Page 114 of Prince of Shadow and Ash

Chapter 42

REGULUS WAS SILENTas Harold helped him into the Black Knight armor. Magnus sat next to him, incessantly licking his hand. Harold moved around the big shaggy dog, cinching and straightening the layered pieces of armor. He respected Regulus’ unspoken need for silence. He didn’t ask about the blood Regulus washed off his hand in the water basin. Didn’t question the scratches on the back of Regulus’ hands as he buckled each oversized piece into place. Regulus gazed out the window, staring at nothing. Hoping against hope this was the last time he would don this armor.

He didn’t want to wear it. But he didn’t know where this door Adelaide was supposed to unlock was—or what might be on the other side. More importantly, he wanted to keep the sorcerer as happy as possible. Besides, if anyone spotted them, they would see Adelaide captured by the legendary Black Knight, not running away with Regulus Hargreaves.

Regulus sheathed the sword and took the helm from Harold, his heart heavy. Why couldn’t he be stronger? Why was he too weak to fight the sorcerer’s will? He wished he had found another way to save his men two years ago. And why couldn’t he have saved themall? But such thoughts changed nothing. He laid a black-gloved hand on Harold’s shoulder, the metal plating on the brace and gloves clinking. “Thank you, Harold.”

“Of course, my lord.” Concern wrinkled Harold’s forehead.

“Can you pack some food and bring it out to the stables? Enough for...for two.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Regulus bit the inside of his lip. “If things go right, when I return, I’ll be free. But if they don’t—I might not come back.” He held Harold’s gaze and squeezed his shoulder. “You and Drez look out for each other, okay?”

Harold nodded slowly, his eyes wide, then shook his head, fast and hard. “No.” He threw his arms around Regulus’ armored chest. “We all need you to come back.”

Regulus returned the embrace, his breath catching. “I’ll try.”

“Good.” Harold pulled away and took a deep breath. “Be safe, my lord.”

Regulus smiled weakly and headed downstairs. The heavy fall of his boots and metallic rubbing of his armor reverberated in the winding staircase. He emerged into the hall and felt surprised yet relieved to see Adelaide and Dresden sitting peaceably.

“You didn’t leave,” he said before he could stop himself.

Adelaide looked up, lips pursed. As she took in his appearance, he noted the slight widening of her eyes, the inaudible gasp. “You’re...” Her jaw hung open. “The Black Knight.You’rethe Black Knight?”

“Oh.” His face heated. “Yes.”

“Several things just made a lot of sense.” She shook her head, her expression softening. “As for not running away, you don’t have sole ownership over the role of self-sacrificial hero.” Her tone was confident and teasing but kind.

“I love you.” The words tumbled out as a mix of emotions from adoration to guilt twisted his gut.

Adelaide smiled and walked to him, her hips swaying. She took the helm from his hands and examined it, then glanced at Dresden. “You’re blessed not to have borne this alone.” Regulus felt a stab of guilt over how often he had shunned Dresden’s help.

“Please.” Drez scoffed. “We do what we can, but the fool always goes it alone.”

“Not this time.” Adelaide handed the helm back, then brushed her fingertips over the scar on his face. “We do this together.” He still felt the lingering touch after she dropped her hand. “Shall we?”

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