Page 55 of Prince of Shadow and Ash

“I agree with Dresden.” Regulus nearly jumped out of his skin at the sound of Adelaide’s voice. He spun to see her standing with her hands held behind her back on the other side of Harold, who was busy cracking eggs into a pan over the fire. Another woman stood a little behind her to her left, dressed in the simple clothing of a maidservant.

Adelaide wore a dress of deep purplish-red with white, fitted sleeves. The wide collar was embroidered in gold with flowers that matched the color of the dress. A belt of engraved bronze squares rested on her hips. She wore her black hair loose in waves over her shoulders.

Regulus tried to stop staring. “You’ve made an early start of the day.”

She shrugged. “I like mornings. Helps clear the mind.”

Adelaide walked around Harold and the fire. Regulus caught her gaze flitting down to his torso. Part of him wished he had put on proper clothes before coming out of his tent, rather than standing there in a thin shirt and frayed trousers. A vainer part of him felt more than a little pleased and wanted her to look.So long as she can’t see the scars through the shirt.

“I...” Adelaide hesitated, then pulled her hands in front of her. She held a piece of fabric around a foot long and about as wide as his hand that matched the purplish-red of her dress. She blushed as she held it out to him. “I thought...that is, I wondered...” She muttered something in Khast. “Would you wear this?”

Regulus smiled. He hadn’t smiled like this in years. His scar pulled on his lips and cheek, the skin so tight it was almost painful. He didn’t care. “I would be honored.” He reached out, wrapped his fingers around the cloth—and over her fingers.

She smiled back. Lingered for a moment with her fingers against his. She eased her hold on the cloth and pulled her hand away. “I’ll watch for you on the field.” Adelaide bit her lower lip, turned, and walked away, trailed by her handmaid.

Regulus wished she’d stayed. He was glad she didn’t. If she had, he might have kissed her. He watched her until she disappeared between the tents. The soft cloth in his hands still held her warmth. He looked up and saw Dresden smirking.

He pointed at Dresden. “Not. A. Word.”

Chapter 21

ASQUIRE SQUEEZED PASTRegulus with a muttered “pardon me.” The space around the archery arena buzzed with conversation and hurried footsteps. Regulus moved closer to the low fence surrounding the arena and checked the fabric tied to his upper right arm again. Still there.

He strung his bow and looked for Adelaide. He glimpsed the purple-red of her dress, but then lost her in the crowd.You’re being a fool, Regulus. Focus on the competition.

“You know,” Carrick’s cool voice cut through his thoughts, “I may have to review the entry guidelines with the heralds. I’m not sure you carry the necessary lineage to legally compete, Lord Half-Breed.”

Carrick stood next to him but looked straight ahead as he adjusted his gloves. He wore armor with engraved edges and lines and points that provided more style than function.

“The law requires proof of nobility on one side only, and proof of legal title.” Regulus shoved down his anger. “I am well within my rights.”

“Sounds like the law needs adjusted if we’re to keep the rabble out.”

“Do we have a problem, Sir Carrick?” Regulus turned toward Carrick, reveling in the fact that he towered over him.

Carrick continued looking straight ahead, as unfazed and sure of himself as ever. “Yes, actually. Stay away from Adelaide.”

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