Page 85 of Staff of Nightfall

“She didn’t have a choice!” Regulus glared down at Beale.

“What was that?” Beale squinted. “Didn’t Captain Russell tell you the rules?”

Regulus looked lost for a moment, then said, “She didn’t have a choice, sir.”

“Well, she doesn’t have a choice about eating in the mess, either, unless and until the king or Captain Russell or Captain Matthews say otherwise.”

Adelaide felt Regulus about to protest again, so she squeezed his hand hard. She could handle it. It wasn’t like she couldn’t protect herself. She wouldn’t be collared. Not this time.

Regulus grunted. “Yes, sir.”

“Good.” Beale led them to the other building, which she guessed must be the barracks. The men watched her all the way.

“They’ll get used to it,” Adelaide whispered to Regulus, hoping she was right. “It’s just novel now.” Regulus worked his jaw in response, the veins in his neck bulging.

Inside the barracks, Beale took them into a room with a large desk, a wall covered in parchment with schedules written on them, and a round table with four chairs. Two men sat at the table playing cards, both wearing the same outfit as Beale, including the black sash. The one on the right had a small scar running through his left eyebrow. His brown hair fell in a thin braid down his back. The other man had thick, wavy black hair and the same dark olive complexion as Dresden but was taller and much huskier.

“This is the officer’s command center,” Beale explained. “Assignments and schedules are posted here. You will report to this room to debrief before and after every shift protecting the king. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir.”

“This is Lieutenant Breck,” Beale continued. The man with the scar nodded. “And Lieutenant Antar.” The olive-skinned man waved. “These are the new recruits, Hargreaves,” Beale jutted his thumb at Regulus, “and Belanger.” He jutted his thumb at her.

“So, it’s true.” Breck stood and looked them both over. “Don’t get why the king wants some foreign girl to protect him.”

“Hey, I’m foreign,” Antar said.

“Well, at least you’re a man and a soldier.”

“I’m Monparthian,” Adelaide said with rising indignation. “My father is Lord Alfred Belanger.”

“Don’t much care who your father is,” Breck said, his eyes narrowing. “But Idocare about you following protocol, woman or no. Did you get the full rundown of the rules or what?”

Dammit.“I apologize, sir.” She bowed her head, hoping that would show enough deference to stay his wrath. “And we did, sir.”

“Ah, you know new recruits, Breck.” Antar propped his boots on the back of one of the other chairs and crossed his ankles. “Always takes a little while to adjust. Slip-ups happen.” Antar smiled. “I’m sure you’ll work on it, right, sweetheart?”

She managed not to let her irritation show as she replied, “Yes, sir.”

“You call all your soldiers sweetheart, sir?” Regulus asked.Oh. Great.

Antar’s expression darkened. “I could if I wanted to, sweetheart.”

Adelaide sensed Regulus’ anger rising, and she grabbed his arm with both hands. He looked at her, eyes flashing. She gave a small shake of her head. He took a deep breath and relaxed.

“Guess the girl’s got more brains than you,” Breck said. “That attitude you’re showing has no place here. It’ll get you in trouble. But by the look of that scar, you’re acquainted with trouble. Where’d you get it?”

“As a mercenary,” Regulus said flatly.

“You were a mercenary?” Breck looked surprised, and Antar looked impressed.

“For nine years. A captain for five of those.” Regulus glared back at Breck, a hint of pride in his voice.

“Ah, so that’s the cause of the disrespect in your tone.” Breck’s mouth curled down. “You think you’re better than me.”

“I mean no disrespect, sir.” Regulus sounded unconvincing as he stared down Breck.

Adelaide looked to Beale. “Sir, is there anywhere else we need to know how to find?”

---