Page 52 of Prince of Shadow and Ash

Chapter 20

ADELAIDE FOCUSED ONmaintaining a composed exterior as they continued on their way. She left a little extra space between her and Regulus and didn’t take his arm again. She still felt a little...dizzy? Winded? For a moment, she’d wondered if he was going to kiss her. If she was honest, she had wished he would, although the thought made her legs feel weak. Adelaide had never been kissed, and the idea of kissing Regulus was both nerve-wracking and tantalizing. Hence, the extra space between them now. Plus, something Minerva had said, even in teasing, troubled her.

Maybe he should talk to Father.

Father was cautious with all his daughters, but with Adelaide most of all. She was the youngest, and more importantly, she was a mage. What if Father—or Mother, who could be even more fiercely protective—didn’t think Regulus could be trusted with her secret? Adelaide glanced over. She had a gut feeling she could trust Regulus.He’s a good man. I’m sure of it.If she wanted to marry him, would Father forbid her?

Oh.A realization hit her with the force of one of her throwing knives, right in her heart.I’m thinking about marrying him.A whirlwind of emotions. Excitement. Fear. Confusion. Giddiness.

True, Father would do anything to protect her. But Father loved her, and he trusted her. If Adelaide trusted Regulus, Father would, too. She looked over at Regulus again and caught him looking at her. She blushed and glanced away, smiling to herself.

Might as well admit it. You’re fallinghard.

“Lady Adelaide!”

Adelaide groaned internally as she recognized the voice. She forced a pleasant smile and turned toward Nolan.

Nolan approached flanked by a couple knights. He had paired an ostentatious aquamarine doublet with a white shirt and navy trousers. A sword hung from a leather belt embroidered with silver thread, as if he feared someone might forget his parents were wealthy. His light brown hair, as usual, was perfect. What a marked contrast to Regulus’ loose, open-necked black shirt, plain sword belt, and longer, tousled wavy black hair.

“It is a pleasure to see you, Lady Adelaide.” Nolan bowed, predictably snatching up her hand to kiss her fingers. She hated the flamboyant gesture. He bowed toward the rest of the party. “And you as well, Sir Gaius, Lady Minerva. Lord Hargreaves.” He sounded terse as he addressed Regulus, but his expression stayed agreeable. “I’m surprised to see you here. I didn’t think you competed.”

“I haven’t had the desire in the past,” Regulus said, to Adelaide’s surprise. “But I will compete in archery, sword, and joust this time.”

“Interesting.” Nolan looked at Dresden. “And...tell me your name again?”

“Sir Jakobs.” Dresden sounded unamused.

“Right. I don’t expectyou’llbe competing? Not allowed, I’d wager.”

Shock rushed through her at Nolan’s flaunting of Dresden’s non-noble blood.

“No,” Dresden said, his tone cool. “Only because the officials feared I’d kill some poor noble.”

“Mm.” Nolan directed his attention back to Adelaide. Sorrow shadowed his face. “My lady, you wound me.”

“Pardon?”

He gestured toward her neck. “I had hoped to see my gift around that beautiful neck.”

“Oh.” Adelaide’s fingers drifted to her bare neck. “The necklace was very...um, thoughtful.” She floundered. “But—”

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