Trial of Magic (The Fairy Tale Enchantress #4) - K. M. Shea Page 0,33

what broke the elves’ curse. “You are right, Angelique,” she said. “You have carried many burdens that should not be yours to bear alone. You protected and guarded those in need. You have stood up for us when no other magic user has. When this is over—no matter what magic you use or do not use—I will help you search for Lord Enchanter Evariste.”

The offer was genuine—Quinn was too honorable to lie to her. Angelique knew that even though they’d only been acquainted for a short time. Even so, she felt afraid to hope it was real. “You will?” she asked.

Something in Quinn’s expression flickered. “I will,” she said with a firmness and a glance that dared Themerysaldi to disagree with her. “I’m afraid I’m only a soldier, but I will use everything at my disposal to help you.”

“But can you leave Farset?” Angelique tilted her head. “King Dirth…”

“Then I will leave the army,” Quinn said, with the same calmness one used to announce dinner was served.

When Angelique gaped at her, Quinn offered her an understanding smile. “You have borne much, Angelique, but it seems to me you see very little of worth in yourself. Even now what you want most is to find Lord Enchanter Evariste—whom you do believe is worthy. I will help you not because your master deserves to be found or because of all the things you have done for the continent, but because you give beyond your capacity out of your desire to spare others.”

Angelique felt as scrupulous as a rogue mage, and she shifted uncomfortably. “How can you say that when I refuse to use my core magic?”

“We all have limits,” Quinn said. “We all have fears. Besides, it is high time that someone step in to ease your pain.” She smiled as she held out her hand.

Angelique finally got a good look at Quinn and noticed that her shirt was spattered with bloodstains which were likely—based on the slices in her garment—from her own blood.

Quinn had just broken the elves’ curse, been wounded, and was prepared to go face goblins, and she not only offered help to Angelique, she took the time to understand and leave the choice up to her.

Themerysaldi doesn’t deserve her. She’s too noble, like Evariste.

It dimly occurred to Angelique that perhaps she and Themerysaldi were more alike than she cared to admit because she hardly deserved the kindness and friendship her teacher had always showered on her as well.

Irritatingly, the memory of Evariste made tears well up in her eyes.

“You remind me of him—Evariste, I mean,” Angelique finally replied. “He is—like you—a true hero. Giving endlessly and offering love to those that don’t deserve it.”

A few wayward tears escaped from her eyes, and she wanted to groan at the repeated show of emotion, but Quinn had seen her bawl her eyes out. A few tears were hardly noteworthy in comparison. She glanced at the Elf King to see his reaction.

He, surprisingly, looked pensive, and perhaps a little repentant?

Angelique cleared her throat and held out her hand, palm up.

Obligingly, Pegasus dropped his muzzle into it and gently lipped her fingers.

His reassurance was the last bit Angelique needed to set aside her misery—and anger with Themerysaldi. “I will face the goblins. But I cannot promise to use my core magic,” she said.

She glanced from Quinn to Themerysaldi.

Both of them nodded—Themerysaldi didn’t even look mulish or displeased about her offer.

Pegasus lowered himself to the ground with the commanding elegance he always possessed, scattering snowflakes with a woosh of air.

Angelique slipped onto his back and shakily re-started her mental review of appropriate spells as the long-familiar movement of Pegasus rocking to his feet shifted her forward and backward.

“I’m sorry, Angelique,” Themerysaldi finally broke his silence as he carefully studied her. “I wouldn’t ask this of you if there was another way.”

Angelique ignored him—she still didn’t harbor friendly feelings for him at this moment—and leaned against Pegasus’ neck. “Where are we going?”

Themerysaldi returned to his mount, Quinn right behind him.

Quinn stepped into his cupped hands and sprang onto the magical mount’s back. “The elves are gathering at Jasper Circle.”

“Then let’s meet them there.” Angelique nudged Pegasus, who exploded with a burst of speed, the flames of his mane and tail dimly illuminating their path as they left Sideralis for the forest.

Evidently, Pegasus knew where Jasper Circle was. Without any direction, he looped around the outskirts of Sideralis and headed to the border of Alabaster Forest.

Themerysaldi and Quinn—riding the magical mount—caught up with them just