Page 102 of Prince of Shadow and Ash

Regulus stared at Nolan like he was seeing a specter.

“It seems you are innocent after all,” the sheriff said to Regulus. “Forgive us the intrusion.” He bowed stiffly. “Release him.” The men holding Regulus stepped back and his arms fell to his sides.

“A simple mistake, I’m afraid,” Nolan said with a wave of his free hand. “My apologies. However, threatening to attack bailiffs, agents of the law, and all this fighting to the death bravado...” He clicked his tongue and put his arm around Adelaide’s waist and pulled her against his side. She wanted to recoil from his touch, but she bit her tongue and forced herself to stand still. “I don’t want my betrothed around such violent men.”

“Your...” Hurt and confusion flickered over Regulus’ face before the fire in his eyes returned even brighter. “What happened?”

“Didn’t she tell you, Hargreaves?” Nolan gloated. “We’re engaged to be married.” He pulled the dagger from his belt and held it out on his palm. “She gave me this as a token of her affection and a symbol of our betrothal.”

Regulus’ face pinched as he looked at the dagger. The dagger he had given her. She clenched her jaw, her stomach roiling. He looked at her. “No,” Regulus said. Then again, his voice stronger. “No.”

“I’m sorry, Regulus.” Her voice sounded strained, and she swallowed. What lie to tell to get him to stand down? If Nolan had paid off the sheriff, he would only have to say the word and these men would run Regulus through on the spot and claim he had resisted arrest. “This isn’t how I wanted to tell you.”

“You...but...” Regulus reached toward her. Nolan pulled her back and pointed the dagger at Regulus. Several men around them drew their swords. Regulus held up his hands and stepped back as Nolan returned the dagger to his belt.

“What is this?” Minerva’s voice. Adelaide looked over her shoulder as Minerva and Gaius wove between armed men toward them. “You two are not betrothed!”

“Well, we have to speak to your father to make it official, but she has accepted my proposal.” Nolan squeezed her waist. “Isn’t that right, love?” He sounded so cavalier.

“Yes.” She couldn’t meet Minerva’s eyes.

Gaius’s cheeks reddened. “You’re lying.”

No, Gaius. Please don’t.

“If I know anything about my sister,” Minerva spoke with the sharpness of the daggers they had trained with, “I know she wants nothing to do with you.” She looked at Adelaide. “Did he hurt you?”

“No.” Adelaide forced herself to look at Minerva, begging her with her eyes to stop. To accept it. “I...” Her tongue stuck in her mouth. She thought of Regulus, being forced to his knees in front of an executioner. Of Gaius beside him. With all sincerity, but not about Nolan, she said, “I love him.”I love him.The realization cracked through her heart.I love Regulus more than I hate Nolan.

“Horse manure,” Dresden spat as he walked down the stairs. “What did he do?”

“You think I, a man of chivalry, would harm or threaten a lady?” Nolan sounded hurt and disappointed. He turned and brushed her hair behind her ear. “How could I hurt you, love?” His voice was soft, his eyes tender. He played the part maddeningly well, but his false gentleness filled her with disgust.

“She looks uncomfortable,” Gaius ventured.

Nolan frowned at Gaius. “I had expected joy for our announcement; not to be attacked like this.” His fingers dug into Adelaide’s side, pinching her.

“I was wrong about Nolan.” She forced a smile and laid a hand on his chest. “I was confused about my feelings.” It felt like swallowing sawdust. “He’s a...worthy man.”

“Like hell.” Regulus pointed at Nolan. “After what he did—”

“Regulus,” Adelaide said. This was not going well.What did Nolan think would happen?“Lord Hargreaves.” Regulus blinked like she had slapped him. “You have to let me go. Please. It’s for the best.”

“Best for who?” Gaius demanded.

“Adelaide, obviously.” Nolan gestured around the foyer. “Look around. This place looks like a mausoleum. Tight on funds, Hargreaves? Based on the state of this place, I’m shocked you could afford the tournament entry fee. What can you offer the daughter of Lord Alfred Belanger? Or were you hoping to seduce your way into a dowry? You have nothing a woman of Lady Belanger’s pedigree desires or needs.”

Regulus opened and closed his mouth like he was trying to formulate a response but couldn’t. He looked to Adelaide, his eyes full of doubt and questions. Adelaide’s heart twisted.No, Regulus. Don’t believe that.She couldn’t help but note the bitter irony of Nolan accusing Regulus of using her for riches.

“But...” Regulus’ throat bobbed. “He... Harold and—”

“Nolan wasn’t behind the attack.” Adelaide stared at the floor.

“I was appalled when I heard,” Nolan said. “Attacking a boy and a defenseless animal? That’s unforgivable. I hope you find out who did it.”

Regulus stepped forward and drew back his fist. Several knights drew their swords and pointed them at Regulus. Adelaide sucked in a breath and held it as a knight placed the edge of his blade across Regulus’ neck.

Nolan chuckled darkly. “I wouldn’t try anything, mercenary.”

---