Page 88 of Staff of Nightfall

“That’s not how it works, Rob.”

“You just don’t want to keep your end of the bet.” Ponytail—Rob, apparently, made a grabbing motion with his hand.

“No one’s right or wrong yet,” Baritone said before shoveling an oversized bite of potato into his mouth.

The man to her left scooted closer until his thigh touched hers. She gripped her fork in her fist. “You want a fork in your eye? Back. Off.” He made a sour face but shifted back over so they had a small space. Regulus snorted.

“Hargreaves!” Adelaide nearly spilled peas everywhere as Breck’s shout echoed through the mess hall. Breck cursed as he tramped toward them, his boots clacking. “—do you think you’re doing in mess?”

“Not eating, sir.” Regulus kept his tone even and respectful, but irritation stormed in his eyes.

“Get out.”

“Sir?” Regulus’ brows drew together. “I haven’t eaten, sir—”

“You want to miss breakfast, too?” Breck grabbed the back of Regulus’ shirt and pulled him off the bench. “Get out!”

Regulus blew air out his nose, gave a clipped, “yes, sir,” and left.

Adelaide sat frozen, watching Regulus stomp out. The side of the fork cut into her fingers, she squeezed it so tight. She could have eaten more, but she picked up her plate and stood. Breck’s hand gripped her shoulder and pushed her back down as he sat next to her.

Chapter 33

Adelaide’s thick tonguestuck to the roof of her mouth. She couldn’t think of anything other than Breck’s hand on her shoulder.

“You didn’t finish your food.”

“I’m not hungry anymore, sir.”

“Don’t take more than you can eat, then.” Breck still gripped her shoulder. “I don’t like to see food wasted. Finish eating. That’s an order.”

“Yes, sir.” She took another bite. Her heartrate rose, but she breathed easier when Breck removed his hand.

“Here’s the thing, Belanger.” Breck rested his elbow on the table and turned toward her. “I don’t know what’s going on. I don’t know why you’re here, or what the king’s playing at. I don’t know if this is some crazy test, or if you made someone powerful very angry, or if it’s an elaborate and pretty transparent way to cover up that you’re in the king’s bed. But you’re not an exception because you’re a woman. You have to follow orders, same as everyone else.”

She stared at her plate. “Yes, sir. I know, sir.”

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