Angelique had come across curses that stole one’s mind—the Arcainian princes and Prince Severin had all been cursed with the mind of beasts during their initial transformations until Angelique altered the curses.
But fits of rage, nightmares, and the inability to remember what one has done? All of that is too subtle and shadowy. Curses work within rules and boundaries. This seems like a slow invasion.
“Faina hadn’t told me just how bad it was getting until today,” Snow White continued. “I knew she was feeling unwell, and her outbursts were so unlike her, but…” She lifted her hand in appeasement, saying sorry to her stepmother who wasn’t there.
“S-she told me I needed to imprison her,” Princess Snow White abruptly continued. “I wouldn’t. So she sent me to Hurra, where soldiers are waiting to escort me to my maternal grandfather’s lands in Trubsinn.”
“And yet we’re standing in Luster Forest.” Angelique thought the comment might get something besides misery out of the dark-haired princess, but instead more tears clogged her eyes.
“I fled. I read a letter Faina meant for me to give to Grandfather, and she asked him to march on Juwel with his soldiers and kill her. Because she’d tried, but whatever has her won’t let her harm or imprison herself.” She was crying again, and Angelique didn’t blame her.
It has to be black magic. But what kind—and how could it possibly reach the Queen of Mullberg in her protected palace? It’s not like the Chosen can freely skulk through there. The city, perhaps, but the palace? Not likely—unless they are undercover? But in recent years, the Chosen usually use curses and spells to do their dirty work. They don’t seem to send mages in to directly supervise.
But Quinn and I did see the guard rotation heading into the city…
“Have there been any attacks—or break-ins—at the palace?” Angelique asked.
Princess Snow White miserably shook her head. “No.”
“I’m not talking recently—stretching back years ago. Since before Queen Faina started getting these headaches,” Angelique said.
Snow White shook her head. “The only dark spot we’ve had in Glitzern Palace for years was the hunting accident that took my Father’s life six years ago.”
“Ahh, yes.” Angelique bit her cheek as she poked at everything the princess had told her.
Six years ago. That was the same year Queen Ingrid died—which seems suspicious. Did the Chosen eliminate Snow White’s father because they thought they couldn’t manipulate him? If that’s true, why did it take them so long to act on Faina? Though Snow White said the headaches have been going on for years, but the outbursts are quite recent…
“I can’t let Faina be harmed,” Princess Snow White said. Though her eyes were still watery, her expression was unflinching. “I won’t. That’s why I left Hurra—to look for help.”
Snow White stood up straighter and looked around the woods—which had darkened over the course of their conversation as the sun assumedly set, pitching the forest in black. “In a meeting with the royal cabinet, I’d heard the Seven Warriors lived here in Luster Forest. They’re men who have fought to protect Mullberg from monster attacks.” She hesitated, then added. “I apologize. I didn’t need to drop this all on you. It’s my responsibility.”
Angelique met the princess’s eyes. Her gaze was steady, but apologetic. She wasn’t asking for help.
But…I need to give it to her.
Chapter 18
Angelique’s soul howled. She was so close to finding Evariste!
I can’t ignore this, though. If Princess Snow White hadn’t fled Hurra, she could have kicked off a civil war between her grandfather and whatever has Queen Faina. And what are the chances that’s what the Chosen want?
Angelique rubbed her face and groaned.
But, Evariste! I’m so close—why now, of all times?
Angelique wanted to either cry or kick a tree. Both seemed appropriate. She was pausing her plans—again! Her search for Evariste was being pushed back—again! Unless…
Faina and all of the trouble is in Juwel, where Evariste might be. The Chosen are too crafty for that to be a coincidence. If there are black mages in Juwel harming the queen, it’s possible Evariste and his mirror are being kept with them. That means in helping the princess, I may have a better chance at uncovering what the Chosen are doing in Mullberg.
Angelique peered up at the dark canopy of tree branches that stretched high above them.
It was settled. She would help the princess. It wasn’t really giving up on Evariste—it was approaching the battle from a different angle...admittedly an angle that was a little more royal than she’d like, but working with Snow White would mean she’d have a much easier time getting into the palace to investigate.
“The Seven Warriors have been angry with stepmother because they thought we weren’t doing enough to counter the monster attacks,” the Princess continued, the tone of her voice growing tight with nerves. “But if I can convince them that Stepmother is in danger, I think they’ll be more likely to help me since they already believe something is wrong with Mullberg. I came here searching for them…though I haven’t found their home yet.”
They must be the residents of that quaint little cottage Pegasus and I saw earlier.
“Hmm.” Angelique only half listened as she mentally rearranged her plans, making them as strategic as possible.
I’ll need to tell Severin that my plans changed and inform the alliance of the trouble in Mullberg. We thought they were fine because the Veneno Conclave is here, but perhaps that is why the Chosen have taken their time in enacting their plans?
“Of the Seven Warriors, a number of them are nobility, which means they have influence that could be used politically to convince other nobles of Faina’s innocence as well,” Snow White continued.
“Mmhmm.” Angelique rested her hand on her satchel, idly wondering if she should sneak away from Snow White for a moment to inform Severin or wait until after meeting the Seven Warriors. Because she was not telling Snow White her true identity—princess or not.
There’d be no hiding her rank as enchantress once the truth came out, and since the Chosen were skulking around, she didn’t want them preparing for her.
But as Angelique mulled over the matter, she saw the darkness behind Snow White stir.
Her eyes threatened to pop out of her skull as, slowly, the shadows took shape—grew stars, in fact—and Pegasus stepped out of the forest and stood directly behind Snow White.
Angelique’s mouth dropped open.
That cheeky nag! After I just concluded I shouldn’t say who I am, he’s going to blow it for me!
She cranked her neck to the side, indicating the constellation should retreat deeper into the forest—away from Snow White.
Pegasus stared at her with his unfathomable eyes and swished his glowing tail.
Angelique did her best to promise suffering, gnashing of teeth, and a distinct lack of treats and brush sessions through the bulging of her eyes.
Pegasus stretched his neck out, his muzzle inching closer and closer to the oblivious Snow White.
“Those warriors of yours,” Angelique hastily said, trying to keep Snow White’s attention so she didn’t notice the magical being looming behind her. “There’re seven of them, you say?”