Trial of Magic (The Fairy Tale Enchantress #4) - K. M. Shea Page 0,233

be the Conclave.

The building was still standing, but all operations had been moved to other buildings due to worries of listening spells, charms, and traps. Angelique studied the building—and the school in the adjoining structure—with a frown.

The sad thing is we have found listening spells and the like. It isn’t safe to work in—especially since Evariste’s portal collapsed. There’s a real possibility black magic is hidden somewhere within it—or the school.

Clovicus, as if he could read her thoughts, squinted up at the beautiful building. “I still don’t like that we’re holding this meeting so close to this building.” The sun was starting to sink on the horizon, casting a golden haze over everything, which made his red hair more of a golden color.

Sybilla plucked at the puffy sleeves of her powder-blue dress. “There are several grandmaster war mages on standby casting defense spells to keep anyone from overhearing.” She glanced at Angelique and smiled. “Besides…something tells me the Princess’s idea means we won’t be here long.”

Clovicus frowned. “What is that supposed to mean?”

Sybilla laughed airily. “Nothing!”

Angelique turned around, and her heart raced in her throat when she realized Evariste wasn’t at her back as he’d been a minute ago.

“Evariste?” There was panic in her voice, but she didn’t care who heard it. “Evariste?”

“I’m right here, Angel.”

A warm hand took hers, tugging Angelique around to the front.

Her shoulders drooped with relief when she saw Evariste rubbing her hand. “Sorry,” she muttered in embarrassment. “It’s just…I…”

Evariste leaned slightly over her, stopping when their foreheads nearly brushed. “I understand. And you have no idea how much I appreciate it.” He smiled—a real one that made his eyes crinkle and seemed to burn from his soul outward.

His smile is coming faster and easier. We’re in a terrible spot, but he’s doing better.

Angelique returned the grin, probably looking like an idiot. But if Evariste wasn’t going to fuss about her panic, she was content to let him placate her.

Clovicus’ face appeared about a hand’s-width away, and he shifted his gaze from Angelique to Evariste. “Time makes the heart grow fonder, hmm?”

Evariste straightened up and raised an eyebrow at the Lord Enchanter. “What do you want?”

“Testy, are we? I wouldn’t have to interrupt your little moments if you had them in more appropriate places—like not on a veranda in front of the majority of mages waiting to hear about their impending future, hmmm?” Clovicus nudged Evariste. “But, as it is, you did. So scoot down. There’s not much room here, and Princess Snow White is about to arrive to make her announcement.”

Evariste—still holding Angelique’s hand—moved farther down the veranda. When Clovicus moved to step between them, Evariste let go of Angelique, then bodily steered Clovicus so he stood on Angelique’s other side, and they were lined up in a neat row.

“Hm. Cheeky,” Clovicus said.

Angelique tried to shift so she wasn’t crowding Evariste quite so much, but the veranda—which was more of a balcony—didn’t provide much space, so she settled in with her arm brushing his. “I don’t understand what that was about,” she said to Lord Enchanter Clovicus.

“That’s because you have too much logic and reason,” Clovicus said.

“I’m sorry?”

“Don’t be—it’s hilarious. Though I suppose by the end of it, I will feel sorry for him.” Clovicus winked, then turned to speak to Sybilla on his other side.

Feeling bewildered, Angelique shifted her gaze to Evariste.

“Ignore him,” Evariste said. “He’s getting old and senile.”

Sybilla sharply elbowed Clovicus for something he said before she stepped up to the edge of the balcony. She held a jewel that seemed to have a charm from a craftmage cast on it, cleared her throat, and then spoke in a booming voice that was a great deal louder than usual. “Thank you for attending this gathering. In light of recent events, it’s been made obvious to us that we require a method to make certain that those of us here are indeed loyal to the true vow of the Veneno Conclave—to protect people from the misuse of magic. Princess Snow White has stepped in to help us with this process.”

Sybilla gestured to the princess.

Snow White licked her lips and clenched her hands so they were white with strain.

Concerned, Angelique glanced out at the mages packing the courtyard. She doesn’t like talking in front of people. A crowd like this…

The soft tap of slippers on stone made Angelique rip her gaze back to Snow White, who crossed the balcony and came to a stop in front of her.

Snow White peered up at Angelique, her