Page 89 of Prince of Shadow and Ash

Chapter 32

GAIUS ASKED A STRINGof questions about when, how, what she could do, and who knew. Adelaide answered every question, even though she looked exhausted. Regulus didn’t mind all the questions, though. He would have sat there all night with her tucked against him, their fingers laced together. But her eyelids drooped, and weariness tugged at him. Once Gaius was satisfied, Regulus helped her to her feet.

“I can’t thank you enough.” Regulus placed his hand on the side of Adelaide’s neck and caressed her jawline with his thumb. “I am forever in your debt. And I promise, my men won’t tell anyone. I trust all of them.”

She leaned into his hand, her skin warm on his palm. “I’m glad to finally help. I hate hiding.” She looked down. “But I’m also not sure I’m ready for everyone to know. So I appreciate the promise.”

“You have a beautiful heart,” he murmured.

“What are we going to do about Carrick?” She looked up, anger burning in her tired eyes. “He can’t get away with this. I don’t care if he was at the feast all evening. Hehadto have sent the men who did this.”

“I can’t prove that. And as relieved and thrilled as I am that you were able to heal them...there’s no evidence an attack happened at all.”

She worked her jaw. “And what if he tries again?”

“My men are exceptional fighters. And in the morning, we’re heading back to my castle. He won’t be able to do something like this again.”Let him try. I’ll kill him.

“It’s not right.”

“I know.” He pulled her into an embrace.

Adelaide wrapped her arms around him and leaned her cheek on his shoulder. It amazed and bewildered him how comfortable they felt together. “What did you mean when you said it was your fault?”

“What? Oh.” He took a deep breath. “Something Carrick said. A vague threat I didn’t heed.” He glanced at Gaius, who stood near the tent entrance, looking anywhere but at them. “I should have let him win the joust.”

Gaius shook his head. “No. There’s something else at play here. Something far more personal than a lost joust. And I suspect you know what it is.”

Regulus clenched his jaw. He wouldn’t say it. Not in front of Adelaide. He wouldn’t put that pressure on her. He met Gaius’ eyes, then looked down at Adelaide’s head resting on his shoulder. Gaius squinted. His jaw slackened as he understood. He opened his mouth to say something, but Regulus shook his head.

He pulled away from Adelaide, even though he hated to do so. “You should return to your tent. You look exhausted.”

“Can I see you in the morning?”

“I’m afraid not.” His shoulders fell, thinking about all he had to do. About the truth he hid from her. It made him nauseous after what she had done for him. But he could hardly tell her in front of Gaius. “We’ll be leaving before daybreak. And you need to rest. But I’ll see you for supper on the third.” He kissed her forehead.And I’ll tell you everything.

Everything.

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