Page 87 of Prince of Shadow and Ash

Regulus lifted his head, hope dying in his pain-filled eyes. “It was selfish to ask. I’m sorry.” He turned to leave, but she slipped her hand down to grip his shaking hand. Her gut wrenched.

“Take me to them.”

He paused and gave her a relieved smile. “Thank you.” He started forward, but Minerva stepped into his path.

“Adelaide—”

“I can help.” She met her sister’s glare with determination. “Mother always encouraged kindness. If I can help, I will.”

“Adelaide,” Minerva repeated, her tone harsh. “You—”

“This is my decision, Minerva. Mine.” Adelaide led Regulus around Minerva, their hands still clasped.

“What is goingon?” Gaius’ voice crept toward a shout.

Adelaide looked back at him. “You might as well know. Come on.” She looked to Regulus, and he led the way, his footsteps rushed. Gaius followed.

After several minutes of hurried walking, Regulus slowed. They rounded a tent and Dresden looked up from a fire in surprise. “She came?”

Adelaide raised a brow at Regulus. He turned red. “Dresden has kept more secrets for me than I can count. I know I promised—”

“It’s all right.” She understood. She never could keep things from Minerva for long.

“Where’s Harold?” Regulus asked.

Dresden pointed at one of the tents, and Regulus led her inside. Estevan and the blond knight—Caleb, if she remembered correctly—stood as they entered. Caleb held a soiled, wet cloth in his hand. Harold laid on a cot in the middle of the tent.

“I gave him my bed,” Estevan said. He looked at her. “Why’s—”

“Wait outside,” Regulus said. Caleb and Estevan glanced at each other uncertainly but left the tent.

Gaius crossed his arms. “I’m not waiting outside.”

“That’s fine.” Adelaide knelt next to the cot. Harold’s eye was bruised, his nose broken. His breath came short and sharp, his face pinched. Her hands felt clammy. What if shecouldn’thelp him?

Regulus knelt on the other side of the cot, his eyebrows knit. “Can you help?”

Harold watched Adelaide with wide, confused eyes. She wet her lips. “I’ll try. Where does it hurt most, Harold?”

“My—” Harold groaned. “Ribs.” He placed a trembling hand over the left side of his rib cage. “It’s a dull pain, but sometimes, it,” he winced, “it feels like I’m being stabbed.”

She pushed his shirt up. Blue bruises covered his left side. Regulus cursed under his breath.

“Are you a physician?” Harold sounded bewildered.

“No.” Gingerly, Adelaide prodded Harold’s ribs. He grimaced. Her fingertips brushed a sharp edge. Harold yelped, and she drew her hand back and bit her lip. Self-doubt chilled her. Regulus grabbed Harold’s hand and put his other hand on Harold’s shoulder, steadying him.

“Sorry. I needed to know where to focus.” She looked to Regulus. “I’ve never healed a bone before.”

Regulus nodded, a vein on his temple standing out. “I understand.”

She held her palm over Harold’s broken ribs.Help me, Etiros.

Gaius moved closer. “What is—” Her palm shone. “—going...” Gaius’s words died on his lips.

Warmth spread across her hand. Harold sighed and his breathing normalized. Energy drained from her, like a cloth soaking up water. Somehow, she could sense the bone. As if she could feel it moving and coming back together. The bruising faded. She lowered her hand as it stopped glowing. She pressed on his ribs, and relaxed when they felt whole and Harold didn’t cry out. She’d done it. Pride and joy surged along with gratitude to Etiros for her gift. She pulled her hand away.

“You can sit up now.”

---