Trial of Magic (The Fairy Tale Enchantress #4) - K. M. Shea Page 0,52

until spring?” Emerys asked.

Angelique would have scoffed at him, if not for the shadow of concern that darkened his eyes.

“Yes, Emerys. Once spring comes, Quinn shall return to you for the most annoyingly large wedding of the century.”

Emerys grimaced. “Don’t let Alastryn hear you say that—she’ll try to make it happen.” He shifted his stance as his exaggerated horror faded away. “It should only take a season for us to find my armies and generals with the Black Swan Smugglers’ help. The largest irritation will be waiting for enough of my magic to return so I can break my warriors’ curse.” He furrowed his brow and glanced up at her, magic flickering in his eyes. “I know I already promised you once, but I will swear it again, Angelique. Once my forces fully recover, I will help you find Evariste.”

Unused to getting warm feelings from the annoying monarch and actually liking him, Angelique cleared her throat. “Thank you. But while I appreciate your well wishes, shouldn’t you be saying your farewells to Quinn?”

“Nah, we already did.” Emerys’ grin returned. “A very long, warm and—”

Angelique gathered up her reins. “I really don’t care to hear this.”

Emerys laughed from deep in his chest while Quinn mounted Fluffy and settled her feet in the stirrups.

Quinn twisted in her saddle to peer at her gear, then nodded in satisfaction. “I believe we are properly outfitted. We can go if—”

“Lady Enchantress Angelique?”

Angelique’s heart plummeted when an elf riding a buckskin-colored horse galloped into the clearing, nearly running over a few well-wishers.

The elf on horseback slowed his horse to a trot, but the animal tossed its head and snorted as he pulled it into a tight circle. “Lady Enchantress Angelique?” the rider repeated.

“Yes?” Dread frothed in Angelique’s stomach, and she placed her hands on Pegasus’ shoulders for moral support.

Here it is. Someone else asking for my help—I knew I’d never get the chance to search for Evariste.

“I have a communication for you from Prince Severin of Loire.” The rider held up a letter sealed with wax. “The messenger is waiting at the border of Alabaster Forest but said it was an important communication that you need to receive immediately.”

That kind of preamble makes me more certain I’m about to be asked to put out another fire. I hope it’s not a curse—if it’s a curse, I’m going on strike.

The rider directed his horse just close enough to pass the letter off before the spirited animal danced away.

Pegasus snorted a few sparks, unimpressed with the elven mount’s exuberance.

Angelique would have normally smiled at his antics, but dread was making her tongue go numb and brought a sour taste to her mouth as she broke the seal and scanned the contents of the letter.

Angelique,

In your last missive, you mentioned you and the soldier who broke the elves’ curse will be riding to Mullberg to search for Lord Enchanter Evariste.

I request that you stop by Chanceux Chateau while en route. I have received some intel that may be of use to you.

In remarkably different scrawl, someone had written just below that,

I’d love to see you again and meet this Quinn. She sounds fun!

Severin of Loire

Elle of the fancy front parlor

All of Angelique’s fears fell away as she studied Severin’s letter—and the scrawled note from Elle. Surprisingly, a wave of warmth enveloped Angelique.

This is fantastic—perhaps it’s the best letter I’ve received in my entire life. Any information will be a help, and Severin is not one to exaggerate, so it must be some first-rate information. Besides, we have to ride northeast through Loire to make it to Mullberg anyway—Chanceux Chateau is practically on the way.

She almost sagged in her saddle with sweet relief—some of which must have shown on her face because when she looked up, Quinn and Emerys were smiling.

“Good news?” Quinn asked.

“Fantastic news!” Angelique said. “We might have a lead!”

Evariste rolled his head, trying to loosen his muscles that felt permanently cramped from the pain. The movement incited jolts of pain up and down his spine, but he was already sweating from the constant agony that was the mirror feeding off his magic.

He was still actively placing himself between the mirror and his magic. It didn’t do much besides make the pain downright agonizing. But he felt better knowing he was resisting—even if the only outcome was irritating the ancient and evil mirror.

But the pain growing worse—something Evariste didn’t think was possible—and the mirror’s effect on Queen Faina of Mullberg was starting to strengthen despite his efforts.

Evariste stared