Page 98 of Prince of Shadow and Ash

Chapter 37

ADELAIDE WATCHED REGULUSgo with an unsettled feeling in her gut. He was hiding something. Dresden urged Estevan to continue his story. She would have to ask Regulus for the truth later—when she told him about Nolan’s threats.

Regulus’ abrupt exit distracted her from the end of Estevan’s story. Something about Perceval injuring himself trying to escape from a hunter’s trap. The other knights laughed like this was the funniest thing in the world. Their laughter was infectious, even though Adelaide scarcely understood the cause.

“That’s why he’s the blockhead and I’m the smart one,” Caleb said, his tone serious but mirth in the wrinkles around his eyes.

Perceval pointed at him. “No, you’re the one askin’ for a beating.”

Caleb gasped and put a hand over his heart. “To say such things in front of ladies! Including your own wife!”

Leonora giggled. The curvy brunette wrapped her hands around Perceval’s muscular upper arm and leaned against her husband’s shoulder. “He has a point, Cal. You’ll push him too far one day.” She winked.

Adelaide laughed and propped her elbow on the table, resting her chin in her hand. “What is it between you two?”

“Ah, see that’s all on account of—”

“Caleb Rathburn you shut your obnoxious mouth!” Perceval threw a bread crust at Caleb’s head, which he ducked.

“Don’t interrupt me when I’m talking to a lady.” Caleb clicked his tongue. “Whatwouldyour instructors at university say?”

Adelaide looked at Perceval than back at Caleb. “Perceval went to university?”

“Perceval got kickedoutof university,” Caleb said.

“I quit!” Perceval snatched up his goblet.

Dresden leaned toward her. “This is a common argument,” he whispered.

“Why were you kicked out or...quit? Whichever it was,” Gaius said as he cut into the roast quail on his plate.

“Well, see—” A loud banging from the foyer interrupted Caleb.

Dresden frowned. “That’s odd.” He rose from his seat and headed out of the hall. “Pardon me a moment.”

“You cannot barge—” Adelaide recognized the voice of the steward who had greeted them in the courtyard.

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