortune.”
Angelique rolled to her feet. “You mean it’s a real game?”
“Of course. Glockshaus was created here in Mullberg. I can teach you the rules, if you like?”
“Please do. I’m not certain Oswald or Rupert would correctly teach me because they are competitive and petty.”
“I heard that, herb wizard!”
“You were meant to!”
Five days after Angelique successfully tracked Evariste’s position, the compulsive impatience of her discovery was starting to settle down.
She’d performed the spell several times since sending her letter to Stil, but each time, when she felt the unforgiving cold of whatever force held Evariste captive, she cut off the spell rather than risk detection.
I think I can at least be certain they haven’t moved him.
“Thank you, Angel.” Snow White smiled as she descended the rickety cottage stairs, dressed in a blue, velvet gown Angelique had dug out of her magical satchel to lend to the princess. It was of Mullberg style with a yellow kirtle and yellow ribbing at the shoulders and elbows.
It had been a little awkward to make the offer, but given that Snow White had worn the same dress every day since Angelique met her, she wasn’t too surprised when the princess accepted the gown.
Snow White grasped the warm material of her skirt and lifted it slightly. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am.”
It’s a lucky thing I had to buy that dress for one of our breaking-and-entering escapades. It came in handy when establishing our cover as rich ladies with coin to spare so the Chosen guards weren’t suspicious when we bought them nearly endless drinks.
Angelique winked. “Of course! I’m happy to help since we’re friends now!”
A slight arch to Snow White’s eyebrows gave her a wry look. “Is that why you didn’t offer this the night we broke in here and instead suggested I wear the warrior’s clothes?”
“Oh, that!” Angelique grinned unrepentantly. “That was for the fun of it. You had these great big moon eyes that seemed to get bigger with everything I suggested. I was wondering how much I could make them bulge. Besides, I trust you more, now.”
Snow White, generous soul that she was, didn’t comment on Angelique’s conduct. “I see.” She approached a window and push open a