back to Severin’s image. “But that wasn’t why I wanted to speak to you.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. Snow White is sending a message to the Veneno Conclave, telling them all that has happened, and her suspicions that a rogue mage is controlling Faina.” Angelique gnawed on her lip. “I haven’t told Snow White or the Seven Warriors about the spell that warded the constructs against me. Or that the other mage attacked me.”
“Do you not trust them?”
“No, I trust them. Snow White in particular is incredibly intelligent—she’d understand what all of that meant. The problem is that I’m all too aware they have no idea how bad things really are. I’ve tried to explain it, but I don’t think they can comprehend it. Mullberg has been isolated in its problems; Snow White didn’t even find the invitation to the Summit until recently.”
“And in their ignorance, they might make a mistake,” Severin said.
“In their ignorance, they might trust in the Veneno Conclave—who act ineffective at best and unhelpful at worst, given how they lost Carabosso.” Angelique clenched her jaw. She was still angry about that blatant misstep and example of just how ill-prepared the Conclave would be for the magical war that was swiftly bearing down on them.
Severin shifted, slightly changing the view of his hand mirror so Angelique could see stone pillars behind him—for once he wasn’t in a tent. “I wouldn’t say their ignorance is surprising. Although the Veneno Conclave officially states there is no favoritism among countries, it would be impossible for any organization to be entirely neutral when that country’s government provides supplies and grants them land rights. The Conclave’s presence in Mullberg has perks. Many of which I imagine the average Mullberg citizen assumes is the same for all people of the continent.”
“You don’t think it’s wrong to keep it from them?”
Severin rested his chin on his fist. “It’s a tricky position. Strategically I’d say you’re correct, but you seem fond of Princess Snow White. I can’t imagine it delights you to keep such information from her.”
“No.” Angelique sighed. “But in this case, I think I need to remain hidden. There is too much riding on this. Evariste is…” She trailed off…half afraid to voice her hopes.
“If the princess is half as intelligent as she is rumored to be, she will understand and respect your decision,” Severin said.
Angelique grimaced. “Yes, it’s actually her kind disposition—not her intelligence—that makes me feel horrible about it. She’s too dratted sweet, despite her terrible circumstances.”
“How horrible of her.”
“Exactly!”
Severin slightly shook his head. “If it will ease your guilt, I can send an envoy north to make contact with Snow White—to try and explain to her just how dire the situation is.”
Angelique relaxed. “That would help, actually. I think we’re going to march on Juwel in a week or two. Snow White is pretty emphatic that we must move now, or her grandfather will make a move and attack Queen Faina. I doubt your envoy could arrive before then, but I’d appreciate having another source besides me try to explain.”
“It may very well be that after Snow White witnesses the darkness of this black mage herself, she won’t at all question your actions,” Severin pointed out.
Angelique drew her knees closer to her chest. “Probably,” she slowly agreed.
From what I’ve seen of Snow White—her kindness, keen observations, and sharp intelligence, it’s improbable she’d react any other way. But in the past, there have been so many angry with me…
Angelique frowned and sat up straighter. But those were all mages—magic users. Snow White is my friend.
“Regardless, it’d probably be wise to specifically reach out to Snow White. After all of this, I imagine she’ll be very keen to join the alliance,” Angelique said.
“What are you doing, Angel?”
Angelique choked on air when she saw Aldelbert peering through one of the wretchedly open windows (how could the warriors care about the smell of garlic and onions when their loft reeked)?
The blonde-haired lord craned his neck so he could fit more of his skull inside. “Oh—you’re talking to a mirror. I do that, too. It’s another way to practice affirmations of my greatness outside my Glory-Intensifying-Stretches!”
Angelique stared at Aldelbert, speechless at his stupidity.
“As important as mirrors are, I have been sent to summon you. Fritz is about to leave.” Aldelbert yanked his head out of the window. “Oi, Fritz! Are you heading in to say your temporary farewells to Angel?”
Angelique scrambled to her feet. “Thanks for the advice, Severin—and for the envoy. I’ll contact you later.”
“Understood.”
Angelique cut the spell