Prince of Shadow and Ash

by Selina R. Gonzalez

  The conversation turned to less personal matters—hobbies and interests and likes and dislikes. As they ate and chatted, Regulus’ nervousness abated. For the first time in his life, he didn’t feel out of place among the nobles, didn’t feel like an unwanted intruder. He felt like he belonged.

  Chapter 15

  ADELAIDE COULDN’T REMEMBER a better banquet. Not that the food itself was special. The Carricks, with their great wealth, had provided better. But the company... Regulus Hargreaves was a tantalizing mystery. A little awkward, but she found it authentic and endearing. He clearly didn’t judge her for her bloodline, nor did he seem superficially attracted to her Khastallander features. And he hadn’t tried to touch her once. She still knew precious little about Regulus, but what she knew, she liked.

  As he described places he’d visited in Khastalland, sights and sounds and tastes, she studied him. He had a smile that crinkled his eyes. A deep, hearty laugh. He radiated an acceptance and understanding she found rare. Dresden grabbed Regulus’ arm, laughing as he reminded Regulus of a humorous anecdote from their travels. A simple gesture, one between friends, not lord and vassal. Their easy rapport spoke volumes about Regulus’ character and humility.

  The rough, shiny scar that ran from the outside of Regulus’ right eye through the corner of his mouth to his chin gave him a roguish quality. His eyes were sharp, his movements controlled but energetic. He seemed on alert, taut, like a drawn bowstring. He felt dangerous yet not threatening, like a friendly wolf.

  Perhaps his frank admission to being a mercenary, a killer, should have bothered her. But Father had found Mother while fighting a war, and bandits’ blood had stained her own weapons, so she couldn’t fault him. Everything about his earnest and quiet demeanor indicated he wasn’t a blood-thirsty savage without honor any more than her own father was.

  Supper ended; servants cleared the tables. Minstrels played, the notes of the flute and lyre drifting over the sound of multiplying conversations. Minerva and Gaius wandered away. Even Dresden left with a remark about a pretty girl that made Regulus sigh and roll his eyes. But neither of them made any move to leave their chairs.

  “Have you heard of this Black Knight?” Adelaide asked. “Sir Gaius told me some strange rumors.”

  “Yes.” Regulus cleared his throat and worked his jaw as if the question irritated him. “I’ve heard of him. Often.”

  “Do you think he’s real?”

  “Yes. I’m afraid I do.”

  She turned and wrapped her arm around the back of her chair. “You haven’t seen him, have you?”

  “No.” He shifted in his seat. “Drez did. From a distance. Not recently.”

  “Really?” Adelaide made a mental note to ask Dresden about his sighting later. “It’s said someone killed a dragon in the Singing Caves. Some are claiming the Black Knight was seen in the area. Lord Drummond says dragons don’t exist in Monparth anymore, and neither does the Black Knight. But people are selling dragon scales.” She rested her chin on the back of the chair. “What do you think?”

  He went pale and closed his eyes as sweat gleamed on his forehead.

  “Lord Hargreaves?” Adelaide reached for his arm, alarmed. “Are you all right?” He looked at her hand on his arm. She snatched it back. Too forward, Adelaide!

  “I’m sorry.” He sighed. “I’ve fought a dragon before. It brought back some...painful memories.”

  She gasped. “You...you’ve fought a dragon?” Words tumbled out of her mouth. “When? Where? How? Did you kill it? Did it breathe fire? What did it look like?”

  Regulus massaged his forehead, his expression pinched.

  “I’m sorry,” she blurted. “I didn’t mean to pry.”

  “No, no.” He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “I can’t blame you.” He chuckled. “Even if I wasn’t prepared for so many questions on the subject from a lady.”

  “Oh.” She snapped her mouth closed and angled away.

  “No, I didn’t mean that negatively!” Regulus said quickly. “I appreciate that you’re interested. I just wasn’t expecting it—I have little experience talking to ladies.”

  Her heart softened and she turned back toward him. “It must have been horrible. You don’t need to tell me.”

  “And disappoint you?” He shook his head. “Let’s see... Yes, a real, live dragon. Not terribly long—”

  “You have some nerve, Hargreaves,” Nolan’s voice interrupted at Adelaide’s shoulder. She looked up to see him glowering as if Regulus had insulted the entire Carrick line. His casual stance and crossed arms relayed a haughty and careless belief in himself, likely in his own superiority. His short, light brown hair had been perfectly combed.

  “Pardon?” She looked back at Regulus, who glared at Nolan.

  “Should you even be here?” Nolan asked, ignoring her. “Let alone talking with someone of Lady Belanger’s quality.”

  “I was invited,” Regulus said evenly. “Same as you.”

  “Same as me?” Disdain rang in every word Nolan spoke. “Not even close. I didn’t need to bribe a servant to avoid sitting at the end of the hall.” He stepped past Adelaide’s shoulder, closer to Regulus. “It’s not safe to let a mongrel wolf into the house with the dogs. The Glowers should know better.”

  Adelaide gasped and stood. “Sir Nolan!”

  Nolan put an arm around her shoulders protectively—no, possessively. “Don’t worry. He won’t bother you any longer.”

  She shoved his arm off. “Bother me? Lord Hargreaves isn’t the one bothering me. He has been nothing but a gentleman all evening. The only wolf here is you and your insolent pride. You owe Lord Hargreaves an apology.”

  “I—what?” Nolan lowered his voice as he grabbed her arm. She stared at his hand, dumbfounded. “Hargreaves is no gentleman, I don’t—”

  She yanked her arm away. “Touch me again without my consent and I will stab you.”

  “Stab me?”

  In a swift, fluid motion, Adelaide bent down and drew the dagger out of her boot. She pointed the dagger at Nolan. “Regulus is no threat. And if he were, I can take care of myself.”

  “I meant no offense to you, Adelaide—”

  “But you caused offense. And you certainly meant offense to Regulus.” Warmth spread through her body as her magic kindled. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to be calm and keep her power in check. “You should leave before you make things worse.”

  A vein in Nolan’s forehead bulged. He looked at her, then behind her, eyes flashing. He bowed curtly. “Forgive me, my lady, for having your best interests at heart.” He opened and closed his mouth a few times before giving the most forced smile Adelaide had ever seen. “I spoke out of concern for a lady’s wellbeing, safety, and reputation. I beg your pardon, Lord Hargreaves.” He strode away.

  In the wake of his departure, she realized several nearby nobles were staring and whispering. She dropped her hand, hiding her dagger in the folds of her skirt. At least the interaction might end any rumors she was courting Nolan.

  She turned back to Regulus and almost bumped into his chest; he stood so close behind her. The skin around his long scar pulled tight and puckered around his deep frown. His features softened as he lowered his gaze to her face.

  “Bold like a tigress,” he murmured, smiling.

  Adelaide hid her smile by sheathing her dagger and retaking her seat. “I apologize. He—”

  “I’ve heard worse.” Regulus rubbed the back of his neck. He sat without looking at her. “What he said...about your reputation.” His throat bobbed. “He’s likely right.”

  “What?”

  “My blood is...tainted. My past—”

  “I told you, I don’t care.”

  “They do.” He motioned around them.

  She hesitated, then spoke quietly. “I only know from accidental eavesdropping, but my half-siblings resent our mother for...sullying Father. And for replacing their mother.” She bit her cheek. “They said Minerva and I would make be
tter servants than nobility.”

  Regulus winced.

  She indicated the room. “So, I don’t particularly care what they might think, Lord Hargreaves.”

  “A minute ago...” His posture relaxed as he glanced at her. “You called me Regulus.”

  Heat rushed up her neck to the tips of her ears. “I...did I?”

  “You don’t have to stop. If you like.” Regulus reddened. “May I call you Adelaide?”

  “I’d like that.” Her voice came out soft. His piercing gray eyes glittered as the corner of his mouth quirked upward. Her stomach fluttered.

  Oh. Oh, no.

  I like him.

  Chapter 16

  THE BARRIER OF BLUE light stretched from floor to ceiling down the length of one side of her bed. Adelaide smiled to herself. She had lost count of how many times she had attempted conjuring a barrier. Only two days prior—the day after the banquet, in fact—had she managed to get a barrier about the size of a small shield to stay up after she broke the link between the barrier and her hands. She walked around the edge of her bed, examining the thin barrier of shimmering, near-transparent azure light.

  Now for the real test. She picked a throwing knife up off her desk and threw it at the barrier. It hit the barrier, and a ripple of energy pulsed out from the point of impact as the knife bounced back and fell onto her bed.

  “Yes!” She clapped her hands over her mouth. Her heart hammered as she listened.

  No one came knocking.

  The barrier held.

  Adelaide giggled and tried throwing the knife again. Same result. “I wonder...”

  She walked around to the other side and raised her glowing palm. A point of light appeared over her outstretched hand and exploded into a small ball of flame. She launched the small fireball at the barrier.

  The barrier absorbed the fire with a sound like distant wind.

  Adelaide gave a little jump. She rubbed her hands together, pondering what to try next.

  Someone knocked on the door of her room and she nearly jumped out of her skin. “Just a moment!” She waved her hand, and the barrier wavered then disappeared.

  After taking a moment to collect herself and slow her panicked breathing, she unlocked and opened the door. One of the Drummonds’ maids stood at the door, holding a short, square wooden box.

  “A messenger just delivered these for you, my lady.” The maid offered the box and a letter with a slight bow of her head. “From Sir Nolan Carrick.”

  Adelaide rolled her eyes. “Thank you.” She closed the door and sat on her bed. The letter bore her name in a neat, flowing script. She broke the crimson wax seal of a gryphon on the back and read quickly.

  Dear Lady Adelaide,

  I pray you will forgive me for my inexcusable behavior at the Glower banquet. I admit I had drunk too much wine, and I am not ashamed to admit that I acted partly out of jealousy for your attentions. You are a rare and incomparable lady of good name and angelic beauty, and you deserve the affection of a man of similarly good name and appearance. I acted rashly, not as a gentleman, I fear, but as a man blinded by his admiration for you and a desire to see you unsullied by the dark forces of this world. I urge you, as a man of chivalry and honor, and as one who cares for you, not to trust Regulus Hargreaves. Please accept this humble token of my sincere apology and my admiration for your strong spirit, kind heart, and indescribable beauty.

  Yours in heart and soul,

  Nolan Carrick

  Adelaide made a disgusted sound and tossed the letter aside. More out of curiosity than anything else, she lifted the lid off the box. Inside, on a blue velvet cloth, lay a necklace. It was a collar, really, formed of solid, flat silver wire, shaped to fit around the neck, with an elegant swirling design framing either side of a large, oval moonstone she guessed would rest between her collarbones if she put it on. She had no intention of ever doing so.

  “Forgive me, and love me, because I’m rich!” she muttered. She replaced the lid and stuck the box and letter in a drawer in the vanity desk. She rolled her neck, pushing thoughts of Nolan’s stubborn pride and selfish behavior away. Back to practicing magic.

  Another knock on the door, and Adelaide stifled a groan. The same servant held a basket covered with a rough brown cloth with another letter resting on top. The maid giggled and smiled. “Just delivered for you, from—”

  “Nolan Carrick, yes, yes.” She halfheartedly reached for the basket.

  “No, my lady.” The maid winked. “From Lord Regulus Hargreaves of Arrano.”

  An unexpected catch in her breath. Adelaide grabbed the basket with a little more intensity than necessary or proper. “Thank you.” She slammed the door shut as she hurried to her bed. The letter had her name on the front, although not in as precise and elegant of a script. A red seal on the back was imprinted with a rose over a pair of crossed swords. She broke the seal and fell back on the bed, holding the letter above her as she read.

  Dear Lady Adelaide Belanger,

  I greatly enjoyed your company at the Glowers’ feast. Your conversation turned an evening that would have been long and trying into an enjoyable night that passed far too quickly. I am impressed by your wit, your honesty, your thoughtfulness, and your bold heart. I hope I am not being too forward in sending a small token of my admiration. I hope my little gift reminds you of home—and keeps me in your thoughts, as you are in mine. I look forward to when our paths cross again. Until then, I shall have to settle for fond memories of your gentle face framed by silky black hair and the deep warmth of your dark brown eyes.

  Sincerely yours,

  Regulus

  In a different, more curving script at the bottom, was a postscript.

  P.S. Regulus threw this note away because he feared it was too sentimental and forward, but I switched out the letters because this one is a more accurate representation of his heart. Perhaps it can be our secret? I should very much like to live. –Dresden Jakobs

  Adelaide chuckled and reread the note. It was sappy, yes. But it felt honest. Real. She rolled over and pulled the cloth off the top of the basket and gasped.

  Nalotavi. Four large, perfectly flaky, chocolatey and spicy smelling nalotavi rolls. She tossed the cloth back over the basket and raced down the hall to Minerva’s study. She didn’t even bother knocking, just walked in, basket in hand.

  Minerva looked up in surprise from her needlework. “You startled me. Is everything—”

  “Min, look!” She held the basket in front of her sister and yanked off the cloth.

  Min’s mouth fell open. “Is that...”

  “Nalotavi, yes!” Adelaide grabbed one out of the basket and took a bite. “Mmm.” She let the flaky, buttery, chocolate-laced pastry dissolve in her mouth and savored the gentle kick of the ginger and cinnamon at the end. Minerva didn’t wait for an invitation; she took one of the other rolls and bit into it.

  Contented ecstasy spread over Minerva’s face. “Where did you get this?” she asked after several bites.

  Adelaide finished chewing and swallowed. “A gift. From Lord Regulus.”

  “Mm-hmmm.” Minerva winked.

  “Stop it.” She took a large bite to signal she wouldn’t answer any more questions.

  “Oh!” Minerva gasped and waved Adelaide over. “Come here, hurry!”

  “What’s wrong?” Adelaide set the basket and her roll on an empty armchair and rushed to kneel next to her sister, her insides knotting.

  “Nothing, here!” Min grabbed her hand and pressed it to her round stomach. “Right...” She shifted Adelaide’s hand over the soft fabric of her dress. “Hm...”

  Something jabbed against Adelaide’s palm. “Min! Was that—” The baby moved again.

  “Mm-hm!” Minerva laughed, still holding Adelaide’s hand on her belly.

  “Oh, Min.” Adelaide beamed, her throat tight and eyes moist.

  “I’ve been waiting for the little one to move when you’re in the room.” Minerva chuckled. “Gaius is going to be je
alous. He keeps falling asleep with his hand on my stomach; he loves feeling the baby move. I think he’s more impatient for him or her to arrive than I am.”

  “Well, over halfway there.” Adelaide pulled her hand away, as the baby seemed to have gotten comfortable.

  Minerva pointed to the basket. “Might I steal another nalotavi roll? I think the baby likes them.” She winked and Adelaide laughed.

  “Fine. For the baby.” She handed Minerva another roll and picked her own back up.

  “I have to admit,” Min said between bites, “this is working well in Lord Hargreaves’ favor.”

  Adelaide didn’t respond, but she had to agree.

  Chapter 17

  REGULUS SAT IN A LARGE armchair in his room across from the small fire crackling in the fireplace, feet propped up on a cushioned stool. The orange light of the fire provided the only illumination now that the sun had set. He rubbed his thumb over the mark on his arm. Nearly three weeks had passed since he had returned from killing the dragon, and he hadn’t heard from the sorcerer. In the two years since receiving the mark, there had been times he had gone three months without the sorcerer contacting him. Still, if the sorcerer was too busy to bother him, what was he busy with?

  The sudden appearance of Magnus’ large head in his lap pulled him out of his gloomy thoughts. “Hey, boy.” He scratched under Magnus’ chin. Magnus licked the rough, scarred mark on Regulus arm. “I’m afraid you can’t clean that off, buddy.” He pulled his sleeve back down and massaged Magnus’ big, floppy ears. Magnus stood with his head resting on Regulus’ thigh. As Regulus massaged his ears and the side of his head, Magnus closed his eyes and panted. Someone knocked on the door.

  “Come in.”

  Dresden walked in, his face like stone. “Care to explain this?” He held up a piece of parchment. Magnus left to rub against Dresden’s legs.

  “Explain what?” Regulus knit his brows. “Is that a letter?”