Page 43 of Prince of Shadow and Ash

“I was invited,” Regulus said evenly. “Same as you.”

“Same as me?” Disdain rang in every word Nolan spoke. “Not even close.Ididn’t need to bribe a servant to avoid sitting at the end of the hall.” He stepped past Adelaide’s shoulder, closer to Regulus. “It’s not safe to let a mongrel wolf into the house with the dogs. The Glowers should know better.”

Adelaide gasped and stood. “Sir Nolan!”

Nolan put an arm around her shoulders protectively—no, possessively. “Don’t worry. He won’t bother you any longer.”

She shoved his arm off. “Bother me? Lord Hargreaves isn’t the one bothering me. He has been nothing but a gentleman all evening. The only wolf here is you and your insolent pride. You owe Lord Hargreaves an apology.”

“I—what?” Nolan lowered his voice as he grabbed her arm. She stared at his hand, dumbfounded. “Hargreaves is no gentleman, I don’t—”

She yanked her arm away. “Touch me again without my consent and I will stab you.”

“Stabme?”

In a swift, fluid motion, Adelaide bent down and drew the dagger out of her boot. She pointed the dagger at Nolan. “Regulus is no threat. And if he were, I can take care of myself.”

“I meant no offense to you, Adelaide—”

“But you caused offense. And you certainly meant offense to Regulus.” Warmth spread through her body as her magic kindled. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to be calm and keep her power in check. “You should leave before you make things worse.”

A vein in Nolan’s forehead bulged. He looked at her, then behind her, eyes flashing. He bowed curtly. “Forgive me, my lady, for having your best interests at heart.” He opened and closed his mouth a few times before giving the most forced smile Adelaide had ever seen. “I spoke out of concern for a lady’s wellbeing, safety, and reputation. I beg your pardon, Lord Hargreaves.” He strode away.

In the wake of his departure, she realized several nearby nobles were staring and whispering. She dropped her hand, hiding her dagger in the folds of her skirt. At least the interaction might end any rumors she was courting Nolan.

She turned back to Regulus and almost bumped into his chest; he stood so close behind her. The skin around his long scar pulled tight and puckered around his deep frown. His features softened as he lowered his gaze to her face.

“Bold like a tigress,” he murmured, smiling.

Adelaide hid her smile by sheathing her dagger and retaking her seat. “I apologize. He—”

“I’ve heard worse.” Regulus rubbed the back of his neck. He sat without looking at her. “What he said...about your reputation.” His throat bobbed. “He’s likely right.”

“What?”

“My blood is...tainted. My past—”

“I told you, I don’t care.”

“They do.” He motioned around them.

She hesitated, then spoke quietly. “I only know from accidental eavesdropping, but my half-siblings resent our mother for...sullying Father. And for replacing their mother.” She bit her cheek. “They said Minerva and I would make better servants than nobility.”

Regulus winced.

She indicated the room. “So, I don’t particularly care whattheymight think, Lord Hargreaves.”

“A minute ago...” His posture relaxed as he glanced at her. “You called me Regulus.”

Heat rushed up her neck to the tips of her ears. “I...did I?”

“You don’t have to stop. If you like.” Regulus reddened. “May I call you Adelaide?”

“I’d like that.” Her voice came out soft. His piercing gray eyes glittered as the corner of his mouth quirked upward. Her stomach fluttered.

Oh. Oh, no.

Ilikehim.

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