“It is a pleasure to meet you, Bridget,” Angelique said.
“The pleasure is all mine. I’ve heard what you did to the goblins, thank you.” Bridget looked at Angelique with something like admiration—which felt a little odd considering the petite rider was carrying a sword and at least two daggers that Angelique could see, though she was betting the Red Rider had more hidden based on the pleased hum of her core magic.
“Bridget took out the few goblin bands that were marching for Navia,” Quinn explained.
“I rode south after facing them—I was hoping I could be of some help with the rest of the goblins—but you’d already taken care of the southern force by then,” Bridget explained. “You’re amazing,” she added in a voice that brimmed with sincerity.
“Um,” Angelique awkwardly said.
I have always respected those who serve in the military and fight to protect others since my father was a solider, too. It feels strange to have their admiration when they are far braver.
“She is very impressive,” Quinn agreed. “And the variety in her abilities is astounding. Which reminds me, I, too, must thank you for saving my life, Lady Enchantress, with your healing magic.”
“It was nothing,” Angelique said.
“It was everything to me,” Quinn said.
“To our family,” Bridget added. “We owe you a great debt, Lady Enchantress—as does our entire country, for you saved the elves just as surely as you saved my sister.”
Angelique felt a blush heat her cheeks. “I’m afraid you’re overestimating me. It is merely that I have magic, which makes fighting such an army far easier.”
Quinn shook her head. “I saw the price you paid, and the way you used your magic. It was not easier.”
“I am certain your skill with magic is to be admired, but it is your passion to protect others that sets you apart,” Bridget added, the two sisters combining their earnest sincerity to make even Angelique’s jaded—and admittedly slightly embittered—heart twist in her chest.
Is there something special about this family that both of these sisters are able to so entirely put me off my guard? Listening to them makes me want to be proud of who I am.
Angelique shuddered a little at that uncomfortable thought and cast around for a new conversation topic—one that perhaps wouldn’t embarrass her as much. “Be that as it may, I am glad to see you are awake, Quinn. I’d like to place another slow healing spell on you—that shoulder wound of yours looked rather tricky, and I don’t imagine you’re the type to willingly rest in bed while healing.”
Bridget backed away from the bed, giving Angelique room to approach Quinn, and folded her arms across her chest. “No, she’s not.”
Quinn grimaced. “I am not typically the most ideal patient.” She glared at her sister when Bridget scoffed.
“May I?” Angelique rolled back the collar of Quinn’s shirt when she nodded—someone had helped the soldier into a clean elven tunic. The soft fabric stretched nicely, giving Angelique a view of the wound.
The wound was closed—though the skin was still an angry red and was slightly swollen—but the elves must have been happy with Quinn’s progress or they would have kept it bandaged.
“It seems you are doing quite well—though another slow-burn healing spell will ease some of the pain and continue to encourage swift healing.” Angelique flexed her fingers, calling some of her magic up as she carefully twisted it from her cold, metallic core magic into the fine fibers of a healing spell.
Bridget snorted like a horse. “She’s doing more than quite well. I almost felt the need to cleanse my eyes when I innocently entered the room to find Quinn and the king of the elves passionately kissing—”
“The Lady Enchantress doesn’t need to hear about that!” Quinn turned bright red and sank back in the plump pillows surrounding her.
Angelique laughed at the interchange as she layered the spell into Quinn’s shoulder. “He officially confessed, did he? And you love him in return, I take it?”
Quinn reflexively reached for her waist—probably to rest her fingers on a belt that wasn’t there. “I—yes,” she stammered. “Very much so.”
“In that case congratulations are in order,” Angelique said. “Emerys couldn’t have found a better bride—and future queen!”
Quinn made a strangled noise, but Bridget laughed openly, planting her feet wide so she could drop her head back and project it into the tall ceiling.
Angelique listened with amusement as she worked on the last bit of the healing spell.
I can’t say I think Emerys deserves her—Quinn is too good and kind and heroic while he’s sharp-mouthed, bad tempered, and blood-thirsty at times.
Again the nagging sensation nudged her mind that Angelique was quite similar to the prickly king—and based on their short acquaintance, it would seem Quinn was a great deal like Evariste.
Maybe that’s why I think he doesn’t deserve her. Just as I don’t deserve—
Angelique firmly shut the door on that ridiculous thought and hurriedly finished off the healing spell, giving her the opportunity to step back. “There. You’ll be set.”
“Thank you, Angelique.” Quinn awkwardly maneuvered her neck so she could peer down at the wound before she readjusted the collar of her tunic so it settled straight on her shoulders. “I appreciate the extra boost. It will mean I am ready that much more quickly to join you on your search.”
Angelique blinked, completely lost. “Sorry—what?”
“The search for your master.” Quinn slowly rolled her shoulders back, testing her arm. “I’m aware you’ll want to leave as quickly as possible. I shall do my best to prepare with all speed.”
Confusion buzzed in Angelique’s mind. “Pardon?”
“I wish I could come with.” Bridget scowled and planted her hands on her hips. “But as the Red Rider, I can’t leave Farset.”
“Even your brave horses wouldn’t be able to keep up with Angelique’s mount,” Quinn said. “I shall have to ask Emerys if I may borrow one of his mounts—Fluffy could almost keep up with Pegasus. But I’m unsure if he’d be willing to leave Emerys.” Quinn frowned and thoughtfully tapped her chin.
“Wait, you really mean it?” Angelique asked.
“About Fluffy? Yes. He’s quite intimidating.” Quinn nodded to her sister. “He is a strange creature that is almost like a large stag crossed with a horse, but covered in fur similar to a wolf. A bit unnerving, but beautiful.”
“No, no, no—I wasn’t asking about Fluffy. You’re really willing to come with me?” Angelique asked.
Chapter 8
Quinn turned her grave eyes onto Angelique. “I thought we already discussed this.”
“Yes, but Emerys wants to marry you!”
“And he will wait until I see my promise through.”
Angelique stared at Quinn and didn’t know quite what to say.
Quinn slightly tilted her head. “I’d already assured you I wouldn’t go back on my word.”