Page 19 of Prince of Shadow and Ash

Adelaide stared at the dancing flames. “Do you think he’s dangerous?”

Minerva thought for a moment. “Possibly. He doesn’t look particularly friendly. But I have never seen him be anything but polite and reserved. Maybe if he smiled more people would be willing to give him a chance.”

“He smiled tonight.”He smiled for me.

“Well, he left, so you don’t have to worry about him. Your blades can stay stowed in your boots.” Minerva stood and held out her hand. “Come on. Our guests are waiting.”

“Humph.” Despite how much she wanted to continue avoiding said guests, Adelaide took Minerva’s hand and they headed toward the door. “Oh—wait. Nearly forgot.” She turned toward the fireplace and held out both hands, concentrating. Her palms glowed as she slammed her hands into fists. The fire collapsed on itself, going out with awhoosh.

“Adelaide!” Minerva’s eyes widened. She peered around, as if afraid someone could have seen. “Did Father and Mother change their minds?”

Adelaide’s heart beat faster. “Please don’t tell—”

“I see.” Minerva sighed. “I won’t. But you have to stop.”

“It’s not that easy.” Adelaide fiddled with her scarf. “It’s part of me.”

The deep shadows on Minerva’s face in the moonlight made her look extra afraid and disapproving. “I don’t want to lose you.”

“I’m being careful. No one knows. Besides, I have my daggers.” She smiled, but Min’s frown deepened.

“The Shadow killed warrior mages, too.” Min took a deep breath through her nose and exhaled. “I’ve always admired your courage, Ad. But you know it’s safest to hide.” Minerva turned toward the door. “Just...don’t do anything stupid, all right?”

“I won’t,” she said as Minerva opened the door.But I still hate hiding.

Adelaide managed to avoid Sir Nolan for the rest of the party, although he seemed to keep appearing nearby. To her disappointment, Lord Hargreaves had disappeared. Guests flowed out, with gracious but empty well-wishes for her and Mother and gratitude to the Drummonds for hosting. Lord Hargreaves’ knight, Sir Dresden, lingered in front of her.

“Lord Hargreaves asked me to tell you he enjoyed your conversation and regrets he had to leave early to attend to other business. He hopes your paths cross again soon.” Sir Dresden smiled, more of a charming, playful smirk. “Might I bring him a message from you, my lady?”

“Oh.”So he was interested?She glanced at Mother, but she was busy talking to a woman with silver-streaked blond hair. Dresden waited expectantly. What on earth was she supposed to say? She didn’t want to be too forward, but she also didn’t want to appear uninterested. “I wish Lord Hargreaves hadn’t left so soon. I would have liked to continue our conversation. It was the only real conversation I had all night.”

Dresden bowed, his eyes dancing. “Excellent. I wish you the best, Lady Belanger.”

“Wait!” She pushed a strand of hair away from her eye as Dresden’s brows pinched. “Can...can you tell him I know? And I don’t care about lineages, either?”

The corner of Dresden’s mouth quirked upward. “I will, my lady.”

Adelaide felt flustered for the next several farewells and hoped it didn’t show. Eventually the line of guests ended, and Lord Drummond closed the door, but she was certain the Carricks hadn’t passed her. How did she completely miss them?

Looking more relaxed with the guests gone, Gaius leaned over to kiss Minerva’s cheek, but she turned her head and kissed him. Adelaide grinned. Lady Drummond breezed past with a broad smile.

“Thank you for waiting, Baron.”

Adelaide turned and her eyes widened. The Carricks stood at the back of the small foyer, near the staircase leading up to the residential floors. Nolan leaned against an oak table bearing a marble bust of one of the previous Lord Drummonds, looking right at her. He smiled when he caught her gaze.

“Your trunks were already brought up. If you will follow me.” Lady Drummond turned and headed up the stairs. The baron and baroness followed. Nolan languidly pushed off the table, his gaze never leaving her. He winked before following his parents.

Adelaide whirled back toward Minerva and Gaius, who were laughing with Mother. “The Carricks are staying the night?”

Gaius nodded. “It’s a day’s ride from here to the Carrick’s castle. Offering them accommodation to thank them for making the trip is proper. They’ll breakfast with us in the morning, and return home.”

“Breakfast?” Adelaide started pulling half-fallen hairpins out of her hair. “Min, you didn’t warn me?”

“I didn’t know.” Minerva looked apologetic. “As I said, Lady Drummond took care of all the arrangements.”

“Oh, right.”Great.

That night, Adelaide lay awake in bed. Sir Nolan’s playful wink had left her unsettled, and his rude interruptions irked her. Lord Hargreaves, however, had been so pleasant and friendly and...genuine. That might have been the only honest conversation she’d ever had at a party. He had opened up to her.How could he possibly be as horrible as people think?But then why did he keep to himself in his castle? He was a mystery, and her brain couldn’t leave the puzzle alone, even though she had no way to discover the answer. She wished he had stayed longer.Maybe she’d see him again while she stayed with Minerva during the pregnancy. She hoped so. Even after she fell asleep, Regulus Hargreaves’ pale gray eyes haunted her dreams.

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