Page 84 of Prince of Shadow and Ash

“Lord Regulus Hargreaves of Arrano,” the baron said, his voice ringing out over the arena. “Today you have demonstrated your horsemanship, your skill with a lance, and your prowess on the battlefield.” Cheers. A smile tugged at the corner of Regulus’ mouth, but he focused on looking dignified.

“You have thrilled and entertained with your expertise and strength and impressed with your precision,” the Baron continued. “You have earned our respect and admiration and honored the lady whose token you wear.”

Regulus’ gaze darted toward Adelaide, a small smile breaking his serious deference.

“You have tilted and emerged victorious. It is my honor as host of the Etchy Tournament to name you champion of the joust!” Baron Carrick applauded and the crowd joined in. As the cheering quieted, the Baron turned. A servant handed him a bulging leather pouch and a dagger with a handle inlaid with swirling ivory and sheath inset with small circles of mother-of-pearl. “In recognition of your triumph, I award you the prizes of the joust.”

The Baron held out the pouch of coins and dagger. Regulus tucked his helm under his arm and retrieved the prizes of coins with a bow.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the Baron gestured for him to turn around, and Regulus turned and faced the other side of the arena. “I present to you your jousting champion, Lord Regulus Hargreaves of Arrano!”

Regulus bowed as the crowd hollered and whistled and applauded. Large groups stood, honoring the champion of the joust. Honoringhim. Some ladies waved handkerchiefs and scarves at him. A few even blew him a kiss. His face heated, and he looked to Adelaide. She was looking right at him and grinning, apparently not noticing the other ladies. He breathed a sigh of relief, even as part of him enjoyed the unusual attention. Harold had walked into the arena during the prize ceremony and held Sieger’s reins. Regulus handed him the pouch of coins and dagger. He took the reins and remounted. Sounds of praise followed him out of the arena.

After changing out of his armor and a quick, cold bath, he set out to find Adelaide. He held the prize dagger in his hand. He had to ask a few servants and a couple knights for directions, but soon enough he found the Drummond’s and Adelaide’s tents. Adelaide sat on a stool in front of her tent, combing her glossy dark hair. Regulus held his hands and the dagger behind him as he approached. She spotted him and smiled.

“Congratulations, champion of the joust.” Adelaide stood and set the comb down on the stool. “What brings you to our humble tents?”

He laughed. “I heard a rumor there’s a beautiful lady here who fancies me. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?”

Adelaide feigned shock. “That’s a scandalous rumor. You should be ashamed.”

“If loving her should make me ashamed, then I am the most ashamed man in Monparth.”

She snorted and shook her head.

“Okay, that sounded better in my head,” he admitted. “But I do have a reason for being here, other than seeing your smile again.”

She blushed. “Oh?”

“Three things, actually.” He brought his hands in front and presented the dagger on his palms. “I haven’t been able to think of anything other than giving you this since Baron Carrick handed it to me. It is beautiful yet strong. Elegant yet dangerous. Like you.”

“Regulus...” Adelaide ran her fingertips over the sheathed dagger. “But this is yours.”

“And I want you to have it. I can’t think of a better owner.”

Her fingers brushed his palm as she picked the dagger up. She pulled the dagger out of the sheath and admired the blade, assessed its weight and tested its balance. Rubbed her thumb crossway over the edge to check its sharpness. He grinned as she evaluated the dagger in much the same way knights considered a new sword.

“Are you certain?” She slipped the dagger back into the sheath. “This is exquisite. The craftsmanship is superb.”

“An exquisite dagger for an exquisite woman. I can’t think of a better gift to start our courtship.”

Adelaide’s gaze snapped up to his eyes. “Our...” Her lips parted in what looked to be pleasant surprise.

He took her hand, his heart stuttering with nerves far worse than those before a battle. “I was hoping you would be favorable to me asking your father for his permission to court you? I won’t be able to yet. My business for my friend will take me in the opposite direction, and I’d rather ask him in person than by letter.”

“Yes,” she murmured. Then louder, “Yes!”

“Smart decision to ask in person,” Minerva said from the side. “Father turned down several potential suitors for his daughters over the years because he said asking by messenger demonstrated either laziness and lack of resolve or cowardice. Caused quite a fight with our half-sister Dulcina on one occasion.”

Goosebumps prickled his arms, and he looked to Adelaide. “Is your father likely to turn me down?”He could do better for his daughter than a bastard.

“Father can be...protective.” Adelaide sighed. “But if you ask him bearing letters from myself and Minerva, that should help.”

“I’ll write a letter of recommendation, if that will help,” Gaius said, walking around a tent and putting his arms around his wife. His eyes narrowed. “Assuming there’s no more nonsense like last night.”

“No, of course.” Regulus nodded, a lump in his throat. “Definitely. Thank you.”

“You said there were three things,” Adelaide reminded him.

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