Page 53 of Staff of Nightfall

Regulus glanced sidelong at Alfred. “They were my mercenaries before they were my knights, if that’s what you’re getting at.”

“You trust them?”

Regulus paused, reaching for the handle to leave the tower. “Do you trust me?”

“My trust was a bit broken when you disappeared with my daughter,” Alfred’s voice held an edge that cut right through him. “But I believe I do.”

“Good. Then know you can trust my men. I trust them with my life.” Regulus gripped the door handle and looked pointedly at Alfred. “I would trust them with Adelaide’s life.”

“Good enough for me.”

Regulus opened the door and followed Alfred into the night. They hurried toward the central residential part of the castle, a multilevel building of soaring windows and gothic points. The other groups splintered off. Stealth was no longer required, but Regulus still noted with distaste how much louder Lord Belanger’s men were than his own.

The front doors were locked. Alfred banged the pommel of his sword on the door. When no one answered, he banged again.

Regulus looked around the courtyard, catching sight of a man falling from one of the gate towers. “Is there another way—”

The door opened, revealing a bleary-eyed servant. “Lord Belanger?”

Alfred pushed past. “Where. Is. My. Wife!”

“In your rooms, my lord.”

Regulus followed Alfred across the foyer as two men wearing only loose-fitting trousers ran in from an adjoining hallway, swords drawn. Regulus intercepted them while Alfred continued toward a door in the back corner of the foyer. The men hesitated when they saw Alfred, but Regulus did not. He drove his sword through the first man’s stomach, turned as he withdrew his blade, and sliced across the second man’s torso. Both men fell to the ground. Regulus followed Alfred up the flight of stairs behind the corner door. Landon headed in the opposite direction with a few of the knights. He did have his own wife to rescue, after all.

They ran up the stairs, Alfred taking the steps two at a time and Regulus close on his heels. The light of the torch in Alfred’s hand sputtered, casting eerie shadows from suits of armor as Alfred sprinted down a hall. A man sat in a chair next to a closed door, head resting against the wall. He looked at them, then jumped up.

“You...Carrick said there was no way you could breach the walls!”

Before they reached him, the man unlocked the door and bolted inside. The door slammed in Alfred’s face and the lock clicked. Alfred bellowed and jammed his shoulder against the door. It shook but didn’t budge.

Regulus motioned for him to step aside. Alfred hesitated, but moved over, his face pinched. Regulus lifted his foot to kick at the door just as the door swung inward, and he nearly fell forward through the door. He stepped back in surprise. Lady Belanger stood in the doorway in a midnight-blue nightgown, eyes wild and shoulders heaving.

“Alfred!”

“Tamina,” Alfred gasped out and dropped his sword. She ran into his arms and he lifted her off the ground, kissing her with such passion, Regulus turned away. He peered into the bedroom. The guard’s body lay in a heap on the floor next to the massive four-post bed, just visible in the dim light from a gap in the curtains. The handle of a dagger protruded from his neck.

After a small eternity of tear-filled kisses, Lady Belanger turned toward Regulus. “Hargreaves.” Her dark brown eyes flashed. “Where is Adelaide?”

“Hopefully safely on her way to the palace.” Heat crawled up Regulus’ neck as she stared him down.

“Alone!” She slapped him across the face. His mouth fell open as he touched his stinging cheek. Alfred grabbed Tamina’s shoulders and pulled her back.

“Troll take you, you—”

“Mina!” Alfred held his wife back. “Regulus just saved us and ensured Adelaide didn’t come—”

“I heard Carrick talking to that man,” Tamina pointed in the direction of the body. “He said Kirven had sent word of where he could find Adelaide, and that Regulus might attempt a rescue.” Her tone softened. “He didn’t think you a threat against a garrisoned castle. And while part of me is pleased he was wrong,” her hands formed fists, “Adelaide is out therealonewith Carrick after her. His exact words were, ‘I’m going tocollectAdelaide.’ Like paid-for goods. Why aren’t you with her!”

Regulus stepped back, shaking his head. “No...she’s on her way to warn the king. Her magic is back. Adelaide is strong and smart. She’s okay. She has to be.”

Tamina pointed at him. “First you run away with her when you were told to stay put. I suppose I should be thankful, because otherwise she would have been here when Carrick attacked. But then you leave her alone?”

“She wouldn’t abandon you,” Regulus said, his voice hoarse. “It seemed like the best way to keep her safe from Carrick.”

“When did you last see her?” Alfred demanded.

“Three days ago? She’s safe,” Regulus said, trying to convince himself more than Adelaide’s parents. He stared down at the blood giving his sword a red sheen. “I...” He swallowed. “I have to find her.” He looked up, determination replacing his fear. “I have to go.” He turned and pushed past the gawking knights blocking the hall.

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