of a healing spell.
Bridget snorted like a horse. “She’s doing more than quite well. I almost felt the need to cleanse my eyes when I innocently entered the room to find Quinn and the king of the elves passionately kissing—”
“The Lady Enchantress doesn’t need to hear about that!” Quinn turned bright red and sank back in the plump pillows surrounding her.
Angelique laughed at the interchange as she layered the spell into Quinn’s shoulder. “He officially confessed, did he? And you love him in return, I take it?”
Quinn reflexively reached for her waist—probably to rest her fingers on a belt that wasn’t there. “I—yes,” she stammered. “Very much so.”
“In that case congratulations are in order,” Angelique said. “Emerys couldn’t have found a better bride—and future queen!”
Quinn made a strangled noise, but Bridget laughed openly, planting her feet wide so she could drop her head back and project it into the tall ceiling.
Angelique listened with amusement as she worked on the last bit of the healing spell.
I can’t say I think Emerys deserves her—Quinn is too good and kind and heroic while he’s sharp-mouthed, bad tempered, and blood-thirsty at times.
Again the nagging sensation nudged her mind that Angelique was quite similar to the prickly king—and based on their short acquaintance, it would seem Quinn was a great deal like Evariste.
Maybe that’s why I think he doesn’t deserve her. Just as I don’t deserve—
Angelique firmly shut the door on that ridiculous thought and hurriedly finished off the healing spell, giving her the opportunity to step back. “There. You’ll be set.”
“Thank you, Angelique.” Quinn awkwardly maneuvered her neck so she could peer down at the wound before she readjusted the collar of her tunic so it settled straight on her shoulders. “I appreciate the extra boost. It will mean I am ready that much more quickly to join you on your search.”
Angelique blinked, completely lost. “Sorry—what?”
“The search for your master.” Quinn slowly rolled her shoulders back, testing her arm. “I’m aware you’ll want to leave as quickly as possible. I shall do my best to prepare with all speed.”
Confusion buzzed in Angelique’s mind. “Pardon?”
“I wish I could come with.” Bridget scowled and planted her hands on her hips. “But as the Red Rider, I can’t leave Farset.”
“Even your brave horses wouldn’t be able to keep up with Angelique’s mount,” Quinn said. “I shall have to ask Emerys if I may borrow one of his mounts—Fluffy could almost keep up with Pegasus. But I’m unsure if he’d be willing to leave Emerys.” Quinn frowned and thoughtfully tapped her chin.
“Wait, you really mean it?” Angelique asked.
“About Fluffy? Yes. He’s quite intimidating.” Quinn nodded to her sister. “He is a strange creature that is almost like a large stag crossed with a horse, but covered in fur similar to a wolf. A bit unnerving, but beautiful.”
“No, no, no—I wasn’t asking about Fluffy. You’re really willing to come with me?” Angelique asked.
Chapter 8
Quinn turned her grave eyes onto Angelique. “I thought we already discussed this.”
“Yes, but Emerys wants to marry you!”
“And he will wait until I see my promise through.”
Angelique stared at Quinn and didn’t know quite what to say.
Quinn slightly tilted her head. “I’d already assured you I wouldn’t go back on my word.”
“It’s not that I thought you were making empty promises—I believed that you want to help me, which is more than anyone has done in a long while for me.” Angelique wrung her hands as she struggled to find the words. “It’s just…there’s so much going on. I imagined your priorities would have to shift given the repercussions.”
Quinn relaxed and settled back into her pillows. “I gave you my word—and your troubles should be a priority. As for all the repercussions, I won’t pretend there’s not work to be done. Emerys will need to connect with his generals and troops, and the Farset government will have to adjust to all the missing officials and warriors returning now that the princesses’ curse is broken. But that is why it is important to work together. It’s like my band.”
Feeling stupidly shy, Angelique sat down on the edge of Quinn’s bed. “What do you mean?”
“The Farset army is divided up into bands, and to us soldiers, our bandmates become family. We depend upon one another, and we work together to accomplish what a single soldier cannot. I will go with you to search and help you, while people like Bridget remain in Farset to guard it, and Emerys leaves to reclaim his warriors. It’s the best plan