Page 73 of Prince of Shadow and Ash

“You said you’re loyal to my father. Prove it. Kneel.”

Regulus worked his jaw and eyed the other men, weighing his options. If he walked away, Carrick could attack from behind. “I do not need to kneel before a spare son with a title beneath my own.” Carrick grimaced, and Regulus knew he’d struck a nerve. “But out of deference for your father...” He bowed at the waist. “Have a good evening, my lord.”

Carrick glowered. “Break the bastard’s arms.”

The four men moved forward. Regulus stepped back, trying to decide if he should fight or run. “You would assault a lord?”

Carrick shrugged. “My father and I are not on the best of terms, as you probably noticed. But who will he believe? You? Or me and the sons of some of the most respected knights in Thaera Duchy?”

“All this over a lost contest?” Regulus shook his head, watching the other four men. “Why is it so important to you?”

Carrick’s expression darkened. “You think this is about one contest?” He jutted his chin at Regulus. “Take him down.”

The other knights lunged forward. Regulus hesitated only a moment. He couldn’t risk them discovering his secret. He turned to run.

“Coward!” He ignored Nolan’s taunt.

An arrow whistled and Regulus scanned the darkness. An archer stood half-hidden in the shadow of a small tree ten paces ahead of him. He didn’t find the arrow fast enough to dodge it. The head bit into his left arm, the shaft sinking deep into his flesh. He gritted his teeth as he changed course away from the archer. The tip of his boot caught on the ground and he tripped. Not enough to make him fall, but enough to slow him. One of the knights threw himself against his back. Regulus fell to the ground.

Chapter 27

MINERVA HELD ADELAIDE’Shand, squeezing it in her excitement as they walked back to their tents. Gaius chuckled and shook his head as Minerva rattled off questions.

“Is he a good dancer? Did you kiss him? He invited just us? How do we dress for that? Did he say anything about courtship? Marriage? Do—”

“Slow down, Min.” Adelaide giggled. “One at a time.”

“All right, all right. Is he a good dancer?”

“I’ll be honest; I’ve danced with better.” She squeezed Minerva’s hand. “But that was the most fun I’ve ever had dancing.”

“So?” Minerva elbowed her. “Did he kiss you?”

“Min!”

“Is that a yes?” Minerva winked.

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