Page 74 of Staff of Nightfall

“Oh...thank you.” Dresden didn’t look at her as she scooped berries out of his hand. Her fingers broke the thin skin on some of them. Purplish-red juices stained her fingertips and the flesh of his palm.

“Listen, I...” Dresden sighed as he closed his fingers around the remaining berries. “I’m sorry for yelling.” He scratched his beard. “Reg is...he’s my brother. Not by blood, but he’s my brother all the same. He’s protected me since we were children, and I will always protect him. I nearly lost him, and...” His throat corded.

“You were afraid.”

“I can’t thank you enough for saving him. But his soul was dying under the sorcerer. I can’t watch that again. I can’t.” Dresden took a deep breath and met her eyes. “I wasn’t afraid, I was terrified. If he’d died fighting for you, or if you’d enslaved him, even by accident, it would be my fault. But I shouldn’t have doubted you, and I’m sorry.”

Adelaide stared. “I forgive you, but...how would it be your fault?”

“Ah, he wouldn’t have told you that.” A sly smile spread over Dresden’s face. He looked over as Regulus approached. “Reg, you didn’t tell her my part in enabling your romance, and frankly, I’m offended.”

She expected Regulus to scoff and brush Dresden’s comment off. Instead, he turned bright red. “Drez—”

“Regulus almost didn’t go to the Drummonds’ party.” Dresden tossed a couple berries into his mouth with a toothy smile. “I talked him into going.” He elbowed Regulus. “Forced him to talk to you, too. The frowny-faced coward. Talked him out of giving up on pursuing you several times. Plus, there’s our little secret.” He winked, much to Adelaide’s bewilderment.

“Secret?” Regulus demanded.

“Aw, don’t tell me you’ve forgotten about the pastries.” Dresden arched a brow.

Pastries? The nalotavi. Regulus’ sweet and slightly ridiculous note. Dresden’s postscript confiding that Regulus thought he had thrown that note away in favor of a more restrained message, but Dresden had thought she’d like that one better.

Adelaide smiled, then giggled. Regulus looked affronted, which for some reason made her laugh more. All her stress welled up and bubbled out of her in gut-squeezing, shoulder-shaking laughter.

“You were right, you know,” she wheezed, her hand pressed against her stomach. “It was sweet; and I liked it.”

“See?” Dresden slapped Regulus’ shoulder. “I always have your back.”

She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye while Dresden sauntered away. Her laughter died out, but her smile remained. Especially as Regulus watched her with a deep crease between his eyebrows and an expression like a lost puppy.

“Dresden exchanged the letters you wrote when you sent me the nalotavi.” She slipped her hand into his. “He wrote at the bottom he thought the original was more honest.”

“Oh, great.” Regulus’ embarrassment crept into her mind through their connection. “Just...excellent.”

Adelaide giggled and leaned against his shoulder. “I liked it. In fact, I hope you don’t stop writing me sentimental letters when we’re married. Or giving me nalotavi.”

“Marry me and I’ll ask Sarah to bake you nalotavi every day if you want.”

“You do know how to charm a girl.” She kissed him as his abashed delight traveled through their bond.

Dresden hadn’t lied—the berries were ripe and juicy. They walked hand-in-hand over to the horses. Father handed her some leftover cold fish. He looked calmer than when she left, but she still caught the flicker of pained worry in his eyes. They ate quickly and prepared to continue their journey.

Adelaide planted a kiss on Regulus’ cheek while Father’s back was turned before mounting Sieger. Regulus moved toward Father’s horse, but Father stepped up to the stallion’s side and mounted before Regulus could. Regulus stood stock-still. He gave her a helpless, confused look.

Father looked down at Regulus. “Don’t stand there. We don’t have all day, and I doubt you’ll keep up long on foot.” He turned his horse toward the road.

Relief and joy washed over Adelaide. Regulus turned toward her, looking unsure. With a grin, she motioned him over with her head. He cast one more look at Father riding in the direction of the road, then jogged to Sieger’s side.

Once he settled into place behind her, he plucked the reins out of her hands. His torso bumped against her back as he whispered in her ear, “Can—would you mind...if I kiss your forehead?”

She didn’t know if she wanted to laugh or cry, the gentleness in his voice almost too much to bear. Unable to force a response past her tied tongue, she nodded. His lips pressed against her temple. With the contact of their skin, Regulus’ love and desire to protect her sank into Adelaide like an ache. He leaned back and prodded Sieger to follow Father.

The rest of the day passed more comfortably, with Regulus’ arms around her while they rode. After they stopped for the night, it didn’t take her long to fall asleep, tucked against Regulus’ side.

The next morning passed in the same manner, but in the early afternoon they crested a hill and Adelaide’s mouth fell open like her jaw had unhinged. The rolling green hills continued before them, but beyond, stretching into what seemed like an eternity, was an expanse of glittering deep blue. A cool, salty breeze tugged at her hair.

“Is...is that...?”

“The Ismuire Sea,” Father said.

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