Page 60 of Prince of Shadow and Ash

“She’s a flirt.”

Adelaide ducked her head and made her way to her seat as quickly as she could.

Minerva looked up, but her smile faded. “Is everything all right? You look...upset.”

“I’m fine.”

The mockery wasn’t new.I don’t care. Their opinion doesn’t matter.But it still hurt. However, the fact that some people thought she and Nolan were courting... It both embarrassed her and made her furious. People talked too much. Angry tears threatened to well up, so she shook her head and focused on the competition.

Chapter 23

REGULUS SIGHED AS ADELAIDEwove away through the crowd. A man’s voice intruded on his bliss. “Lord Hargreaves?”

He looked over as Sir MacCombe approached. “Yes, Sir MacCombe?”

MacCombe nodded toward Adelaide. “That was Lady Adelaide Belanger, wasn’t it?” Regulus nodded. MacCombe looked thoughtful. “That’s her token?”

“Yes.”

Something dark and dangerous sparked behind MacCombe’s eyes. “I was under the impression Nolan Carrick was courting her. There were rumors of a pending engagement.”

Dresden snorted, but said nothing.

Regulus tried not to sound too riled. “No.”

MacCombe stepped closer, his voice low. “I’m pleased to hear it. I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with Lady Adelaide. She’s a lovely woman. Too good for Nolan Carrick. You fight with honor, Lord Hargreaves of Arrano, and were gracious in victory, so I will offer a word of warning. Nolan Carrick is not lightly trifled with, and there are many who blindly trust the Carrick name. If you have stolen his object of desire, you should watch your back.” MacCombe grimaced. “And your love. Especially your love.”

Regulus nodded, wanting to ask for clarification but not daring to be rude. “Thank you.”

“And one more thing.” MacCombe’s eyes flashed. “Since you defeated me, I cannot do what I came here to do. If you get the chance—give Nolan Carrick a sound beating. He deserves it more than you know.” He walked away.

If Dresden was right about Carrick offending Baron Gaveston and the reason Baron Esmil’s daughter joined a convent, that made three baronial families with a grudge against Nolan Carrick. Regulus relished the information. A man made that many enemies, eventually, he’d be ruined.

The herald called the winners and runner-up back onto the field, then announced the eight pairs for the second round. Regulus would go second against Sir Luke Arthur. Arthur had done well in the first round, but he leaned into his right side, making his strikes unbalanced. A small flaw that would be easily exploited.

He had to admit, he was enjoying the tournament. The competition provided more excitement than practicing with his knights. Winning felt more satisfying in a competition, even if he had an unfair advantage. But he held back and tried to keep the playing field as level as he could. He also much preferred this to fighting for the sorcerer.

---