Reign of Magic by K. M. Shea

Author:K. M. Shea [Shea, K. M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-10-09T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Two days later—after a great deal of farewells—Angelique left for Kozlovka with Emperor Yevgeniy and his forces.

Angelique had a rather joyful reunion with Pegasus, who fussed over her for the first few days of the journey and pranced more than usual, showing off to the Emperor’s troops.

They kept a rather grueling pace—or rather, grueling for everyone but Pegasus—and made it to Kozlovka in good time.

“We have arrived at Tsona Palace, Lady Enchantress.” Emperor Yevgeniy smiled warmly at Angelique and motioned to the castle.

The palace was a rather unique design in that it was mostly walls crowded around an abundance of towers. Each tower was topped with a bronze dome that peaked ever so slightly, so together, they resembled dollops of whipped cream in shape and texture. The rest of the palace was made of white rock, giving the place a rather glowing appearance.

Angelique forced a smile—even though it felt bone weary and thin. “It’s lovely. You said Tsona Palace is your summer residence?”

“It used to be, yes. Since my sons grew up, we have not returned as often as we used to—though my oldest would prefer to make his residence here given his passion for hunting and the like.” Yevgeniy squinted in the sunshine. “My wife opted to journey here after I left for the Summit, but it’s just as well. As I told the other representatives, Rothbart has made his home at Swan Lake—which is not far from here.”

“How fortunate,” Angelique said, feeling nothing of the sort. But she made her back straight and her posture perfect.

Kozlovka needs help. I cannot fail them in this hour.

The Emperor’s mount shied when he drew too close to Angelique and Pegasus.

“My apologies,” Yevgeniy said as he fell back farther in the line of soldiers.

Pegasus had ignored the horse, but when it was no longer so near, he snapped in its general direction, his teeth audibly clicking.

“Steady, friend,” Angelique murmured. She scratched the crest of his neck. He swatted his tail like an angry cat before letting out his breath.

Satisfied that the constellation had been soothed, Angelique leaned back in the saddle, stretching her senses.

Kozlovka was a northern country, so although summer had almost arrived, the air was cool. The pine forests were a blaze of green, and the whole country seemed to smell of damp earth.

Angelique tipped her head as she carefully felt for anything magical or off. I can’t sense anything. But magic sensitivity is an art that has continuously evaded me no matter how I work to improve.

She stopped trying to sense the sorcerer when they were granted passage into the gleaming palace.

“Pegasus, would you rather remain here, or return to the skies?” Angelique asked when they halted in a courtyard. “I assume sometime today, I’ll ride out to start my observation of Sorcerer Rothbart, but I don’t know how long it will be until I am ready.”

She dismounted, cupping Pegasus’ soft velvet muzzle when he pressed it against her temple.

He breathed deeply into her hair, then strode back

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