here to meet with Emerys and the humans stranded here. Will you join us?”
A sigh leaked out of Angelique, and she glumly stared at her teacup. I’ve wandered into another catastrophe when I was hoping to get help. Instead, this is going to be like every other season that has passed since Evariste was taken, and I will end up having to put my search for Evariste aside in order to help the continent.
That Evariste would approve of such priorities didn’t make the knowledge any easier.
“You should stay here for a few days at the minimum, Angelique,” Themerysaldi said, being thoughtful and perhaps even kind to Angelique for the first time in his life. “You look awful,” he sincerely added.
Ahhh, yes, there we go.
“How your kind words warm me,” Angelique snarled. “You just want me around because you’re hoping I can help.”
“You’re an enchantress,” Themerysaldi said.
“In training!” Angelique shot back.
“That’s a load of bosh. You could have become one years ago based on your power alone.”
Angelique narrowed her eyes to small slits as she glared at the Elf King. Why does Evariste like him? He’s insufferable! I mean, I understand that Evariste is gracious and kind to a fault, but he should have his limits!
Quinn, proving her saint-like qualities once more—set a hand on the bossy elf’s arm. “Don’t push her.”
Themerysaldi maneuvered his arm so he held Quinn’s hand, then he pointedly faced his mask at Angelique.
Not at all in the mood to play, Angelique scowled. “What do you want?”
Themerysaldi pointedly looked down at his hand holding Quinn’s.
Ugh. I forgot—he’s completely taken with her. Of course. Goblins stand on your border but forget that—let’s fall in love! I swear, for being an elf, he lacks a lot of their wisdom.
Angelique rested her chin on her fist and didn’t care if she looked like a scowling grandmother. “Am I supposed to approve of your relationship in Lord Enchanter Evariste’s absence? Congratulations, you’re very—very—lucky she’s willing to put up with you.”
Quinn’s eyes nearly popped out of her head, showing that the Elf King was not so lucky that the object of his affection was also insane enough to prioritize romance in a time of dire need.
Good for her!
“W-what?” Quinn stammered.
Themerysaldi puffed up like a cat. “T-that’s not what I meant!” He swiveled to glance at Quinn and judge her reaction.
Hah! Embarrassed is he? Good. He deserves it.
“Oh, you’re still in that stage where neither of you have confessed yet. How cute,” Angelique rolled her eyes and sipped her tea—even cool, it still tasted delicious. “If I didn’t know better, I would swear there was some kind of love blessing on this generation. Everyone is getting married and falling in love in situations that, frankly, I don’t think are at all romantic—much less logical!”
Themerysaldi leaned over and whispered to Quinn, “Angelique has never had any special feelings for anyone.”
Angelique ignored his stupid observation and continued to ramble. “Who has time to flirt and giggle when you’re running for your life?”
“It always made me feel sorry for Evariste,” Themerysaldi said. “Poor man constantly tried to convince her romantic love was a valid and special thing.”
Angelique scowled into her teacup and vaguely wondered if there was anyone responsible for the mass amount of twitterpation that had struck. If so, she’d like to have a word with them. Several strong words. “I swear, if I have to deal with one more curse that involves true love, I’m going to scream.”
“I see…” Quinn blushed deeply at the Elf King, then awkwardly turned her attention to Angelique. “So, Angelique, will you help us?”
Feeling like she was a hundred years old, Angelique sighed and set her teacup down. “I’ll remain in the area. It seems like the elves and the twelve princesses of Farset are the last hold-outs of curses—at this moment. Every other country has resolved its issues and is now working with Prince Severin and Prince Lucien to shore up their defenses. As long as I am here, I will provide support to the Farset army and fight with them.”
“Thank you, Angelique,” Themerysaldi said with a shocking amount of sincerity.
“I’m not using my core magic,” Angelique warned.
“Just being here is enough.”
Quinn shifted in her armchair. “If you’ll excuse me asking, but what do you mean by core magic?”
“Most mages have one specific kind of magic they can use and specialize in.” Angelique sat up straighter in her chair. “It’s called their core magic because it is where their strength lies and is considered—to a certain extent—a reflection