stands.”
Angelique peered at Evariste’s chest and subtly tried to sense her disobedient, wayward magic. “Oh, really?”
Evariste laughed. “It’s not a naughty child you need to scold, Angel.”
“Yes, but…that is to say…how is this possible?” she finally asked. “It goes against everything we know about magic.”
Evariste squeezed her hand. “I suspect it might have something to do with your powers.”
Angelique shook her head. “I don’t think so. My magic is too…well…pointy. It’s not the assuring type.”
“I found it assuring.” Evariste stared out at the courtyard. “On numerous occasions.”
The dreams. He’s referring to the dreams. Now I’ll finally get my answers, and I’ll have a chance to set myself straight.
“Yes, I’m ashamed to say it took me months to learn the time we connected in my dreams was real. What…” she paused, not knowing how to phrase everything she wanted to say.
“What was the reason for our connection? I’m not sure,” Evariste said. “It certainly wasn’t my magic. I’d say it perhaps had something to do with my being in a mirror, but I was in two.”
Angelique pressed her lips together. That felt…evasive.
“Regardless, I have to apologize. You told me about Acri and Liliane, and until recently, I did nothing with that information.”
There, that should give him the chance to clear the situation up!
A muscle twitched in Evariste’s cheek. “There’s absolutely nothing to apologize for, Angel. How would you know it was real? But perhaps we should insult Clovicus about our various connections.”
Yes, he’s purposely evading the topic. Or was it really nothing after all so his near closeness was just my own awkward interpretation of the situation and he’s avoiding it out of thoughtfulness? But…he drew SO close to me!
Regardless, Angelique’s will to push the subject faltered in the face of Evariste’s obvious refusal. “Oh?” She weakly asked when she could think of nothing more to say.
“Whether your lingering magic is something special about your powers or some other reason, it would be useful to know,” Evariste said.
Angelique nodded, her innards a knot of emotions, and silence fell over the pair.
They watched as the sky gradually faded to a deep red before it was invaded by the velvety blue of night. By the time Rupert, Aldelbert, Oswald and his cart-pulling mare left the courtyard, Angelique had calmed enough to appreciate the night.
Even if Evariste wasn’t answering her, she recognized the moment as something quiet and beautiful.
It was very different from the times she’d sat with Quinn, Elle, Gabrielle, and Puss, gathered around a fireplace or fire of some sort and laughing together. Those had been occasions that warmed Angelique and made her heart feel lighter.
This time with Evariste was…restful. It was like finally coming home. Even if she’d changed, and his experience in the mirror had changed him, Evariste was still Evariste.
Eventually we’ll talk about those dreams. I’m just glad to have him back.
Angelique stifled a yawn and tried to discreetly fidget so she changed positions—her feet were starting to hurt from standing still in her oversized boots for so long, but she didn’t want Evariste thinking they needed to leave.
Regardless, he must have noticed anyway. Evariste pulled his hand from hers so he could rest his arm on top of her shoulders. “We should go in.”
“It’s fine,” Angelique said. “I imagine you crave the outdoors.”
“I crave any different sensation at this point,” Evariste said. “Going indoors won’t be a trial.”
“I see.” Angelique tried not to eyeball him.
She hadn’t seen him in so long. She’d thought she hadn’t forgotten him, but there were things about him she hadn’t noticed before—the way he set his jaw, how even if he was standing still, he sometimes moved his fingers.
There is danger here…
“Regardless of how the mirror kept you, we should get you some food,” Angelique abruptly decided.
“I do recall the princess saying there would be a celebration this evening.”
Angelique squinted suspiciously at him. “Do you really want to go to a noisy celebration already?”
“If we go, will you still feel the need to carry around a clutch of weapons?” Evariste asked.
Angelique glanced at her wooden bucket of pointy things. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“You deserve to rest.” He gently brushed his thumb across her cheekbone, his fingers soft and caressing. “I can see how the years have worn on you. If we are surrounded by soldiers and the princess’s guards, will you still feel the need to be so vigilant? Or will you relax?”
Angelique tipped her head as she thought. I don’t know that I’ll be able to relax again until I