Page 80 of Prince of Shadow and Ash

“Please.” She smirked. “I have a feeling you don’t need luck.”

“A little extra luck never hurt anyone,” he said with a shrug, his tone teasing.

Her heart fluttered. “All right.” She reached up and grabbed the back of Regulus’ neck, pulling his head down to hers. Her fingers wove through his hair as they kissed. She stepped back, her heart beating fast, her emotions a whirlwind of light and song and beautiful, perfect things. Her fingers slipped off his neck. He opened his eyes, a dazed look on his face. She bit back a chuckle. “Good luck.”

“I think you broke him.” Dresden held a fist over his mouth. From the twinkling in his eyes, he appeared to be trying not to laugh.

Regulus blinked. “Don’t you have something better to do?”

“The only thing I have to do is tell you to get to the lists before you’re late.”

“I thought that was my job.” A thin young man walked closer. He had a mess of dark blond hair and a short, patchy beard. He held a helm in one hand and clutched the reins of one of the tallest destriers Adelaide had ever seen in the other. The muscles across the black stallion’s broad chest rippled as he stomped his foreleg.

Adelaide gasped in admiration. “Is this your horse?”

“This is Sieger.” Regulus moved to the horse’s shoulder and patted its thick neck. He pointed to the youth. “And that’s my squire, Harold.”

Adelaide held her palm out to Sieger. “He’s gorgeous!” Sieger rubbed her hand with his soft muzzle.

“Bad news, Reg,” Dresden said. “Your horse has stolen your lady. You’re only handsome, but he’s gorgeous.”

She shook her head at Dresden, then looked back at the horse. Sieger’s wavy black forelock tickled the back of her hand as she rubbed between his eyes.

“He likes you,” Regulus said. “He’s picky about who he lets touch his face.”

“I’d best let you get to the arena.” She scratched under Sieger’s chin. “Take care of him, Sieger.” The horse whinnied, as if agreeing.

Regulus tensed. His hand moved to his belt, but he wasn’t wearing a sword for the joust. Adelaide followed his icy gaze as she turned around. Nolan stared at Regulus with obvious rage and a little confusion.

“Competing, Hargreaves?”

Her stomach twisted at the venom in his words.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Regulus said flatly.

Nolan shrugged, his armor creaking. A vein in his temple pulsed. “Sure you’re in good enough shape to hold your own with a lance?”

“I’ll manage fine.”

“Hm.” Nolan shifted his gaze from Regulus to Adelaide. His eyes narrowed, and he tilted his head to the side, considering her. “You look...enchanting, my lady.”

A feeling like a ball of hot lead settled behind her sternum.He knows. Oh, Etiros, he knows.She swallowed against the tightness in her throat.

Nolan eyed her token in Regulus’ hand. “Hopefully you don’t regret that.” He offered a curt bow and continued on, followed by a squire leading a large white horse with a braided mane and tail.

“Hey.” Regulus put a hand on her shoulder. “Ignore him.”

She forced a smile and laughed nervously. “Yes. I’ll see you soon.” She rushed away, weaving between knights and mounts and servants.

Minerva frowned as Adelaide approached. “What happened? You look frightened.”

Adelaide gulped. Her fear was that obvious? “Nothing. Everything’s fine.”

“You don’t sound fine.” Gaius shook his head. “Shouldn’t have let you go alone.”

“Nothing happened. I just...” What could she say? Gaius didn’t know her secret. And there were so many people around.

Gaius’ expression softened. “He’ll be fine. He seemed all right last night, and he’s strong. If he has anywhere near the skill on a horse that he demonstrated yesterday on foot, I’m sure he’s in no danger.”

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