Page 91 of Prince of Shadow and Ash

“How tragic for you.”Serves you right.“Go bother another young lady.”

“Ah, but why would I do that? I had resigned myself to marrying some moderately attractive woman who would have a smaller dowry than a nobleman of my standing deserves—”

Adelaide snorted. “What a shining example of chivalry you are.”

He ignored her and continued. “And then I met you. The daughter of the renowned, wealthy war hero Lord Alfred Belanger. You would come with respectability, in spite of your mother. Prestige. And, I’m certain, a generous dowry.” His smile took on a wolfish, hungry quality. “And to top it all off, you’re beautiful. Even with your Khastallander complexion.”

“Is this supposed to improve my opinion of you? Because it’s having the opposite effect.”

“No.” Nolan’s voice became low, menacing. “It’s so you understand what is at stake. My entire life hinges on marrying. And you’re the best option, sweetheart. At this point, likely my only option. And the only thing that stands between me and the lifestyle I want, Ideserve, is that thrice-accursed mercenary.”

“And me.” She folded her arms. “I won’t be bullied any more than Regulus.”

“You don’t want to go to war with me, love.” He stepped forward and she stepped back, pulling her dagger out of her boot with practiced speed. She had picked too secluded of a spot. No one could see his aggressive behavior.

“Take another step and I’ll cut your heart out.”

Nolan looked at the dagger in her hand, the one Regulus had given her. He grunted. “Very well, my lady.” He turned toward his horse. Some of the tension drained from her body and she lowered her dagger.

Nolan spun around and lunged forward. She cursed herself for lowering her guard as she stepped back and slashed at his face. He dodged, but the tip of her dagger still nicked his cheek. Blood beaded from the cut and Nolan hissed and grabbed her wrist with both hands. She reached for his face with her free hand, but he wrenched her hand down, twisting her wrist. Adelaide yelled and dropped the dagger. He caught her other hand right before her fingernails scratched his eye.

“That. Stung.”

“You dare assault a lady?”

He released her and Adelaide stepped back. Tears stung her eyes. She cradled her throbbing wrist with her other hand.

“Just showing you I’m not to be trifled with.” Nolan nodded at her wrist. “I’d apologize, but I imagine it’ll be whole in no time.” He bent down and picked up the dagger. “This is nice.” He stuck it in his belt.

“Give that back!” She reached for him and whimpered as the movement sent a stab of pain through her wrist.

He wiped blood off his cheek, but lines of blood continued to flow from the shallow cut. “So demanding.”

There was still no one in sight. She raised her left hand as a ball of fire grew in front of it.

He clicked his tongue and shook his head. “I wouldn’t do that. Do you think no one knows I’m here? You kill me and you’ll be hanged for murder.”

“Maybe I don’t kill you,” she bit out. He could be lying. But she wasn’t confident enough to risk being accused of murder. And if his body was found scorched to death, she would have a lot of explaining to do.

All humor fled Nolan’s face. “NowI’m threatening you. All I have to do is say a word, and I have men who can discretely sabotage your sister’s carriage. I can’t imagine a carriage wreck being healthy for her or the baby.”

Adelaide gasped.Etiros, no.She wanted to believe he wouldn’t. But after Harold and Sieger... Nolan looked at her with cold, indifferent resolve. She dropped her hand to her side, the flames extinguished.

“Good girl.”

“You still can’t take that,” she said, but her voice held no confidence. “Your father gave it to Regulus.”

“Who gave it to you, and you kindly gave it to me.”

Adelaide felt helpless. She had never felt helpless. Her mother hadn’t raised her to be helpless.Etiros, what do I do? She could roast Nolan alive, or throw a knife at his back as he walked away, even though she was far less accurate with her left hand.

But she couldn’t. She couldn’t put her family at risk. And she didn’t want to hang for murder—or even really want to kill again. He tapped his foot on the ground, waiting.

“Please.” Adelaide lowered her head, staring at the ground. Her wrist ached and her eyes watered. Her heart felt made of lead. “Please.”

“All right.” She looked up, surprised. “I’ll give it back.” He leered. “For a kiss.”

“Troll take you!”

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