Page 90 of Prince of Shadow and Ash

Chapter 33

ADELAIDE FELL ASLEEPas soon as she pulled on her blanket. She hadn’t slept so soundly in ages. But when Giselle woke her, she felt refreshed. The festival grounds echoed with the sounds of tents being collapsed, horses and carriages prepared, and the chatter of everyone from nobles to servants. While servants loaded their belongings onto palfreys and mules, she took Zephyr and found a small grove of trees a short ride away. A quiet place where she could feed him oats and a few sugar cubes in peace and not worry about being in the way.

After a short while, hoof beats approached. She turned to look, expecting Sir Gaius or one of the Drummonds’ servants. Zephyr’s lips tickled her outstretched palm, and she smiled. But then she saw the intruder’s face. Her smile vanished as she clenched her jaw. “You’re not welcome here, Sir Carrick.”

Nolan chuckled, as if she were teasing. He dismounted and sauntered closer as her whole body tensed. “That’s hardly polite of you.”

“I know what you did,” she said, her voice low and accusing.

“And what’s that?” His playful tone and crooked smile taunted her as he moved closer.

“Regulus’ squire and horse were attacked last night. I know you’re behind it.” She raised her chin. “So you are not. Welcome. Here.”

“Interesting.” Nolan stepped closer and rubbed Zephyr’s neck, looking at the gelding in admiration. Her heart pounded against her ribs. “Because I know something, too.” He met her eyes. “Iknow whatyouare.”

She stopped breathing. Icy tendrils wormed through her chest. “What are you talking about?” She had meant to speak with confidence, but her words came out breathy.

“I wasn’t certain what I saw when you showed up and played the knight to Half-Breed’s damsel. An amusing moment, that. But then the mercenary didn’t sustain injuries. I heard you visited the mongrel’s camp last night. And this morning, he apparently rode his horse away before dawn, despite whispers the horse was maimed. I also heard a rumor someone broke his squire’s nose, but he looked fine. The look on your face confirms my theory.”

The last sugar cube in her hand slipped from her fingers and fell to the ground. She felt light-headed. Goosebumps pricked her arms.

Nolan laughed and looked back at Zephyr, still stroking her horse’s neck. “Don’t worry. I won’t tell.” He shrugged. “Not yet, anyway.”

“What do you want?” Her voice sounded hoarse.

“I would have thought it was obvious, my dear.” He gave her a wicked grin and stepped toward her, his hand falling from Zephyr’s neck. “I wantyou.”

Indignation crackled under her skin. She clenched her fists. “You’re out of your mind.”

“No. I just know what I want. And I get what I want. Marry me, Adelaide.”

She fixed him with a death glare. “What in creation makes you think I would ever marryyou? After everything you’ve done?”

“Oh, I realized a while ago I wasn’t going to win you over by charm alone.” He gave a dismissive frown. “I’m not used to that, to be honest. I thought to scare you away from Hargreaves, but that failed too. When I left you with him after the attack, I hoped you’d see him as weak and move on, but no. I thought I would threaten the mercenary into leaving you. But that seems to have failed as well.”

“So what?” Her thoughts turned to the weapons stowed in her boots. “You’re here to threaten me now?”

“Not threaten yet, no. Blackmail. I know your secret, Adelaide.”

Nervousness made her shiver, but she squared her shoulders. “Fine. Tell who you will. I’m done hiding who I am.”

One side of Nolan’s mouth curved up in a condescending smile. “You say that, but I don’t see you broadcasting your,” he lowered his voice conspiratorially, “abilities.” He crossed his arms. “I can’t say I blame you. If everyone like me had been brutally hunted down and murdered, I also would want to keep my identity secret.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Listen closely. I would rather the entireworldknew my secret thanevermarry you. Why are you so desperate, anyway? If ladies usually find you so charming, why am I so important? What makes you want to marrymeso badly?”

Irritation clouded his eyes, but then his usual careless smile returned. “I know your secret; you might as well know mine. I’m out of viable marriage options. Either my brothers already married into the best families, the families of my station don’t have eligible daughters of a decent age, or...” He shrugged. “I’ve burned one too many bridges, it seems. Mygraciousparents,” he spat the words, “have threatened to disinherit me. They gave me a deadline, and if I don’t marry, they’ll disown me and throw me out of Carrick Barony with no inheritance. I’m down to a month.”

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