Trial of Magic (The Fairy Tale Enchantress #4) - K. M. Shea Page 0,108

the cold while Elle continued hacking at her hair.

To complete her disguise, she had a pair of boots—also too large for her and with a low heel, to keep her height down as much as possible.

Elle had spent almost all morning putting the ensemble together as she dug through saddle bags after their ride to Luster Forest.

Rather than camp out in the field—for everyone to see—or travel to Hurra and practically announce to everyone within a day’s ride that there were elves in Mullberg, the party had elected to ride to Luster Forest.

The forest sat between Hurra and Juwel (though slightly to the east) and sprawled over acres and acres of land, making it an ideal spot to hide tree-happy elves until they left.

“Thank you—for your help in all of this,” Angelique said. “I couldn’t have created such a convincing cover on my own.”

Elle brushed hair off Angelique’s shoulders. “I’m glad my hobbies have come in handy.” She ignored Angelique’s snort of disbelief and circled around in front of her. “But are you really going to be fine on your own?”

“Yes,” Angelique said with a sureness she felt in her bones. “This is within my abilities.”

Elle snipped another lock of Angelique’s hair. “I could ask Lucien to send some rangers when I return to Loire,” she offered.

Angelique shook her head. “Thank you, but it’s not yet necessary. Once I find out more information—hopefully where they are keeping Evariste, or at least narrow it down to the city block they’ve got him in—I will reach out with the magic mirror and ask for help. I’ll better know what I’m facing then and whether rangers, elves, or mages will be the most appropriate back up.”

“I understand.” Elle set her hands on Angelique’s shoulders and squeezed them. “But be careful. And don’t hesitate to ask for backup—please.”

Angelique laughed. “You have nothing to worry about. I am too vested in the outcome of this venture. I’m not going to do anything to jeopardize it.”

Elle pressed her lips together, then nodded and backed up. “I believe you. Be careful.” She blinked, and her serious expression was swapped for a bright grin. “And I believe you are ready—Angel, the herb wizard’s apprentice!”

Angelique stood and brushed her clothes off before eagerly settling her cloak on her shoulders. It was late in the afternoon, but even though spring poked through the snow here and there, the evenings were still icy. “Thank you. Let’s show Quinn your handywork. I expect Emerys will have a commentary, too, however unwelcome it may be.” Angelique pointed herself in the direction of the mounts—the elves’ horses in their bright tack were more visible than the elves in the dense forest.

“Wait, your bag!” Elle swiped up Angelique’s enchanted satchel and passed it over to Angelique.

While Angelique had changed clothes, Elle had bullied several of the elves into finding herbs in both the wild and among their supplies.

Because apparently the elves were so enthusiastic about plant life they traveled with fresh herbs.

In winter!

Angelique shook her head as she studied the foreign sprigs of herbs that hung from her satchel, secured by bits of string. Elves. “Thank you.”

“And here’s this.” Elle passed over a gold coin. “Stil made it for you. It should make your features a little less pronounced—it’ll plump up your cheeks, make your face a little more heart-shaped, that sort of thing. He said you have to keep it on you, though. There’s an inner pocket of your tunic you can store it in.”

Angelique felt the minor charm activate when she rubbed her thumb across it. It sank into her skin as she found the pocket Elle had mentioned and secured the gold coin there.

“Excellent. Please pass my thanks along to Stil.”

“Of course! He’ll be glad you could use it. Now, let’s find Quinn!”

Angelique slipped her satchel’s strap over her shoulder, then followed Elle to the elven horses.

Quinn was there—securing a bag to Fluffy and helping the elves tear down the camp they’d established to cook lunch. (They’d brought out the herbs at lunch time when creating the best meal Angelique had eaten since she’d left Loire.)

Quinn laughed when she saw Angelique. “It’s perfect! It really is a transformation—and I’d had my doubts. I didn’t think anyone as regal as Angelique could look so…”

“Disheveled?” Emerys suggested as he strolled around Pookie and joined Quinn, placing his arm around her waist.

Angelique plucked at the extra fabric of her tunic. “It is an excellent disguise—even more convincing than if I were to pose as a