Page 8 of Prince of Shadow and Ash
“No.”Sometimes I’m not sure he actually plans to let me go.But he couldn’t think like that. The sorcerer had given his word he would release him when his debt was paid. He had to believe that was true, or he’d lose his mind.
“Well, he will, eventually.” Dresden smirked. “And then you’re going to have no idea what to do with yourself after spending all your time moping. Besides, the moping is insufferable. And this lone wolf act doesn’t suit you. So go meet a pretty girl. Fall in love. Be happy.”
Regulus stared across the courtyard, watching a sparrow flitting through the flower-covered apple trees. All he wanted, all he had ever wanted, was a normal life. But he didn’t want to play pretend. “Not yet. Maybe when—”
“No!” Drez clenched his fists. Magnus whined and licked Dresden’s hand. Dresden relaxed, but he fixed Regulus with an intent glare. “No excuses. We agreed. What’s our mantra?”
Regulus rubbed his forehead. “My circumstances don’t define me. I choose who I am. Not the sorcerer.” The words had helped once. A reminder that his worth, his identity, were not dictated by the sorcerer, or anyone else. That even when his options were limited, his choices still mattered. After two years, the words felt hollow. But to tell Dresden that would feel like letting him down.
“Don’t let him take your life,” Dresden said. Magnus tried to weave between Dresden’s legs, and he pushed the dog aside with an affectionate smile. “So you’re going to be friendly and at least consider getting to know the lovely, eligible Lady Belanger. Do it for me.”
Regulus rubbed the side of his neck. “Drez, she won’t look at me twice.”
“Why?”
“This, for one.” He pointed at the scar stretching down his right cheek to his chin. “Second, even I have heard of Lord Alfred Belanger. He’s wealthy and knows the king. I’m a—”
“Lord,” Dresden cut in.
“Bastard.”
They glared at each other. It shouldn’t matter. Hewasa lord. But it did, and they both knew it.
“And a mercenary.”
“Former.” Drez scratched his beard. “And a good, honorable, kind man. You’re talking to her.” He nodded once, as if that settled it.
Regulus frowned. “Last I checked, I give the orders around here.” Dresden’s jaw tightened and he wished he could take it back. Guilt twisted his gut. He hung his head. “Okay.”
Dresden grinned, his anger and concern vanishing. “You have to at least try to engage her in conversation. Promise me.”
“Fine.” Regulus gave a terse nod. “But give me a chance. She sees you and your beard first and she won’t want anything to do with my scarred face.”
Dresden stroked his beard. “Ha! I knew you were jealous of my beard.”
Chapter 3
