Page 94 of Staff of Nightfall

A group of three men in their early twenties stood in front of them, chortling and holding small open flasks. Apparently, they’d decided to start the party early. They wore ridiculous hose and doublets in flashy and obnoxious colors. One looked over his shoulder, sunlight glinting on the silver inlay on his violet mask.

“Hey.” The man nudged one of his fellows. “Look at what just fell from the heavens.”

Regulus rolled his eyes as the other two men turned toward them. His arm was still around Adelaide’s waist, but either the young noble didn’t notice or didn’t care.

“I actually crawled out of hell,” Regulus said. “But thanks for the compliment.” Adelaide giggled.

The noble squinted at him, then laughed too. “This your husband?”

“Betrothed,” Adelaide replied.

One of the other men wiggled his eyebrows. A vivid green mask covered the right half of his face. “What I’m hearing is I still have a chance.” He held out his flask. “I’m Will. Care for a drink?”

“No thank you, Will,” Adelaide said with an amused snort.

“I’m Thomas,” the first speaker said. He pointed at the third noble, who wore a crimson mask. “That’s Sean. And the angel’s name is...?”

“Adelaide,” she said, before Regulus could saynone of your business.“But I’m quite human.”

“Where are you from, Lady Adelaide?” Sean asked. “Carasom? Khastalland?”

Regulus felt her stiffen as she said, “Nueres Duchy.”

“Oh.” Sean pointed at Will. “Will has relatives in Nueres. But where were you from before that? Khastalland, right?”

Regulus winced. He’d seen Dresden lose his cool over similar lines of questioning in the past. Jerrick and Estevan hadn’t been born or raised in Monparth, so it didn’t bother them unless someone implied they didn’t count as Monparthians, despite their status as knights of Monparth.

“My mother’s womb,” Adelaide said flatly. “Who was in Nueres.” She shuffled her feet. “But she was from Khastalland.”

“Ah, see?” Sean snapped his fingers. “I knew it.”

Regulus looked around, scanning the growing line behind them. No one looked like Nolan or the sorcerer. He turned back to the intoxicated young men. “Do you know anyone else coming to the masque?”

“Sure,” Will said. “Lots of nobles. None that could wear that dress so well, though.” He winked at Adelaide. Regulus could have punched him, but he restrained himself.

“Have you heard if any of the Carricks are coming?” Adelaide asked.

“Duke and Duchess Carrick come every year,” Thomas said. “Not sure if any of their sons are coming.”

“Henry said he saw the youngest, what’s his name?” Sean said. “Nathaniel?”

“Nolan,” Will said.

“Yeah, that’s it. Said he saw him carrying some boxes for some older man over in the merchant’s district a couple days ago. Said he planned on coming. Why?”

Regulus and Adelaide glanced at each other. She placed her hand on his chest. “Regulus used to be good friends with the Carricks. He was hoping to reconnect and introduce us.”

“I wouldn’t do that.” Will laughed. “Or if you do, keep a close eye on your lovely lady. Nolan Carrick has a reputation for charming the ladies.”

“Does he?” Adelaide murmured.

“Well,” Regulus said, “at least I don’t have to worry about the three of you.”

Thomas and Will laughed, but Sean turned red as his mask. “At least we’ve still got our looks.” Sean traced his finger down across his cheek to his chin, mirroring Regulus’ scar. Regulus’ mouth turned down and the tops of his ears burned.

“Don’t worry, Sean,” Adelaide said. She turned toward Regulus and ran her fingertips over his scar, making his skin tingle. “Maybe one day you’ll grow out of those boyish features and look like a man, too.” Regulus couldn’t help himself. He leaned over and kissed her.

“Well, then.” Will pulled at his collar. The young men turned around and returned to their flasks, commenting on the ladies they could spot ahead of them in line.

---