Trial of Magic (The Fairy Tale Enchantress #4) - K. M. Shea Page 0,239

Angelique collapsed her spyglass and smiled at Evariste as he climbed the hill on foot.

Angelique tucked her spyglass away, then slid off Pegasus’ back so she could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Evariste.

Evariste joined her in looking at the curling line of the procession. “They seemed quite determined when you spoke to them through your mirror before we left.” His golden hair glinted in the sunlight that peeked through the clouds. He nodded toward her hand. “That was at least a pleasant surprise to return back to.”

“The mirrors?”

“Indeed. It’s brilliant that Prince Severin arranged for all the rulers in the alliance to have a spelled mirror for communication purposes.”

“It was only possible because Arcainia bankrolled the process, and all the best master craftmages were holed up in Chanceux Chateau to cast the spells,” Angelique said.

“Yes, but not even Liliane and her chosen have instant communication. It’s a great advantage—one that we can see play out in this instance.” Evariste gestured to the line of mages slowly crossing into Verglas. “I’m fairly certain it’s why there have been no attacks.”

“The mirrors are wonderful, but I hope we get a chance to visit Chanceux Chateau soon. You’ll enjoy talking to Prince Severin; I imagine he will greatly reassure you,” Angelique said. “He is an excellent strategist. It will be interesting to see what he’ll pull from the information we sent ahead to him.”

“Yes. I imagine between him and Princess Snow White, they’ll come up with our best course of action,” Evariste said. “Snow White was right to send us all to Verglas—the uncertainty of allegiances was creating strain and tension.”

“And now we know beyond doubt.”

“Yes.” Evariste offered her a glimmer of a smile. “As soon as things are settled, you’ll ride off to speak to Severin?”

“I imagine he’ll have something for me to do, and I can be of more help to the continent if I’m actively fighting now—since the Conclave will be safe in Verglas.” Angelique glanced at Pegasus. “That is…if Pegasus finds it permissible?”

Pegasus pressed his muzzle to the side of Angelique’s head in what would have been a sweet and gentle gesture—if he hadn’t immediately clamped his teeth around a lock of her hair and pulled.

“Ow, ow—I said if you wanted to, not that you had to!” Angelique complained. “I was offering you a choice!” She rescued her hair from the constellation’s mouth and glared at him.

Pegasus sneezed in her face, flicking her cheeks with horse snot and spitting an ember out on her hair that died before it burned anything.

“I believe he’s saying the offer was unnecessary,” Evariste “helpfully” said.

“Yes. Thanks.” Angelique wiped her face off on her sleeve and scowled at Pegasus.

He turned his massive hindquarters at her and drifted off, acting innocent.

“I’m not giving you any treats later today, you pumpkin-hating brat,” Angelique called after him.

Pegasus ignored her and pretended to graze—“pretended” because he didn’t actually eat the grass he sniffed; he just blackened it with his breath.

Evariste laughed. “I’m not sure what I should be more frightened of.”

“Frightened?” Angelique squinted up at the lord enchanter. “What is there to be frightened of?”

“You—for daring to call a constellation a brat,” Evariste said, “or him, for letting you!”

“Oh, Pegasus is a big sweetie. He’s showy and pretends he’s as hard as stone, and yeah he’s got a sour temperament that’s about as bad as a dragon with indigestion, and sometimes he’s petty—and he can be downright mean when he’s feeling it. But…” Angelique blinked in confusion. “What was my point again?”

“That Pegasus is a ‘sweetie’?”

“Yes, exactly! I think. Probably. Sometimes. Maybe. We can hope.” Angelique gave Evariste her most winning smile.

Evariste did not disappoint. He laughed so hard, he staggered a step, jostling into Angelique.

I am so glad. Angelique was unable to keep warm affection from her eyes as she watched Evariste laugh. We parted on such poor terms, I thought eventually things would be awkward. But we’ve settled into our usual banter—he hasn’t even blinked at my scathing words. It’s like…

It was that thing Angelique was still struggling to pinpoint—the one change in their relationship. What is it?

“If you don’t mind,” Evariste said when he finished laughing, “I’d like to come with you to Chanceux Chateau.”

“Of course,” Angelique said. “I was planning on it.”

He shook his head. “There is no ‘of course,’ Angel. As I lack magic, I’m practically a liability.”

“Never,” Angelique said. “You are still brilliant. And, I am a little paranoid that if I can’t see you, something may happen to you.” She shivered at the