Page 36 of Prince of Shadow and Ash

Caleb was in his mid-thirties but liked to act much younger. He had a lanky yet strong build, as light and deadly as the long bows he favored. His unkempt dark blond hair hung around his pale face, and a scruffy short beard covered his cheeks and chin.

Estevan nodded. “Of course. We must always show proper respect for the dead.” Both men put on melodramatically somber expressions and bowed their heads in mock respect.

Regulus rolled his eyes but chuckled. “Yes, it probably killed me.” He grimaced at the memory of the dragon’s sharp tail sliding out of his abdomen.

Estevan flipped the knife again. “Not an experience I envy. Still. Would’ve been something to see a real, live dragon.”

“Something terrifying,” Dresden said. “What would you do, throw a knife at it?”

“Of course.” Estevan sighted down the blade. “Right at its eye. Blind it. Then when it tries to spit fire, throw one down its gullet.”

“Hm.” Regulus nodded. “Not a terrible plan. I’ll keep that in mind. Maybe I’ll use a bow, though.”

“Yes, your knife-throwing skills are...non-existent.” Estevan threw the knife past Regulus’ head. It whirred past his ear, and Regulus turned as the knife stuck into a tree a few paces behind him. He turned back toward Estevan, who bowed with a flourish.

“Show-off.”

“The words of the dead can’t hurt me.” Estevan strode past him, his posture self-assured. “We’re headed to town and the tavern, if anyone is interested. Grabbing Perce and Jerrick, too.”

Dresden snorted. “It’s barely past three.”

“By the time we arrive, it will be quarter to five,” Caleb said.

Estevan retrieved the knife and stuck it in his boot. “Gives time to get a nice steak pie, down a few pints, flirt with a few barmaids, smoke a pipe, and get back at a decent hour.”

“Well,” Caleb grinned as he followed Estevan, “the hour we get back depends on how well the flirting goes.”

A smile betrayed Regulus’ amusement. He looked at Drez. “If nothing else, I better go to keep an eye on them.”

“On one condition.” Drez crossed his arms. “You promise to go the Glower’s banquet and talk to Lady Belanger.”

“I thought you’d be pleased I’m going with them, the way you go on about leaving the castle.” Regulus headed toward the stables. “You going to stop me if I say no?”

Hedidwant to go to the party. He wanted to see Adelaide. But he couldn’t. The abomination who didn’t die when a dragon ripped open his gut didn’t deserve her. And when a misstep with the sorcerer endangered his loved ones, he couldn’t put her in danger.Not that the sorcerer would know about her.I could keep the relationship secret. Icouldbe free soon.

“Stop you? No.” Dresden strolled next to him. “I’ll get Caleb to sing and play his lute at the tavern, which will make Perceval drink more. Which will make it easy to trick Perceval into starting a brawl that Jerrick will join. Then I’ll tell Leonora and Sarah you started the fight. Or at least didn’t stop them.”

“You wouldn’t.”

“Would. They’ll let loose on you, then on their husbands, and then Perce and Jerrick will complain to you...it’ll be a nightmare.”

“Drez.” Regulus ran his hand through his hair and rested it on the pommel of his sword. “I don’t deserve Adel—”

“No.” Drez shook his head, his eyes flashing. “I won’t have it. You’re more than good enough, and you deserve to be happy.”

Arguing would only make Dresden more stubborn. Besides, he would like to believe Dresden. Regulus switched tactics. “It’s too danger—”

“No. No excuses. Look at us.” Drez spread his arms out. “We’re all fine. You’ll be free before long. You’ve managed not to anger the sorcerer in over a year and a half.”

That I’ve told you.Still, Regulus’ resolve was crumbling. He never would have guessed she would write him again, and it only heightened his curiosity and interest. Would she consider him as a suitor? It was a foolish thought, but he stubbornly wanted to know.

“I’m not kidding about Sarah and Leonora.” Drez winked.

“Aw, fine.” Regulus pushed Dresden away, frowning to keep from smiling. “I’ll go! Barring any sorcerous intervention, I’ll go.”

Drez rubbed his shoulder, even though Regulus hadn’t shoved him hard enough to warrant such drama. “Excellent.” Dresden stuck his thumbs in his belt and whistled as he headed to the stables. Magnus bounded after Drez. Regulus followed, wondering if Adelaide liked dogs.

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