Page 38 of Prince of Shadow and Ash

Chapter 14

SWEAT TICKLED THE BACKof Regulus’ neck as he entered the Glower’s banquet hall. Two rows of tables ran the length of the long hall, decked with candles and tin place settings on navy blue tablecloths. Tall candelabras lined the stone walls, positioned between large vases stuffed with fragrant flowers in bright colors. Some nobles sat at the long tables; others were being shown to their seats. He scanned the room for Adelaide but didn’t see her. He couldn’t decide if that made him more anxious or less.This is stupid. It’s just supper.

“Good evening, Lord Hargreaves, Sir Jakobs.” A servant stepped toward them and bowed. “This way.”

“Pardon me,” Dresden said, surprising Regulus. “Have the Drummonds arrived yet?”

“No, sir.”

“Might it be possible for my lord to be seated next to Lady Belanger?”

The servant looked over his shoulder, forehead creased. “I fear the seating has already been arranged—”

Dresden pulled a pouch of coins off his belt. “I would gladly compensate you for any inconvenience.”

Regulus stiffened.A bribe?What was Dresden thinking? But sitting next to Adelaidewouldmake supper more interesting. The idea both excited and terrified him.

The servant’s eyes darted around in mild alarm, but he discreetly took the pouch. “I’ve just remembered, you’re seated over here, my lord.” He made an adjustment in his course and indicated a couple seats. “I would take the seat on the left, my lord,” he added.

Regulus nodded and he and Drez took their seats. “The hell, Drez?” he muttered.

“Breathe,” Dresden whispered.

“Iambreathing.”

“You look like you’re holding your breath.”

He forced himself to relax. “This is a bad idea.” His stomach roiled.

Dresden turned toward him, leaning his forearm on the table in front of the delicate tin plate. “What have we talked about?”

Surely Drez wasn’t going to do this right here, right now.

“You need toliveyour life and stop moping over things you can’t control. Choices, Regulus. Choose some joy.” Dresden smiled. “Get to know her.”

Regulus fiddled with his spoon, watching the flickering candlelight reflect in its dull surface. Fine, he wanted to get to know her. Didn’t mean he should. Sometimes he wanted alcohol before noon. Didn’t mean that was a good idea.

“Lord Hargreaves?”

Regulus snapped his head up and found himself looking into Adelaide’s rich brown eyes outlined by dark lashes. His mind seemed to break.Etiros, she’s beautiful.For a moment, he couldn’t find his voice. “Lady Belanger.”How articulate.

“It appears we are seated next to each other.”

“Are we?” Regulus bolted to his feet and pulled out her chair. Next to her, Sir Gaius was helping his wife, with her now visible stomach bump, into her chair. Lord and Lady Drummond sat on Lady Minerva’s other side. Adelaide sat and Regulus pushed her seat forward before retaking his own.

She smirked. “What a fortunate coincidence.”

Regulus’ jaw went slack, and Dresden stifled a chuckle. “I...”

“I’m sure our hosts won’t notice.” She laughed, and he calmed.

“Allow me to explain, my lady.” Drez leaned forward, looking around Regulus at Adelaide. “Regulus mentioned wishing he could get to know you better, so I persuaded a servant to seat you together. Please forgive my minor transgression of protocol. I hope you don’t find me impertinent.”

Adelaide raised a brow, looking positively regal. “Sir Dresden Jakobs, right?”

“Yes, my lady.”

---