Page 95 of Staff of Nightfall

The line moved forward at a slow but steady pace and continued to grow behind them. They scanned the crowd, looking for any sign of Kirven or Nolan, but couldn’t get a good enough look at anyone. Captain Russell and Lieutenant Beale stood just outside the doorway, checking for weapons and scanning the passing faces for anyone who matched the descriptions Regulus and Adelaide had given them.

“See anything?” Russell whispered as he pretended to check Regulus’ sword.

Regulus shook his head. “Too many people. Too many masks.”

“Masquerade.” Russell cursed. “I hope you have better luck than we’re having once you’re inside. They’re passing us too quickly.”

They continued inside, up the red-carpeted staircase and into the cavernous ballroom. Massive crystal chandeliers with dozens of candles hung from the vaulted ceiling. Candelabras with intricate metalwork covered in gold leaf stood on pillars between the towering stained-glass windows. Tables covered with food arranged into the shapes of animals, flowers, and magical creatures lined the sides of the long room. A group of musicians played softly in the far corner.

The royal dais stood empty, but the hall was filling with guests and a low buzz of constant conversation mixed with the sounds of the harp, lutes, and flutes. Royal guards stood on either side of every entrance and exit, and in front of every window. Servants carrying trays of silver goblets filled with deep red wine wove through the guests. Regulus realized he had frozen, gawking at the overwhelming opulence.

“We should probably split up to cover more ground,” Adelaide whispered before kissing his cheek. She slipped out of his arm and breezed away, looking unconcerned and like she wasn’t bearing the weight of the world on her shoulders. He watched her move among the guests, her above-average height helping him track her.

With a sigh, he turned away. He wasn’t much for talking at parties, but he was a good listener. He meandered through the hall, listening for Carrick or the sorcerer’s voice or for anyone to say anything about Nolan Carrick or anything suspicious.

Chapter 35

Adelaide wandered theballroom as discretely as possible, but she couldn’t avoid people’s eyes, their whispers, or sometimes their conversation. She faked politeness and, as the hall filled and the music changed from peaceful background music to dances, gently turned down a couple offers to dance.

The afternoon sped on. The angle of the sunlight through the stained-glass windows changed and dimmed as evening approached. She saw Regulus several times, but no sign of Kirven or Nolan. Part of her felt relieved, as if nothing would actually happen. But deep down, she knew that was ridiculous. They would be here. Sooner or later.

She nursed a goblet of wine and scanned the crowd. Breck stepped up next to her, far too close for her comfort. “Getting intoxicated on duty, are we?”

Adelaide snorted. “Blending in as per your orders, sir.”

“Right.” He put a hand on the small of her back. She couldn’t repress her shudder, and her involuntary reaction made Breck snicker. He leaned in to whisper, his breath tickling her ear. “Don’t get carried away. If you get drunk while on duty, that’ll be that lashing I owe you.” He walked away.

She pressed her eyes closed, then left the goblet on a nearby table and continued to meander. Couples twirled around the dance floor, making her wish this was just a party, and she was in Regulus’ arms. She looked across the dancers, searching for Regulus. Just seeing him would help calm her jittery nerves.

Someone stepped up behind her and a gentle hand brushed her hair behind her shoulder. A slow smile pulled at her mouth.

“You look ravishing, love,” Nolan whispered close by her ear.

An invisible rope coiled around her chest. In spite of how much she had thought about being strong when she saw him, she trembled. Something sharp pressed against her ribs as he kissed the side of her neck. Her stomach lurched. Her breath stuttered and the muscles in her neck and back went taut.

“How’d you get a weapon in here?” Adelaide whispered, trying to control the pounding of her heart.

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